Naturals on the Move is our NEW weekly spotlight on naturals, who are "SHE-ROS" doing great things in their careers and/or communities. We were inspired by these ladies and we hope that you will be inspired by their beauty, strength, and tenacity.
Meosha Thomas, age 32, is the founder of One Savvy Veteran, a non profit in Chicago, Illinois that provides services for women veterans.
How long have you been natural?
I decided to go natural once I discovered I was pregnant with my youngest daughter. I began my natural hair journey in October 2010, almost 4 years ago. However, my hair had outgrown all the relaxer by February 2012.
How do you describe your hair?
I have 4A hair type. My hair is thick and healthy with a coily springy curl pattern. My hair is just as beautifully fierce and willfully free as me.
How did you transition to natural?
I did not big chop (my head is too big for that, lol) I transitioned my hair, allowing the relaxer to grow out. I wore protective styles such as braids and sew-ins during my transition to combat the two different textures in my hair. It took 16 months to be rid of all the relaxer. Transitioning my hair definitely taught me patience, creativity and love for my hair and myself. I fell in love with my hair, its texture and curl pattern. Like any relationship, I had some rough patches (literally) but I learned what worked for my hair and to work with my hair.
What is your weekly hair regimen?
I shampoo, deep condition, and detangle my hair twice a week, usually Thursdays and Sundays. After conditioning, I two strand twist my hair, then put Bantu knots in it. I will leave twists/Bantu knots in my hair for at least a day before I take them out so my curls can be extremely defined. I moisturize my scalp daily with a light crème and sleep with a satin bonnet every night.
What are your staple products?
Luster's You Be Natural "Tangle Me Knot" Detangling shampoo
Luster's You Be Natural "Mayonnaise Conditioner"
Cantu Shea Butter Leave-in conditioner
Aunt Jackie's Curls and Coils "Knot on my watch" Instant Detangle therapy
Tell us about how and why you started One Savvy Veteran.
I served 10 years active duty in the United States Navy before I was injured supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. I was honorably discharged and retired from military service due to my extensive injuries and sent home in 2010. When I returned home, it was hard to find a place that had all the information I needed to help me transition from military service to civilian life. The few organizations I did find gave inaccurate information. It was a very frustrating and lonely time in my life. In the military, we are a part of a team with a purpose. I was isolated and missed the camaraderie that comes with the sisterhood of military service. I also noticed that as few services as there were for veterans, there was even FEWER services for women veterans. My mother instilled in me that “if you are not a part of the solution, then you are a part of the problem.” I wanted to create an organization that I did not have when I got out of the military. An organization that encouraged, educated and empowered women veterans helping them successfully navigate from military service to civilian life. One Savvy Veteran is a source of support, assistance, resources and camaraderie for women veterans. I created a solution like my mother taught me and the military trained me.
Tell us how the readers might find out more info and/ or contribute to One Savvy Veteran.
For more info on One Savvy Veteran please visit https://www.facebook.com/one.
If you would like to contribute to our cause please donate at http://www.gofundme.com/
A SPECIAL thanks to Meosha Thomas for enthusiastically agreeing to be our FIRST featured Natural on the Move. We are grateful for her tireless efforts to provide quality services for our veterans. We know that her work is making a difference in the lives of our veterans. She is an inspiration to us ALL!!!
