Feature Friday! That Artista

Ahh so its been awhile since I've had a Feature Friday but I am SO excited to have them back up and running and especially with the beautiful and super sweet Philece also known as @ThatArtista! I realized that one of the reasons I love feature friday is because I usually build relationships with people through Instagram, but then I really get to know them through these interviews! I've always felt a connection with Philece but now I feel like I know her own a whole other level! Check it out to read this awesome interview!1. Name and where you are from:My name is Philece and I am from Nassau, Bahamas.2. Tell us about yourself!I am a beach bum, who loves to read and adores my alone time. My family is everything, I'm a bit of a goofball and I happen to spend my days doing what I love as Fine Artist and Graphic Designer. A hopeful romantic, lover of all things positive and Mother to a little fur ball named Taz who's like a little bossy human trapped in the body of a dog.3. How long have you been natural and what made you decide to do so?After my last relaxer in January of 2003 I decided it would be my last. It no longer got my hair as straight as I would like, so I was spending money on something that didn't give me the results I desired and that contained harsh chemicals. The thing is in all of the years that my hair was relaxed, I still wore it curly and only got it relaxed maybe 3-4 times a year. For me it was more about manageability thank keeping it straight. Over 11 years later and I would not change a thing!4. How would you describe your hair?My hair has a mind of it's own, it is wild and carefree, a true reflection of my spirit. No two days are the same!5. What is your natural hair regimen (including the products you use)?What a typical wash day looks like for me…

• Finger detangle (Spectrum) Unrefined Organic Coconut Oil, finishing with a little scalp massage.
• Co-wash with Tresemmé Naturals Conditioner. Once or twice a month to remove build up, I do I do an ACV rinse or I shampoo with Shea Moisture's Coconut and Hibiscus Curl and Shine Shampoo (it is the only one that I have used for years).
• Deep Condition with Shea Moisture's Raw Shea Butter Deep Treatment Masque/Yucca & Baobab Anti-Breakage Masque. I also make my own to switch things up every so often and that usually consists of some combination of coconut/olive oil, avocado, eggs, fresh aloe vera and honey. It all depends on what I have on hand. At a minimum I deep condition every other week.
• For my leave in my go to for years has been Shea Moisture's Raw Shea Butter Restorative Conditioner and it is my absolute FAVORITE! I also keep Giovanni Direct Leave In and Kinky Curly Knot today on hand for when it is time for my product switch.
• Shea Moisture's Curl and Style Milk/Smoothie I sometimes use on freshly washed hair but mostly to refresh my hair if needed as throughout the week with a little water. Oh and because they smell absolutely divine!
• I seal with either Aloe Vera gel/juice or coconut oil.

This is a new and slightly different regimen for me here recently. I like to switch my products up about 3-4 times a year so my hair doesn't get too used to the same products and since recently moving back home, the climate change has had some effect on my hair. So I had to adjust accordingly. I love trying new products but I am not a product junkie, I stick to what works works!6. How do you retain your length and keep your hair healthy?Moisture and diet have everything to do with the health and length of my hair. My hair can be thirsty and dry hair leads to breakage inhibiting length retention. More importantly it's about moisture from the inside out. What you put in your body is just as important as what you put on your hair. A healthy diet and water consumption are the key contributing factors to the health of my hair. Sometimes I fall off, nobody is perfect right? But my hair and skin will be quick to remind me to get it together!I also do my best to be gentle with my hair. We all have those moments of frustration on wash day sometimes and yes there have been times when a knot will drive me crazy and I just pop it out (lets not do that lol). So I make a conscious effort when detangling and styling to be as gentle and patient with my hair as possible. I have cut my hair so many times, having gone from a pixie cut to waist length hair and every length in between over the years. It has always been health over length for me. I have never really had any length goals, my only focus being on maintaing the health of my hair. The beautiful part about that is when your hair is healthy the length will come!7. What is your favorite natural hairstyle?Hands down I am a wash and go girl! I have been washing and going since I was old enough to do my own hair and that's something that has never changed.8. Who is your hair crush?There are way too many natural beauties for me to have one hair crush! So how about this?! I just love seeing a healthy beautiful head of hair of any length or texture!9. What is the greatest lesson you’ve learned during your natural hair journey?Moisture, moisture, moisture! Water is my hair's best friend. That frizz and shrinkage are not the worst things in the world lol and most importantly to just embrace and enjoy the versatility of my hair.10. I love your art! What inspires you to paint and draw?Thank you! I always say inspiration is everywhere because that's exactly where I find it. I am inspired by the strength and stories of women, beauty, classic and unconventional, struggle and chaos, simplicity and happiness, nature and music. There is always a story behind my work, may it be based on an emotion or the journey of another. I find beauty in the little things, appreciating the blessings in lessons and allowing all facets of life to be a sure of inspiration!11. What does your art mean to you?My art means a pure unadulterated freedom to explore life's truth's through visually expressing in a way that is unique to me. Never for a second taking for granted the gift that I have been blessed with.12. What is your favorite life lesson?One of my favorite quotes by Brigitte Bardot speaks to my spirit and encompasses one of my biggest life lessons. "My wild and free side unsettled some, and unwedged others."My happiness is not determined by man, but by God and the tools in which he has blessed me with to live my life completely and fearlessly. Know your worth, stand firm in what you believe and be true to yourself. Being true to yourself allows your light to shine for those around you as well. The road won't always be easy, you may encounter resistance, sometimes from those closest to you. You can't please everyone no matter how hard you try. The story of your life is yours alone and the only one you have. Make it magical!13. Is there a website/blog/Twitter/Instagram where we can find you?More of my work may be viewed via my website at www.thatArtista.com. Swing by the site, enjoy the art, say hello!Twitter/Instagram/Tumblr/Facebook - thatArtista14. Is there any other advice you’d like to leave us with?Be grateful for the lessons as much as you are for the blessings. Life is as grand as you make it, live and love limitlessly and always be open to the beauty of unexpected possibilities.xoxo