Author and Fellow Natural Hair blogger Chris-Tia Donaldson visited Houston. She talked a little about her experiences as a natural professional. In discussion, Donaldson posed some thought provoking questions that she herself has explored in her book, Thank God I’m Natural. 
My Black is Beautiful Houston brought a vast group together
for the purpose of simply celebrating the beauty of
our uniqueness & individuality. Natural Hair Rules!!! was
delighted to be apart of the movement that exemplified
U-N-I-T-Y.
Saturday, September 11, 2010 My Black is Beautiful (MBIB) Live came to the H!!! Yes!!! And the women of Houston and surrounding areas showed up and showed out!!! Many ladies lined up at Reliant Center to enter the convention hall to receive MBIB tote bags from the beautiful smiling faces of the MBIB volunteer staff. The hall was filled with positive energy. Each guest had the opportunity to receive free pampering sessions that included massages, manicures, facials, makeovers hair styling & more. There was also a model search for the New Faces of My Black is Beautiful. Congratulations to Miko Taylor who was selected as 1 of 8 semi-finalist for Houston. Miko Taylor is a personal friend and fellow naturalista of Natural Hair Rules.
Tracey Ferguson, Editor In Chief of Jones Magazine welcomed and announced the Jones Awards which will be presented by My Black is Beautiful that will honor Sam Fine of Sam Fine Beauty, Byron Lars of Byron Lars Beauty Mark, & Sessilee Lopez!
The event featured performances from a Hip-Hop pioneer and Soul Star. MC Lyte got the crowd dancing to some of the latest music and songs that took us back. Ladies for all generation came together in front of the stage to form a “Soul Train” line. And they didn’t stop there. MC Lyte turned the heat up by playing the “Cupid Shuffle” and “The Wobble”. R&B Singer Leela James educated the crowd on “Soul Music”. “Music with verses that had substance” James exclaimed. I’m still giddy because I was invited to dance on the stage with both Leela James & MC Lyte. African Dancer, KarmaSoul performed a traditional dance that exhibited the origin of many of our Hip Hop dances. The event also included live entertainment from local singers & musicians. I don’t have to tell you, Saturday was a blast. You can see for yourself here.
Black Women were pampered, encouraged and united!!! My Black is Beautiful Live Houston was filled with beauty of all shades, shapes and hair types. Simply Beautiful!!! Until next time!!!
Procter & Gamble's My Black is Beautiful program was created to celebrate African-American beauty and to encourage black women and young girls to define and promote their own beauty standard. One of the goals of the My Black is Beautiful initiative is to inspire and encourage future generations to adopt a new mind-set for viewing themselves and uplift the way African-Americans are portrayed in society. The integrated, multibrand initiative is supported by Crest Pro-Health, Pantene®, CoverGirl Queen Collection, Olay Definity, Always and Tampax.
Kourtney & I at a Houston Natural Hair Meet-Up.
Find more info about the next event in the event section on
www.naturalhairrules.com
Hey, I recently went natural I really enjoy it I love my new found self confidence and everything that comes with being natural. However my parents, especially my dad disagree with my decision. They feel like my "hair" will effect me when I enter the corporate world. I love my parents with all my heart, but I did this because I wanted to. Did you deal with anything like this with your family?
I believe this question has common place with our community. There was a time were teeny weeny afros, two strand twist, locs and braids were taboo in the work place. But many natural women can confirm quite the contrary today. In response to her question:
Kourtney,
My family was seriously questioning my sanity when I big chop. They were negative because all they knew was long relaxed hair as a standard of beauty. Sometimes it takes fam a little longer to embrace naturality and sometimes they never do. It is not responsibility to convince them. It is your responsibility to do what you are doing and love the natural you.
The “natural hair is not acceptable in corporate America” myth is no longer relevant to this time. I wouldn't suggest interviewing with a huge black panther fro but as long as your comfortable with your hair, do you and let your resume speak for you.
Early this year I teamed up with a fellow blogger to interview several natural ladies in corporate America to get their take on the subject. You can view their stories as well as their professional natural hair styles here.
Who is your stylist? Where are they located? Please include contact & specializing info. You may post a comment or email your stylist information to info@naturalhairrules.com. Thank you!
If your looking for a stylist check out Kinnk’s Online Directory http://www.naturalhaironline.com/directory/salons/
Age (or age range): 28
Degrees: Bachelor of Arts – Political Science; Juris Doctorate
Industry: Legal
Title: Attorney
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?
I never had a concern about wearing my hair natural. My primary concern was looking old enough to represent my clients in court. I have a natural youthful look, and wearing afros, braid-outs, kinky-twists, etc., only made me look younger. I needed a look that would allow me to look professional, and also look mature. Therefore, I decided to loc my hair, and haven’t looked back since.
2. How did your co-workers, clients and boss respond when you revealed your new do?
Everyone loved my locs, including my clients! What I have noticed is that clients appreciate the look because it shows that I’m different and don’t subscribe to the norms of what “normal” hair should look like. Also, I believe that locs, and generally natural hair, is a confidence booster, and clients can sense that.
3. Has your performance been rewarded since you’ve been natural? If not, do you believe your hair has been a factor? Any regrets?
My only regret about getting locs now is that I should have gotten them sooner! I believe that my performance has been rewarded in that I no longer have to spend 30 minutes doing my hair, as I once did even when I used to wear it in all of the cute styles once I did the big chop. Wearing my hair in locs has afforded me the opportunity to literally get up and go, without so much as touching my hair.
4. What advice would you offer a professional peer who’s on the fence about going natural?
I would first state to be realistic about what you want to do with your hair. When I was relaxed, I HATED doing my hair. I hated doing it, getting it done, maintaining it, etc. I thought that by going natural, I would alleviate the need to have to do my hair. That was so not the case, especially as a trial attorney. We have a very polished image to maintain, and the cute twist and/or twist-out styles were out of the question, unless you have a twa or extremely long hair. Therefore, I had to really evaluate what style could I get where I would literally never have to touch my hair except to wash it. Locs were the answer!
As a professional, it is all about maintenance when it comes to locs. Many were concerned that they would look unkempt or dirty. I moisturize my hair often, and tie them down every single night, even if I’m going to get them re-twisted the next day. I also wash once every other week and get them re-twisted twice a month. The result has been well-groomed locs which frankly look better than when my hair was relaxed.
If locs are too permanent for you, I would suggest either wearing natural hair closely cropped, or a style that will allow you to tie your hair down to keep your hair close to your head until it grows out longer, like coils, braids, twists, etc. The more your hair is allowed to “roam free”, the harder it is to look mature and polished. This is not to say that it can’t be done, but I got so frustrated every time a client would ask how long I’ve been licensed; how old I am; state that they had grandchildren older than me, etc. At the end of the night, it is a matter of personal preference, but I would not say under any circumstances that being natural is a hindrance in the legal community, or the professional realm as a whole.
Age (or age range): i'm a PROUD 30 yr old. lol
Degrees: BA in Special and Elementary Education and MA in Higher Education Administration, SOON pursuing a Doctorate
Industry: Education, Consulting
Title: Director, Student Diversity Programs
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?
Honestly, all those who see me in my work environment knew me with long STRAIGHT luxurious HEALTHY hair. While I did not consider their feelings when deciding if this journey was right for me, I did wonder how they would react. Also, would I get "in trouble" for not having "controllable" hair. I work in a conservative environment (and am a little conservative myself when it comes to the work place) so I knew that the new look would be a lot for them. Lol.
The students and all my true co-worker/friends loved the new look. From the BC to now being over a year natural they have been supportive. Honestly, I have inspired students to consider going natural AND for those who were in fact natural but doing the "societal styles" of weaving and straightening to recognize the beauty they had in them all this time and be more daring with wearing their natural hair (styles).
There was no real overcoming of the professional environment and what they thought of my hair. While I was a little nervous, I knew no one would say anything to me. Lol. Even when I was not that confident, I walked with my head high and my confidence rubbed off I guess. I know get NOTHING but compliments :)
2. How did your co-workers, clients and boss respond when you revealed your new do?
Well my true friends (who are co-workers) always has and still love my new look. For the others, they complimented me on my braids (while transitioning) and every once in awhile will say something about my fro. My boss....to this day STILL hasn't said a word. Lol. But I think that has to do with our policy's on discrimination, harassment and hostile work environment...but trust I know he noticed. HA
3. Has your performance been rewarded since you’ve been natural? If not, do you believe your hair has been a factor? Any regrets?
Considering I am very good at my what I do, how I do AND I'm totally committed/passionate about my professional, I've been and will continue to be rewarded. I don't think my hair has anything to do with this, but I will say the increase in confidence and inspiration that I found IN ME helps me to better do my job. So in that essence, I think going natural has made me a better representative of my particular company.
4. What advice would you offer a professional peer who’s on the fence about going natural?
First and foremost (like anything), its a commitment...especially if this is your first time. Once you make the decision, encourage yourself SPEAK OVER YOURSELF (yes like the gospel song) and remember that God created you in his image. You do not have to conform to society OR to what your family, friends or even co-workers think you should be. If you are not confident in yourself, this journey will be rough BUT even then you can still be victorious...for their will be some mountains to battle....but know that you can go threw them without a scratch ....not avoid them (go around).
This blog, along with others (like mine, that can be found at www.theorakale25.blogspot.com) are also good to help with daily/weekly encouragement...but remember you have to be stirred up inside to not only make the decision, stick with it and then ENJOY YOUR NEW LOOK AND LIFE! 
Age (or age range): 31
Degrees: Associate Degree in Administrative Support Technology
Industry: Healthcare Administration
Title: Operations Coordinator
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?
My primary concern was that my natural hair would be considered unprofessional or be considered "pro-black". Though my company promotes acceptance of cultural diversity, individuals still have their own personal feelings, and I was concerned that it might be a distraction from my job performance. What helped me overcome that was I thought back to a company seminar I attended. One of the VPs is an African-American woman, and her hair was locked - yet that this did not stop anyone from respecting her, listening to her message, and obviously didn't stop her from being recognized for her job performance. I still style my hair more conservatively for work; but I did that even when I was relaxing my hair.
2. How did your co-workers, clients and boss respond when you revealed your new do?
When I did the big chop, I didn't like how I looked with short hair. So I immediately had kinky twists put in. Everyone at work really liked that style. I was surprised how much love I received from my white co-workers. One day I had to go to the Administrator's office to drop off some paperwork, and his secretary (who is white) ran down behind me as I was leaving just to tell me she loved my hair. When it was time to take out the kinky twists, I decided to just wear my hair no matter how short it was. When I got to work, I was nervous about how people would react because they've never seen me with short hair. Everyone loved it; my boss didn't even notice it at first. I was sitting across the desk talking to her for about 5 minutes before she even noticed - which just goes to show that it is not as big of a deal as we tend to think it is.
3. Has your performance been rewarded since you’ve been natural? If not, do you believe your hair has been a factor? Any regrets?
Yes, my work performance has been rewarded. No regrets.
4. What advice would you offer a professional peer who’s on the fence about going natural?
My advice would be to go for it. Find your own "why" for going natural, and be confident in that "why" so that if someone asks you, you can explain it. Every time you explain your "why", it will make you more confident and stronger to deal with any negativity you may come across. If you are concerned about looking unprofessional, find hair styles that you can wear your natural hair in that still fall in line with the culture at your workplace. Also, be sure that your whole look speaks "professional" so that your hair kinda fades into the background; be sure your clothes, jewelry, makeup, etc are on point as it will make your entire look that much better.
YouTube: www.youtube.com/JonnaSharrell
Facebook: www.facebook.com/JonnaSharrell
Age : 27
Degrees: Currently working on my MA in Higher Education Administration
Industry: Higher Education
Title: Admission Counselor
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?
When I applied for the job I am in now, I was transitioning so on my interview I wore my signature chignon, which I think is very professional but I was concerned about what I would do once I did the big chop. As I got closer to doing my BC, I started to wear braid outs to work, at first half up and half down or some braided and some down until I felt comfortable wearing it all out. I was nervous because my hair is so big! :)
2. How did your co-workers, clients and boss respond when you revealed your new do?
When I wore my braid out for the first time at work I received nothing but compliments (if there were people who didn't like it, they didn't express it to me). There is only one other African American who works in my office and she is an older lady who wears a relaxer so my natural hair was not only huge, it was a phenomenon! I have had several co-workers ask me about it and then proceed to ask me about Chris Rock's movie, Good Hair. I just laugh and tell them that it is not much different for them if they have naturally curly hair. I think once I made that comparison they started to understand a little better, we now talk about products and different curly hair techniques. :)
3. Has your performance been rewarded since you’ve been natural? If not, do you believe your hair has been a factor? Any regrets?
My performance has been rewarded recently at work but I cannot say that my hair contributed to it. I think now everyone is just use to me having big hair! :)
4. What advice would you offer a professional peer who’s on the fence about going natural?
The biggest thing I've learned about being natural is CONFIDENCE. No matter if you are at work, at the grocery store or at the club, you have to be confident because when other people see you rocking your natural with confidence they will have nothing to say but respect your style. I have the attitude; this is who I am, you are going to have to love it or leave it alone!
I have also learned that no one cares as much about our hair than we do. When I did my BC, I was nervous about going to work and what people would think but my co-workers cared for all of 5 minutes and it was back to business as usual. :)
Some of my pictures: (top to bottom)
1. My big braid out! :)
2. My signature chignon--Praise God I can still do this after my BC!
3. I experiment with flowers and feathers to jazz up my look
4. Professional & cute french braid
Age: 32
Degrees: B.A. Economics, Carleton University in Ottawa, Ontario Canada
Industry: Education/Marketing/EntrepreneurTitle: English Teacher and Business Owner
Questions1. Based on your profession and corporate culture, what were your primary concerns about wearing natural hair in the workplace? How did you overcome them?
I've been natural now for 7 months. I did the 'BIG CHOP' two days before packing up and leaving for South Korea. I was so scared that people wouldn't accept my hair, so I wore wigs for the first three months of my stay here. The thing is, I was so uncomfortable in them, because I never really felt like myself in them. Finally one day I decided that enough was enough, I wanted to wear my natural hair, and I was determined to do it, regardless of my hesitations about it. I’ll be honest, I was unsure about how my fellow Korean teachers would perceive my hair, but I had gotten to the point where I couldn't lie to myself anymore about who I really was, and about what I really looked like without the wigs.
Wearing my natural hair in public was a big decision for me to make, because as many of you may or may not know, South Korea is a very homogeneous country. While South Korea currently has approximately 30,000 foreign teachers in this country, the black teachers are still few and far between.
While I didn’t quite overcome my fears about going natural in South Korea, what I did know was that on that particular day, my desire to show my natural tresses was stronger than my fears about what people would think. I wanted to wear my hair and style my own hair. I didn't want my idea of what other people would think to hinder me anymore. Three months was enough, and it was time for the reveal!
Today, I feel so much more confident with my own hair than I ever did wearing the wigs. I think the confidence comes from knowing me, and not being afraid anymore about how people will react to my hair, or what they will say. I think that I look better with my natural hair, and that's what is important - how I feel with and about my hair.
My decision to show my natural tresses was was THE best decision I have EVER made, and I am never going back.
2. How did your co-workers, clients and boss respond when you revealed your new do?
The next morning when I walked into the teacher's lounge with my natural hair, my heart pounded so loudly, I thought that everyone could hear it! I had arrived a little early as all of my Korean coworkers were in a meeting, so I had time to settle in. Before you know it, their meeting was over, and they all began to flood into the teacher's lounge, one after the other. I braced myself for the comments but the reactions were all the same... "Oh wow Brenda, I love your hair!", "Oh wow Brenda, so cute!"
The comments that I heard that morning were positive reinforcements that I had made the right decision - for me!
3. Has your performance been rewarded since you’ve been natural? If not, do you believe your hair has been a factor? Any regrets?
My performance hasn't changed, as I am still an excellent teacher. However, knowing that I can walk into work every day with my natural hair is an extra boost of confidence, which never hurts!
4. What advice would you offer a professional peer who’s on the fence about going natural?
Do your research; search the internet, and blogs about natural hair. You'll find that you are in great company of women who want to be to be natural if they're not already.
Educate yourself about hairstyles. You'll realize that there are so many cute ways to wear your natural hair inside and outside of professional settings.
Be honest with yourself. It's normal to have a million doubts about whether or not to go natural. Some of the questions that will pop up usually start: "should I......?", "can I.....?", "what if......?", "how will they....?" and finally, "what will they......?"
Answer those questions/doubts honestly, and hopefully you'll find that there are more POSITIVE than negative reasons to go natural.
Display Name: SLY
Age: 25
Degrees: Bachelors in Sociology and Communications. Certification in Green Business
Industry: Finance and Trading, Theater
Title: Associate (for a trading firm), Stage Manager (for theater)
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?
I used to work in the hospitality industry as a Front Office Training Manager and it was at that job where your physical appearance was dictated by the latest company memo. They were as detailed as wanting all the women to wear the same pearls, one ring per hand, and well kept hair. While there were many women who wore their natural hair, there were limits on the types of styles. They were okay with anything except for an afro. On the flip side there was a Caucasian girl with LOTS of curls and one day she came to work with her hair all over the place and they asked her to tame them and pin them back too. While they didn’t discriminate against natural hair, they did have a specific standard that they felt was appropriate.
With the company I work for now, they are more progressive. We don’t have a dress code. Business casual would be an overstatement. Therefore with the freedom of a more relaxed culture, I have even come to work in an afro at times. I don’t do it often but every now and then, I can be seen walking around the office with one. I don’t have many concerns with my hair. My main concern is on days when on my way to work, the weather wreaks havoc on it and I don’t have any bobby pins. As a stage manager, I can also wear my hair pretty much any kind of way that I want.
2. How did your co-workers, clients and boss respond when you revealed your new do?
I’ve worn my hair natural since college, therefore every professional job I have, I interviewed with my natural hair. The job that I have now, I interviewed with shoulder length locs and the day before my first day of work, I grew tired of the locs, pulled a Britney and cut all my hair off. When I came in that day, everyone just looked at me trying to figure out what had changed since the interview.
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’m not sure that I understand the question. Being that I’ve always been natural during my professional career, my performance, qualifications, results produced, and overall personality and character has always been used to judge my pay grade, bonuses and such. Do I believe my hair has held me back from promotions, benefits, and such…absolutely not. With straight or curly hair, I’d be just a successful in hospitality, finance or theater.
4. What advice would you offer a professional peer who’s on the fence about going natural?
My advice would be based on what your concerns were. Before my mother went natural, she was concerned that she would be limited by her style choices. Others aren’t sure that they will be able to maintain their hair. Others fear the opinions they will receive from people regarding their hair. My advice is to DO YOU. Do what you feel comfortable with. If you aren’t sure whether to go natural or not, DON’T. Wait until you are ready. I was on the fence for two years and then one day I was just ready. My concerns and fears had no place. I just knew I was tired of what I was doing before and that there must be something more natural, simpler, less expensive.
Blog: http://sociologyofsheena.blogspot.com and http://granolatendencies.blogspot.com
YouTube: http://youtube.com/sheenalyoung
Twitter: http://twitter.com/granolaist
Age (or age range): 24
Degrees: B.S. in English with an emphasis in Professional and Technical writing
Industry: Marketing and Consulting (for now)
Title:Marketing Education Counselor/ Style Writer for Esteem Yourself magazine
Questions1. Based on your profession and corporate culture, what were your primary concerns about wearing natural hair in the workplace? How did you overcome them?
I'm in a small start-up company, about 16 employees, and I am the only minority and only woman. I was concerned that it would hinder my ability to be taken seriously or eventually become promoted in the company. However, it was clear that working extremely hard and having a positive attitude was more important than my hair. People appreciated my personality, and my hair was never an issue.
2. How did your co-workers, clients and boss respond when you revealed your new do?
It was never new. I went into the interview with my hair natural, but I was still nervous about it. One of my coworkers came into the office with bright pink, then purple hair, and all the talk about hair went to him. As the only woman, I was definitely more concerned about proving myself as an equal.
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 feel respected by my boss and team. I get praised when I do a good job, or find a short cut to make our process more effective. My only regret is not rocking an afro just yet, because it is just so BIG.
4. What advice would you offer a professional peer who’s on the fence about going natural?
I would say, go for it. It would probably be best for you to ease into your natural style, if you are nervous. Every company is different, but I really believe that the more you go above and beyond at work, the more they will respect you, and see you as an asset. Despite what you hairstyle may be. Have you ever noticed corporate stock photos or generic ads? When they feature Black women, they generally have natural hair, it's inspiring. 
Stats 
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. 
I just graduated from college in May 2009 and I have only been working full time for about six months. When I interviewed for my job I straightened my hair. (check out pics to the left) This was more by force than by choice, because of my mother's experience in the corporate culture I took her advice. I had to conform to get the job. Point blank. I didn't want to be perceived as "militant, political, or aggressive" and needed to appear "normal" to not let my hair affect my chances to secure an offer. I think its sad that today "Perception is Reality" and how you wear your hair plays a role in securing a job or not. Do I think I would have not gotten the job if I wore my natural hair? I am not sure, but there aren't enough examples of curly girls in the media or in high positions in Corporate America. We have a long way to go but in the last 10 years the image has changed. The only natural diva that 
comes to mind is Ursula Banks CEO of Xerox. Needless to say my resume, work history, and interviewing skills prevailed and I was offered the job. Flash forward to my first day at work. It was the heat of the summer and my natural tresses had endured enough heat for the year, so straightening was not an option. I went to work with my fro in a neat puff. I held my head up high knowing that I'm happy to be nappy letting the world know this is who I am and I am not changing for no one. My weekly routine turned into every Sunday after a deep conditioning, I twist or style my hair for the week, and on off weeks I rock a puff or half up/half down style. The way to overcome any apprehension about hair is to do you! You only perform your best on the job if you are 100% comfortable in your skin in the working environment. 
Display Name: LaTanya Tatum
