I Big Chopped- Liz

CN: When you first chopped, what were your thoughts and feelings? How do you feel now?
Well it all started on a day I like to refer to as “The Day of Rejection”. I was sitting at work, about to check my application status for a top design school in Atlanta. I was so anxious, because I knew today was the verdict day. I speedily typed in my username and password, clicked “check status” and….in huge red letters, next to the word ‘Decision’, read – DENY. Nikki I wanted to crawl under a rock and stay there. Design is my life! And I had been rejected from my dream school. After running home and crying..I prayed and realized that everything happens for a reason. If I didn’t get into that school, perhaps there is a bigger reason behind it. With this epiphany in mind..a huge feeling of empowerment in my soul..and scissors in my hand, I began to hack away to my future.

CN: How have you coped with the responses from your family and friends?
My sisters LOVE my hair. I have nothing but support from them. I love them so much. (there’s seven of them!). None of them have ever done anything as extreme as this to their appearance, so I was an inspiration to them all. Now my mother on the other hand..hates it. I like to knit and crochet things, so she basically told me to make a hat, in every color and hope for the best..she even dropped a tear. Also she told me, my boyfriend should leave me for doing this to myself. Lol She’s a trip. He happens to love it. Haha, I love her still. I know it’s going to take some getting used to, but I’m sure she’ll come around. My friends threatened to harm me, but they all love it. My dad added light-heatedly that he’d always wanted another son.

CN: What are your plans for your hair?
I can’t wait to see my progress. Length is my goal. I love the versatility of having long hair. When I had a relaxer, you’d never see the same hairstyle on my head for my than two weeks. I love trying new things, and I can’t wait to experiment with my natural hair. Making sure it remains healthy is my main goal.

CN: Do you find it necessary to ‘doll up’ your look to feel more feminine?
NOPE. I’m a really simple kind of girl. I’ve never worn a ton of makeup, or jewelry. My mom always encouraged us to rock our “natural”, and to embrace what God gave us. My maintenance routine hasn’t changed significantly. I have however; found a new love for funky earrings

This is me going out with the girls, about two months before I started transitioning.
Here is my trademark transition style before I BC’d.

CN: How do you keep your TWA moisturized?
I’m still experimenting with products. I’m not a PJ at all. Simplicity is my policy. So I’ve been using Cantu Shea Butter’s leave in conditioner. It seems to be working well for me.

CN: What products and techniques do you use to style? How often do you style? I looovvvee Miss Jessie’s! She hasn’t done me wrong yet. It’s actually funny, before I started getting relaxers, my hair was some kind of crazy. I had no idea what a curl pattern was, or felt like for that matter. But since I BC’ed, I have this cool 4a coil. I love it! As for styling…I’m mainly focused on keeping it healthy and strong. Wash n’ Goes are my trademark at the moment.