Naturally Fierce Feature: VeCoya

April 22, 2016

1. Tell me a little about yourself and your hair journey.

Hey fam. I’m VeCoya a North Carolina native currently residing in DC. I work in customer service but enjoy freelance blogging and modeling as well. I’m navigating through ‘adulthood’ trying to find my path. I’m also obsessed with natural hair.

2. How long have you been natural?

7 years, I received my last relaxer in January 2009.

3. What motivated you to transition? Were you a transitioner or a Big Chopper& why?

I decided to commit to returning back to my natural state of hair because my hair was breaking off due to heat damage. I transitioned because it gave me more time to get to know my natural hair. Through the transition process, I was surprised and intrigued by my natural curls. Thanks to Youtube videos and natural hair sites, I learned how to care for my own hair. I transitioned for a little over a year and cut off my relaxed ends in February 2010.

4. How would you describe your hair?

My hair is a complex and has a mind of its own. I have looser curls on the left side and the right side ALWAYS outgrows the left side despite me cutting it even. Wavy, soft, unruly at times, thick, beautiful, and yeahhh COMPLEX.

5. What do you love most about your hair?

The versatility, I love the ability to wear my hair in so many different ways.

6. What has been the most memorable part of your journey? Has it been easy or difficult or both?!

It’s been a little bit of both. Caring for my hair in it’s natural state requires more time than I imagined but I don’t have a problem with that because it’s a trade off I can wear my hair so many more styles now.

7. What are (or were) some of your favorite transitioning hairstyles or current dos?

I love buns, straw sets, and flexi rods. I like to twist my hair back and I love my u part wig it protects my hair while allowing me the freedom of a different hairstyle. While I was transitioning and after I would wear my hair in braids and twists for the most part. I did this to avoid heat and messing with it all of the time.

8. What have your experiences been as a ‘natural?’ Any memorable reactions from family or others?

My family was very supportive. They actually told me that they felt like natural hair suits me better. I didn’t receive any reaction or questions from anyone as to why I was going natural. The natural experience itself has been a great liberating experience. But if I could choose a phrase to describe it, it would be trial and error because some of the new styles that I attempt to rock are a no! But most are a go lol.

9. What is your hair regimen (including fav products)?

No set regimen, Within the past month I’ve rocked my hair in various styles; flexi rods; straw sets; I braid it back into protective styles; wash ‘n goes and I wear buns like I said I love variety! I’m a product junkie! It’s so gotten bad that I don’t allow myself to go to the beauty supply store anymore lol. But if I were on a deserted island and could only have two products I would choose coconut oil and Jane Carter Solution Leave In Revitalizing Conditioner. I use both daily and they are full or fortifying and natural ingredients.

10. Who is your hair crush?

Following a plethora of natural hair Instagram pages I have a ton of crushes! But if I had to choose one it’d be Mo Knows Hair. Her hair is BEAUTIFUL!

11. What are some of your favorite natural hair websites,YouTuber’s, or blogs?

We’ll of course my sister and I’s lifestyle blog greenevdc.com would have to be my favorite!

Some of my other favs are:

www.curlynikki.com

Mae of http://www.naturalchica.com (absolutely LOVE her youtube videos)

PRoy: www.steelfeatherlaceelephant.com

Protecting your crown and glory: glorycrown.blogspot.com

Honestly, there is a wealth of useful and intriguing blogs on the internet so there are countless others. I can’t name them all!

12. Anything you want the readers to know? Inspirational words?

My advice would be to develop patience because this journey is definitely a process. Fall in love with your texture and your natural curls, in other words get to know your hair! Don’t compare yourself to others because this is your journey. That applies to products as well, what works for me may not necessarily work for you and vice versus. Experiment and try new products and hairstyles to see what works for you. If you are experimenting with a new hairstyle and it turns out disastrous, try again. The more you try, the more you will learn and the better you will get at it, just like anything else in life. Don’t compare or think that your hair needs to look like someone else’s (because you will constantly be disappointed if you do!). God made us all individuals for a reason so enjoy what he gave you.

13. Where can people find you for more information?

My sister and I have a lifestyle blog greenevdc.com we talk about healthy relationships, fab hair & our own unique experiences. The best way to describe it is ‘It’s just sisterly love’.

Instagram: vecoya

Youtube channel: greenevdc

Twitter: thegreenevdc

Facebook: thegreenevademecum