NC: What is the best thing about being curly?
YG: The best thing about having curly hair is that I stand out in my own way that is still subtle. It feels good that anyone can straighten their hair or wear a weave but not everyone can have hair like mine. My hair is un-apologetically ME.
NC: How do you think having curly hair impacts your life?
YG: My hair has impacted my life because before I was natural, I had little knowledge about my type of hair or how to care for it. I was adopted and my parents are Caucasian, so although they weren’t to blame, I just never had the knowledge or background of how to keep my type of hair healthy. It was always dry and breaking off. Growing up, I was self conscious because I didn’t fit into the “norm” of the black culture. I started my natural hair journey as a way to come into myself and become more comfortable with who I am as a person. It was a huge learning process that taught me a lot about self- acceptance and being proud of who I am. It also made me turn to a more natural diet and lifestyle in general.
NC: What would you tell others to encourage them to embrace their curls?
YG: For anyone who is having problems embracing their curls, I would tell them not to worry about what anyone thinks. It’s YOUR hair and it’s growing from YOUR head for a reason. Own it and feel beautiful. It’s okay to be different and to march to the beat of your own drum. No one has the right to say anything about your hair…you should never feel bad about being yourself. Even though your hair is just that, hair, it’s still part of you and you should always be confident in who you are!
NC: Tell us about your life and what you’re up to!
YG: Currently, I am in the process of finding a good loctician. Yes, I’m locking and can’t wait! I LOVE my curls I have always admired dreadlocks and my next journey will be just another lesson and experience for me. Another new start! Aside from my hair, I am working as a Licensed Massage Therapist and I’m in the process of becoming a Reiki Practitioner. My whole transition was actually while I was studying in school and the alternative approach in the bodywork profession also helped me accept the change I was going through. I plan to also start working towards becoming a certified doula in the near future as well.
You can find Yani on Instagram.
