Naturally Fierce Feature: Vivian

1. Tell us a little bit about yourself.

Hello There! My name is Vivian Jones and I am from Charlotte, North Carolina. I am a Writer, a Poet, an Activist, and a Lover of Human Kind. I am very passionate about exceeding the goals I have set for myself and allowing my full potential to shine. It has been quite a journey to get to this beautiful stage in my life but finally at 27 years old, I am embracing all my “believed” imperfections and committing to living unapologetically!  At every moment of my life I will be Fearless and Unforgettable!

2. How long have you been natural?

I have been natural for 4 years.

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

I actually did the big chop and my motivation was that I wanted to see just how bold I was to let that hair go. I believe we hide behind our hair at times and depend on it to make us beautiful, so one day I just decided I wanted it gone! I was motivated to embrace my natural hair while attending my HBCU, Winston Salem State University, where images of strong, professional, black women were before my eyes everywhere that I turned! They had dynamic hair and they were consistently proud of their heritage.  I was inspired by those professors and peers who wore their natural hair with grace.  I internalized those powerful images and made them my own. It was one of the best decisions I have ever made!

4. How would you describe your hair?

I would describe my hair as versatile! And to describe the texture I would say wavy.

5. What do you love most about your hair?

I love that my hair is wild; it’s edgy, different and unique. My hair suits my personality so well and I love that I can change the preconceived notions that others have about locs when they see my hair.

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

The most memorable part of my journey was the beginning. It was a new phase of my life and with it I learned so much about myself. The difficult part was that I wanted to see immediate growth and change with my locs and it honestly taught me patience. Before I knew it, my hair was sprouting everywhere!

7. What are  some of your favorite  hairstyles?

At the beginning of my loc journey, my styles were somewhat limited due to my length but I found it exciting to accessorize with different scarves and hairbands. As my hair grew, my go to style was 2 strand twists. I rocked it all the time! Currently I love curls and the bigger the curl, the better! So I love my flexi rods and use them often!

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

I have a funny story about my grandmother.   When I first loc’d my hair, she was so distraught because she didn’t understand why I cut off, (in her words): “all that long, pretty hair”. So it took her while to ask what it was I was doing with my hair. She would say things like: “When you gon’ take those braids out, and “When you gonna comb your hair”? I would laugh and say,“Grandma, this is my hair, it just looks like braids but they are locs”. I took the time to show her how my hair grows and how I retwist them and she understood. I believe I have changed my grandmother’s view on locs and how we don’t always have to conform to the traditional hairstyles to look fantastic. There is always an alternative. It feels good to know she likes my hair now.

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

I actually don’t really have a regimen but I’ve been trying to come up with one for the longest! I wash my hair and condition it as needed with my favorite mango and lime products. I’ve used Mane and Tail and DoGrow Shampoo consistently as well.Whenever I retwist my hair, I use olive oil for my scalp.

10. Who is your hair crush?

My hair crush would have to be Joy Marilie!

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

I enjoy watching and learning from Chescaleigh (Chescalocs) onYoutube as well as The Bronze Goddess.

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

I just want people to really look at themselves and ask: Am I Living or Just Existing? Stop Limiting Yourself based on your circumstances. Do what you can, with what you have, where you are, and you will be surprised at how much that can be!

13. Where can people find you for more information?

People are more than welcome to contact me via email at vjones209@rams.wssu.edu

And you can also find me on these links:

Facebook : Vivian Jones

Instagram: brownsugah22