Pampered Pretty "Beauty of the Month" Idella Bacon

Hey everyone!  I am so excited to be back for another blog to honor the Beauty of the Month!  This month the honoree is Ms. Idella Bacon!  I am so excited to honor you this month Idella and hear from you concerning your natural hair journey.  Tell me a little more about your natural hair journey?

Idella:   My natural journey started 10 yrs ago. About 10 months into the journey I decided to wear my natural hair out for the 1st time. I felt so uncomfortable with myself as if everyone was staring at me. So I decided to perm my hair. Within 3 yrs after perming my hair, I noticed how incredibly short and thin my hair had became. There was just so much damage that had been done to my hair. Once again, I made the choice of going back natural. I stood in the mirror and began to chop my hair off. My mom was so shocked and so was I, but I felt it was best. Everyone loved it which helped me love it even more. So I’ve been natural for 7 1/2 yrs...best decision I’ve made.

Corene:  I can totally relate to what you are saying. I chopped all of my hair off back in 2010 and was totally ready to embark upon the journey.  As you know, "going natural" is seeming more and more of a movement.   What does being natural mean to you? 

Idella:  It’s about embracing your hair in whatever way you decide to wear it. 

Corene:  Absolutely!  I totally agree.  In the society that we live, we see individuals trying to fit in and do things like everyone else is doing it.  People want to follow what is trending and I have found myself lately going against the grain.  I think it's because I am confident with accepting myself and where I am in life.  Tell me about your journey to self acceptance? 

Idella:  This was a struggle for me growing up because I always felt as if I wasn’t pretty enough to fit in. Even as an adult I had trouble accepting myself because of body issues and looks. It just took my dad coming to me and saying, “Babygirl, you were born different and unique. You were not born to fit in. You have a story to tell.” I learned to accept my difference because that’s exactly who I am.

Corene:  I think it is so important for our fathers to affirm us.  Whether they realize it or not, they are shaping and forming us as women.  I am so glad he took that opportunity to affirm you.     What made you embrace your natural hair journey and has it been an easy journey? 

Idella:  The love and support that others showed me allowed me to embrace my natural. Wow! Being natural was no an easy task, lol. Taming my hair was the hardest part (whew). Some days I would just throw a head wrap on and go, lol. I trim it once every 4 to 6 months. I wear protective styles a lot because my work schedule can become so busy, plus at times I swamped with a lot of clients doing their hair. If I didn’t wear a protective style, my hair would be so damaged.

Corene:  It definitely makes a difference when you have a support group.  There are times when it gets overwhelming but when you have people in your corner cheering you on , it makes the difference.  Embracing my natural hair was one of the best decisions I have ever made.     What would you change about your journey? 

Idella:  Absolutely nothing! I love to be different when it comes to my hair. I would grow my hair then cut it. I’m not a professional stylist, but I love to try new things with my hair. 

Corene:  I love trying new things with my hair.   That's one of the pros I found with embracing my natural hair.  It is extremely versatile.  What products do you use? 

Idella:  As of now, I’m using Bella Curls products. Their coconut co-wash, leave-in-conditioner, and coconut curl defined cream. I’ve had great results with it. The smell is so wonderful.

Corene:  That's a BIG plus for me!  I love to not only look good but to smell good as well.  Products that smell good and work well are my favorite.  Although I keep my regimen simple, I love a good smelling product!  Now that I am loc'ing my hair, my products are lightweight and less is more for me know.  I feel so beautiful!  I never knew embarking on my loc journey would take me to another level of confidence.  What is your definition of beauty? 

Idella:  Being different!! I say that because beauty is about being different and loving you. 

Corene:  I totally agree!  If you could leave a message for yourself at the age of 8, what would you tell your 8 year old self? 

Idella:  Be Idella!! There are many Idella’s, but only one you. Stand tall and speak up. You maybe super sensitive when it comes to being hurt, but don’t allow it to be your downfall. 

Corene:  That is powerful!  Once we learn how to be delivered from people and their opinions of us, we will be much better off and be able to walk in compete confidence in  who we are.   How has your natural hair impacted your confidence? 

Idella:  To love my natural no matter if it’s long or short, thick or thin, and curly or coarse. I was born without hair, so why let it stop me from being beautiful with it!!! 

Corene:   What would you like to say to the woman or young girl that wants to embrace their natural hair but may be scared to do so? 

Idella:  God will love you with straight hair and He will most definitely love you with natural hair. Don’t look for others to say you look beautiful or you’re pretty with natural hair. Tell yourself that 1st and believe it. If you are different with straight hair then why not be different while being natural?!?! It’s a process, but trust me, you will see a big change in your growth and texture of hair. Stay different in your journey. There is only one you even if you may have a twin or 4 others who look like you, lol. You are beautiful!!!

Corene:  You definitely are beautiful Idella!  I am so grateful that you took the time to speak with me today and share your story of embracing your natural hair and loving yourself just the way you are.  This was not only uplifting but it was encouraging as well. Continue to shine and be that example to not only yourself but other young ladies and women that need that boost to believe in themselves and what they have to offer the world.  Thank you for allowing me to honor you as Pampered Pretty's Beauty of the Month!

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