Today we’d like to introduce you to Florence Williams.
Florence, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
To keep it honest, I would have never thought I would be doing this right now. I went natural in 2007. Back then, resources were limited for people trying to embrace their natural hair texture. I sought out forums for help. With tons of trial and error through the years, I found what worked for me. Jump to 2009 in college. (Valdosta State Alumna woohoo!) I would consistency get stopped by everyone asking: How do I style my hair? How did I get it so long and healthy? It was a very humbling experience and I wanted to build on that on a larger scale. So, I dedicated my Instagram account to help others celebrate their natural texture, while at the time sharing my experience with my hair and other interests.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Smooth? Absolutely not. I feel like the journey of going natural is like a rebirth. You are stripping down who you once were, and now figuring out who the new you is. It can be frustrating because it can seem like your hair isn’t growing. Or, you can’t find products that work for your particular texture. It took me a lifetime of patience and trying different styles that worked for me. When I transitioned, I did a lot of braid and twist outs to blend my two textures. When I jumped into the blogging world and documenting my experience, I noticed social media can give you anxiety. You start asking yourself questions like: Is anyone going to relate and like this post? Why didn’t anyone comment? But I’ve learned that if you are putting your best self to the world and you are passionate about what you are doing, nothing else matters. Set boundaries, turn your post notifications off and don’t worry about the likes. The right people will see it.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into @theblendedbeauty story. Tell us more about the business.
What’s amazing about starting to embrace your natural hair, is that it evokes change surrounding all areas of life. So, not only did I change the way I took care of my hair. I started paying attention to what I put on my skin, what I ate and the energy that I was putting out to the universe. I am most known for sharing my thoughts on hair and skincare products made by black-owned business and smalls shops. A goal I have is to bring more awareness to these black-owned and small businesses. I do this to help shift the statistics that say only 50% of small business survive after 5 years. I’m most proud of the family I’ve built online. I think the thing that sets me apart is my reliability and my vulnerability with my online friends. I don’t use Instagram as a highlight reel. I use it to show my real authentic self. I’ve noticed it sparks great conversation, and helps people get to know me more. I also get to know their story as well, which is important to me.
Who do you look up to? How have they inspired you?
My mother. She is the backbone of my family. I am a multi-racial woman. My father is Bajan from Barbados. My mother is a Filipina from the Philippines. She loves what I’m doing and is my biggest cheerleader. I had straight hair until I hit puberty at the age of 12. I couldn’t imagine how she felt. But throughout the years, after I relaxed my hair. She supported me through my transition to natural, and bought me so many different conditioners and stylers. I know they were not cheap, sorry mom! When I took my journey to social media, she’s always the first one in the comments! I say all this to say. Even if she didn’t relate to my struggle, she learned new things and helped me to the best of her ability. Other friends and influencers I’ve met have also supported and collaborated with me! The journey is so much sweeter when you have a great support system.
Contact Info:
- Email: blendedbeauty13@gmail.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/theblendedbeauty
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/theblendedbeauty
Image Credit:
Florence Williams
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