Celebrating Black Beauty: Q&A with Content Creator Natasha Cannon

Here at oVertone, we believe that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. It ‘s FOR all. In honor of Black History Month, we invited Content Creator Natasha Cannon (@msfancycannon) to chat with us about celebrating Black beauty, her natural hair journey and the importance of embracing our authentic selves. 

Keep scrolling to read the interview below.

Q: What does Black History Month mean to you?

A: For me, Black History Month is a celebration of life. My life. My history…finding out about who I am. As an American person, you don’t know a lot about yourself through what you’re taught and the books you read—unless you go ahead and do your own research

It’s an opportunity to hone in on that and learn something about my history that I didn’t know. It can be exciting, it can be sad and sometimes it’s just interesting. And I kind of feel childlike because it’s a new discovery. 

Q: Tell us three things you love about your heritage and culture.

A: I love that we look good no matter what. I love how we can overcome challenges. And  I love our eclectic beauty.

Q: What was the first lesson you learned about caring for your hair?

A: I learned that caring for my hair is both a spiritual and physical activity. 

Q: Has your perspective on your hair changed over time? 

A: Yes, absolutely. I accept my hair now, which is the biggest thing. I used to not love my hair when I was younger. I used to always have a relaxer in my hair. It would always be straight. And if it wasn’t straight, I would always wear a wig or a weave that had that type of texture, so basically, not embracing my own texture and not really feeling confident.

That all changed a couple of years ago when I decided “Ok, I want to be my authentic self, so in order to do that I need to embrace ME in every aspect.” And I have been natural for the last 3 years. 

I started to embrace my natural hair, figuring out ways to style it and wear my hair out. Buying all sorts of products, touching base with all the brands that claim to have good ingredients for natural hair.

I am on that journey, I am learning, still, what works best for my hair. And I love it! I love my afro. I love putting in extensions that represent my afro. I love having my little twists and being able to really be myself, 24/7 and not giving a damn that my hair’s not straight. It wasn’t meant to be straight, baby! 

Q: How has society contributed to the way the world views natural hair?

A: Society dictates if you or your hair is accepted. We don’t see my hair texture on TV, magazines or on a CEO generally.

Q: What challenges have you faced as a Content Creator and Person of Color?

A: As a person of color, I find that brands try to pay me less than my white peers. We talk about these things so it’s not a secret.

Q: The beauty industry has a long way to go when it comes to inclusivity. What do you think the beauty industry stands to learn from Black culture?

A: The industry stands to learn from a different perspective. We’re all so different and it should be celebrated.

Q: Are you using your platform as a way to further radical inclusion in the beauty industry?

A: I step forward by being me, being paid for my work and not being afraid to say no.

Q: Do you have any hair or beauty icons?

A: The Black Woman is my inspiration. She doesn’t need a title to be fabulous. I love when she looks good. She has always been my inspiration.

Q: Are you using your platform as a way to further radical inclusion in the beauty industry?

A: I step forward by being me, being paid for my work and not being afraid to say no.

Q: Is there anything else we should have asked you? What’s the answer?

A: How often do I change my hairstyle? The answer is sometimes every week!

Want to learn more about how Natasha celebrates Black Beauty and Black History Month? Check out her video on our Instagram Page.