Introduce yourself!
My name is Teesha aka Tee and I’m originally from San Diego but currently reside in Atlanta, GA. I am the Owner and Creator of Reciprocitee as well as the content creator for two YouTube channels- nappturalitee & reciprocitee.How long have you been natural?
I’ve been natural since 2004. I was in my last semester of college and wanted a break from my hair because I was so busy. After a few months I took my braids out and unexpectedly decided to cut off my relaxer. There wasn’t much thought to it but marked a new chapter in my life.What’s your daily hair routine?
For the most part I (at the very least”> spritz my hair with water. Nothing else is a routine…I go with the flow. I either wear a head wrap, or wear a bun. If I actually had time for my routine the night before, then I’d take out my braids or banded twists in the a.m.What are your favorite products?
Other than coconut oil and Reciprocitee body butter- I love Giovanni Deep Moisture Conditioner! I don’t really use many products.What’s your nighttime routine?
In an ideal world, I twist and band my hair in sections. If I’m wearing a braid out, I re-braid and moisturize. But since I don’t live in an ideal world- having my pillow bonnet (The WonderKer“> or satin head wrap is a must. [prodmod]
Do you ever get tired of curly hair?
If asking if I get tired of my afro-textured hair in the sense that I want to straighten it? Not at all! I love the diversity of my hair. However, if asking if I get tired of DOING my hair- that’s a different story! Protective styles are a must for me.
On your site you sell handmade natural products. Tell us more about how your natural hair journey sparked this business idea?
My “going back to natural journey” made me progressively interested in what I was eating and putting on my body. I’m learning more and more that being natural is not solely about hair. It’s about self acceptance on all fronts, being balanced, content etc. Our diets, products we use, company we keep etc. ALL have an effect on that. Reciprocitee emerged after this realization. It started off with me experimenting, then became a consistent hobby and now a business.
What are some of the most surprising myths or questions you’ve encountered?
I’ve been asked if I’m fully black…for some reason people believe wholeheartedly that black women can’t grow hair. There is no texture exclusive to any particular mixed or black race. Skin tone isn’t even a factor, so I don’t get it. Despite my race, my hair is afro textured and it grows!When did you start vlogging?
February 2012My desire is to consistently produce relevant content that helps people; not for vanity’s sake but to build self esteem and encourage people to be healthy, live holistically and in turn understand what it means to be #naturallyfine.
photo courtesy of JAS Photo Naturals Campaign
What are some of the most surprising myths or questions you’ve encountered?
I’ve been asked if I’m fully black…for some reason people believe wholeheartedly that black women can’t grow hair. There is no texture exclusive to any particular mixed or black race. Skin tone isn’t even a factor, so I don’t get it. Despite my race, my hair is afro textured and it grows!When did you start vlogging?
February 2012How did you become a successful blogger/vlogger/guru?
I chuckled at this question because I don’t see myself as a successful guru. Even if I gain 100,000 subscribers I’d still find that funny! I give what I can, when I can. My desire is to consistently produce relevant content that helps people; not for vanity’s sake but to build self esteem and encourage people to be healthy, live holistically and in turn understand what it means to be #naturallyfine.What do you like most about vlogging?
I love to receive messages from young girls who found self-esteem after watching videos of mine such as “Dear diary, I am ugly” and “You are enuf.” Those are by far my least “popular” videos but they have made the most impact in ways that matter to me.
What do you want to do beyond your site and YouTube channel?
My focus is to grow my business and expand my services. I’m currently getting my certification as an Ayuervedic health coach and plan on implementing principles into my product making. I would also like to include consultations, teaching etc. to my repertoire. The details will be figured out as I continue my studies. Stay tuned!
Do you have any advice for new bloggers/gurus or business women (what you wish someone had told you?”>
Do what you love and don’t focus on the numbers. Know that what you have to offer the world is unique and relevant to those who are meant to receive your message.
Writer Kala is the founder of the blog, The KG Lifestyle. Check it out for more hair, beauty, and lifestyle motivation! You can follow her on Instagram @TheKGLifestyle.
