NappturallyYours: Friday's Featured Nappturalista

Co-founder of BehindTheRhymes.com, Jessalyn Gray

Thanks for stopping in and chatting with us at NappturallyYours. It's always a pleasure to share up and coming Nappturalistas with the NappturallyYours Universe!

I'm a 22 year old writer, co-founder of behindtherhymes.com, and intern for hip-hop blog [www.]Killerboombox.com and a server during daylight hours.

I wanted to do something that has never been done before. A lot of times in the blogging world things are repetitive and you really have to be different to stick out and make a mark. I combined 2 of my loves music and writing and came up with the concept of putting the spotlight on the people BEHIND hip-hop [those] that help make these records successful. I found a partner, JoJo ( you can follow her on twitter @JOJO_HARDWORKER) and behind the rhymes was born.

Okay, now I know music's the passion behind your work, but hair is the passion behind this site. So firstly, what inspired you to go natural?

I wanted a change in my life overall. Up until I was, about, 18 I felt like I didn't have my own place in the world; so when I was 21, I decided I wanted to redefine who I was as a person and becoming natural was one of the many ways I marked my beginning.

How was your transition? Was it difficult for you? Or did you settle into it with ease?

I started off transitioning and couldn't deal, lol, so I came to my mother, who is a cosmetologist, and told her to chop it all off! I loved it from the minute I saw it! The only thing to me that was the most problematic was finding a product that suits my hair.

We all know that caring for natural hair takes a bit of dedication and time. How do you balance the demands of your career with those of keeping your hair healthy?

My hair is very good to me, lol, therefore I don't really have to do much; keep it clean and moisturized and it cooperates!

I have to have detangler, a oil based product and water! My hair would hate me if I didn't use them.

I know you told us your holy grail products, but are there any brands that you're fond of? Are you a homemade kind of gal?

I'm kinda all over [the place] with products but what I use most out of everything is Mizani.

What's your hair care regimen?

That honestly depends on what I'm doing to my hair that week. But for a basic week it's wash on the weekends, and detangle.

For me it was blending textures and time. It drove me crazy which is why I big chopped.

No actually! I could never imagine going back now seeing the difference between my hair then and now. It's changed the texture of my hair for the better, it's back to the way it was before the creamy crack and I love it!

I say don't do it because you think it's the cool thing to [do]. Yes, being natural does have its perks but it's a lot to manage. You're hair is your crown! Take care of it be it relaxed or natural! I think a lot of people are under the impression that it's easier than being relaxed and it's less work but you need to take care of it regardless!

Lastly, this is your moment for shameless promotion. Please, tell the readers how they can learn more about Behind The Rhymes, you, and any other projects you may have on the come up.

To learn more about Behind The Rhymes you can follow us on twitter @BehindTheRhymes and check out our site at BehindTheRhymes.com! You can also email us at BehindTheRhymes1@gmail.com or btrintern12@gmail.com. You can follow me on twitter @JazzyJazBTR. I have a new YouTube show coming soon, so does behind the rhymes so stay tuned to my twitter for details!

NappturallyYours