FRESH FEATURE: Jamilah Spears

You are such an intriguing young woman. I am thankful to share you with Secret Curl Society.  Please, tell us a little about you?

My name is Jamilah Spears and I live in Abilene, TX. Here, I’m completing an Americorps VISTA term with Big Brothers Big Sisters working in public relations. In the fall, I’ll return to Abilene Christian University to get my Master’s in Communication. I love being with and getting to know people, laughing, dancing, traveling, and eating. I’m passionate about taking embracing new experiences and taking leaps of faith to get there.

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

I’ve always been natural, but hopped on the “big chop” bandwagon summer 2012. I felt like my hair was beyond repair and wanted to try something new!

2. What was it like to grow up natural when most everyone else was relaxed?

I remember growing up with my entire family being beautiful-haired naturals so that was my influence. My older cousins would always tell me not to ever relax my hair or it would fall out, LOL! I never felt pressured to relax because my hair was fairly healthy growing up and I saw a beautician regularly.

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

I like that I can fluff my hair out high or tame it low whenever I feel like it.

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 her entire being. Have you been able to relate to this? How has wearing your natural texture enhanced other areas in your life?

Wearing my hair in its truly truly natural state isn’t the easiest thing for me to do, but when I get it right, I prefer my natural hair over it being straightening. It’s higher, bolder, and more fun when natural. When my hair looks good, I feel good. However, my hair is so temperamental. It seems like there’s never a sure-shot way to get it right. Lately I’ve just been tying it up in a bun.

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?

Yes, we are redefining beauty standards by returning to natural hair. Whether it’s a fad or not, it seems the more society sees of it, the more they like it. I know it’s shaped my view of beauty. I clearly remember admiring curls throughout my teenage years, but never did I “hair-lust” over kinks. Within the past couple years, kinks have become increasingly beautiful in my eyes.

6. Have you found it hard to believe that you are beautiful in the past due to how you wore your hair, your cultural makeup, or the way you look?

After the image confusion of elementary/jr. high having gone to school with mostly Caucasian people, I rarely second guessed my beauty. I always felt I was beautiful in my own unique way and tried not to compare myself (however back in the day my hair was always on point, LOL). I can slowly see it getting harder for me as I find a comfortable place for my hair.

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

I think young girls will feel more confident in their hair regardless of how they decide to wear it.

8. What is your definition of beauty?

Beauty is living confidently in multiple facets of life.  For example, if you’re kind to everyone despite how they treat you, that’s beauty. If you’re hair is looking funky one day, but you rock it anyway, that’s beauty. If you say something kind of awkward, but roll with it anyways without harping on it, that’s beauty. LOL!

( Wow, I love this answer, how enlightening!-Janelle Sands)

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” definitely spurs lasting and hard-to-end conversations. I wouldn’t doubt that a good “hair talk” brings people closer!

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 just made a frowny face at this question… I do mostly at home haircare. I wash once a week with Tresemme Naturals shampoo and typically I deep condition with Shea Moisture’s Anti-Breakage Masque. I’ll typically detangle and let that set for 20 minutes before rinsing. I use Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie (Leave-in conditioner) to moisturize my hair and seal it in with grape seed oil.

11. Do you have any particular personal hair goals ( regarding, health, length or style?)

Locs… and SOON!

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

I don’t watch many tutorials or take very much hair advice online, but inspiring people I follow are: Francesca Ramsey @chescaleigh and Rocquelle @considermelovely (IG names)

13. And how can we find you, what are your social media outlets?

Instagram and Twitter: @jamilahdailys

14. Finally, do you have any personal or professional projects that you would like to share with us?

No, but I’ll keep you posted!

Well thank you Jamilah for sharing yourself. We wish you well on your educational goals and your hair adventures ahead!