I'm a west side certified Naturalista born and raised in Baltimore City. Home of the  Ravens and Orioles; and of course two of my personal favorites The Wire and chicken boxes. 

​

At the end of my fourth grade year in elementary school, I got my first relaxer. This was my first experience in my journey down the slippery slope of the creamy crack. I begged my mom for months to allow me to get a relaxer. When she hesitated, I enlisted the help of my two older sisters. We were relentless! Eventually my mom gave in, because let's be honest she didn't stand a chance against the three of us getting on her LAST NERVES! loll It was only a matter of time before I began to realize that the grass was definitely not greener on the other side. 

​

It wasn't until high school that I realized the damage I had caused to my hair probably 1 million relaxers in. Prom was approaching and I really wanted to try this new stylist my sister Chelle had been going on and on about. The stylist's name was Ngozi David from Amavi Hair Salon located in Somerdale, NJ. Let me just start by saying that Ngozi CHANGED MY LIFE !!!She showed me how my hair was breaking off in the middle of my strands due to the chemicals in the relaxer and how frequently my previous stylist had actually been relaxing my hair. My hair is naturally a little thin but the relaxers were only making it worse. 

​

I want to completely blame my stylist but I should've known better. Granted I didn't have the tools or knowledge at the time to actually take care of my hair. But I should've noticed the dramatic changes over time. At the rate I was going I wouldn't have any hair left by the time everything was all said and done. I allowed Ngozi to cut off the damage and I vowed from that day forward I would never get another relaxer again. So my journey down the slippery slope of the creamy crack had officially come to an end. 

​

Although I stopped getting relaxers in the 11th grade, it wasn't until my freshman year of college that I finally found the confidence to wear my natural curl pattern. I found a new love not only for my natural crown but also for myself. I haven't looked back since <3