Meet Atiya!

 Hello Natural! 

Today I bring to you a special story from Atiya. She tells her own personal story and also her  blog info as well. Check her out and show some love!

Hello my name is Atiya otherwise known as NaturalBlackOne,

I started to wear my natural hair out a little over a year ago. It was a learning process as I haven't had my hair natural since I was age 6 or 7. I started out with a Jheri Curl to be like my mom, and then eventually moved onto a relaxer after a year of braids at age 12. After an illness left me with a huge bald patch in 2008, I left relaxers alone for good. I wore wigs, braids, and even a weave until my hair grew back. In April 2010  I started my natural journey.

I loved my natural hair! I loved experimenting with styles and the versatility of my hair. I became a YouTube and blog reading junkie! I wanted to know all there was to know about keeping my hair healthy, what products I should try, and what ingredients I should avoid. I loved reading all of the natural journeys of other sisters, and learning how to make my own products.

My hair was growing really well for a while. I enjoyed the freedom of being a natural Black woman, and I felt more connected to my roots than ever. I even started my own blog Roots of Blackness which chronicled my own journey. I wanted to inspire other women as I was inspired. Things were going great until the problems of my personal life and recent bouts with health issues got the best of me. The stress of it all caused my hair to thin and fall out. I was so depressed over it!  I decided on April 4th 2011 that I would go to the barbershop and shave all of my hair off! I was scared to death when I saw all my hair hit the floor but I knew it was the only way to get back on track. After a day of covering it up, I decided to just live and let live! I wear my hair with pride now, knowing that I am still a beautiful Black woman! I am on a new journey now-how to maintain a "shorter than a TWA" style and so far I am enjoying how sinfully easy it has been. I still shampoo and condition/deep condition regularly. I still use my moisturizers, oils and seal with Shea butter. My hope is that if I decide to let it grow back, it will be healthier than before!

My reason in having my story published is to let other sisters who may be experiencing hair problems know that confidence is key! Hold your head up high and just rock whatever you're working with.  Lastly, be happy with yourselves no matter what hairstyle you have or how you look. We are ALL beautiful!!  Please visit me at my blog!