I have kinky hair and I am proud. I got my first perm when I was 10 years old. It was a nightmare and I always felt like I needed a perm to have sleek hair when I was in the mood to straighten my hair. Until I noticed during my freshman year in college that I was unhappy with how my hair didn’t seem to grow much anymore. After that realization, I learned how to take care of my kinky type 4 hair. I found products that I love that keep my hair moisture and healthy. I love my curls. I live for protective hairstyles, and I vow to never harm my curl pattern with a perm.

In a past gig working with Caliwater, a sustainable cactus water brand, I greeted Jewel Osco customers and invited them to participate in our brand activation (try samples and play games to win prizes). I got the customers excited to try out the product and educated them. Customers came from a wide age range and racial identities.

I would bring excitement and good energy to customers passing by. In my experience, when people see someone excited, it makes them excited. My goal would be to engage with them authentically so they d feel comfortable checking the event out.