Posted in Hair, Home | Wednesday, June 23rd, 2010
Fleurzty is the mastermind behind Texture Playground. She is like my blogging “auntie”. She totally gave me my first push back in January with a feature on her blog, Who’s Who with Savvy Brown. I had the pleasure of meeting her last month in VA when I was there for a wedding, and she is really beautiful in person! So are her lovely son and husband. (I think Sexy and him had to plenty to talk about, what with their blog-crazy wives and all). I was thrilled when she agreed to do this interview, and she shares some great advice on everything from low-budget natural hair tips to how to balance a busy schedule with blogging. Fleurtzy has started her own line of natural hair care products that can be found in Boutique de Fleurzty with all-natural ingredients. She even shares how she balances her hectic schedule with her family….
When and why did you decide to go natural?
I went natural in 2004. It was a combination of reasons really that I think started with a comment my now husband made. We had evening plans and I was very strongly considering canceling because I showed up to the salon and it was closed. It was time for a relaxer, so I had a mini-fit and did not know what to do with my hair. He looked at me, and said “Something is not right with this picture. I guess you can stay home if your hair isn’t freshly done” in his very sarcastic voice of course. It stayed with me, and I began to think “well, why won’t I go out with my hair like this. When did I stop knowing how to ‘handle’ my own hair”, especially since my hair had only been relaxed for five years. The thoughts just kept coming, and soon they led to a strong determination to grow my hair out.
What inspired you to start blogging?
I have always documented my hair journey. I began paying attention to what worked and what didn’t early on. I also always had a fascination for good products. With time, I began wanting to share my documentation with others, and hopefully share some of the knowledge I had been soaking up. At the time I began blogging, I was a stay-at-home mom who not only saw it as sharing but also an outlet, and a way to stay busy during my little one’s down times. I had the time and blogging turned out to be a way to use it productively.
Your products at Boutique De Fleurzty are a hit! And they have all-natural ingredients. What inspired you to make your own products?
I love mixing hair concoctions. I love experiments that go well and those that don’t. Very much like any other aspect of my hair experiences, my products began with a thought. A thought that would not go away! I was nervous, and for a while unsure of whether I wanted to commit myself to creating products. I have always thought there are many great product lines out there, so I had to have a vision, a purpose and actually see a need to start my own line. I did not want to have products just to have them! After I stabilized my first few formulas (some of which are not yet for sale), I sent some to my family and their hair were thriving with them.
My goal then became to offer products that work effectively and give great hair days in a few steps. The four products currently available have definitely done just that for many women. I get emails from women who are excited because they achieved fabulous twist-outs or wash and go’s with using one or two products. I believe that’s why the products are a hit. They focus on freeing your time without sacrificing hair health, shine, moisture, definition or softness. All the things that many products achieved when combined.
How do you balance your day-job, the blog and the Boutique?
It is a task to say the list! I have very long days and keep a calendar. I have a toddler, so my days are not perfectly planned but I do try to stay on task and on schedule. Fortunately, I work outside of the home four days, so Fridays are the time I spend with my family and tie loose ends with orders and products. I enjoy every moment of it all and look to filling orders with such excitement. It also helps that my family is on board. My son reads and plays with Legos while I answer emails and write blog posts and my husband puts him to bed at night, and many times stays up packing boxes. It is definitely a family affair, and I am glad that we all work together to see that the Boutique is a well-suited part of our life, not just a little time-consuming addition of mine.
What’s your advice to ladies that are on the fence about transitioning?
Going natural is a tremendous experience, not because your hair will grow a certain way but it gives you back options and a sense of control. Everyone’s hair is different, so find your own hair and love it for what it looks like, and surely it will thrive. There is a ton of information available now, so absorb, absorb and absorb. Knowledge is power and as you learn more about your hair, you can decide if it is a decision you want to make.
What’s your cost-saving advice to naturalista’s on a budget?
Find products that are effective!!! The cheapest products are not always the best, nor do they give you the best saving. It is counterproductive to buy cheaper products in efforts to save, but having to purchase eight (8) of them. Look for the savings where they really are because many times it extends beyond the price tag. Also, once you have found your staple products, stick to them and only try other products if absolutely necessary. Many times, you can also catch sales and stock up on your essentials. Another very effective way to save on products is to wear protective styles. When your hair is tucked away, it typically requires fewer products to preserve the style and keep your hair hydrated. This technique is a double-win because hair is that is protected thrives.
Wonderful advice Fleurzty! Thanks so much for sharing!
Please support Fleurzty by checking out her site Texture Playground and her products at Boutique de Fleurzty
Sher’s also on twitter as @Fleurzty
About Savvy Brown
I believe being healthy doesn't have to be complicated, being green can be easy and being broke isn't an option!
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Source: piccsy.com via Savvy on Pinterest
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Great interview! You and Savvy both are inspirations.
@Scottie. Awww. Thanks
Awesome interview Savvy. Fleurtzy is such an awesome person!
@Sasha-Shae. Isn’t she great? Thanks!
I have been natural for 5 years and feel so blessed to have come across your blog! You are truly making a difference….
Although I’ve been natural I wasn’t taking the best care of my hair and had a bad case of hand in hair…I’ve been rocking two strand twists with flat twists in the front for too long! Do you have suggestions for protective styles for shorter hair?
I have been natural for 5 years and feel so blessed to have come across your blog! You are truly making a difference….
Although I’ve been natural I wasn’t taking the best care of my hair and had a bad case of hand in hair…I’ve been rocking two strand twists with flat twists in the front for too long! Do you have suggestions for protective styles for shorter hair?
Thank you so MUCH I’m so glad you like my little blog! When my hair was shorter, I rocked the twists with a head band or scarf at the front to protect my edges. I also rocked buns, and when my hair was about 3 or 4 inches, I started doing this occassionally. I tucked and pinned the edges under and used a comb at the back to do the same. HTH!