When was the last time you tried something new?

I used to have an afro and from there had dreadlocks. I was in touch with my artistic side, I used to write and perform poetry. My definition of an African woman was her natural hair, it must either be an afro or dreadlocks. I looked up to South African artists like Thandiswa Mazwai, Simphiwe Dana and Lebo Mashile. These women were an inspiration to my artistic life, even the way I dressed was inspired by them. I didn't dress in the latest fashion, Ftv was not fashionable for me.

I loved hip hop and soul, my favourite artist is and was Erykah Badu. I also listened to The Roots,  Arrested Development, Common and Dead Prez. I lived in a world that looked down on weaves, manicures and pedicures. Relaxed her was the last thing I would think of doing to my hair.

I had a friend, who was also my housemate, Mandla and suggested I cut my dreadlocks. I took as an insult and told him where to get off. One saturday evening, Mandla was on my case again with cutting my dreadlocks. After a few glasses of wine, I took the scissors and cut my dear dreadlocks. After that we burnt them and I prayed for my new lease on life. I got rid of all the clothes I used to wear. I felt the dreadlocks had carried my past, my mistakes, my weaknesses, my failures and hindered on my growth.

I wanted something I had never experienced before, I wanted to go back to university to educate myself. My life changed slowly, I got a bursary to study Public Relations. My friends were sifted to the new look I now have. Now I get my hair did, my nails did, I wear heels and love fashion. I tried something new and I loved it!