Sophia Ruffin, I’m 32 years young 🙂 I’m originally from Chicago Height, IL; however I’ve been residing in Mt. Vernon, IL since 1999. I’m an ordained minister who has a love and passion for empowering others, and sharing my testimony on how God literally altered my life. I challenge others to stand out and dare to be different especially since we are a peculiar people! I love sports; reading, writing, and meeting new people.
How long have you been natural?
I stopped getting perms in 2009, and began rocking micro braids or a sew-in to cover what I assumed to be “naps”. I recently submitted to the natural culture by fully embracing natural products, styles and even getting my hair trimmed towards the end of 2012. Now I boldly rock my natural with style, love, and esteem! It has enhanced my spiritual walk as well, by teaching me to embrace the inner and outer beauty ordained by God! (good girl!)
What motivated you to transition? Were you a transitioned or a Big Chopper & why?
It’s so funny how my transition took place. I wore micro braids and a sew-in for years to cover my rootsJ I hid when it was time to take my braids down, because I didn’t want to be seen in public with my natural hair. I thought it was short and nappy. However one season in my life towards the end of 2012, I needed my hair braided, and ran into a financial barrier and was unable to cough up 200.00 for micro braids; therefore I was forced to go NATURAL. I never had the BC; however I had my perm cut off and just transitioned. During this time of not having braids, I began YouTube searching, and asking some of my natural friends for advice. I saw videos and instagram pics of all the beautiful natural chicks and immediately I was sold. I then embraced my natural hair and loved it.
What has been the most memorable part of your journey? Has it been easy or difficult or both?!
The most memorable was rocking the puff and realizing that my hair wasn’t nappy, but it actually had waves and curls I never knew existed. I felt a freedom that it’s okay to be me, and this was me embracing the beauty God anointed me with. It was easy embracing it once it became “known” to me that I was beautiful natural. It was the unknown that kept me away from fully embracing it, because I didn’t know what it would look like on me! Now I’m 100% sold.
What are some of your favorite transitioning hairstyles?
The puffs are my absolute favorites, along with my twist outs, braid and fro. I haven’t tried many styles, but these are my favorites.
What have your experiences been as a ‘natural?’ Any memorable reactions from family or others?
My co-workers struggled to fully embracing the look, due to them not being familiar with me not having long extensions. My family loves the natural look on me. My best friend Devon Mays has played a key role in my experience because she went along with me on this journey. We both are naturals and we love it. My mom constantly tells me to comb my hair when it’s in a twist out or afro; however I tell her to just embrace the freedom of my hair.
What is your hair regimen (including fav products)?
I simply love all Shea Moisture Products as well as the Cantu Daily Moisturizer, and all of the Cantu Products by Shea Butter. I use the Cantu curling cream, and Cantu strengthening treatment. Eco Gel always comes in handy!! typically stick to a deep conditioning with Shea Moisture products and do my twist outs using all Cantu Products. Nothing special, due to me still being in the learning phase.
What are some of your favorite natural hair websites, YouTube’s, or blogs?
Iknowlee is one of my favorites; etcblogmag; and Holldroid. These women have been my motivators during this process. All of them are on YouTube.
Anything you want the readers to know? Inspirational words?
Know that when God created us all He saw us and we were good in His sight. He took the time to uniquely cultivate us, and used detail in defining is beauty, so feel FREE to embrace your God-given beauty. It’s always the unknown that keeps us in fear and bondage of embracing new things in life, and going natural is a step towards overcoming fear of the uncertainty, and embracing change. The manifestation of your beauty is hidden behind the things we use to hide it. Give yourself the chance to know the real you by coming from behind the mask, and embracing youJ Because who you are GREAT!
Where can people find you for more information?
Follow me on Instgram yagirl_soph
Friend me on face book Sophia Ruffin
