Last September I received a text from one of my line sisters. I expected the usual, "Hey, just checking in... How have you been?" text that I receive once a week from at least one of my line sisters... But this one was different. It was a text that asked me if I watched youtube videos and if so, what did I like about them? Of course I started listing: hair and makeup tutorials, vlogs, etc. She then replied, well I'm starting a YouTube channel soon and would like to know if I have your support. "OF COURSE!" I replied.
Fast forward to today, Annisa's youtube channel, AnnisaLiMara, is reaching almost 5000 subscribers with a little over 25 videos! Check out her most watched video below reaching over 20000 views!!!!
Not only have I had the opportunity to have this young lady as a sister, but I have also had the opportunity to work under her in the launching of her first Swim/Resort Wear Line. She is not only a sweet and wonderful person, but she is also very passionate about everything she touches. Everything she touches turns to gold... just like her golden hair! If you haven't already definitely subscribe to her YouTube channel , like her Facebook Page and follow her on Instagram. I imagine great things coming from this girl in the future!
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| Want more information about Annisa's hair, future plans, and what inspires her? Keep scrolling to read what she had to say during our interview. |
Annisa LiMara
1. How long have you been natural? Who/What pushed you to give up the
creamy crack?
I have been natural since 2005 and gave up “creamy crack” because of
major hair breakage and thinning from too many relaxers and permanent hair color
from my senior year in high school. Looking back I had no idea it was “going
natural”, I just considered myself going cold turkey because my hair had gone
from being thick and medium/long length to thin and unhealthy. Almost a decade
later, I’ve now transitioned AND big chopped so going back to my natural hair texture
was a long process but well worth it.
2. How do you keep your hair looking so
fabulous? What’s your regimen?
Deep condition and moisturize! I
wash and deep condition my hair every week (or every other week) and by deep
conditioning for the past 6 months intensively, I’ve been able to retain
moisture which really helps the upkeep of any hairstyle. I now can go two or
three days without doing much to my hair and other days I just add water or
leave conditioner and use my Peppermint Hair Butter for extra moisture. My hair is also a mixture between curly
and kinky so I can play up each part which makes styling my hair fun and
versatile.
3. What inspired you to start a YouTube
channel? What would you say to
somebody who wants to start a channel of her own?
I initially began my channel
because I wanted to share my experiences and thought it would be really a fun
and challenging project. Watching Taren Guy, Andrea’s Choice and a ton of other
channels really inspired me to be fearless in going after my goals. I also have
a really big following on Instagram so I wanted to answer all of their
questions through my channel and to connect with other natural hair and fashion
lovers.
4. What was the hardest part of starting your
channel and how did you overcome that?
The hardest part was the
technical issues such as editing, uploading, etc….not as easy as one may think.
I’m a perfectionist so I used a plethora of resources for advice (other YouTube
channels, videographers, friends) and did hours of research until I understood
the process. Even though it is still challenging, I’m learning so much and have
come up with a formula to create quality videos for my subscribers for which
there is still room to grow.
5. What are some of your favorite CURLY girl
products?
This is a hard question because
there are so many! I absolutely love Carol’s Daughter especially their Hair
Milk and Tui Leave in Conditioner. I also love the Yes To line, specifically
Yes To Carrots, Olive Oil Eco Styler Gel (a must!), and Wen Almond Mint
Cleansing Conditioner! Of course, I also love my Peppermint Hair Butter which
is a mixture of all my favorite hair butters and oils, especially peppermint
oil which stimulates the scalp and promotes growth.
6. Did you ever expect to see yourself
featured on hair blogs all over the world? How does the natural hair fame make you feel?
Absolutely not! I never expected
any of the recognition I’m getting and it feels so surreal because it is hair!
Of course hair is important to us as women but I didn’t realize it could
generate this much “natural hair fame”, however, I don’t consider myself famous
at all but count myself as blessed and extremely humbled that I’m able to reach
so many people and be a leader in this movement.
7. What can you say that will inspire others
to follow their dreams?
Designer Tracy Reese once said that designs can be inspired by “a piece of music, a painting, a book, a
vacation spot or a particular city”….every persons’
dream is developed from inspiration and discovering what you love can ignite
hope and conquer fear. As I get older, I am finding that the common factor that
hinders anyone from achieving their goals is fear. Fear of rejection, fear of
failure, fear of succeeding and the responsibility that comes with success…fear
of self. I am now striving to step out of all of my fears and becoming brave.
My prayer is that everyone can see past their own fear into the bravery and
courage that God has given us through Him. I am still learning and growing,
therefore, I say this prayer every day to gain the faith to be brave and let
that light shine to encourage others.
8. So now that you have shared your hair with
the world, when will you share your fashion?
I’ve actually already launched my
first Swim/Resort wear collection March 2012 which introduced everyone to the
A’LiMara (a-lai-mar-rah) brand. I took a hiatus after that to complete my
Masters and to also refocus on what I want to accomplish with my brand.
Therefore, I decided to do an exclusive collection of ‘Natural’ wear this year
at my Natural Hair Forum & Fashion show titled Curls, Kinks & Fashion
which included crop tops, fitted v-necks and high-low dresses. My goal now is
to incorporate more of my style and fashion knowledge into my brand and
hopefully produce another Swim/Resort wear collection in the near future.
9. How can people follow you? Facebook? IG?
YouTube? Purchase your homemade hair butter?
You can follow
me on IG, Twitter & Tumblr as well as like my Facebook page at ilovealimara. My hair butter plus my
exclusive collection of ‘Natural’ wear t shirts and dresses at www.ilovealimara.net
10. So what’s the next step for A’LiMara?
Growing and improving my YouTube
channel, launching my next swim/resort wear collection (hopefully next summer),
fulfilling my new position as fashion editor for Natural Hair Mag, and just expanding
the A’LiMara brand…there are no limits!
