I loved black culture and my Nigerian heritage, but it often felt like my surroundings left little space for either to be appreciated. Being one of the few black faces in school, having extremely sensitive skin with severe eczema rashes, a plus-sized body, and being told over and over again that only straight hairstyles were professional; I was at constant war with myself. Experimenting with hair, makeup and clothes was the perfect opportunity to create a facade of confidence. Behind the cute hairstyles, nice clothes, and a full face of makeup I felt like a "somebody". A somebody that was acceptable, beautiful, worthy, professional and capable. I'm grateful for all the painful experiences and beautiful souls that graced my life and dared me to love myself with the same intensity, patience and confidence that I love others with. In 2015 I stopped relaxing my hair and began my personal natural hair journey. It was the biggest breath of fresh air. I suddenly felt like myself. To my surprise I liked the real me.