- Where do you live and what do you do? 

I currently live in Sunny San Diego, California. I’m an artist and I operate a small print and jewelry business ‘To the Nile’  as well as a content creator for various wellness brands and sustainable businesses. 

- How would you describe your hair? 

It’s very curly, coarse and has a mind of its own :)

- How does your hair make you feel? 

My hair makes me feel happy, radiant and proud of my North African and Mexican roots.

- Have you always felt this way about your hair or has it changed over time? 

It’s definitely changed since I was about 15, growing up I always had a hard time with learning how to properly care for it. My mom used to brush it out and tie it up in this super tight ponytail- it used to hurt so bad. Once I got to high school is when I really started to learn about how to care for my curls and texture- cowash was a game changer for me! That’s when I began to love my hair in its all natural state and I started to just let it down and let it flow really big- I loved it because it felt like I wasn’t hiding who I was, it was always a statement. That was the beginning of identity and self love for me.

- What is your current hair care routine? 

I co-wash my hair 1-2 times a week with a very gentle vegan shampoo and conditioner by CHLF and then I detangle my hair with a pick in the shower or wide tooth comb, sometimes I’ll even just use my fingertips. After the shower I wrap my hair to dry in a light weight turkish towel so that it keeps the curls defined and not frizzy. After that I’ll apply an oil and then finish it with ‘Mixed Chicks’ leave- in moisturizer and then let it air dry.

- What other daily rituals do you lean into the most? 

Right now I’m loving an adaptogenic herbal mushroom tea with my fifteen minute morning meditations followed by a DIY facial massage that helps to release tension. 

- What are your favorite holiday rituals? And how will you keep them alive this year? 

My favorite holiday rituals are solely getting together with loved ones and sharing a home cooked meal together and saying grace. This year is going to be very different due to the pandemic, so we won’t all be all getting together in the physical but I have started making a list of all the things I’m grateful for and things I want to do to give back to the community or someone in need.

- You seem like you choose amazing gifts, we'd love to hear about your gift ideas! What are you planning to gift your family, best friend, significant other (if applicable) , and yourself?

I actually really love giving gifts, It's one of my love languages. I prefer gifting year round but as far as Christmas gifts go I am getting my mom her favorite perfume by Coco Chanel, my best friend a pair of handcrafted silver earrings I bought at a flea market on my recent trip to Mexico city and my boyfriend a culinary mushroom kit so he can grow his own mushrooms like Lions Mane and Pink Oysters.