Today we’d like to introduce you to Shenique S.
Shenique, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
My Natural Hair journey started as a search for healthier hair tips, to help grow the middle of my hair. It was half the length of the rest of my hair. Since I was six years old, my hair was relaxed. So, I never knew what my natural hair texture was like but I always loved how voluminous my hair was until it was just no longer healthy looking anymore. One day after searching on YouTube, I came across Naptural85’s natural hair tutorials and since then, I was sold on returning natural. My last perm was on September 1, 2012. I transitioned for nine months and then cut off all the remaining of my permed hair on June 26, 2013. I remember it like it was yesterday! A whole new part of me was born and I had to learn to embrace it. I would constantly post about my new journey on my personal Instagram but not many people who knew me were natural so these posts did not interest them. So, I created a new page to share with other naturals like myself, which is now DopeNoLye. After a few posts about my journey, I soon learned about my passion to inspire. Women from all over would comment and share how much I’ve helped them with styles, tips, and etc. It was and still is such a great feeling, which is why I still create content to inspire and help others. I love being a blogger!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
At the beginning for me was the hardest. It was hard because after years of knowing my hair being relaxed I now had to learn it all over again. It was a totally different texture, it was the shortest I knew it had ever been, and I didn’t feel as pretty. YouTube was my best friend at this time. I watched so many tutorials on how to style my hair and I would research about products to use. Once I learned through trial and error how to nourish, moisturize, and style my hair in at least two nice styles my hair started flourishing. All it took was patience and effort!
What do you do? What do you specialize in?
I am a Natural Hair and Self Care blogger. I create and post content on YouTube and Instagram to inspire and help anyone willing to learn and embrace themselves and their natural hair. Recently, I’ve posted my first two sponsored campaigns. One is with Black Girl Sunscreen and the other was Always Pure. What sets me apart is that I wouldn’t be a part of anything I truly don’t believe in or wouldn’t use myself. Long before I got sponsored as a Black Girl Sunscreen Sun Beauty, I purchased and shared their product to my audience. I will always be my true authentic self.
What do you feel are the biggest barriers today to female leadership, in your industry or generally?
Competition & Comparison.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dopenolye/
- Twitter: https://mobile.twitter.com/dopenolye
Getting in touch: VoyageMIA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
