I'm sorry
@snoop, but I just don't get it. The 'it' is the doubt, on your part.
I attended your live chat, it was the first part, I believe. I didn't have the privilege to see it from the start. Even if you think the style of your hair at the time some of the photos were taken, is unflattering, your photos are clear, crisp and magazine worthy. They showcase what you are talking about beautifully. You are talking about caring for and optimizing the beauty of 4c hair. The quality of the pictures are perfect. The subject matter doesn't have to be. Having afro-textured 4c hair requires specialized knowledge and handling. That's the point: It is a skill that takes time and knowledge to develop and master. It's the constant cultivation and deepening of knowledge about a subject that is deemed worthy and justly and rightly so, of the hard won attention and effort it requires in order for it to flourish whether that 4c-afro-hair be braided or unfurled in all its glory. It's a journey. That to me is what your photos capture, the journey of it all. People want to see reality because that is what they are dealing with every day, in their daily lives. You show them that. You provide support, guidance and encouragement. People find things and experiences more authentic when they see that you yourself have lived them.
You have almost 40,000 followers on Instagram. That is a tremendous, tremendous accomplishment in itself. You are obviously communicating information that people find valuable. I personally 'expect' to see you having it together with hair and make-up. So do most people posting on Instragram - they post staged, looking picture-perfect photos. But how many people show us those difficult to manage, pinpoints and moments in life and snapshots of the journey that make up most of the days we experience, as we go along? That's what your information does for me, personally.
Even in difficulty, your photos are not, 'woe is me...why was I cursed with this type of hair'. It's more like, 'I'm experiencing a challenge with my beautiful hair. Let me cultivate more techniques and knowledge to figure out how to resolve this and work through this successfully, for the benefit of my hair'. You recognize that you are the keeper and protector of your hair. You are wholly responsible for the health of your hair. It is your job to identify what your hair needs for it to be at its best. You never put your hair down for being what it is. You recognize and raise up your 4c afro-textured hair and celebrate it for what it
IS, unconditionally. There are no conditions placed on your love for your hair. That in itself communicates to others the acceptance and love you have for the intrinsic, natural, beauty of your hair.
Too often I see people blaming the type of hair they have because it won't act right or be something different than what it is. You constantly remind your audience that you are the caretaker of your beautiful hair and that you value it by constantly trying to learn to better understand it, while treating it gently and handling it with loving care.
You are matching point for point, photo for photo, what people live and see on a daily basis, as it relates to optimizing the beauty and health of 4c, afro-textured hair. Not only that, you are showing with your example in professional quality photos, not only that these situations exist, but that they are manageable and an important, necessary, part of the journey. Your photos CELEBRATE 4c afro-textured hair. Your photos, actions and message are congruent. That communicates authenticity, genuineness and consistency. That is a formidable and powerful combination, when it comes to communicating with others. You provide wisdom, encouragement and practical implementations that are repeatable and do-able for the average person. Your pictorials provide a story that has meaning. Life is often confusing and inconsistent. You put 4c afro-textured hair on a pedestal. It's not just 'lip service'.
Regarding the photos...what I like is how you elevate 'unflattering hair photos', your words and not my words. What you do is take the hair in its 'everyday' state, or in its 'working through something' state and make it art. You do that by framing those images in high quality, photos. Because those photos are beautifully lit, crystal clear and gorgeous in color, that speaks volumes, subconsciously to the psyche of your audience. You are showcasing the beauty of your hair. It states to me, on many levels, that you walk the talk, that you truly value 4c afro-textured hair in its true, natural state.
How often do we see photos of before and after of afro textured hair where the shrunk up state, low shine hair is demonized as being unattractive? Then, right next to it, we see the straightened, highly shiny hair that is celebrated and lionized as the goal. How often is that before, of natural 4c afro-textured hair framed in some low lit, out of focus, cheap looking photo? Where it screams, "Run as far as you can from this natural state of your hair, as fast and as soon as you can, so to quickly get to that straight shiny, really beautiful hair state, which is the better state and the ultimate goal!" Your information
never communicates such an absurd idea. Never.
You once told me to stop labeling some of my results as failures. I would offer something similar to you. See the value of what you provide. To me, it's the quality and care and level of professionalism in which you communicate your message about 4c, natural, afro-textured hair. The fact that you ensure the presentation of your subject matter is ensconced and encapsulated in such visual, professionalism and beauty, communicates your value of it more so than words ever could.
Don't let the doubt dilute your message and effectiveness. Those 40,000 numbers speak for themselves. Bravo to you! Congratulations on your accomplishments! This is
only the beginning, for you.
Book of Chicoro, Chapter 4, verses 38 to 75.
I know I am verbose. I don't apologize for my conviction, though.
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