My name is Madison Lynn Mobley, and though I was born in Dallas, TX., I’m not convinced I am from anywhere. I’ve lived in Dallas, Houston, and Sugar Land, TX. I have lived in Alpharetta, GA. I have lived in Wellesley, MA. I have lived in New York City. My pace is Southern, so when asked of my origins, I say, “The South,” and leave it at that.
I’ve been natural for about a decade now. I didn’t choose to be permed. I’m not necessarily anti-perm, but I want to make it clear that I didn’t choose to be permed. Perms, it seemed, were customary for young black girls with long, thick, and kinky hair when I was growing up. That said, at age four, my mother relaxed my hair for the first time… I don’t recall my hair being stressed, but she relaxed it… I digress.
a. I am, perhaps, a teenage boy trapped in a woman’s body. I do not enjoy washing, combing, moisturizing, and/or maintaining my hair under any circumstances. Besides that, I played basketball and/or boxed in middle school, high school and college… Always in a gym, and always sweating. That said, funding a biweekly or monthly relaxer was not at all the dream Dr. King dreamt for my life. I knew I’d I be better off building my savings account or investing in assets.
b. I began as a “Transitioner” just to spite my mother. I remember taking my high school senior pictures wearing a TWA that creepily fanned into relaxed but frayed hair that I had yet to chop. Once in college, I cut off my permed ends without forethought or afterthought. I’ve never bunched my panties over what my hair was/is doing. Short, long, messy, etc. I am who I am when I am. I will never be overworked where my aesthetic is concerned… Overwork wouldn’t suit me.
How would you describe your hair?
Obnoxious. My hair has reached lengths that forbid me to perform practical tasks… like eating soup. It sneaks itself in the bowl undetected… even when in a ponytail. I love soup. So, not cool.
I appreciate the size of my locs. When looking at them from afar, they resemble free flowing, wet-n-wavy tresses. From medium distances, they resemble braids or two strand twists. From close range, my locs are my locs, and no two are the same. Some smooth, and some lumpy. I appreciate their diversity. I work in a corporate environment, and for the majority, my hair is complimented and well received. Even if it weren’t, I’m happy with what it’s doing. And, as the CEO of Madison L. Mobley, Inc., that is all that matters.
What has been the most memorable part of your journey?
The evolution of my parents’ perception of natural hair (and then locs specifically) has been astounding to watch. I will never forget the looks on their faces when I walked in the house after basketball practice one night, and said, “Yea, I’m not perming my hair anymore. You can cancel my appointment with Ms. Debbie. Please and thank you. Kisses.” I will also remember my mother’s words the morning of my last birthday, namely, “I can’t imagine your hair any other way.” Drake’s ‘Started From The Bottom’ was playing gently in the background… It wasn’t really. But, I just chuckled at the thought.
What are (or were) some of your favorite transitioning hairstyles?
Anything you want the readers to know? Inspirational words?
Where can people find you for more information?
Twitter: @Build_A_Cloud
You have a great sense of humor, and I thoroughly enjoyed reading this. Your hair is very beautiful btw. take care.
Hi Kira, Thank you so much for the comment. I am happy you were able to chuckle a little bit. More importantly, I am thrilled you enjoyed the read. I had a good time answering questions that had never been asked of me before. Took me WAY back. Take care as well, and Happy October First!