We were lucky to catch up with Carlene Levy recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Carlene, thanks for joining us today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

Hair extensions, wigs, sew-ins, and relaxers are hairstyles that have been around for years. Growing up in New York, I love seeing different hairstyles which bring your fashion style and outfit together. I wore protective styles and tried new hair extensions and wigs that were trending. I could not take care of my natural hair, so I got a relaxer. During those periods when I was switching up my hairstyles, I fell in love with naturally curly hair. I wore lots of loose and tight curly wigs and hairstyles like my natural hair texture. I didn’t feel comfortable wearing my natural hair out yet. I told myself one day I would rock my natural hair! After a while, I neglected my hair, and I started to experience lots of breakages, hair thinning, and thinning edges, dry and dull hair. I tried different products in the market, but nothing was working. I got off the couch, got in the kitchen, and started making natural, organic Shea Butters and Aloe Vera Leave-In Conditioner for my hair. I was determined to take the risk and show that I could bring my natural hair back, healthy, and thick, and wear my hair out. I started a social media account and website to share my experience, knowing that others have shared similar situations in what they have experienced and gone through dealing with their natural hair.

Carlene, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Born in Jamaica, West Indies, and raised in New York. I love the diverse cultures, lifestyles, and creativity of New York City. I became interested in hair, makeup, and fashion in my teenage years living in New York. I started to embrace my natural hair in 2005, but I didn’t know how to style and maintain it. Once again, I got a relaxer. That was the biggest mistake! My hair was damaged, with lots of breakages because I was not taking care of it while I was wearing hair extensions and wigs. I wanted to learn more about natural hair, so I went to Cosmetology school and received my License. Natural hair topics were vague in hair school. As a licensed cosmetologist, I knew a couple of reasons hair loss occurs but not in-depth with natural hair growth and maintaining length. Styling some of my client’s and friends’ hair, they also struggle in managing, maintaining, and growing healthy, thick hair. I said enough is enough, started researching natural ingredients for hair growth and how to maintain and grow healthy, thick hair. In 2020, I decided to focus on making natural hair products. Liz Luxuriant provides quality hair and skin care products that contribute to and promote healthy hair growth. I create products that are gentle for your hair and skin. It is all natural based, has no harsh, toxic ingredients, vegan and eco-friendly. Our products provide excellent results for all hair types, and textures and promote healthy, thick hair while hydrating and sealing in moisture. The handmade whipped shea butter is not just for hair but is great for hair and skin. It is lightweight, moisturizes your hair, and soft and smooth for your skin.
I am most proud of seeing the results and reviews on family, friends, and customers! Every natural hair story and journey are similar and different. I love to listen to and hear what their concerns are. Most of the time. I hear women say, “I would love to wear my natural hair out as you do”. I tell them you can! Your hair is your crown, and I want everyone to feel comfortable and beautiful rocking their hair!

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

Absolutely! My goal is to help others become more aware of their natural hair and what their hair needs. Reading labels, when and how often to moisturize, hydrate, deep conditioning natural hair. More in-depth learning about hair types, textures, hair porosity, density, and elasticity. Natural hair needs protein and moisture balanced within the hair fiber to prevent breakage, split ends, dryness, and dullness in your hair. Establishing a hair care routine is essential to keep it moisturized, nourished, soft and healthy. The right products with less harsh, toxic ingredients can make a difference in the appearance and quality of your hair. Consistency is the key to maintaining and growing thick, healthy hair.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

There are so many! One that sticks out is that, I had to unlearn the saying that natural hair is too hard to manage and take care of. I have heard that saying growing up so many times. My hair was too coarse and hard to comb through. At the age of 10, I would go to the hair salon, and the stylist use a hot press comb to get it straight as possible. I received my first chemical relaxer at age 13, so I would not have to go every week. I was thought at a young age that my natural hair is is not manageable. I thought my natural hair was not good for society, and fear that people would look at me different. Now I’m educated and understand what hair needs to nourish and flourish. Natural hair is versatile, and there are so many ways to style it! You can rock it as a fro, twists, braids, updos, protective styles, locs, and so much more. Have fun, embrace and love your crown!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://lizluxuriant.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lizluxuriant/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lizluxuriant/