We recently connected with Mecca Terry and have shared our conversation below.

Mecca, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

A risk I have took was starting my nonprofit organization, Embracing My Natural, Inc. When I first started the organization I had no team, no funds, and essentially no support. I remember reaching out to a friend who I thought would support my vision and she said that no one would support the vision. That lack of confidence and support motivated me even further. Although things started off slow – developing a team, receiving donations and financial support, being consistent allowed us to prosper and flourish. We have a long way to go and many goals to achieve, but the nonprofit has surpassed the original goals we set for it. Our message, vision, mission, and goals is reaching the masses; something we are truly thankful for.

Mecca, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Embracing My Natural, Inc. was founded as a result of my interaction with girls and women in various communities. One common theme I heard was that girls and women want to wear and embrace their natural hair but do not know how nor do they know what products to use on their hair. Another issue was the cost of natural hair products. I said to myself, what if I can provide free natural hair products to girls and women in the community to help them care for their hair and jumpstart their love for their hair? This resulted in forming Natural Hair Blessing Bags, bags that contain natural hair products made by natural hair companies and distributed to underserved communities. Our bags is the foundation of the nonprofit, but in addition we provide in-person and virtual workshops and events on natural hair care. Additionally, we recently released our 1st natural hair coloring book for all ages which depicts images of girls and women wearing their hair in a variety of natural hair styles. The goal of the book is to empower and encourage natural hair care.

Training and knowledge matter of course, but beyond that what do you think matters most in terms of succeeding in your field?

Other than training/knowledge, the most helpful thing for succeeding in this field is building relationships and collaboration. Many of the donations we receive is the result of consistent networking and outreach to companies and business, as well as other nonprofit organizations.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

A lesson I had to unlearn and one I am still learning daily is to not take on everything myself. It is ok to delegate responsibilities, especially if you have a team. This reduces burnout and allow for others to utilize their abilities and skills for the benefit of the nonprofit.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.embracingmynatural.org
• Instagram: @embracingmynatural
• Facebook: @iamembracingmynatural
• Twitter: @emn
• Other: Email: info.embracingmynatural@gmail.com