Dionne, the owner of Nature’s Indulgence, granted me an interview about her hair and her line of natural hair care products and other goodies. I have tried her Knuckle Butter and will have a review up tomorrow. I’ve also placed an order to try more of her selections and I can’t wait.
Thanks for sharing your hair and your “bidness” with us, Dionne!
The Lady:
Kcurly: When did you go natural and what inspired you to do so?
I began transitioning in February of 2005 and Big Chopped in February of 2006. While I was relaxed my hair would grow long in the back but it never made it too far past my chin on either side. I tried everything to make my hair grow longer on the sides, but nothing seemed to help. I reflected back to when I didn’t have a perm and how healthy and long my hair was. So I decided to grow out my hair and go natural. I actually tried to go natural in 2003, but after 8 months of transitioning I permed again.
KCurly: Have you faced opposition from your peers and/or family about your hair?
I have faced opposition from both my family and my peers. Most of the opposition has come from my family.
Relaxed
Kcurly: If so, what has been your method of handling it?
I made sure that I was prepared mentally for whatever opposition that would come my way. I had to make sure that I was going natural for me and that I really was going to stick with it. I became educated on caring for natural hair. I also prayed for strength while going through the process of transitioning as well as the strength to handle any opposition that came my way. Once I made it up in my mind that no one could deter me, I let it be known that wearing my hair in its natural state was my decision.
Kcurly: What is your current regimen to keep your tresses healthy?
My current hair regimen includes co-washing once or twice a week (depending on the style that I am wearing). I deep condition my tresses once a week. I am now wearing more updos and twist outs once the updo/twists are about 3 days old. After co-washing and/or deep conditioning, I apply a leave-in conditioner and hair lotion ( my new product I have been testing for about 2 months) to my hair. I then style it and seal it with my Knuckle Butter or Soothing Foot Butter.
Big Chop
KCurly: What do you love most about your hair?
I love that my hair makes me unique. No one else has hair like mine. I have learned how to care for it and love it unconditionally. The learning process never ends.
Kcurly: What has been the hardest part of your natural hair journey?
The hardest part of my hair journey was figuring out what to do with my hair and learning which products work best for my hair. Once I learned what to do with it, I began experimenting. Trial and error are what makes the journey worthwhile. I am still experimenting.
Kcurly: What advice do you have for the newly natural ladies?
Keep a positive mindset and don’t give up. There are many avenues available today for natural hair care that wasn’t available in the past. You have to love your hair. Your hair will not be exactly like the next natural head of hair. Educate yourself about natural hair and most importantly wear your natural tresses with pride and joy. God blessed you with it.
The bidness:
Kcurly: What prompted you to start your own online business?
I have always wanted to be and entrepreneur. In 2005, I began by making candles. I have a love for aromatic candles. I was also transitioning at the time. during the latter part of 2006, I began experimenting with oils and butters. I wanted to make something for my hair, since I was natural. Once I experimented with a couple of recipes, I began giving them out as test samples to my friends. They liked the recipes, and wanted me to make them in larger quantities. Once I started doing this, it wasn’t long before I added my first cream/butter to my line of candles.
Kcurly: What makes products from Nature’s Indulgence special?
Everything is handmade and people tested. There is also versatility with my products. Most of my product can be used on your hair as well as
Kcurly: I noticed when browsing your website that you have more than just hair products available. Please tell us more about your other products available. Those teddy bears look very interesting!
Thanks! I have skin care products that range from massage/bath oils to my Whipped Body Souffle. There is something available for every part of your body. Nature’s Indulgence believes in pampering your Mind, Body, and Spirit. We have products for your Hair, Lips (a lip balm as well as a lip gloss), Body, and even a treat for your feet. In addition to the hair and body products, we have candles, scented sachets, and scented bears. The bears are a sure way to go for individuals who aren’t candle lovers. The bears are stuffed with aroma beads of your fragrance of choice.
Kcurly: What plans do you have for your company in the future?
In the near future I plan on adding 2 more hair products to my line. These products are going to include a hair lotion and conditioner. I will also be making the option to choose your fragrance available for a few of my products. Last but not least, I am in the process of finding a distributor for my customers in Canada.
Kcurly: Is there anything else you’d like my readers to know about “Nature’s indulgence?
Yes! I really appreciate you and your readers for taking the time to learn about my natural hair journey as well as Nature’s Indulgence by Dionne. Newly Natural Readers are going to receive 15% off any online order at Nature’s Indulgence by Dionne! The coupon code is
newly_natural_09
which will expire on October 31, 2009. Thanks again!
