This is Gianne and I met her through – Instagram! My friends would say but OF COURSE! Ehhhh whatever!!! Ok I must admit I am on it a lot but I actually physically met her at a rooftop party here in DC without even planning it. When I saw her beautiful blonde rizos it was like a magnetic force that drove me to her and compelled me to curl chit chat (ya’ll know what I’m talking about). So without further ado, let me introduce you to Gianne!
1. Name and where you are from?
My name is Gianne Kristin Nascimento. Gianne means “God is generous” in Italian (my mother shared the meaning of my name on my 24th birthday). I’m originally from Washington DC but I was raised in Silver Spring Maryland. My mother is Brazilian and my father is Nicaraguan.
2. How would you describe yourself?
Spontaneously passionate (if I had to combine a word lol) about any and everything I do. If its a rush of feelings, I act on them….in a positive way that is. Here is a small example: Summer of 2011, I realized that I would be graduating the following year from Trinity Washington University and I had done research and wrote several papers on child trafficking, child labor and environmental issues on a global scale but I didn’t experienced any of it. So I decided to volunteer my whole summer in Guatemala City! I walked miles to teach and tutor a class of 20 students (I was a 2nd grade English teacher). I also helped in building homes for these children and their families. I don’t want to bore you with lengthy stories but it was the best experience of my college career. No classroom can teach what I learned and what I have seen.
3. Tell us something about you that will make us say WHOA!
I am a Tough Mudder!! It is a military style obstacle course that is designed to mentally and physically challenge you to the extreme. It’s 12 miles of crawling under barbed wire and cold muddy slush, climbing over 15 foot walls with no grip, running through 10,000 volts of live wire and jumping into ice cold water. This all takes place in 60 degree weather. It is by far the hardest thing I’ve ever done in life! The course usually takes about 2-3 hours to complete but my team and I were out there for 5 hours. We were in pain, in tears and freezing our tails off. This event happens every year and my team and I had pledged to do it every year. This year unfortunately, a 26 year old guy died during one of the obstacles. It’s called “Walking the Plank” we jumped from a 15 foot plank into 10 feet of muddy water and had to swim across to get to land but when he jumped he didn’t come up. The rescue team took 7 minutes to find him. All the Mudders that day found a new respect for this entire event. One thing a lot of people know about me is that I am a tomboy at heart. Yes, I love dressing up and wear heels everyday but I also love going to the gym and physically challenging myself. I have two older brothers that I have to thank for that.
4. How long have you been Rockin’ Yo Rizos?
I’ve been rockin’ my rizos since 1989! They have been through everything. From a shaved head to the awkward length stage where I looked like a cabbage patch kid. I have had everything single hair color in the book – beach blonde, red, black, blue, and even pink! I believe that the best summer style for natural hair cuties are their curls, let them be free!
5. What is your hair routine (including staple hair products and home made recipes)?
I wash my hair every three days. If I don’t it will start to lock up and I don’t think it’s long enough for dreadlocks! I start by shampooing my hair with Aveda’s Be Curly shampoo and condition with the Be Curly conditioner. Once a week I give my curls some moisture with a deep treatment using Aveda’s Damage Remedy Intensive Reconstructing treatment with quinoa protein. I massage it into my hair & sit under the hair dryer for 10 minutes. After my curls are quenched, I style my hair with Aveda’s Damage Remedy Daily Hair Repair (protects my color treated curls from heat styling, natural elements like the sun and keeps them from tangling). I cocktail this product with Aveda’s Be Curly Curl Enhancer (helps prevent frizz and contains wheat protein). I usually use a dryer diffuser but I sometimes air dry my curls. After its dry, I put my hands in it and fluff fluff fluff till I can’t anymore! I am an Aveda stylist so I have the opportunity to use all our products and the Be Curly line has done wonders for my hair.
6. Where can we find you on social media?
Instagram: @perf8gold
Facebook: Gianne Nascimento
Twitter: @gnasci
7. Any last thoughts? Anything you would love for us to know?
I am a huge animal lover! I am a cat mommy to two males cats, G and Q. I rescued them from a man at a gas station. In the next two years I am planning on investing in some animal shelters in the Washington and Maryland area. Also, I love to exercise!! It is the best way for me to release stress. A lot of women have a misconception about lifting and working out. Some think they will start to look masculine when in reality you are a Woman – nothing about that changes or ever will. I enjoy every second of working out especially when I am outside – I love the fresh air, the view of the city, and the trails. It is the best way to jump start my day!
Peace!
Gianne
P.S. I LOVE the new cut