behind the scenes with alicia james

Quick  Info:

How  long have you been  natural?

21 Months (almost my two year mark! Yaaaay)

Haven’t  been natural your whole  life? What caused/prompted  the change?

My hair was really damaged. After thousands of perms and weaves, my hair was a mess. I needed a big change with my hair and my life period!

Have  pictures of your BC,..what  was the experience like?

I have pictures maybe a week after I did my big chop! It was a relief, it was then shocking, it was an emotional rollercoaster, but then it was freeing!

The  Journey:

What  has the natural journey  been like so far?

The beginning was scary, then I developed the I can do this attitude, well, that ran out,  I became insecure and decided to cover it in extensions all over again, and then took the extensions out and developed the I don’t care and I am beautiful regardless attitude. It’s been history ever since! LOL!

Has  anything changed in  your life since you  became all natural?

Well, I just feel so much better about myself. I hate to tell my cheesy story, but I was really insecure. My confidence was not where people thought it was. I hid under make-up, weave, and more! But..now I feel like I can just be me, and being me feels so freakin’ good!

How  would you describe your  hair?

4a BIG & CRAAAAAAZY! But I love it!

What  are your favorite hair  care products and tools?

I am a very simple country girl! Pink moisturizer, African Oil, Conditioner weekly co-wash , Mane N Tail Shampoo once a month, comb, sometimes Denman Brush and call it a day!

What’s  your hair routine?

I co-wash weekly with Conditioner. I do hot oil treatments weekly, beause my scalp get really dry and the itching is horrific. I was once a month with Mane N Tail Shampoo. I use Pink moisturizer daily. I love braidouts. Braid at night, cover it up with my satin cap and then un braid in the morning and style as I please!

Blogger/Vlogger:

What  prompted you to start  blogging/vlogging?

Wow….Because I was watching all the videos every day, and just decided to see if maybe I could do the same thing! LOL!

Why  do you love blogging/vlogging?

It’s a lot of fun! Just connecting with people who are in the different parts of the world and also have the same loves that you do!

What  do you typically post  about?

I post some tutorials, natural hair fails, sometimes just encouragement, and also I share my music!

In the Industry

Why did you start your singing career?

I ‘ve wanted to sing as long as I could possibly remember.. I was raised in Mississippi and never knew that it was possible to create my own music. So, when I moved to Houston about 8+ years ago. I realized that I could feed that part of me!

I see you completely enjoy being an artist with natural hair and often celebrate it, what words of wisdom do you have for those in the industry who might be afraid to go natural?

WOW! Yes, I love being the natural chick in the industry. Not only that, being the natural chick that is just like any other female! Girlie, flirty, and all that mushy stuff! I would tell women to just do you! If you want to wear your natural hair, wear it. If you want to wear your hair relaxed wear that. It’s whatever is right for you!

What do you expect for future generations in regards to music and natural hair?

Wow…I think that natural hair will become more normal. People will began to accept it more, because ladies are just stepping out and wearing it regardless! Music..wow, hopefully we will get back to our roots. Enjoying the fun music, but also popping in some real music, that has a story, and we can relate to!

Advice  and Tips:

Tips  for longer, healthy  hair

Advice  for those wanting to  go natural

I would say just take good care of yourself. If you want it to grow, you pretty much need to give it attention like you would a child! LOL! It’s not easy being natural, it’s work to keep it nice and healthy the way that you want it to be!

If you’re thinking about going natural, do your research, make sure you are ready for it, because it can definitely be emotional.  When you do finally make the decision, wear it and wear it well! *snaps finger*

Misc.:

Other  interests, and hobbies

I secretly like to dance, but I can’t! LOL!

Is  natural hair professional?  Why or why not?

I guess I would say why wouldn’t it be. Hit a cute updo! BAM! To say No would be craaazy!

What do you think about others wanting to touch and or play in your hair (especially without permission)?

Ok… I thought I was the only one this happened to! Um… I am not a doll! I don’t mind so much, but I do mind! I don’t know how to explain this! LOL! It’s sort of like rubbing a pregnant woman’s belly without her permission! You’re sort of invading my space! LOL!

Any  particular links/books/sites  etc that you find  to be very helpful?

I’m youtube all the way. Anything you need, questions, tutorials, it’s all there!!

Where  can we catch up  with you (fotki, website,  etc)

Find me on my new site NCEPidemic.NING.COM

Also.. My fotki à http://public.fotki.com/aliciajames/

My Official site à MSALICIAJAMES.COM

P.s check out this cool video by Alicia: