Please introduce
yourself.
My name is Ashanti, known as “Felicity Starr” on IG. I’m a mother of a beautiful 2yr old boy, a faithful servant of the Lord and I’ve fallen
in love with rocking my natural tresses with pride.
How long have you been natural?
I’ve been natural for 7 years, but really just taking care of my
hair the past 2 years. The first 5 years I damaged my hair extensively with
press-outs and Dominican blow-outs which caused a massive amount of heat
damage. It took the last 2 years to cut out the damage but in that process I’ve
gained an immense amount of understanding about my hair and what’s best for
maintaining its healthiness.
What made you decide to go natural?
Actually a roommate of mine at the time sparked my interest. But
due to breakage from transitioning, I had to do a big chop (BC) earlier than I
intended. My BC sent me through an identity shock. I hated my short hair and
did everything to conceal it; from gluing in braids, wigs, weaves…anything that
would cover my Grace Jones inspired cut, I had it in my hair. And I think from
that experience it ignited the years of hair abuse because I never accepted my
hair in its natural state, or gave myself a chance to love it. And in looking
back, I’m regretful I didn’t.
What were the reactions you had to going natural? Did you
receive any positive or negative comments?
My boyfriend at the time hated it lol. He’s the one who actually
nicknamed me “Grace Jones”. My step-dad wasn’t too fond of it either, but I
just think some men prefer hair. My sisters, Mother and Aunties all loved it,
and my girlfriends as well. But my job wasn’t too open to my change. You know
when you’ve done something so extreme you don’t receive a single comment, just
stares? Sometimes those are the worst nonverbal reactions you can receive; just
a blank look and no comment. That’s exactly the reaction I received when I
returned to work. I was insecure to say the least, and although the my cut was
more accepted than not, I couldn’t really settle with my decision.
If you have been met with negative comments, in what way
do you believe your faith and positivity have helped you to overcome the
obstacles of negativity?
When I first started my natural journey it was right before “The
Natural Hair Exodus” began. You didn’t see too many women open and eager to
transition like you see now. There was the Long Hair Care Forum that was very
helpful but the amount of YouTube’s and IG post you see now was scarce to
nonexistent. The unified support wasn’t there and at times I felt like an
outcast. So, not having all the wonderful avenues you see now, my journey has
personally helped me to not only accept my hair through self examination but
through this experience I’ve learned to identify and truly love other parts of
myself I once did not. My view of beauty was so skewed by what was projected by
mass media that I overlooked the beautiful qualities I was blessed with and
wanted to alter them anyway I could. The negativity blossomed a self awareness
and I wouldn’t change my experience at all because it presented me with a
valuable rejuvenation process. Witnessing the progression of others in their
journey is quite rewarding for me. Being a part of that underlying support we
have for one another, it’s amazing to be an encouragement to another or inspire
natural newbies.
Who are your hair inspirations, if any?
As far as inspiration, I can’t pinpoint one person.
I’m inspired by the young lady who just BC’d and loving her new found freedom
to the beautiful woman with locs, or the Queen who plays in her natural hair
giving ideas to others. My inspiration is not based off goals or desire lengths
but how the individual is embracing themselves.
Do you have a
regimen? If so, what is it?
I co-wash 2-3 times a
week and wash every Saturday evening. After every wash I use a leave in,
mixture of two oils (either coconut, almond, castor, oil, or jojoba oils), and
I seal my ends with shea butter. When styling for a braid or twist out , I use
any type of Curl Enhancing product (I’m using Cantu Coconut Curling
Cream at the moment) to help set my braid/twist-outs. I deep condition once a
month or as needed, and provide my hair with extra TLC such as blackstrap
molasses, protein or any other type of treatment on a as needed basis as well
What
are your favorite products?
I’m a minimalist when it
comes to products. I wash and condition my hair with the TRESemme line, I love
their Naturals line but honestly any product by TRESemme my hair soaks up happily.
My styling product of choice would have to be Garnier Fructis’ Fiber Gum Putty,
it holds down my hair and edges nicely. I use Eco Styler gel sparingly, but
honestly, I haven’t grown fond of this product because I don’t like hard hair.
And lastly, I would have to mention KimmayTube’s (of YouTube) leave-in
conditioner, the best leave-in I have ever put in my hair…hands down!
Where can we find you online?
@FelicityStarr on Instagram
How is that for inspiration?!! A perfectly lovely way of kicking off the Center Stage Naturals feature!!! Thank you so so much Ashanti for allowing me to share your story and allowing Catastrophe to be a vessel of inspiration by way of all of your natural beauty!! ~xoxo
If you would like to be a Center Stage Natural, contact me at nikkimonetwright@gmail.com and you could be featured!!!
Snickers. Must I tell you not to judge me again? ;) Why am I obsessed with them this month. I moved from my usual obsession (Almond M&Ms) to this wonderful new guilt-filled pleasure. NO, I DIDNT STEAL ALL THE SNICKERS OUT MY DAUGHTER'S TRICK OR TREAT CANDY!!! I left one.
Please introduce
yourself.
If you have been met with negative comments, in what way
do you believe your faith and positivity have helped you to overcome the
obstacles of negativity?
I co-wash 2-3 times a
week and wash every Saturday evening. After every wash I use a leave in,
mixture of two oils (either coconut, almond, castor, oil, or jojoba oils), and
I seal my ends with shea butter. When styling for a braid or twist out , I use
any type of Curl Enhancing product (I’m using Cantu Coconut Curling
Cream at the moment) to help set my braid/twist-outs. I deep condition once a
month or as needed, and provide my hair with extra TLC such as blackstrap
molasses, protein or any other type of treatment on a as needed basis as well
