Chronicles of a "Nappy Headed" Professional (I DESERVE to be Here)!

[mjsmum88]

love this... when u said 'everyone makes mistakes, but what matters is what I do after the mistake ' I knew this vid was talking to me...

[Misscreole21]

...so I'm sorry for my mistakes! God bless you Nina! I wish you all the best! :)

[Misscreole21]

Nina! Thnks soooo much for this video! I'm about to start a master and I have an interview to do an internship and my hair is natural.I really didn't know what to do until I saw this vid. If everything goes well, I will be the 1st professional of my family, this is a huge weight on my shoulders so I didn't want to spoiled my chances because of my hair. But I don't care anymore, I'm going to rock my natural hair and impress them with my knowledge and my personality (I'm still learning english...

[TheUrbanTreasure]

Thanks 4 keeping it 100%. Now we got Hermain Cain lyin to the world about race and prejudice, SMH!

[Evilkitty64]

Can ANYONE tell me what was said @9:00 - 9:02 ?

[millyt86]

This was such a blessing to my ear.. when i finaly realise how unique my mind is and how many levels i can take it, i decided to share it with those around me, however i felt like i was stupid for thinking certain things just cause the ppl around me couldnt see it as i did.they just kind of made me feel like i was not making sense n it wasnt allowing me to keep growing.today i see that there are certain seasons in our life where we must keep it to ourself and actions speaks out for us.. thanks ♥

[Kitty25cc]

Girl I sooo understand what you mean and are saying but i know how it is it's really hard to be seein in college an professional setting and just in general as a person YES YES YES being strong and saying yes you do have what it takes I understand I'm pushing more and more everyday to be the person that I want, need and deserve to be and your right nobody is gonna do it we have to do it ourselves you are sooo right LOVED this!!!

[MrXiaojie1]

I love your earrings. Beautiful doll! Now about your topics and the first comment. I think if there is no change there is no growth. A person must change to grow and succeed. I love the fact that you covered this topic. So many negative, self hating people assume that if you have nappy hair there is no way that you are qualified to do your job.  How wrong these people are. Keep up the good work.

[LawyerBarbieSings]

Glad I didn't skip your intro! I knew u were a hair and weight loss guru...didn't know u had singing and rapping skills too (AND a PhD)! God bless u, my brilliant, talented and beautiful sister!! You make me so proud!

[iverenabwa]

I love this! I thought i was just gonna watch a couple of minutes then switch over, but it didn't even seem like 18 minutes, it flew by. The raw emotion coupled with the words of wisdom made perfect sense, were inspiring and were beautiful to watch. X

[SuperNovaNatural]

I am over 50 and surprised that young people today are struggling with their identity. My experience is that I knew who I was and capable of performing the job. Very well said!

[flawssy1]

I would like to say thank you for this video!

[hypnateq]

You have really blossomed..just an absolute delight.

[creolebeauty3]

Thanks sooo much for this it was encouraging to hear. I to struggle with my hair in the professional world I can literally count on both my hands the amount of time I have turned down/ignored job oppertunities (dental assisting) because I was concerned that I wouldnt fit in with my hair. So thanks again for the encouragement.

[DivaOfAmbition]

Thanks for always being so truthful and sharing who you are with us.

[marydorce]

this is awesome. I really am encouraged. i got myself an associates degree as a paralegal and i got so discouraged to find no employment in the legal field. the next time i got back to college, i'll think it through and research the industry.

[donnieceNcourtney]

woooow, this reeeeealy spoke to me

[naturelle15]

You are so real Nina and I am proud of you being my inspiration. Amazingly beautiful in all aspects!

[LiMarie89]

Wow this video was so real and touching. Thank you for allowing God to use you to help so many of us who aspire to 'go out and get it', and be all we can be in life. I am also studying Psychology and am about to start my last year of Undergrad here at a university in the United Kingdom. I too will have a PhD by 27/28 at the rate I am going. But i know that no matter how long it takes me I will achieve my goals. Much love to you!

[NauseousGuru]

I totally agree with you about our people telling us how we should and should not look to be accepted by society. My grandmother does that to me all the time. This video is EVERYTHING. Bless!

[imsatindoll]

very passionate commentary!

[Niqui36]

Very inspirational!

[futnyors]

I think some folks are taking my comment the wrong way. I am not looking to change who Nina is or down play her experiences,goals, or accomplishments. However there are MANY(MANY) black women and men on youtube that are highly accomplished as well and they stay on topic. Gearing away or digressing at times but coming back to square one. I love NIna's growth, especially because I know nothing was handed to her but I would like her to stay on topic more than not.

[marryme32]

@everyone who are annoyed or bothered by her stating her credentials is evidence that u are maybe just a little bit jealous..why would it bother u at all, let alone enough to actually comment about it. Obvious her purpose is to uplift others and let others know that if she did it, so can you. If it bothers u so much then fast fwd, maybe that particular msg just isnt for you. I find it very inspirational and motivating, and there are new viewers all that will appreciate her and her credentials.

[PLUNSABUG37]

I agree appearance is everything and you better be aware of everything because u r under a microscope.

[NAPTURALLYBELLA]

Phenomenal,



[Redroni2005]

what happened to the interview picture? I wanna see the puff lol. But getting to my reaction of the video, just great job. It is amazing at how much you have and are accomplishing at such a young age. Girl you are on your way to a Forbes list. I can see you now "Top 30 under 30" lol. Keep doing your thang.

[adesania]

@Nina People willing to sacrife will reap from their sacrifices and you've proven that. Regarding the comment of the young man I believe that people who are set like that and are racially prejudice are not qualified for leading positions because their vision is blurred. Based on this blurred vision they will not be able to make right decisions and might push back the right person for a certain job.

[cleanheart25]

*standing ovation*

[naturalblackcocoa]

i love your yideos



[kikicouture10]

I love to hear others acheiving their goals........acheiving your goals are suppose to change you and make you a better person so I'm so happy you are sharing your experiences and letting us in on the journey, theres nothing wrong with being proud......you deserve everything you have and desire.......God Bless

[shellyontime]

You are a very beautiful sista, I love your videos and all they have to offer

[MissNekaBabyyy]

I want to pursue my Masters and Ph. D in psychology! However I have other goals that I want to accomplish as well. I am considering getting my Master's online. What do you think of online schools and degrees? Like Kaplan or University of Phoenix?

[SuperPhdiva]

@MissNekaBabyyy I am in such a program right now. Be sure that your school is acredited properly. It takes a little more than going to class because there is no one there to push you or make sure that you even go to your classes daily. You can do it! Schedule your time wisely and go for it.

BBBD, your struggle is so much like mine. Still working on the deserving part....

[natalie20121]

I love your videos. you are so positive. However that intro is too long for old or new viewers. Maybe about 15 to 20 seconds would be great.

[Skyjem1]

Great video. We should always be proud of what we accomplish & try to not let the naysayers get to us. Whether it's our education, career, looks etc. I look forward to your next video.

[khriya]

I am proud of your achievements sister, I am so proud of you! Thanks for the real talk and helpful hair videos! Keep it moving sis!

[zunefreakster]

I love your story and you're such an inspiration, but I hope that you're giving all the praise to God. I assume/know from your pasts videos that you believe (correct me if I'm wrong) but remember that you along with others didn't get where you are all by yourself. Keep inspiring & teaching us though. God bless!

[astrozier1]

amazing can you tell us what your type is i am an INFP but yes i have had a strong desire lately to buy a closet full of career clothes.

[okorolina]

what you have mentioned in many of your experiences is a result of gender and social norms that have been pre-set in many institutions-- for some environments, for example, a woman would have to publish3 to 5 times more articles to be given similar consideration than a man with less credentials vying the same position. Some people only pay attention to those who are different or who stand out in some way or another within an environment.. Insecurity may exacerbate the double standard that exists

[jaggar14]

i live in texas!!!! ha-lle-lu-jah!!!!! thank you god!!!!! i hope to meet her at this natural hair expo in houston!!!!!!!!!!!

[marijayy]

I love hearing your story. I think that we can't fully feel you and relate, if you didn't share your experiences whether high or low. You're so amazing! If there's a change, you're better than ever! I wish I had someone in life as encouraging and motivating as you -- I think that's why i'm drawn to your videos. Thanks so much.

[amarige25]

@nluv2sing Amen. I think she should preach too.

[naomig1117]

Where is the picture of the puff?

[meme30ism]

So I just subscribed after that awesome vid. I can Identify with you. I am on my second natural hair journey and a professional. I have a Master's in Professional Counseling and also from the STL. I currently live in the caribbean and still deal with a lot of prejudice here. thanks so much for the encouragement.

[weessaj467]

Love your passion in this video. Keep it up!

[WellTemple]

Glad you hit up appearance. I hate that people prejudge, but you can't really change minds until you get in the door--and like it or not (whether folks are willing to admit it or not) professional demeanor and appearance count for a lot!

[614jgirl]

BBBD you always preach on self-esteem and confident but you need to say that you have to earn it, you don't get it by people telling them to be confident. In order to get self confidence you have to accomplish it. You gained yours by weight loss and education. I gained mine from education. Some may earn theirs by getting a job and being good at it, starting a business, doing well in school or anything else. Remember self-esteem and confidence is earned and learned.

[AnnNoire]

And we as women have NOTHING to prove. The past prejudices show on our faces when we feel we have to be 1000% ambassadors for our race, sex, size, image, and such. I carried that burdened my freshman year in college, and it was enough to put you in the crazy house! Do what you love! Work unto the Lord, not unto "proving" to people, even when validating yourself. But words like "show" and "prove" ( even with our "masks"), show insecurity of carrying the baggage of marginalization and oppression.

[AnnNoire]

WOMEN ARE THE LARGEST MINORITY...And sexism is more rampant than racism? A woman deserves to be "there," but I am thankful to the systems that broke down the walls to bring women there! I don't speak for all women, and ONE woman mistake/success has nothing to do with ME. I am an individual, WHO happens to be a WOMAN.

[VickyVue]

From one that has (3) courses left toward my Master's and 45 years young, let me tell you, sacrifice is the main thing, I heard a preacher say, 'You never ask olive oil what it went through to become a liquid, you ask the olive' We must be crushed, stomped, and sometimes bruised before we are what God wants us to be. I sooooooooooo love you young lady, your labor will NEVER be in VAIN!

[prncssjasmine]

I totally agree. I find that it is our own community and not the corporate world who has deemed natural hair unprofessional in the workplace. There's no way you can tell me that my har the way it grows from my scalp is inappropriate to wear in the office.

[Moviesmoveme]

APPLAUSE!!

[Moviesmoveme]

Stay strong!! It makes you the woman you are, adversity when overcome makes a person beautiful inside and out, it means you have a lot of inspiration to offer to us viewing you, and I thank you.

[Theyknot11]

Thanks for the series Nina. You continue to be an encouraging voice. Peace and Blessings

[zheahra]

Love you, sis. "I don't know you but I don't have to know you to love you."~Blessednmovingforward You have more wisdom than ppl 10+ yrs. your senior. I'm glad you have made it to this point in your life. Yes, appearance is very important. However, I believe you must believe in yourself and know yourself. It's not about proving it to others but proving it to yourself. Once you've done that, you will exude and permeate it though your being into the atmosphere. You're a powerful force.

[blkbarbied]

i dont know how long ive been subscribed to you but i have been watching you for years, please dont not change anything, i love everything you are doing on this channel, ive lost those stubborn 5pounds with ur tips, ive learned how to do my own braids, an now iam about to go back to nursing school with confidence. you are a blessing to us all. and iam very proud of u.

[classcie]

lease keep these videos coming. I'm sure you know this but you are a great inspiration to many of us.

What part of Texas will you be moving to?

[RMcDaniel1985]

this makes me think how my hair is a topic everyday at work. i dont dislike it but macy gray, lauryn hill, or billie holliday are my nicknames at work. (even by upper management.) sometimes it makes me wonder do i stand out by my sales or by my presentation.

[YOUniquelycreated]

Beautiful job! Stay encouraged and keep them coming:)

[kharyzma4u]

I LOVE your intro song, I jam to it everytime!!! Very good video about confidence. Wow, I'm so glad u wore your puff 2 the intvw!! God Bless!! U r so positive n inspiring!

[danappybody1]

thank u. keep on doing what u do. if its not broke don,t fix it. u have helped me to by listening to this video.

[euphoricsoul83]

this was inspirational. Thank you much

[jerzgirl79]

Racism is very real. I, for 1, love to hear about my ppl's accomplishments. Despite the odds...just as much as I like to tell others about mine. You never know who you'll bless by sharing your testimony. Good job!

[3HRDWAY]

Wow! Before school starts my 11 1/2 and especially my 10 yr. Old must watch this. (thnks for the fb post at the end... Smm)  @~:-)

[mschris014]

You hit this on the head! Your experience with racism and working harder than your counterparts is shared by many of us pursuing graduate degrees. This video really hit home.

[nluv2sing]

I think you should add a bible scripture in some of your videos because you are already preaching!!! Just give the word!

[hevangel1]

It would have been really funny had you wrote "I deserve to be hair", but anyway I just want to say that I have been following you for some time now and you are definately a source of inspiration to me. Your work has not gone un-noticed. Thank you for sharing.

[lydiabell5]

Thanks for the inspiration and motivation. There are so many things I want to do but sometimes it seems like I hold myself back. Thanks for taking the time to tell your story. I'm sure u r helping many people.

[triniti300]

You are a true reflection of God's grace. Thanks for the motivation.

[maximuslyricus]

A very much needed and eloquently presented vid - thanx!

[BcuzIcan02]

lovvveeed IT,,,and sooo needed IT !...Thanks Nina~BBB~Dr. E.H

[Ifthesekinkscldtalk]

Thank you for posting this! Stay strong!!!!! And when you have a minute, read the story of Haman and Mordecai in the book of Esther (chap 5-7 i believe)! Ive been going through a very similar obstacle and hearimg my pastor preach this message helped me to overcome it along with Gods grace! Keep your head to the sky Sis and be encouraged! Bless Up!

[SimplyJoy18]

I hate it when ppl deny that racism isn't real. love your vids, keep it up

[kahleentenshi]

"All greatness of character is dependent on individuality. The man who has no other existence than that which he partakes in common with all around him, will never have any other than an exitence of mediocity."

I love that you wore your puff. You inspire me Nina. :-)

[JAHLICIA]

I have got to say this. GOD used you to send this message straight to ME! Within 2 mins of you talking I was in tears. I mean, the ugly cry! Why? Because I NEEDED to hear this. I have been struggling with "deserving to be here" and thank you is not enough for what u have just given me. THANK YOU SO MUCH!

[dw29376]

I'm not even natural but this video is much needed for me right now. I will be a senior at a University in Texas in the Fall and every thing you said is true. Keep up the motivation and keep it real. <3

[lotusflo12]

"I deserve to be here". I Love it!

[ruhumah]

What university will u be teaching at?

[kyla576]

Thank you for sharing this video with us...you are truly an inspiration!

[MrandMrsT]

I live this! I work at a multi-national, multi-billion dollar corporation & had a White colleague imply during an off-site meeting that I got the job because of affirmative action. I had to call her out, in a PC way, & remind her of my graduate degree that I secured while she was hanging out in bars, doing drugs & sipping diet coke to stay awake at work. The man that joined us for lunch knew my old firm well & then the conversation turned to me & my career....while she sipped her diet coke.

[iencyst]

Girl I don't know you beyond the videos I've seen, but you make me proud!

[kirby6301]

im lovin this series. this helps me push while in school

[MsImaginethat]

Im so glad I watched this video. Its fits me so well. Wow just losing my job because someone didnt like me, this actually lifted my spirits. THANK YOU!

[futnyors]

I really love your videos but I find them difficult to watch at times. I feel as though I need to listen to the list of your personal and professional achievements before you get to topic. I've been subscribed for maybe 3yrs now and I don't know what direction you''re going in but I feel the change. Not looking to unsubscribe but please bring it back to center and stop allowing youtube or your personal development change you. It has hun

[BeautifulBrwnBabyDol]

@futnyors I'm sorry you feel that way....Its ok if you need to unsub...I understand...be blessed :-)

[mspinkytee]

@BeautifulBrwnBabyDol Listen carefully to her critic. She said she was not looking to unsubscribe. Remember your subscribers can also be your customers. I can relate to some of what she posted. If a video does not get to the point I will just stop it and go to something else. I have done that with your last 5 or so videos.

[dee281109]

@BeautifulBrwnBabyDol @BeautifulBrwnBabyDol  You are blessed with the will and the fight that got you where you are!!! The mindset that you have is what most of our people need to bring themselves out of defeat.

[dee281109]

I did want to reply to the person who left you the comment your above response is too because it may be a waste of time. However, I needed to say that I love to see black people grow and achieve and it should not be expected that you to stay the same when you become what you are going to be in your growth. Change is what took you from where you began. It is important that our people embrace each other in growth and success. The world feeds off of our self hatred.

[MissChriss82]

@futnyors Hey there, I know this was directed to BeautifulBrwnBabyDol, and I can see your point but I just felt something in my spirit that compelled me to address this as well. I find it beautiful that a young, educated, accomplished woman finds necessity and joy to list her achievements every chance (on video) that she has. Not only should our generation be more vocal on positive achievements, but I think our ancestors are just-a-gleaming from ear to ear to hear this sista speak. In my opinion

[MissChriss82]

@MissChriss82 I would rather hear positive, repetitive, information than the opposite, and also, what I get from the nature of this video, I feel like she's telling you why exactly she feels the need to list her accomplishments.

[MissChriss82]

@MissChriss82 So if not for the fact that the accomplishments were birthed through blood, sweat and tears, just the shear fact that she's personally a reflection of me as a brown woman who can see the adversity and possibilities which every piece of her life that she so graciously shares with us. Again I respect your point of view, I just hope that more people can respect hers as well. Stay beautiful

[TheDawnmirage]

@futnyors Its called moving to higher ground. I see growth if anything not change in a bad way.

[mochalata86]

@futnyors i agree, i like you and your vids are great. but i dont need to hear your accomplishments every time i watch your vids. come back down to earth a lil. i felt the same way about luvnaturals. we know your accomplishments we don't need to be reminded every time

[adesania]

@futnyors Pardon me for the need to respond on your commend. At first I kind of thought like what you expressed but when I put my thoughts in it I am convinced that Nina can not talk enough about her experience. When a black person does something wrong we keep hearing it on and on and on and the bad news is being spread all over the internet. And the status quo is being set . So likewise I want to hear the positive achievements on and on so we all may benefit from it.

[bebegurl31291]

@futnyors- so is she suppose to change herself as well because you don't like how she does things? She has grown as a person in the past three years and her channel reflects that growth.

[caramelnaps]

I am loving this serious! I think we are held to a higher standard than others who do less that we do. I try to teach my stepdaughter everything you are talking about because she is a preteen and a minority in a school dominated with those of other cultures. She is very smart, but oh so lazy. We are pushing her to be the best that she can be. You are an inspiration to so many people. I agree with all that you say.

[luckyducky224]

@classylil05 you better go girl! Congrats!

[miwa197]

"Make sure you are reflecting who you think you are."

Thank you for that and all of your truly inspirational, motivating and powerful words of wisdom!

[dgladney1989]

I Love this girl!!! I agree with everything that you have said in this video!!!!!This is sooooo inspirational because many people in general go through this everyday!!! I JUST did a blog post about this on Hairlista!! being turned down from a job because my hair was "unprofessional". smh. U hit home girl and thank you SOOOOOO much for the inspiration!!

[dgladney1989]

I Love this girl!!! I agree with everything that you have said in this video!!!!!This is sooooo inspirational because many people in general go through this everyday!!!

[nreshard]

Much love Nina, no one is gonna give you anything in life but whatever you take use constructively!

[ashiabridges]

"Unless I took it, nobody was going to give it to me!" -powerful

[classylil05]

LOVED IT! I recently went on several interviews (in the finance industry), and my mother tried to disuade me from wearing my natural hear. I wore it in a nice twist out, because that's what makes me feel confident. I'm starting a job on Monday

[nadoop]

I'm 30 and have natural since I was 16, and I have to say I've received more compliments from whites and Asians, and more criticism from black people AT THE SAME TIME, I will never forget the day when I walked into an office for an interview in NYC, where a white lady could not stop looking at my hair,and of course I did not get the job. The truth is discrimination is alive, but black women need to stop conforming and instead force "them" to accept us for who we are.

[natural4life37]

Thank you.....i needed that keep doing what you do. Stay blessed

[MyBrwnIsBeautiful]

I am so grateful to know someone who is a young blk woman that has MADE IT! I am sometimes discouraged with my own desires to become a Psychiatrist but each time I watch your encouraging videos, I believe that what I want to accomplish is possible. Thankx!

[yyyidk]

I can see you as our first WOMAN president!! Do yo thang girl!!! You have my support!!

[QueenSeduire]

This needs to be in a book babydoll! I'm buying!!!

[ZoeyZoBaby]

baby girl im about to cry because God knows right now i'm starting my first job in my life on monday and the first thing someone told me is my hair is not combed and although im trying to not make it bother me it really is!! and now im wondering how am i going to wear my hair but thank you for this video because i'm going with all my confidence and knowledge and using that to express my beauty out and in stay blessed !!

[LynnDanielleTreasure]

This is an awesome video, Nina! I believe outliers rule because they think outside the box. They accomplish far more than expected, and outliers often out-perform their advantaged peers. Keep making these videos. I invite you to check out my videos, too. I think you will like them. :)

[SpringCoils]

Thank you SO much for creating this wonderful series! I am a junior in college and the further I move up, the harder it is to keep pushing in the sciences. But seeing your videos reminds me that getting my PhD is not so farfetched. You inspire me. Keep these videos coming, I will need them this semester!

[tonya4ever]

I am a single woman college graduate currently in graduate school getting my Masters of Professional Counseling and I am plan on getting my Doctrine. With that being said this video touched me because I am a plus size girl and I have exprienced so much discrimination as a plus size black woman and now am currently trying to lose weight because unfortuanately no matter how hard I work and prove my education am still viewed from the outside first instead of my credentials and experience....

[CaliforniaAfrican]

I am worthy. Thank you. Now I need to pick out my suit for tomorrow's meeting. Blessings, sis.

[2chatmyhair]

Simply Thank You ! for reminding us we are all beautiful! and it is not whats on us ! but what is in us.

[lashandar]

You talk as though we're slap dab in the middle of the 20th century.

[AfroMohawkable]

You are a compassionate remarkable young woman, anything you set your eyes on you will accomplish, & you have much more accomplishments ahead of you.

[happy2bnaptural1]

wow so amazing. This video has come at a time in my life where I needed your uplifting words. I am studying for the GRE to enter into the masters program of social work. Thank you so much. I will continue to push forward.

[CutiePieZphi]

Omg you are such an blessing and inspiration.

[bolinga27]

You know, it's interesting but people will talk about you no matter what you did. This is just the way that the world is. People will speak horribly whether we give them a reason to or not....they can find something that makes them feel comfortable. As long as people are doing the best they can under given circumstances and try their best to please God, then they will be rewarded. THE END!

[aynot321]

You nailed this one!!! Thank you for your insights!! :-)

[itsjustme1980ify]

Awesome. Thank you. I was getting emotional too. I just completed my Bachelors at the age of 31 with so much negative situations taking place in my life and with my family and I was feeling like this piece of paper was nothing, like I had achieved nothing but you made me realize AGAIN that I did work hard to achieve that degree and I do deserve it. Again, thank you.

[NBUCKY04]

Awesome, you hit the nail on the head. I really needed to hear that! Thanks.

[nikki2579]

what about grammar? what role does that play in the world of a 'nappy headed professional?' do you think a person's grammar and accent creates certain stereotypes?

[vieve2000]

How many years have you been natural?

[BeautifulBrwnBabyDol]

@vieve2000 4 years dear. Im at below bra strap length.

[MissDivaSmiles]

You have kept it so real in this video! Thank you so much for this video! I am currently a junior in college. I am a biology major and I aspire to be a pediatric neurosurgeon. You have helped me in my journey. You can't even imagine how much your words and your personal story has helped me. I am truly thankful and I agree with everything you have said. Keep it up because you are amazing.

[BeautifulBrwnBabyDol]

@MissDivaSmiles push hard dear! PUSH!