Rising Comedian Adrienne Brandyburg is Funny, Multi-talented and Naturally Glam!

Hollywood superstars like Viola
Davis, Issa Rae, and Tracee Ellis Ross all rock natural styles on the red
carpet. It seems that even more black women in entertainment are empowered to
showcase natural hair in the media and their artistic performances. Chicago
actress and comedienne, Adrienne
Brandyburg is part of the new generation of entertainers who embrace their
natural curls while making boss moves. Adrienne co-hosts B.A.P.S Comedy, a monthly
variety show celebrating and empowering women of color that will turn 2 years old this September. Adrienne also co-hosts
the Dude That’s Not What I Meant podcasts which attempts to clarify misconstrued
events in pop culture, politics, sports, and just about anything that comes across their timeline. With so many poppin’ projects, Adrienne Brandyburg is a
rising star in Chicago’s comedy scene, and
our Naturally Glam pick!

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Photo courtesy of Adrienne

Tell us about yourself and your background.

I always get flack for this
question because I like to include the short time – ages 0 to 9 — that  I lived on the south side of Chicago. Mostly I
claim the north side, Rogers Park neighborhood as my stomping ground. I
currently stay in the bougie River North neighborhood of Chicago. I identify as
an empowered Black Woman.

How long have you been natural? What inspired your current look?

I’ve been natural for 10 years. My last perm was my sophomore year in
college when the stylist informed me in order
for her to color my hair I needed to perm my hair. Absolutely asinine move; my hair couldn’t
handle all the chemicals. Went through the transition process of going natural.
What inspired my current look is deciding to
venture back to longer tresses. I cut my hair a year ago wanting to
change it up. I’m in love with my curl patterns. I try to do as little
manipulation mostly due to laziness.

What hair products or accessories do you use?

Majority of the products I use
are the ones that are on sale. Being natural AIN’T CHEAP. I love Cantu leave in
conditioner with argan oil, Miss Jesse’s Curly Pudding, Aunt Jackie’s products,
Shea Moisture shampoos and deep conditioners, As I Am, TGIN — I’m not loyal.

Photo via Adrienne’s IG

How has having natural hair influenced your career as
a black woman in entertainment? 

Having natural hair has
introduced me to new people who can relate to, or are inquisitive about, this
lifestyle. It’s influenced me to have more teachable moments as an actress and
performer. I’m learning how to take control of my hair in situations where I
usually might not have. When I’m acting, I find myself having to inquire what
their intentions are for whatever hairstyle they decide for me and products they are using.

How has being natural influenced your self-image?
How did your family, friends, or romantic partners react? 

My self-esteem has boosted
immensely because of my decision to take full control of my hair and follicles,
but it’s exhausting. Reading ingredients, going on YouTube for hairstyles,
looking at reviews — it’s a nonstop merry-go-round. I wouldn’t have it any
other way. My family fully supports my choice and
I’ve influenced others to go natural. 

What’s been the best part of your natural hair journey?

The best part of my natural hair
journey is realizing everyone’s hair journey is their own to experience and
embrace. I love being able to run into a stranger and talk about our journeys.
I can go from sharing online to in real life and
it doesn’t feel unnatural. 

To learn more about Adrienne’s
upcoming standup shows, recent acting clips, and daily blogs visit AdrienneBrandyburg.com
or follow her on Instagram (@adriennedennise)
or Twitter (@adriennedennise)