Naturally Fierce Feature: Jessica

Hello, my name is Jai. I am 29 years old and I currently reside in Orlando, FL. I was born and raised in New York, NY. I have a degree in Medical Specialization and Certified Medical Billing and coding. I’m working outside my field of study as a personal banker. I am wife and mom to the two special men in my life. God is my best friend. He reminds each day how much I need him and where I would be if I didn’t have his mercy & grace.

How long have you been natural?
I have been natural since April 2005 which is 8 years now.

What motivated you to natural?
I decided to go natural back in April 2005 when I did my big chop. I had 1 inch of hair all over my head and had already stopped relaxing my hair. I actually did it on my 21st birthday. I told my best friend at the time I was wanted to try something new being I had always had long hair. Once I did it I hated how I looked with short hair it wasn’t until it started growing in, I started to embrace my short hair. I wore sew-ins in the beginning to cover it up until it got to my ear length where I could style it. I stopped relaxing my hair because once I seen I didn’t need it and I can get the same look that a flat iron or a blow out can made give me, I was like what’s the point?! Seeing my natural curls again made me super excited. I knew I would never perm again.

 What are some of your favorite hairstyles?
My absolute favorite hairstyles are my wash n go’s and my Bantu Knot outs. Wash n go’s are effortless for me my hair does what I expect it to do when it’s wet. As for the Bantu Knots my first one was perfect and it only got better when I practice to see how to get the fullness, tightness, and shine. I also like wearing my blow outs or wrapped hair.

Any memorable reactions from family or others since going natural?
When my family seen I was not relaxing my hair they were happy. In fact I remember my mom saying to me you didn’t need any perm so she never understood why I did it in the first place. My sister was already natural she encouraged me to stay natural.

What is your hair regimen (including fav products)?

I like to wash my hair every week or every other week depending on what style I’m rocking. I use Shea Moisturizer Curl enhancing smoothie or Cantu Shea butter leave in condition to lock in moisture when using my Bantu knot outs and twist outs, if needed I use Castro oil. My shampoo and conditioner I use right now is Clear Scalp & Hair Therapy Ultra Shea. When my hair is straight I use an anti frizz heat protector by shine, blow dry hair on a low setting and flat iron it. If I was to use heat I only put it on once and rock it like that for a good two and a half weeks by wrapping my hair at night to preserve.

What are some of your favorite natural hair websites,YouTuber’s, or blogs?
My favorite Youtuber’s are Mahoganyculs, NikkiNaturale, and TiffanyNicholsdesign, As for my blogs Nikki’s Natural Notes, NaturalBrownBeauti, Naturallykikyme, and last but not least Love, Embrace, Inspire.

Anything you want the readers to know? Inspirational words?
We are all created in God’s image so no matter what people say about you love who you are as a natural. Whether you are transitioning or did a BC stay encouraged it may be hard at first but surround yourself around positive supporters and you won’t be sorry. You will love the choice you made.

Where can people find you for more information?
Instagram: Jai_Love_
Email: mrsgrahamlifeline@gmail.com