The phenomenon known as African or black natural hair has divided opinion throughout decades creating emotions that are either revered or scorned. But through it, all black natural hair has always needed advocates to tell of its beauty and value. Many have taken up the mantle but one in particular through a lifelong journey has decided to be married to the cause till death do they part. Who you may ask? Sierra Heard, owner of Nappy by Nature, a haircare product and online brand business that consults with numerous clients nationwide on health and beauty care options for black women. The chance to have a dialogue with Sierra about her experience with keeping things natural presented itself.
What inspired you to go into Natural Haircare?
Growing up I always had different people in my hair because my mom didn’t know how to do hair. She only knew the basics, pigtails or ponytails with barrettes. But what I remember most vividly was getting a relaxer and feeling like my scalp would fall off. I decided once I was old enough, I didn’t want to get my hair relaxed and I encouraged my family to stop as well. At this point, I was in charge of my younger sister’s hair because my mom noticed my interest in hair care. I didn’t realize it at the time but this is where my journey began in the industry.
We have come a long way with natural hair acceptance. Do you feel that we still have a long way to go?
I completely agree that we have come a long way when it comes to accepting natural hair. As a hairstylist, I still hear women saying they don’t believe their natural hair is acceptable in their workplace. I even had clients tell me their boss told them to change their hair or say “are you going to do something with your hair”. In the black community, you see the barriers created due to conversations over “Good Hair” or “Bad Hair”. People always talk about how kinkier hair is hard to manage so it gets the reputation for being “Bad Hair”. We have to stop this by letting the younger generation know that their hair is BEAUTIFUL, no matter what! There is no such thing as “Bad Hair”!
There are so many who have gone before us and paved the way to society accepting kinky hair. Who do you pay homage to? Who helped you not only love your natural hair but accept it as beauty?
I grew up in the 1990s and 2000s when black sitcoms & music videos dominated late-night television. I remember watching Moesha and falling in love with her many braided styles, and there were so many! The diversity and complexity of these styles would fascinate me! Then there was Ms. India Arie, so beautiful and bold flaunting every kink and curl she has. When her videos would come on TV, I felt empowered. India Arie paraded her natural hair with such grace, how could anyone say natural hair wasn’t beautiful? She showed me what real beauty was and was unapologetic while she did!
Breast Cancer Awareness is so important. What or who is the driving force behind your advocacy and walk?
Breast Cancer has been very important to me since I was a child and watched my two aunts lose their battles against Breast Cancer. My mother lost her best friend to Breast Cancer and this was very devastating for her. I have a few family members, friends, and clients today that are struggling with this disease. I make it my mission to have a walk every year to raise money for the breast cancer foundation and the families in need of assistance. When organizing my first walk 3 years ago, I didn’t expect to raise any money and to my surprise, I had raised $500. It didn’t seem like much at the time, but I saw how much people wanted to support the cause. Through Nappy By Nature, I am able to support my clients by giving discounted hairstyles and helping them keep their spirits up with beautiful styles. I never expected to become an advocate for Breast Cancer, but I feel it is my job to educate and spread awareness to as many people as I can.
What big things are in store for Nappy By Nature?
The next step for Nappy by Nature is to expand and get the message out there that Nappy means beautifully coiled hair and we should always embrace that! We are looking to open another location to broaden our clientele but also showcase our talents. Nappy By Nature will also continue creating natural hair care products that will provide all the vitamins and nutrients needed to grow beautiful strong healthy hair. I will also start a class for young girls and boys who are interested in the hair industry. I want to teach them new skills as well as teaching them what it takes to run a successful business! The future for Nappy By Nature excites me because I know we are just getting started!
Sierra has indeed found a way to get persons of all ages to get excited about what’s to come with natural hair. We look forward to hearing about more exciting things in the future.
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