I cannot believe this is the end! As sad as I am to see this chapter of my life close I’m glad I had this opportunity as I have  learned a great deal about myself through this journey.

I cannot believe this is the end! As sad as I am to see this chapter of my life close I’m glad I had this opportunity as I have  learned a great deal about myself through this journey. The Miss Np contest is only one small adventure that being natural has led me to. Silly as it may sound my decision to go natural has made a profound impact on my life and my character.

 

I chose to go natural simply to be different because at the time I had grown to despise anything mainstream, but it became so much more powerful than that. I did a simple google search looking for ways to make my transition to natural easier and to find ways to care for my natural hair. That is when I came across Nappturality.com. I really fell in love with the site and joined immediately. I found so much love (though sometimes tough) within the members of the board. Even though I had never even seen these women they really felt like good friends. This was so important to me because growing up I lacked a positive black female role model. 

 

Since I have been natural and have interacted with board members I have become very proud of my African American heritage. My friends always make jokes about how I’m so into my heritage these days. I learned that the decision to go natural for many black American women is not just a hairstyle choice but a lifestyle choice and a choice to wear a crown of pride right atop their heads.

 

Others often don’t understand how hard it is to transition with so many people around you telling you that you are a fool and you are making a mistake, or how hard it is for the only support you have behind you to come from the internet! Even some naturals don’t understand what a powerful statement they are making simply by wearing their hair chemical free. But I have a great deal of respect for any woman who can be proud of her natural beauty and can still shine without changing themselves to fit the ideals of society.

 

My decision to go natural has made me so proud of my rich and beautiful heritage and I hope that everyone can see.

 

As for this competition it has been so insipring for me. I love to see powerful women moving forward in the world and only hope to be one of them. I really enjoyed doing all the challenges (particularly the afro challenge)… My favorite products I recieved were definitely the shea butter and the Hesh powder. I adore all natural products and products with deep cultural roots. I really enjoyed this challenge because I got to be a model all day! I went to downtown Mobile and had a friend take photos of me everywhere. As the challenge was to show the ideal hairstyle for Miss Nappturality I thought I would keep it all natural. So I chose a fun, bouncy wash and go! 

 

On a final note I would like to wish luck to my fellow Miss Np competitors good luck and thank everyone for this oportunity!

 

Peace

Rica