What challenges did you face along the way?
"I check a lot of natural hair-care blogs, and they make everything seem so intimidating — and honestly, they can be a little judgmental. There’s a debate raging about what’s truly “natural.” Some people say that if you ever heat straighten your hair, you’re not natural. That’s frustrating. I don’t hate myself or my hair because I want the option to go straight. That’s really the beauty of curly hair: It’s versatile!"

What are your go-to products?
"I’m all about my Kinky Curly Curling Custard. It’s not for everyone, but it’s definitely for me. I love how it holds my curls — the day after I style it, they still look good. I recently took a trip to China, and I packed some in my carry-on. If they lost my luggage, I knew I couldn’t live without it for a week!"

What’s the best trick you’ve learned?
"When I first started wearing my curls, I would wet my hair and style it every morning. I didn’t realize I didn’t have to go through that process every day. The curls last a day or two with the right products. My other tip: Use a satin pillowcase to protect your curls at night."