Canada’s natural hair community is as vibrant as anywhere else, thanks to bloggers like Nel G, who inspires naturalistas all over Canada—and beyond—with Racines Crepues.
Inspired by women and artists she admired like India.Irie, Janelle Monae, Lauryn Hill, who wore non-permed styles, Nel started to do research on natural hair in late 2009. Most of the sites and resources she came across were based in either France or the USA. It occurred to her to start one for the Quebec area to chronicle her transition to natural hair, and to help those who were thinking of doing the same. The then-20-year-old launched Racines Crepues, her natural hair community in late 2009, thereby combining her life-long hobbies of reading and writing with her growing passion for natural hair. Her site is in French, but she has a translation feature on it to assist non-French naturalistas who may stumble upon it.
Nel G’s presence on Facebook is impressive, with her current fan base at 9700 fans. Racines Crepues presence is especially felt on YouTube where Nel G has created over 50 videos and amassed more than 7,000 subscribers. On that platform, she tests and reviews products for her readers, and shows them how to twist and lock their own hair. She also offers fun videos about her natural hair transition journey.
The natural hair entrepreneur’s diligence has been recognized. Racines Crepues recently won an MiB Award—an honor given to Canada-based blogs changing the digital landscape—in the beauty category.
A resident of Montreal, Quebec, the kinks-and-coils-promoting naturalista has a Bachelor’s Degree in French Literature.
Kreyolicious: Our childhoods shape us a great deal. When you were little, what was your perception of hair?
I grew up in Haiti until I was 10, so pretty much everyone had the same kind of hair. Like a lot of black mothers in that time, my mother did not particularly know how to take proper care of my hair. It was very painful to detangle and to comb, so I hated it every time she washed it. I always thought that black hair was coarse and untamable, so I envied the long, straight hair of my friends when I came to live in Canada. I used to put on a skirt on my hair to mimic white people’s hair! [My hair] was permed at 12 like a lot of other little girls, and I thought that was the only thing a black girl could do with her hair.
Kreyolicious: The natural hair movement seems to be all over. What’s the natural hair community like in Canada?
I will talk for Quebec—where I live—because the rest of Canada is big. The natural hair community is less huge than in other places. There are fewer black people in Canada than in the States or in Europe, and as a result, I feel like the black community is more scattered. It’s not always a bad thing, because there are less ghettos and more integration with the general society. I live in a very multicultural place. I feel like black people here in Montreal struggle less to stay connected with their roots because most of us are first and second-generation immigrants, so we feel less the need to make big events about our hair for example. Of course, there are more and more events, but not to the extent of the big hair shows held in the States. There are fewer blogs, few stores and natural hair salons, and almost all of them are concentrated in and around the city of Montreal—which can be very frustrating for people who live far from there.
Kreyolicious: When did you realize that you were a huge force in the natural hair community?
When people started to recognize me on the streets! I’m really shy in real life, so I don’t always know how to react and talk to people. But they’re always so nice to me, and I’m glad that I made such an impression online that people remember my face and name. Also, when I started to receive media invites to some events, and brands wanted me to give advice on their products.
Kreyolicious: What do you think has contributed to the growth of your brand?
I think that I’m genuine in what I do. I just want to help people take better care of their hair and break all the misconceptions we have had about black hair. I also take time to acknowledge and answer emails or comments I get and I try to have a professional, but friendly attitude with my readership.
Kreyolicious: Towards the beginning, did you ever have those moments when you wanted to give up?
In the beginning, I was only doing a kind of public journal or diary to share my own experience and maybe help people like me. I did not expect any kind of money or fame. The moments I wanted to give up came only after a few years, when I felt some people were trying to take advantage of the success I had. What started as a hobby was becoming a heavy workload and I didn’t feel happy anymore about it. I also didn’t like the curve the natural hair community was taking, with more and more fights, shady business, marketing and a lot of consumerism. I do want to grow as person or even as a brand, but not at any cost.
Kreyolicious: How did you keep your head above water?
By reminding myself why and how I started, and by remaining authentic and true to my values. I developed a [set] of ethics, so and now I’m more confident with what I do, and I know when I have to say no. But, the most important thing are the messages I get from my readers everyday, reminding me how I help them with my work. These messages are really encouraging and are the reason I continue the blog. I’m very grateful for that.
Kreyolicious: What advice would you give to those out there who’d like to go natural?
Do research—but don’t go crazy! There is so much online right now…so many websites, videos and hair gurus…so much lingo to learn! Don’t try to emulate someone else’s hair. Don’t be envious of other girls’ texture, curl patterns or length. Work with your own hair. Learn what works for it. It will take time, but be patient. And don’t spend all your money on the newest lines of products. So much of us go natural to save money, yet spend all of our money on every single product we come across. No product does miracles—and most of the time—less is more.
Kreyolicious: And what would you say to someone who’s trying to build an online community?
Each and every person has their own reason to start an online community, so I would say…write down that reason and try to stay focused. Chase opportunities, be quick when they show up, but don’t harass people and don’t be greedy. You have a lot to give before you receive something. Keep your fan base satisfied and they will be the one to bring you new members for your community to grow. Try to learn something, teach something and share as much as you can!
Kreyolicious: How do you stay connected to Haitian culture?
My family—and on another level—the Internet, help me stay connected to my roots. I still speak Creole, eat Haitian food, read the works of Haitian novel writers, and watch some Haitian movies. I will admit it is hard, as I have not gone back to Haiti since I left 15 years ago. I consider myself a “Citizen of the World” mostly. My memories as a child and what I learned in school in Haiti are also the best connection I have with my Haitian roots.
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