Hey Curlies,
Here is the next profile in the the natural hair vlogger/blogger series. Up now we have Helecia also known as iknowlee on Youtube. She was recently featured on Essence.com and has been mentioned on CurlyNikki.
Name:Helecia WilliamsSocial Media names: iknowleeHair Type: Type 4URL( if any): http://www.youtube.com/user/iknowlee?feature=mhee
How long have you been natural?
I have been natural for 2 years and 2 months. My anniversary is May 24.
Why did you go natural?
I went natural mainly for a change, something different. I was never really interested in being natural but my sister was going natural. She would encourage me to watch videos of fellow vloggers and tell me that my hair would look just like theirs. Eventually after I did her big chop, I decided that I too would go natural.
When did you Big chop?
My original big chop was on May 22, 2010. My sister was the first person to cut my hair. In an effort to keep some of the length, she shaved the back and sides but left the front long. The results were horrendous. There was no way that I could rock natural hair in the back and relaxed hair in the front. I contacted a friend on mine and on May 24th, she shaved my entire head.
How did you decide to create a YouTube Channel?
I was always one who got tired of the same hairstyles. Even with my TWA being edgy on its on, I eventually wanted something different. After countless hours of research pictures and videos of a variety of hairstyles, I simply decided to create my own styles and publish videos. When I first did my big chop, it was difficult to find information about short natural hair. My goal was to create that outlet for others just like me.
Was natural hair always the main focus?
Natural hair was never really my main focus. My main focus was always to take what I had and enhance it to the best of my abilities. That included my dress and grooming as a whole.
How do you feel about having over 30,000 YouTube subscribers?
I get asked this question quite a bit and I honestly don’t feel any different. In reality, I am no different from anyone else. I do feel like I have a purpose and that brings my extreme gratitude.
What things can you say have helped you become successful?
The main thing that I feel as helped me is being humble, honest and genuine.
My future goals for my hair are to hit bra strap length with in the next two years. I definitely think that that is a reasonable goal for my hair. I also want to condense my regimen so that I continue to use the same products and simplify it. As far as my channel goes, my goal is to reach 50,00 subscribers and continue to create helpful videos that will keep people excited about having natural hair.
A short regimen you can share?
I wash my hair once a week with shampoo bars. I deep condition at least twice a month. Every time that I wash, I condition and apply a leave in conditioner. Then I add a butter and usually do a twist out. Rarely do I ever do braid outs or bantu knot outs.
My favorite products tend to change about every 6 months or so. After a while of using a certain product, my hair doesnt seem to respond to it as well. Currently, my favorite product is Afroveda Hemp Seed butter and Jessie Curl Too Shea.
Do you have any advice on “Going Natural”?
Natural hair is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re gonna get! Go for it! If you want to go natural just try it and if you don’t like, go back to a relaxer. Be patient and give it some time to adjust.
ClassyCurlies
I think she is really cool. She has a great sense of style.