What is your name?

Kym Niles

Where do you live?

Mississauga, Ontario, Canada

What is your occupation?

Business Coach, Not-for-Profit Sector; Executive Director, Selflove Youth Wellness & Empowerment; Strength & Conditioning Coach

What is your educational background?

Bachelor’s in Business Management, York University

How long have you been natural?

I have been natural for over 15 years.

Why did you decide to “go” natural?

I decided to go natural because I was simply tired of perms and the damage it was doing to my hair.

What is your go-to natural hairstyle?

Crochet braids—kinky curly—as it mimics my natural curls!

Have you ever experienced any challenges in the workplace due to your natural hair?

I have always been on executive teams which has always made me conscious of my appearance. I have been very vocal about my hair, making it a conversation piece at times, to break the suspense as to why I like to be different.

What do you love most about your natural hair?

I love the diversity, as I can still be natural and also rock several protective styles!

What have you found to be most challenging about being natural?

I would say the proper hair care required to maintain healthy hair, at times, and styling techniques.

How do you maintain your “work-hair-life” balance?

As I have a very unique job going between different roles, I have the flexibility to manage my styles as my heart desires.

What words of encouragement would you offer to someone who is considering going natural, but may have reservations due to their profession?

It’s all about the total package and how are you showing up: dress to suit your personal style and allow your hair to compliment your look! Get comfortable styling your hair—and when in doubt- Google! Be ready to speak of your authenticity when others are intimidated—be unapologetic!

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Follow Kym on social media: @I_canandiwill and @selfloveyouth or visit: www.icanandiwill.ca and www.sefloveyouth.com to learn more about I Can and I Will and Selflove Youth, and stay tuned for more information on their upcoming Unplugged Women’s Retreat from May 24th-28th, 2018, in Runaway Bay, Jamaica!