Today is the birthday I Love My Hair. This means for those who pre-ordered your package has shipped, and the book is now available on bookshelves at most local bookstores.
And just six months ago this was all just a dream.
I Love My Hair is a coloring book about hair. A topic my work has covered for the last six years. This has been a dream project because of the topic and because I love to draw, or more specifically doodle. So I Love My Hair is filled with intricate doodles and funky lettering waiting to be embellished by you.
There were three main personal goals I focused on while working on this book:
1. To create art. I am an artist. Drawing is my world. And I wanted to produce work that challenged me and also reflected my interests and background.
2. Produce art that represents my passion to empower all women and girls to love themselves.
3. And encourage others to follow their dreams.
The opportunity to work on this project came a few months after I resigned from my full-time faculty position. Without much of a plan and with little savings, I decided to seriously pursue my dream to work full-time as an artist and illustrator. I strongly believe I Love My Hair happened because I took that leap of faith. So this book is not only about fun coloring and self-love but also about living my dream.
For the last few weeks leading up to the launch of I Love My Hair I've been posting on Instagram little facts I've learned about hair while working on the book. Fun things like the origin of the Jheri Curl and the bobby pin, and the inspiration behind Carmen Miranda's headdress. But here on Fly I'd like to share the most important things I learned during this process. And these are the things I learned about myself.
I learned how important it is for me to draw everyday. I need it. My life feels deficient without it. It's my meditation. It's how I stay grounded and connected.
I learned what it means to be an artist. An artist who is a woman. An artist who is a woman of color. During this process I learned that others may want to define what that means for me but that I must always stand my ground and remember that I am the only person who gets to determine what that means in my life.
I learned to be more definitive and decisive. Short timelines will do that.
I learned what it really means for me to be a businesswoman.
And I was reminded to always be myself. Always staying true to who I am at my core.
I Love My Hair has been a dream. The team at Schwartz & Wade have been so supportive and amazing through this entire process. Friends and family, and my social media family have been super encouraging and enthusiastic about I Love My Hair.
I am forever grateful for all who have supported me in living my dream.
I hope you will be able to come out and celebrate. See the posts below for upcoming events. I will be posting more soon.
Also, have you learned any lessons lately? While working on a project? Please share!
