First Name?
Alicia
How can we connect with you on Twitter, Facebook, Blog, other websites or social networks?
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/aliciajames
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/aliciajamesmusic
Blog: http://www.naturalchickepi.com
Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/aliciajamesmusic
What state are you from?
I am currently residing in Houston, TX
What do you do for a living?
Independent concert promotion
How did you become interested in natural hair?
It kind of just happened. I really didn’t know anything about the natural hair community, but after struggling with my own hair for a year I discovered the community on YouTube!
How long have you been natural?
28 months fully natural!
Tell us your hair story:
After years of my hair falling out, I finally decided to stop relaxing. I noticed my hair got fuller and it actually started growing. Eventually I got tired of the two textures and decided to cut the relaxed ends off. I did not know anything about the big chop. I was just going with the flow and how I felt. I started wearing my hair fully natural and wearing it out, but I was not fully comfortable and had no idea what to do with my hair or what to put in it. I started back wearing extensions until I could figure this whole thing out. One day I was about to relax my hair, because I just didn’t know what to do with it, and all of my friends and family talked me out of it. I then stood up and said there had to be some kind of education to deal with natural hair. I found youtube and ever since that day my hair has been amazing! It’s growing, I know how to style it, and I am wearing it everyday all day! LOL!
Discuss how you transitioned from relaxed hair to natural hair.
I transitioned wearing braids, sew in extensions, and kinky twist
How did you prepare yourself to grow out your relaxer?
Honestly there was no preparation, I just went cold turkey! LOL!
What fears did you have about going natural? Were those fears a reality?
Once I actually went natural, I was scared that people would hate it, because they were use to me with long hair and looking like a life size barbie doll. I felt like people may not think I was as beautiful as I was before. It was scary. I can’t even deny that.
My fears did kind of come to reality. My friends told me they hated it. They asked me why I did that to myself. I had a so called friend say I was too pretty to do that to my hair. Crazy I know…
Now that it has grown out, they are pretty much use to it, and now some of them envy and want to go natural! 
Do you remember the first time you started appreciating your natural texture?
Wow… Once I saw all of the beautiful ladies on YouTube I woke up. I was so amazed with how much confidence they had, I felt stupid to not feel the same way about myself and my hair!
What hair styles do you wear most often?
Well, my protective hairstyle I wear most are two strand twist, but my go to style for a night out, is a pretty updo with a twistout!
How has your mindset changed from your zero hour (the beginning) until now?
Now, I enjoy being natural. I feel beautiful even if everybody may think I look crazy! I am having sooo much fun on this journey and also enjoy watching my hair grow longer than it has ever been my entire life!
Discuss what natural hair means to you?
Natural hair means no added chemicals to straighten your hair (technically speaking).
But for me it also means freedom!
I don’t have to feel like I need a bunch of added extra stuff to be beautiful. I don’t feel like I need to look like what everyone else says I should look like! I just feel free!
What are your staple products?
Olive Oil
Cantu Shea Butter
Herbal Essence Shampoo and Conditioner
If you could only use one hair product for the next 12 months. Which product would you choose?
1 product OMG!
Herbal Essence Conditioner. I could co wash to keep my hair clean. It’s also great when you leave it in and makes wash and gos look super!
How much do you spend per month on products?
hmm.. not much I like to keep it simple
I would say maybe $30 a month, if that.
What advice can you give to other naturals in Natural Hair Community that has been extremely helpful to you?
Keep it simple and let your hair do its thing. The more you obsess about it, the more you feel like nothing is happening. Also know that everything that works for someone else’s hair may not work for yours. You don’t have to try everything that they try, listen to your hair, because it may not need much at all!
Do you think you will ever return to a relaxer? Why or why not?
Craaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaazy! Um…Not unless I want all of my hair to fall back out of my head! That’s just my personal opinion and experience with relaxers! NO NO NO!
Have you ever been discriminated against because or your natural hair?
No.
What’s the most ridiculous question you’ve ever been asked about your hair?
Wow.. Is all of that your hair?? How do you comb that???
UMMMM…WITH A COMB! LOL!
Is there anything else that you would like to share with the Natural Hair Community?
I would just say stay positive, stay patient. Whatever your goal is, it can happen for you. Sometime natural hair is at it’s best and sometimes it’s a pest, but in the end it’s worth it!
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About Jael
I love this song. Just found a new artist that I am liking very much so far. Thanks for the honesty in your post and the beautiful soulful voice.
-Samii
I had to come back. I just purchased and listened to your album via Itunes.. I am definitely a new fan. “Love me so naturally” Is now my new theme song and I will be blogging about you 2 DAY… Kudos to you. Definitely inspired another beautiful sister. Thank you.
-Samii