I am Veronica Soles... 34 years old, married, mother of 2 girls (3 and 4), MBA, and working as a recruiter for a non-profit organization helping troubled youth in Raleigh, NC. I enjoy spending time with my family, cooking, and exercising.
I've been exercising regularly for almost three years (3-4 times per week.) Dealing with long, relaxed hair became a chore after sweaty workouts. With that, I got tired of being bound by my hair (not being able to get it wet, having to sit in a salon for hours, etc.). My "ah-ha" moment came when I was doing both my daughters' hair. They have two different textures of long, beautiful natural hair. I want them to realize how beautiful they are JUST AS THEY ARE, so I vowed to not give-in to relaxers, and instead learn how to manage their natural hair. I figured I would lead by example and realize my own beauty w/natural hair. Soon after, I met a lady with Sisterlocks, and I fell in love with the idea of interlocking my hair. I did my research, waited patiently for 10 months to grow the hair I needed, and I got locked on July 4, 2010. This was a transition, because I was able to maintain my hair length due to the relaxed ends. Since then, I've had the ends cut, and I'm LOVING my all natural hair.
JAS: What products do you currently use?
Water in a spray bottle is my best hair friend. I use it to moisten my hair before setting it (for curls) or putting it in cornrows (for waves). Once per week, I use Taliah Waajid's Hair Bodifier, and I wash my locks every 2-3 weeks with Taliah Waajid's Black Earth Shampoo. Twice per week, I spray my locks with 360 mist (not sure who makes it, but I buy it directly from my locticians at http://www.hairlocksandmore.com/).
JAS: What are some of the positive/negative comments that you've received about your hair?
Funny enough, the negative comments have come from family in my rural hometown of Martinsville, VA. I've had a few aunts and cousins in disbelief of me going natural. They couldn't imagine it and said that my hair would never be "regular" again. Once they saw my locs, they kept their mouths shut. lol Most comments have been great, though. I have women coming up to me at the mall and grocery store to ask if they can touch my hair, and to ask what style I'm sporting. I love explaining the sisterlock interlocking technique, and I always end the conversations by sharing that I LOVE my hair.
JAS: What words of encouragement do you have for those who are transitioning or for natural newbies?
The best thing I can tell natural newbies is to love yourself. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder... not everyone is going to think you're pretty, but YOU should know it for yourself. Other people's opinion of you is NONE of your business, so do what you want to do to make yourself happy. Aside from self love, I encourage women who are considering taking this journey to do your research. There are so many wonderful sites like PND, Youtube videos, and groups you can join to get support, tips, and encouragement. Don't let the initial frustration keep you from enjoying your God-given beautiful hair.
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| Locs install |
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| Locs with permed ends |
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| All locs |
JAS: What made you go natural and how long have you been Natural? Did you transition or BC?
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