"I did the big chop after losing my mother to Cancer" - Kimberly's BC Interview

Please tell us a little bit about yourself including your occupation and place of residence

I'm Kimberly Michelle Grace, I was born in Alabama but I schooled in Atlanta, Georgia, where I currently reside and work as a nurse. I also own a home care agency.

Why did you decide to do the big chop? 

I was inspired by my mother who was diagnosed with stage IV cancer and had to undergo chemotherapy. Around this same time, my older sister did her BC and I was just amazed at the texture of her hair and so I too decided to take the leap!

How long did you transition for before doing the big chop?

 I transitioned for about six months

When did you do the BC? 

I finally did the big chop on November 28th, 2013 after losing my mother to cancer  in October 2013. Another reason why I decided to do the BC was because i wanted to donate my hair to be used as a wig for other cancer patients undergoing treatment. 

Do you plan to wear your hair out in its TWA (teeny weeny afro) state or would you let it grow out under a wig or braided extensions? 

Well, since doing the big chop, I have worn weaves, but I've had to take it down every two weeks because my hair is growing so fast. I find the texture very fascinating and I think I'll be wearing it out more often in a TWA, especially in the summer. 

What would you say about the natural hair community in Atlanta?

Well, there's a lot of natural hair supporters, events and so on in my city, but there's also a lot of people that are not embracing it and don't understand the "whole natural thing".

What was your friends and family member’s responses when you told them you’d be cutting your hair and what is their response now that you’ve done it?

My sisters and brother were very supportive. And when I told my sister, Nicole ( a natural hair junkie), her response was "do it!" She even gave me all kinds of hair products to use. 

How receptive are your social contacts with your afro? What are some of the remarks and/or compliments that you’ve received so far?

I've gotten mixed reviews so far. My brother loves my new hair and says it looks good on me. On the other hand, I've had some people tell me i'm crazy, assumed I had a melt down, some have even told me they wouldn't be caught dead "like that". 

It’s been a while since you cut off your relaxed hair, how would you describe your attitude towards your hair? Would you say you love it more or you feel indifferent?

 I would say my attitude towards my hair now is more nurturing and caring than it was before. For example, before I put anything in my hair, I check to make sure it's safe and will protect my hair and not damage it. I love my hair, I sometimes wish I had started the journey much sooner.

What is your daily or weekly hair care routine like, now that you’ve gone fully natural? 

 I shampoo only once a month, co-wash every two or three days, I've also come to love eco styler gel and olive oil, but I'm still learning.

Do you style your hair at home? If so, which natural hairstyles have you tried so far?

I mostly style my hair at home and so far, I've tried flat twists and finger coils

Many women are afraid to do the big chop because they feel it will make them look like a boy, what advice would you give such ladies? 

I actually felt and thought the exact same thing. But I've come to realize that beauty is more than your physical appearance.  Long, short or completely bald hair doesn't determine if you're pretty or not. I would recommend for such women to wear a wig or weave until they're comfortable enough to wear their TWA loud and proud without caring about other people's opinion. 

Thank you much for doing this interview, is there a website where readers can visit to learn more about you?

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to do this interview, I greatly appreciate it. I can be found on instagram @prettylilkimmie, on Facebook,  LinkedIn. 

Do you have a similar story to share? Please send me a message to be interviewed.