Today we’d like to introduce you to Shantoria Blount.
Hi Shantoria, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I have always been passionate about writing and art. My interest in children’s books was inspired by my son. Hair That Grows Towards The Sun is a book about the beauty of natural hair. I have always had big dreams and BIG HAIR. As a child and into adulthood, I struggled to embrace my natural hair and found it difficult to manage. When I finally realized that my hair is a true representation of nature, I decided that other young girls should also see the beauty that they possess. Through beautiful imagery and rhyme, this book teaches young girls to embrace their natural tresses and realize that they are ROYALTY!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely has not been easy. There is a love/hate relationship with my crown. One day I’m happy because it does what I want it to do, and the next day it has a mind of its own. I had to embrace every part of it and rock with what I got. A lot of professional organizations deem locs/braids/etc. as unkempt and that is not true. That mindset has to be broken. Not saying that you can’t get relaxers or other styles if that’s what you desire, but my goal is to let the younger generation realize that there is beauty in who they are. Not to be cliché, but you have to love the skin you are in, and I believe that self-love starts when we are younger. Don’t change to fit society’s standards. Our hair is our crown!!
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am currently a nurse, working towards my Nurse Practitioner. I work with chronic disease patients at the moment, but my plan is to venture into mental health. I am known for my good heart. Sometimes it can get you taken advantage of by many people, but I have learned to be true to who I am and let God fight my battles. I have to be an example for my son. He looks up to me, and I ensure that I carry myself accordingly. It is definitely a struggle being a single parent, but I refuse to give up. It took me a LONG time to get to where I am, and my journey has just begun. I hope my drive, strength, dedication, and faith motivate him and others to never give up on your dreams. The only person that can stop you from achieving your goals is YOU!
What matters most to you? Why?
I am a devout Christian and strongly rely on my Faith. My relationship with Christ and how I represent Him is most important. Again, I have to set an example for my son. That’s my motivation. I also want to always stay true to myself at all times. I definitely try to shine a light wherever I go and treat others the way I would want to be treated, even those that did me wrong. What I mean by that is you have to do your part and remain a person of good character. Remember to never let anyone’s actions take you out of your character. You are responsible for your actions and every action does not deserve a reaction. You have to distance yourself and stay focused on the positive. Too much is going on in the world, show love and share a smile. You never know what someone is going through.
Pricing:
- 8.99 for a physical copy
- 4.99 for an ebook
Contact Info:
- Email: info@hairthatgrowstowardsthesun.net
- Website: https://www.amazon.com/Hair-That-Grows-Towards-Sun/dp/B09JJDMMM8
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/naturally_shanti/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shantoria.blount
