Fresh Feature: Terneille Burrows of the Bahamas

HEY CURLIE!!!

Thank you for agreeing to complete this interview for Secret Curl Society!

Tell me a little about you? Were are you from, what do you do professionally and personally? What are you passionate about? And where are you going?

Terneille Burrows aka TaDa.  I’m a recording artist/songwriter/music publisher from The Bahamas. I’m passionate about work towards the eradication of gender based violence and child abuse, and have ventured more into the forefront in my country as an activist as of late.

1. You have beautiful natural hair, have you always worn it natural or did you take the “Return to natural” journey?

My hair was first permed at around the age of 9 years old if I remember correctly. It was very long until I first cut it into a bob at the age of 13. As a little child I hated the tugging associated with getting my hair plait, so permed hair was easier for me to manage as a teenager. I cut off all my hair in late 2011 and stopped relaxing it.

3. What do you love the most about your hair?

It’s a little wild and tamed all at once. A bit of a contradiction, like me.

4. Secret Curl Society is about leading women and girls in embracing their hair in it’s natural state as this can help a woman accept your entire being. Have you been able to relate to this? How has wearing your natural texture enhanced other areas in your life?

I think natural hair is more complementary than relaxed, and fits my personality more. I find that it frames my face in a way I prefer, and it’s less noticeable when I gain a little weight in the face now and then – ha ha.

5. Many say we are redefining beauty standards by returning to our natural kinks and curls? Would you agree? How has this movement shaped your view on beauty?

I think beauty comes in many forms, but embracing and enhancing natural attributes are most commendable in my opinion.

6. How do you think this natural culture will affect the younger generation of girls as they develop into women?

It will help us to embrace our own features instead of trying to conform to those attributes of others.

7. What is your definition of beauty?

Character that shines from inside out!

8. How does Culture play a role in our view of beauty and hair? What role did your culture play in your view of beauty and hair?

Growing up in the Bahamas, we were heavily influenced by The United States. In the 80’s when I was born, it was commonplace for Bahamian women to relax their hair. “Lighter skinned” women were considered more visually appealing back then, and some women even bleached their skin. Thankfully nowadays we see more images of women with natural hair on television and in ads and magazines, so it’s a much less foreign concept than it was back then.

9. Do you think this movement has helped women grow to learn to love each other? Have you built new relationships with women simply by engaging in “hair talk?”

“Hair talk” is a phenomenon that is new to me since having gone natural. I barely cared about my hair or styling it much my entire life. Going back to my natural hair gave me a new appreciation of my mane.

10. Tell us about your hair regiment? Do you do at home haircare, or solicit the support of a stylist? What is working for you and what does not work for you?

I usually wash my hair with Dove shampoo and conditioner once a week and leave the conditioner in for the most part. My favourite leave in conditioner is Dr. Miracles which I use daily, and I switch between curl activators like S Curl and Soft N’ Free, which I use every few days. I’ll use a glosser and or Curl Junkie Deep Fix Moisturising conditioner when styling my hair to go out.

11. What social media bloggers or natural hair gurus do you follow or have been inspired by?

I am now getting to know Secret Curl Society!

12. And how can we find you, what are your social media outlets?
www.facebook.com/tadalive | www.youtube.com/tadalive | www.twitter.com/tadalive

Thank you for your clear, creative, honest thoughts.  We greatly appreciate your perspective.  I know this will enhance the mind of our readership. Until next time….

Janelle Sands