Natural Crown Queen Chasity Johnson
What’s your name?
Chasity Johnson
Where are you from?
Originally I am from Columbia, SC. I have been in Charlotte, NC for 5 years.
What did your family/friends say about you going natural?
They love it. Now all of a sudden I look exactly like my mom. She is natural too.
If you could give your natural hair a nickname, what would it be and why?
Sista Sassafrass. I feel bolder and more beautiful than ever. This was a huge step because I wanted to complete my weight loss before I did the big chop. But I have not completed it yet and feel great and confident of who I am - rolls, cellulite and all.
Do you get more compliments from men or women? How does it make you feel?
I get compliments from both surprisingly. I have often dated men who were obsessed with long hair so the compliments are refreshing. I’m not one who is crazed over other people’s opinions. But, in a world where weave is queen and lighter is the in thing in the media. Being a dark skinned and natural woman it is a nice compliment to receive, it feels more genuine now than it did before.
Do you think you will ever change your hair (i.e. relaxing, growing it into a huge afro, locing it, etc.)
I will NEVER process it with chemicals again. That was my main reason for going natural in the first place. I love variety so I know I will grow it out. But, I hate the in between process. I either like my hair short or long. So it will be a challenge whatever I decide to do with it.
What do you love the most about being natural?
I love first the freedom of the initial cut. It was a statement about breaking the barriers that I have surrounded myself with for years. I am loving all of me in my barest purest form. I also love that I can work out and play sports without worrying about my hair looking a mess.
If you can give one piece of advice to someone who is thinking about going natural, what would it be?
Do not give in to what society says is beautiful and acceptable. We are beautiful with what God gave us. Going natural is not a revolutionary move, it is becoming happy with who we are, no artificial anything.
It is something about being natural that is all encompassing of who you really are. No chemicals no weaves, just you. I thought that I was going to be insecure about it, but I feel sturdier in stride of who I am. I never thought that this process would give me that feeling. Freeing yourself from chemical bondage is the best thing that you can do for your hair, your skin, and your pockets. The worse thing that could happen is you just put the creamy crack back in. But you will not want to.
