Professionals Keep It Kinky-Nickie

  
Stats

Display Name Nickie
Age (or age range): 28

Degrees: BBA Accounting, Finance, Spanish

Industry: Accounting

Title: Tax Accountant

Questions

1. Based on your profession and corporate culture, what were your primary concerns about wearing natural hair in the workplace? How did you overcome them?

Unlike most people, I was never concerned about my hair. People make too much about it. I think it's all a mind thing. My confidence speaks for itself. I take very good care of my hair. I never just get up an go. I never did it when I had a relaxer and I'm not doing it now that I'm natural. I went to my first job out of college with my TWA and my job after that with twist. Accounting isn't exactly where you'll see a lot of different people. There isn't a huge melting pot in Accounting (so to speak). I was offered both jobs on the spot. It's how you carry yourself. Do you walk around all day wondering what people think? I don't and I've never had a negative comment or bad experience regarding my hair.

2. How did your co-workers, clients and boss respond when you revealed your new do?

I decided to go natural right after college in Feb 2007. I graduated in May 2006, but took time off before I entered the corporate world so what they saw was me already natural.

3. Has your performance been rewarded since you’ve been natural? If not, do you believe your hair has been a factor? Any regrets?

I always get great reviews. Again, let your work speak for itself. Be groomed since you are in Corporate America and not the Fashion Industry. Be appropriate for whatever industry you work in.
4. What advice would you offer a professional peer who’s on the fence about going natural?
Don't do it because you think it's a trend. Do it after doing your research. It a healthy and invigorating change. I LOVE my hair. I do so much with and for it. My eating habits have completed changed since I went natural. Went back to being an athlete. Something happens whenever you go natural. I can't explain it. It's a new found self confidence. A natural high. Life just seems so much easier. This from someone who never missed a hair appointment every single week when I had a relaxer.