Check Out Jaquana Middlebrooks’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jaquana Middlebrooks.

Hi Jaquana, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself
It started when I was a young girl, I always admired the 70’s hairstyles, music, and fashion. Specifically, how black women and men embraced their natural hair. Seeing images of my people rocking their Fro’s was so empowering to me! For the longest time, we were repeatedly shown that our hair wasn’t good enough to be accepted in society. When I was in high school, I was excited to see history repeat itself. I really admired the way that the natural hair movement had evolved. I often binged watched, “natural hair gurus” on YouTube, as well as read many “OG natural hair” blogs. They were extremely intriguing and had a wealth of knowledge on natural hair. So I dug in headfirst and absorbed as much information as I could. They truly guided me throughout my journey, because I somewhat knew how to style my hair. However, I never really knew how to properly take care of my natural hair. This was due to the pressures to straighten, perm/relax, or apply chemicals to make our hair look more acceptable to societal standards.

Though, what better way to learn than by women who were leading by example? With the enthusiasm that I saw from natural hair involvement on YouTube, I knew this was what was missing from my hair journey. The more I watched and read about natural hair I just couldn’t resist embracing the naturality! With the wealth of knowledge I’ve gained, I wasn’t quite ready to fully embrace my hair until my sophomore year of college. I had transitioned for a few years in high school through protective styles because I was too afraid to show off my hair. Throughout my college years, I began to focus more on obtaining knowledge and natural hair routines which have paid off. My hair was healthy, flourishing, and reaching lengths that I never imagined I would be able to achieve in the past. To say the least, my fear of acceptance turned to confidence. So, I took it and ran with it!

As I began my journey, I no longer cared what other people thought or saw as professional, etc. I began to wear my hair proudly and accentuate the positivity in allowing me to be myself. It proved to be a gamechanger and it showed! I began to get so many compliments and questions from friends and family members who wanted to start their journey but didn’t know where to start.

I proudly began to take on the role of teacher and mentor helping them. So, I began to teach and show them what I learned. I showed many friends at school how I perfected a Twist Out. My motto was that I would do it the first couple of times, then they had to try it on their own with my assistance.

My mother, being an educator, always stressed the phrase “each one, teach one”. Which led to me wanting to share my goals and aspirations to inspire others. Then I started my YouTube channel as a guide to help teach women like myself through my experiences on my hair journey. Upon embarking on my journey my mother and sister decided to join me. Both my mother and sister just expected me to become their hairstylist! Unfortunately, they wouldn’t have to learn from me doing it for them.

In college, I studied videography and photography, so this also allowed me to create my platform to work on three things I’m passionate about all at once. In 2018, one year after graduating college I successfully started my photography/videography business and YouTube channel as a natural hair and fashion content creator.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely was not a smooth road and it still isn’t. There are always obstacles. One of my biggest struggles was finding my tribe. Often times when building something you feel like you’re alone. I learned it’s definitely important to surround yourself with like minded individuals. Preferably doing what you’re doing or similar. I found some amazing content creators that I’ve gotten to know so well and we all support one another. Together we’ve built a sisterhood where we share advice, critiques, vent , and encourage one another. When it feels like no one understands they always do. These ladies have helped and supported me in so many ways and I’m so grateful for them. As time goes by and my platform grows, I’m constantly learning something new every step of the way. Thus far I would have to say the biggest lesson I’ve learned is to never stress about those that don’t support you or see your vision but always appreciate those that do.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a natural hair/ fashion content creator, photographer, and most recently a production coordinator. Though I am most known for being a natural hair content creator by the name of CoCoButterCurls. I produce natural hair and fashion content on YouTube and Instagram. I would say I am most proud to have worked with so many beautiful black owned businesses. It’s truly been an honor to be recognized and even work with brands that have inspired me for years. Way before I even considered being a content creator. I believe what sets me apart from others is definitely my ability to always turn a negative into a positive.

How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
To support, I’m on YouTube as CoCoButterCurls and @cocobuttercurls_1 on Instagram.

For collaborations, my email is [email protected].

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cocobuttercurls_1/?hl=en
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/c/CoCoButterCurls

Image Credits:
Jaquana Middlebrooks
@lifeandtimesofjayq