Two young women, Monica Thomas and Whitney Russell, native to Murfreesboro, started a local business/ empowerment program earlier this year. Their program is titled NapturallyMe.

Thomas and Russell said that their inspiration was to embed in young girls minds to embrace your natural hair because in society we have different beauty standards and it is tough to love yourself. So, if you start at a young age it makes things easier. This program targets young girls with wavy hair, curly hair, and kinky hair. Thomas and Russell said that their goal is to “Plant that seed of loving yourself at a young age.”

Planting that seed of self-love in your girls is so serious and important. Monica described when she was younger that, “Having bone straight hair was ‘it’ and what I wanted. At the time I didn’t feel like my natural hair was pretty.” But now, both her and Russell have been natural for such a long time.

Their hair looks so healthy, voluminous and full of curls. You can tell this is something Thomas and Russell both care a lot about and is decided to take that and share it with our community. The more young girls with curls, kinks, and waves know about their hair the happier and more confident they will be.

The motto for this program is Learn Create Embrace. The learn aspect consists of learning the science behind the hair follicles, the essential oils and butters that we put in our hair. Also, learn about what our hair is made up of and what types of products work best with different hair textures.

The second aspects are creating natural hair products like shea and mango butters, peppermint shampoo and conditioner as well as oils to condition the scalp. Last, is embrace and both Monica and Whitney had good thoughts and ideas.

Whitney said it is about, “Empowering and making girls feel beautiful with their natural hair.” Monica stated that “Most importantly teaching them

to love their hair. Hopefully, by being surrounded by other young girls they will be able to relate to others who have curly hair as well. ”

Their first event was in October at First Baptist Church on E Castle Street. At this event they had a powerpoint teaching the girls about each hair texture and ways to keep their hair moisturized and healthy. Then, they created their own natural hair products. The two said the girls absolutely loved it and thought it was so cool to create their own product for their hair. Monica and Whitney said that parents have even contacted them since the event asking about when NapturallyMe will have another event.

Being a young black woman and an entrepreneur like Thomas and Russell are, having parents ask them for more events is so awesome and a big compliment. It shows that their empowerment program is important in the community and is already becoming successful!

If I were to take advice from anyone or go to any hair program event, it will most definitely be a NapturallyMe event! Not only do young girls love it, but also parents and those who are just embracing their natural waves, curls, and kinks!

They are currently doing a Christmas Giveaway on their social media sites and website. Go to their website and win some free hair products! Instagram: @NapturallyMelce Facebook: NapturallyMeLCE Website: www.napturallyme.com