Meet Mishka Richards!
Where you from/ what's your Heritage?
I was born and raised in St. Catherine, Jamaica. I migrated to the U.S. at the age of 11.
How long have u been natural?
I have been natural for about 5 years. I stopped relaxing my hair 2 years prior to my big chop. I didn't understand how to transition. I still flat ironed my hair weekly, damaging my curl pattern. I eventually decided to do my big chop and I've been in love ever since.
What does being natural mean to you?
Being natural means embracing you. I know it sounds cliché but it's actually true. I find that being natural nowadays is more of a "trend" than women accepting the hair they were born with. They see a girl with beautiful, loose curls and expect that their hair will be the same, when in reality it may not. Being natural comes in different textures and styles and it's our duty to embrace it.
How has being natural positively affected/changed aspects of your life besides your hair?
Being natural sort of helped change the way I eat or what I put into my body. I'm not perfect, I will still choose pizza over salad any day. However, I know drinking plenty of water, taking vitamins and eating right helps not only hair but my body and skin.
Name your top 3 natural hair products:
1. Natural coconut oil is life!
2. Cantu coconut curling cream.
3. Eco style gel.
What is your current passion/What drives you?
My current passion is school. I have neglected going back to school for 3 years now and I'm excited. Not only to go back and finish what I've started but to accomplish more, now that I have structure. My future/career goals motivates me. I want to be at my best not only for myself but for my family. I also have a 5 year old brother who looks up to me, I refuse to let him down.
Do you have a favorite Quote/ What is it why?
I'm not sure if this is considered a quote but I saw a post on Instagram that stuck with me:
"Women should empower each other instead of being hateful and envious of one another."Not sure who said it but I love it! It's soooo refreshing to see a woman give another woman a compliment. "Your hair is poppin." "Why are you so pretty?" "I love that lip color on you." "Your style is unique." Saying things like that are simple gestures that can make a woman's day. We don't have to hate or envy one another or think we are in a competition with each other. It's okay to be nice, we don't have to constantly tear each other down.
What does living "au naturel " mean to you?
Living au naturel means accepting who you are. Whether it's the freckles on your face, your scars you might have obtained in an accident or your kinky hair texture. Not hiding behind weave because your big chop makes you look like a boy, drowning your original beauty in make up or enhancing your body to look like what society thinks you should look like. We were given flaws for a reason. The more we love our flaws, the more we love ourselves. Self love is the best love.
What is your favorite activity to do in South Florida?
South Florida has so much to offer. There's the beach, occasional parties, a variety of restaurants and lounges but I've acquired a new found love for Wynwood. So many things to do down there, whether it's a dope, outside chill vibe or walking the streets admiring art work.