You've just decided to become natural, or you've been natural for quite some time, but are hiding under wigs and weaves to "fit it" at work. But secretly, you really want to just be yourself and wear your crowning glory. But you're not sure how that (and you) will be perceived. Like it or not, being a Natural changes things. The journey into becoming a natural is as personal one, and honestly, should be respected and celebrated. But is it?
For other ethnic groups, it may not be that big of a deal, because they've had their natural hair all of their lives. learning to deal with it was as normal as growing up was. But for us, of the darker hue, it really means a lot. For decades, or even centuries our natural texture of hair has been degraded, misunderstood, laughed at and then altered and again and again, into what was considered "acceptable" at the expense of our health and true beauty. For some, it was noticing the thinning or balding of your hair, and you needed a better solution than wigs, weaves or hair replacement. For me, becoming natural was the result of suffering one too many negative effects of chemicals and relaxers, and one evening my scalp said ENOUGH!!! For others, becoming natural was simply a rite of passage into discovering and declaring your true identity to the world. Lastly, all things considered, it's just more affordable to go natural, because we all know how much time and money can be spent at the "shop".
Today there is so many resources and courageous people who have trailblazed the way for the rest of us to embrace our true natural beauty, male and female alike. Therefore there is a way for Naturals to be naturally professional and Professionals do not have to be limited to cookie cutter styles. there is room for diversity. Well that is what The Natural Professional blog exists -- to find answers to those questions and to bridge the gap between ethnicity and proper protocol in business. To promote understanding. We will also feature guest bloggers who are experts in their field who will contribute their views on this hot issue. All to empower naturals and non-naturals alike to experience lasting success in their workplaces.
Whatever your reasons for becoming a Natural, you took that leap and chopped of all that relaxed hair you had. Feeling free and liberated now that you've been transitioning and finally did the Big chop, you're probably looking at your beautiful hair and wondering.... OH MY God! I've got to go to work tomorrow! What do I do NOW? You're in business or you have a great job, and you are a success in your field. A mover and shaker in your industry. But how do you incorporate "being a Natural person into your place of business successfully? Or you may be a business owner or hiring manager in a corporation. You've seen more than your share of diversity at work and in interviews and you really want to know how to handle it rightly. (HR is watching...)
First question up for discussion on this blog is: We are the Diversified Workplace -- Can't We All Just Get Along?
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