1.     Tell us about yourself, where are you from, where are you based and what do you do?

Hey there, name is Yaa Asiedua, from Ghana and a final year student (will be done in July..lol) reading B.A Arts in Psychology and Information Studies at the University of Ghana. I am currently the sole distributor for HairYum and a very PROUD Naturalista.

2.     Tell us about your natural hair story

My hair journey began in 2012, when I completed senior high school and was so eager to perm after completion, But thanks to my big sister by name Charlotte (she has relaxed hair) she advised that I go natural since it was more beautiful. To be honest I didn’t like this idea as I had long permed/relaxed hair before entering senior high school and still wanted to go back to it. I always thought going natural was going to be difficult and uneasy. Her persuasion worked well with me and here I am today almost four years down and I must say I haven’t regretted it. I have and  still making loads of friends from different parts of the world thanks to my hair. Now her daughter( my niece and protégé) is a cute naturalista too and so is my kid sister.

3.     What do you love most about your natural hair and/or about being natural? What is the one aspect you love about being natural?

I love everything about my hair, from its shrinkage state to its stretched state. Both phases are just magical and it’s one aspect I really love!

I love the stares from people.

I love people wondering if that’s all my hair.

I love every comments and compliments given to my hair.

I love people wanting to touch it.

I love that my hair is not boring.

I love that I am easily noted and identified by my hair.

I love the growth.

4.     What is your current hair regimen

I try to do protective styles a lot and it does help my hair a lot. When hair is out I wash it  like twice in the month my hair is taking a rest, I do cowashes as well as deep conditioning in between, oil treatments( coconut, olive and castor oils mixed) and then back to protective styling for a month

5.     What is your “go to” style (share a picture of it, if you have one!)? Do you wear protective and/or low manipulation styles? If so, how often and why?

Either my afros or hold in a cute bun with a bang.

6.     What are your Holy Grail and staple products?

Water, coconut oil, and my Hairyum products. I am not really a product junkie yet...lol         

7.     What is/was your biggest hair challenge/obstacle?  How did you overcome it or what are you doing now to try to address the problem?

This would have to be when I started my hair journey. As at the time going or being natural was hardly seen or hardly a thing compared to what we see now. Visiting these regular salons was tough, rough and hectic, I dreaded it. And truth be told I almost rescinded my decision to be natural. Hair stylists would always nag about my hair and my decision to go natural. I remember one visit to a salon to braid one hair stylist bolted upon seeing me another one cut my hair somewhere in the middle and I cried! My early stages was never fun, I knew NOTHING about my hair and what to do with it. In overcoming these I started to read more on being a natural and what there is or was to know from sites, blogs, joining a hair group as well as watching YouTube videos any least time and opportunity I was free. And this was how I discovered my hair crush Aevin Dugas. I believe this is what has helped my hair come this far. I am still learning though.

8.     Has going natural impacted other areas of your life (i.e. health & fitness, style, environmental consciousness, etc.?) If so, how and in what ways?

I believe it has in so many ways, like I know now that what I eat greatly affects my hair too. Also with those that surround me by making them return to having natural hair. I have been able to meet and make great friends too. I call them hair friends or hair lovies...hehe and I am sure I may have impacted other sides which im yet to know also.

9.     Do you have a “hair crush?” If so, who?

Yeessssss! Aevin Dugas all day

10.  Where can we find you online?

Instagram- @yaa_asiedua Facebook- @ Myma Yaa Asiedua Twum-Barima

11.  What advice would you give someone who is contemplating going natural and/or becoming discouraged with their natural journey?

I would encourage this individual to not think twice in deciding to go natural. I mean were we   not born with this( points to hair) until someone decided to think of putting some chemicals together to alter our hair’s natural state? Our hair is so beautiful trust me!( I don’t think I can put how I feel about our hair in words right now…lol). Our hair does grow and each strand that comes out our head is gorgeous. Just learn to devote time, patience and love and also learn to appreciate any texture you're blessed with.

12.  Anything else that you’d like to add?

Like I said, time, patience and love devoted to our hair is key. Don’t let anyone tell you your hair doesn’t make you pretty. Thank God for internet and social media we should be able to read more and understand our hair better and learn to have fun with your hair, it’s not boring.