Meet Pretty Natural Diva: Monica!

Meet Monica!!!! Monica will be one of the new PND bloggers!!! Welcome her to the team!!

JAS: Tell us a little about yourself!

Hello! My name is Monica, I am 32, and I have many roles. I'm a homemaker, full time student (majoring in Baking/Pastry Arts), and I also work part time at a cupcake bakery. I live in Milwaukee WI, with my husband of 9 years, 2 boys (8 & 1 yr old), and I have a step-daughter who is 17. I love spending time with my family and friends, baking, cooking, reading, and watching the Food Network.

JAS: You recently signed on to be a writer for Pretty Natural Divas. Tell us a little about what you’ll be blogging about?

I will be blogging about a little bit of everything for baking and cooking recipes, helpful tips for busy Moms, need to know info, and things that I'm learning in school and on the job.

JAS: What made you go natural and how long have you been Natural? Did you transition or BC?

Actually, this is my second time going natural but this time I don't plan on going back to a relaxer. I made the decision to go natural because I felt that my hair was unhealthy and thinning as the months went by. I do my own hair, and I simply became tired of cutting it every week to maintain a certain length and making sure my hair ALWAYS "layed down" in the back. Thanks to other natural hair journeys I watched, I BC on July 18 this year...so it hasn't the been that long. My hair was already in a short style so it wasn't a dramatic change at all. I absolutely love the new freedom!


JAS: What products do you currently use?

Besides distilled water, and my oils... I use:

Shampoo: Carol's Daughter Tui Herbal Shampoo or Shea Moisture:Moisture Retention Shampoo (twice a month)

Conditioner: Shea Moisture Restorative Conditioner

Leave-In Conditioners: Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie and/or Carol's Daughter Tui Leave-In Conditioner

Deep Conditioner: Shea Moisture Deep Treatment Masque or my own Mayo Mixture

Styling Products: Shea Moisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl & Style Conditioning Milk, Shea Moisture Hold & Shine Moisture Mist, and a little Aloe Vera Gel (sometimes)

JAS: What are some of the positive/negative comments that you've received about your hair?

So far, I haven't received any negative comments about my twa. Everyone, especially my husband, have supported me with my decision to go natural. Ironically I've received more compliments now than I did with my short pixie relaxer cut.

JAS: What words of encouragement do you have for those who are transitioning or for natural newbies?

Patience is the key. Take the time to learn what your hair needs and learn about the proper way to care for your hair. Thankfully, there are tons of resources available along with other naturalistas too! Lastly, every one's hair is different. So fall in love with your hair and not someone else's.