Greetings Curlfriends! My name is Merical Joy (pronounced like Miracle) or just plain ol’ MJ. I currently live in Atlanta, Georgia! I am a mother, daughter, sister, auntie, and amateur photographer. I love r&b music, writing and all things creative.

How long have you been natural?
I’ve been natural a little over 2 years. I did my big chop in April of 2011 and another big chop/style cut in April of 2013. I started my natural hair transition in Nov 2010. It wasn’t a big stretch to do the big chop because my hair was already in a short hair cut. I was impatient and couldn’t wait to start my hair journey.

What motivated you to go natural? Were you a transitioner or a Big Chopper & why?
Doing the big chop was one of the most liberating things ever! There is nothing about my hair that I don’t love. It’s easy to manage and maintain. My routines are simple and easy. Don’t mean to brag 🙂

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What has been the most memorable part of your journey?
Most memorable moments for me include participating in other women’s natural hair journeys. I’ve been there for big chops, doing two of them myself, shopping for products and meeting some amazing women in the natural hair community.

It’s an incredible journey. I have enjoyed every bit of it and I wouldn’t change or go back to a relaxer for anything in the world. I don’t see the “natural hair movement” as a fad or trend. To me it’s simply being the woman God intended for me to be.

What are some of your favorite hairstyles? 
Since I’m currently rockin a tapered twa, I LOVE wash and gos. When my hair was longer, my go to style was twist outs. I also wore puffs, bantu knots, and finger coils. I believe in having fun with my hair. I am not afraid of color and trying different hair styles.

Any memorable reactions from family or others? 
My son and significant other love my natural hair! My support system is awesome and even my sisters are natural haired beauties! Before returning to natural the running joke was that I was apart of the “Hair Witness Protection” program! Not much has changed because I’ll still switch it up in a heart beat 🙂 You never know what to expect with me and my hair!

What is your hair regimen (including fav products)?
I wore a blow out last summer to a family function and I was surprised by the reaction of my family. They are used to me constantly changing my hair so “returning to natural” wasn’t a surprise to them. The surprise came from them seeing how big my hair was and how much it had grown.

My stash includes Herbal Essences Hello Hydration shampoo and conditioner. Shea moisture curl defining smoothie, and deep conditioner. As I Am Twist Defining Cream, Ecco Styler Gel, Argan and EVOO Oils.

What are some of your favorite natural hair websites, YouTuber’s, or blogs?
CurlyNikki.com is my favorite website for all things natural hair related. On YouTube you can catch me watching Natural Chica, Ariel Sansaricq (hair cut inspired by her), My Natural Sistas, and many, many more!

Anything you want the readers to know? Inspirational words?
My hair journey coincides with my journey of life after death. I lost my mom April 7, 2012 and she was the epitome of what being a strong woman was all about. After her passing I learned about an inner strength I didn’t know I had. Returning to natural allowed me to not only fall in love with myself all over again but to also not be afraid to step out on faith and walk the path that God has laid for me. Family, friends and my faith are important and are a vital part of who I am and what keeps me grounded. I believe in sharing my journeys because so many have shared theres. At the end of the day “If you’ve been blessed then it’s your responsibility to be a blessing to others.”

Where can people find you for more information?
Kinki_Gyrl@yahoo.com
KinkiGyrl on Instagram
KinkiGyrl on Twitter
http://blog.elledanielle.com/2013/05/07/merical-atlanta-portrait-session/
www.trulyblessedmom.wordpress.com