FRESH FEATURE: PAIGE JACKSON

HEY CURLIE!!!

Thank you for agreeing to complete this interview for Secretcurlsociety.com.  I know what a wonderful person that needs to be shared with the world.  So, tell us 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?

I am military spouse. My husband and I have been married for 7 yrs. We have two boys. My official job title is a stay at home mom. Being a mom is by far the most challenging job I’ve ever had. It’s also the most rewarding! We are currently stationed at Fort Hood, TX. I am pursing a career as an Esthetician which is a skin care therapist. I would say I’m passionate about relationships in general. My relationship with The Lord, my husband, family and friends.

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

I definitely went on the journey. I received the relaxers, a.k.a the creamy crack until I was pregnant with my first born. I remember reaching a breaking point mentally and physically with my hair. I was ready for change. Also being pregnant, I kinda talked myself into it being the best for thing for the baby, (no more chemicals).  So I just went with it ,and didn’t look back.

2. When transitioning to natural, what route did you take and how long did it take you to transition?

I transitioned for a year and did a semi big chop. My husband was for all me going natural. His only wish was that I did not chop all my hair off. I honored it. I am actually thankful that he asked me not to B.C , because it held me to transitioning. During the transition there were times I wanted to chop all my hair off, but I’ve never had really short hair so it would have been a shock for me to go that route. I’m glad that I made decision that I was comfortable with which was a year long transition.

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

I love that it is low maintenance!! I only have to do it once a week. Being a mother of two boys I really don’t have a lot of time. I also love that my hair makes an effortless statement.

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?

Well people definitely try to touch me more, and by “me,” I mean my hair, ha! It’s been liberating for me to embrace how the Lord made ME , down to each curl on my head! I believe that our hair does not define us as women.  However, I also believe that there is a beauty that comes from accepting who you are entirely and unapologetically (hair included).

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 believe we are redefining beauty standards. All I ever knew as a child was long straight hair. I have 5 sisters, so the “Just for me” theme song was well versed in our home. When I would see a woman with long hair, especially a black woman, I would equate that with beauty. But now I feel as though we are encouraging woman to see that our hair in it’s natural state is beautiful. I personally had to get over the idea that having long straight hair was what made me beautiful.

 Beauty is so much more than that!

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

No, I believe that beauty is so much more than hair ,makeup, or clothes. Growing up and even as an adult there are times when I would question if I was beautiful, but then I would have to remind myself that being beautiful is about the heart.

6.  How has your natural hair affected your children and your family lifestyle?  How do you hope your children will view their image and what will you do to help them?

As a mother of boys I hope to set an example of what it means to be a beautiful woman. That’s almost overwhelming to say, but it’s true. My hope for my sons is that they will see that it’s important to embrace who they are and know who’s they are. Also I hope to set the standard for what they will seek in their future helpmate.

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

I believe that generations to come will be more confident and empowered. Seeing other woman who they can identify with at a young age will be an encouragement!

8. What is your definition of beauty?
Beauty is ones inner disposition.

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?”

I feel like hair talk does give woman an instant connection. I’ve met complete strangers while shopping at the commissary or the mall and talked for over an hour. I think we are learning to love each other as women instead of being judgmental towards one another.

11. 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 do my hair at home. Moving around as much as we do forced me to learn to do my hair. I would consider myself a modified Curly Girl. I use an oil based shampoo and I use heat 1-2 times a year.

My regimen is as follows:

• Cowash, leave 80% of the conditioner in as a leave in. My hair should feel slightly slimy.
• Steam for 10 min- I do this so that the conditioner really penetrates my hair shaft.
• Apply styler- I use the raking method.
• I am currently using Beautiful Textures Curling Custard. Love it !
• Seal with oil- I prefer castor oil.
• Air dry
• Sleep with a satin pillow case
• This will last me for a week or more.
• Product lines that I love : Deva Curl, Carols daughter , Beautiful textures , Kinky curly, and Aveda.

The biggest tips I would give to someone going natural.
1. Learn YOUR hair! Searching for products can be overwhelming at times. The trick is understanding your hair type, it’s porosity, and your environment. All of theses factors play a part. Not every product or method will work for you!
2. Embrace what you have. Whether is a TWA, a fro or a twist out… It is all yours and is beautiful !!!

Janelle- “Whoa that is great information, especially about knowing your environment!”

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

My personal goal for my hair is for it to be healthy and happy.

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

Eclark6, The Quest for the Perfect Curls, Courtneynaturalhair, Mahoganycurls, CurlyNikki, and many others !

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

Website : https://wellofhealth.me
Twitter: @wellofhealth
Instagram:jacksonpm
#WOHbeauty

15. Do you have any personal or professional projects that you would like to share with us?

I just started contributing to the Well of Health blog! The mission of WOH is to” encourage women to dig deeper for long-lasting health, our promise is to speak from the overflow of our own lives.” My focus is the beauty segment. I would love for any and everyone to check it out!

Thank you so much for taking the time to do this! Your contribution to Secret Curl Society is much appreciated.  We will look you up and follow you on Well of Health!

For the Love of Curls,

-Janelle Sands