Dear Hair Smoothie Gang,
As we stand on the threshold of a new year, I hope to engage you in a conversation that dives into the roots of our identity, exploring the tangled vines of self-perception and the deeply ingrained narratives we carry. This journey requires us to be candid, to unearth the uncomfortable truths, and to collectively address the shadows left by our colonial past. (Yes i'm bout to go there)
Hair, much like skin tone, has always been a silent deciding factor in our invisible social hierarchy. The length and texture of our hair can unwittingly become instruments of division, subtly reinforcing notions of beauty.
Growing up as a “mixed” kid in Jamaica I lived a very contradicting life.
What the heck does that even mean Shadé?
Well on a count of my indian mom and black dad i was somewhere in the middle. Always “too black”, “not black enough” or “too Indian”, “not Indian enough”. I vividly remember numerous occasions where my beauty was in question because even though I possessed the “precious brown skin” my hair was a little too coily growing out and up rather than down my back.
Being raised by my very Indian grandmother she did her best to shelter me as much as possible, learning all she could to care for this mystical hair texture that was like a foreign land to her. However, she was not always around to protect me from the world and I often learnt the hard way that the world isn't always an accepting place.
I was a very observant child and that paired with the stifling need to please people, made life interesting to say the least. There was once a conversation between my grandmother and an aunt (who I love dearly) that like all the rest will live rent free in my head until the end of time. It went something like this, “Liz (my grandmother) weh yuh ago do wid deh kiyah (idk how you spell that) deh? Yuh haffi go perm it man fi mek it likkle more manageable” let me translate- “Liz what are you going to do with that nappy hair? You are going to have to perm it to make it a bit more manageable.”
Now you may be thinking well Shade, that’s not soooo bad, I mean she was just trying to make life a little more simple for you and your grandmother. I know you were crying through the whole wash day back then, and well yes you are a 100% time I started crying the second she picked the comb up but that's not the part that sticks with me. My aunt (who again i love dearly) continued to say “she is pretty ino, have nice clean skin and shape good like har madda but deh hair deh man, dat a har downfall.” again let me translate- “ she is very pretty with beautiful skin and curves just like her mom however her hair is where she falls short”
Less than 2 weeks later I had convinced my grandmother to perm my hair. Managing to never mention my aunt who had planted the final seed that tampered enough with my self confidences to make me break. Yes you heard me right, there were several moments that my self love was tested like in the 4th grade when a classmate made a joke that even if he were to cut off an entire section of my hair I wouldn't be able to tell the differences because it was just so thick. I'm honestly still not sure how he managed to convince me that what he said was a bad thing but he did.
In the spirit of the new year, let us courageously confront the self-hating legacy we have been handed.. It lingers in the unspoken, whispering doubts about the beauty of our hair, our skin, and our very essence,traveling through generations, unknowingly passed on from not only parents but the entire community to our children.
In spite of it all, as the CEO of Hair Smoothie, a brand born from the vibrant soil of Jamaica, I am committed to more than just providing exceptional hair care products. I am committed to fostering a community that dismantles these harmful narratives, a community that stands united in the face of self-hate and says, "No more."
Hair Smoothie is not just a brand; it is a safe haven, a sanctuary where individuals can strip away the layers of conditioning and embrace their authentic selves. Our mission is to create a space where every hair type is celebrated, where the length and texture are not measures of worth but expressions of individuality.
In the coming year, Hair Smoothie is embarking on a journey to debunk the myths surrounding hair and self-worth. We are initiating conversations, providing resources, and cultivating an environment where we can learn, unlearn, and grow together. Through our community, we aim to foster appreciation for the diversity of our hair types.
We also hope this serves as a gentle reminder that we need to breathe positive life into our children. Watch what we say to and about them or even about ourselves. Let us try to be the best role models we possibly can. After all, they are our future!
Wishing you all a Happy New Year filled with self-discovery, growth, and the beauty of embracing your authentic self.
With love and gratitude,
Shadé Mckenzie
CEO, Hair Smoothie