I had the opportunity to meet Jaci (as I call her) through my best friend and it was like an instant curl connection! We talked about our favorite hair products, styling routines, and ALL of our curl woes – you all know what I’m talkin’ about. Any who, I present to you….Jacqueline!

1. Name and where you are from?

My name is Jacqueline Nelson.  The “where are you from?” question always stumps me.  I was born and raised in Westchester NY, but I am a New York City girl (Harlem specifically) at heart! But if you’re asking about my heritage, I’m African American with a sprinkling of Native American, Irish, and Scottish.

2. How would you describe yourself?

I like to describe myself as unique, eclectic and enlightened.  I consider myself to be an outlier, in the sense that I pride myself on non-conformity and seek my own personal truth, rather than accepting what is put out there for me to see. I’m a daughter, sister, aunt, wife, teacher, dreamer and believer.

3. Tell us something about you that will make us say WHOA!

Something that will make you go “WHOA”- I’m not on Facebook or ANY social media at the moment and I listen to the majority of my music on my vinyl record player! My most recent record purchases include: Daft Punk, The Civil Wars and Miles Davis.

4. How long have you been Rockin’ Yo Rizos?

I have been proudly rockin’ my rizos since 2006. I had my last relaxer in May 2004 and I chopped off the last of my processed hair in the summer of 2006.

5. What is your hair routine (including staple hair products and home made recipes)?

It has taken me almost six years to find a hair regimen that I find suitable.  My routine now includes a mix of   wash & go’s, two-strand twists, twist outs and other braided styles. As a early elementary school teacher, the easier the maintenance the better. Unfortunately, I still have a much finer and straighter texture on the top of my head which sometimes interferes with my style variety but it’s finally growing in thicker on the top. My staple products include: Devachan – Heaven in Hair deep conditioner and No Poo shampoo, Cantu – Hair Moisturizer and Shea Butter Leave-In Conditioner. As far as homemade products, I occasionally use a 1 part Apple Cider Vinegar, 2 part Water Rinse to clean my scalp and a Honey & Olive Oil treatment for added moisture every couple of months. Oh, and NO COMBING! Just finger detangling on this head of rizos!

6. Where can we find you on social media?

Like I said before, I’m not currently on any social media, but that will be changing next month so I will be sure to keep you posted.

7. Any last thoughts? Anything you would love for us to know?

I would love to share my favorite quote with you: “Do not wish to be anything but what you are and try to be that perfectly!” In other words, own your beauty, your quirks, your imperfections, your ideas and your RIZOS! 🙂 Beauty is both internal and external and life’s journey is made more meaningful when it is uniquely your own.

One Love!

Jaci