How old were you in 1998? Were you wearing your hair curly back then? Still relaxing? These are the questions that came up here at NaturallyCurly headquarters when we reflected on our launch 15 years ago.
Here’s a look at the NaturallyCurly team back in 1998, school photos, boy scouts, glamour shots and all! There’s even a classic banister pose.
NaturallyCurly in 1998
Michelle Breyer and Gretchen Heber
These curly girl co-founders are the reason the site exists. Back in 1998 they were rocking their curls and running the site as a hobby. Today, Michelle spreads the curly love wherever she can—working with stylists and major curly hair brands to make sure your needs are heard.
Lori Kerrigan
Lori is our Vice President of Integrated Media. She is committed to creating great partnerships with the curly brands you love! When she’s not talking to brands, she’s on Pinterest pinning DIY projects. Back in 1998, she was rocking some amazing big curls and jeans. Those are totally back in style now!
Priscilla Sodeke
Priscilla is one of our beloved graphic designers who creates beautiful graphics for the site. She is the brilliant illustrator responsible for our “Draw My Life” video, the Story of NaturallyCurly. Today she’s proud to be natural, but back in 1998 Priscilla was 11 and still a closet curly who relaxed her hair.
Crista Bailey
Crista is our CEO who came to NaturallyCurly through the Angel Network back in 2007. She has straight hair, but she is a strong proponent of the curly hair revolution and has a curly heart. Back in 1998 when NaturallyCurly.com was born, she was rocking her naturally straight hair in California.
Joel Davis
Joel is known around here as “the numbers guy,” but more officially he is our Business Analyst tasked with reporting our day-to-day wins. When he’s not knee deep in Google Analytics, he’s sharing interesting facts with the team and making sure we all get paid! Back in 1998, he was an itty-bitty cub scout with blonde shaggy hair.
Nicole Binnicker
Nicole is our savvy Senior Account Manager. She works with the Integrated Media team to build creative campaigns that engage and reward our readers. Today, she has silky waves, but back in 1998 Nicole was straightening and dying her hair red. Look at those layers!
Jeff Winesett
Jeff is our Vice President of Technology here at NaturallyCurly, tasked with keeping our site up and running smoothly. He works with marketers, editors, designers and account managers to make sure we’re building the best site for our readers. Back in 1998 he was a model for a Chinese department store—yes, we have a male model in our midst!
Alli Stinson
Alli is our fun-loving Vice President of Marketing. She manages the daily tasks of keeping the site fresh, fun and valuable for our readers. If there’s a new project happening throughout our network, chances are Alli has her hands in it. Back in 1998, she was rocking a wavy pixie cut—very Meg Ryan-esque!
Susonnah Gonzalez
Susonnah is our SEO Strategist who works with developers and editors to make sure our content is found on Google. When she’s not optimizing the site, she’s experimenting and trying different products on her wavy hair. Back in 1998, she was in third grade with “spaghetti hair that was too thin for even a hair tie to hold.”
Julissa Pacheco
Julissa was the famous baby-sitter who went on to be the very first CurlMart employee. Back in 1998, she was a cheerleader/baby sitter for Gretchen, and she’s always had curl pride. See her rocking her that Afro-wig? Today she works in CurlMart, making sure all of you get the products you ordered.
Clare Szabo
Clare is one of our savvy designers who work to make our site look sexy and fun. When she’s not designing email templates or site skins, she’s creating outstanding infographics that are sure to be seen on Pinterest. Back in 1998 she was really into headbands to hold back her short, wavy hair.
Cristina Cleveland
You may recognize her from various wavy hair tutorials, or her incredible video “Long to Short Pixie Haircut.” Cristina is our Content Editor, and she works with writers, designers and marketers to make sure our content meets your curly education needs. Back in 1998, Cristina was only 12 years old and battling her curls with a blow dryer and Sun-In.
Nikki Green
Nikki is a new addition to the NaturallyCurly family, and we’re so glad to have her! By day, Nikki acts as our Email Marketing Manager–sending you the latest happenings on our site right to your inbox. By night, she’s an avid blogger and fashionista. In 1998, Nikki wore her hair straight and was in 6th grade.
Jamie Klazmer
Jamie is one of our dedicated Account Managers. She handles the day-to-day task of communicating with brands to ensure their campaigns go smoothly. When she’s not working, there’s a 99% chance you’ll find her at the nearest Fro-Yo spot. Back in 1998, Jamie was still learning how to care for her curls, so she often braided it and rolled it into a bun.
Evelyn Ngugi
Evelyn is one of our own mini-celebrities here at NaturallyCurly. As Social Media Manager, she shares content, engages with our community and of course moderates our awesome social events. When she’s not on social media, she’s editing videos for our channel. Back in 1998, Evelyn was 8 years old and rocking hats over her relaxed hair.
