Meet Shanine Gilpin!
Where you from/ what's your Heritage?
Born and raised in Jamaica most of my life. Migrated to Florida in 2005.
How long have u been natural?
I've been natural since I was 17 years old. I had a perm from the tender age of 8 and one day I was like I can't do this anymore. I want my natural hair back.
What does being natural mean to you?
To me being "natural" means embracing the hair I was blessed with. At 17 years old I decided that I no longer wanted to use chemicals to alter my hair texture. I wanted to be free to express myself in my natural state. I played around with the Afro look but eventually found a love for locs.
How has being natural positively affected/changed aspects of your life besides your hair?
It all started as a journey for healthy hair which led to a journey of self discovery for me. I think overall being natural has increased my level of self care. For instance, rewind a few years back I cannot believe some of the things I was feeding my body not knowing how harmful it was to my overall health. Today I'm more conscious of the foods I eat. I'm not a SUPER health freak but I'm more aware of healthy living and have adjusted my diet. This of course has impacted my overall well-being.
Name your top 3 natural hair products:
1.Coconut oil
2.Taliah Waajid products
3.Jamaican castor oil
What is your current passion/What drives you?
I am passionate about a lot of things but my current passion is helping underprivileged children. In February on my birthday I launched a charitable organization, Sparkle Hearts Children's Foundation to help underprivileged children in Jamaica with school supplies. I know how hard it is in Jamaica right now. I designed this charity because Jamaican youths have so much talent but lack so many key resources to be able to show their full potential. No child should ever feel that school isn't an option because their parents can't afford the basic necessities like school supplies. So this charity simply is to give the youths a great start to the school year by providing them with the tools they need to learn and succeed. It brought so much joy being able to see the children and their parents so grateful for the help. My goal is to be able to assist more families in the years to come.
Do you have a favorite Quote/ What is it why?
"Broken crayons still color". I love this quote because it's so easy for us to think we don't measure up. That we aren't good enough. That we are too broken but I believe there is a purpose for each person and that purpose shouldn't disappear because of our brokenness. Instead keep "coloring" even when you're broken.
What does living "Au Naturel " mean to you?
Living "au naturel" means a lot of different things to different people. For me personally it means embracing my true essence. Not hiding under a weave because my natural hair isn't considered "society worthy" or feeling the need to enhance my body parts because it's the in thing to do. There's nothing more beautiful than a woman who's unapologetically herself.
What is your favorite activity to do in South Florida?
I am a lover of anything that involves water. From simply going to the beach, jet skiing, parasailing, jumping on water taxis or even visiting the aquarium in Miami.