Reclaiming my Crown: The journey to embracing locs, leadership, and living unapologetically
For as long as I can remember, I’ve been drawn to locs. There was something about their beauty, strength, and sense of identity that captivated me. But for years, I hesitated. I allowed fear to control my choices. Fear of being seen as unprofessional, unfit for leadership, or as someone who didn’t align with the “brand” of the organisations I represented.
In professional settings, especially in the UK, there is immense pressure to conform to certain beauty standards. Society often dictates what is deemed “acceptable” and “professional”, and too often, these definitions exclude our natural features. Like many Black women, I felt the weight of these expectations. My solution was to straighten my coarse, Afro-textured hair, making it more “palatable” to others. I wore wigs, hiding my natural hair under layers that society deemed acceptable. But with each style, I felt further away from my true self.
Then came chemotherapy. A chapter in my life that was both challenging and transformative. Losing my hair during treatment didn’t just strip something physical away; it also removed the masks I had been wearing. It forced me to confront my fears and rethink the choices I had made for so long. As my hair started to grow back, I realised that I had spent too much time holding myself back. I had been sacrificing what I truly wanted to fit into spaces that were never designed for me.
Chemotherapy filled me with a deep conviction to live life on my terms. The experience reminded me of how short and precious life is. I no longer wanted to be bound by the opinions of others or the constraints society had placed on me. So, as my hair returned, so did my decision: I would loc my hair. Not just as a style choice, but as a declaration of who I am and what I stand for.
Locs are more than just a hairstyle—they are a symbol of strength, history, and culture. They represent freedom, authenticity, and ownership. For me, wearing my locs is about embracing my true self, without apology. It’s a daily reminder that I am the one who defines my future, not society.
But this journey wasn’t without its challenges. The fear of judgement still lingered for a while. Locs have long been stereotyped as unprofessional, rebellious, or even unclean—a stark contrast to the polished, sleek image often associated with leadership. I knew that by embracing this path, some might see me as less professional or question my suitability to lead. But I’ve come to realise that those opinions don’t matter. What truly matters is how I see myself. And today, I see a leader who is more confident and capable than ever before.
Now, I walk into boardrooms and leadership roles with my locs proudly on display. I no longer hide behind wigs or relaxers. My locs reflect who I am. Bold, resilient, and true to myself. They challenge outdated notions of professionalism, and in doing so, they create space for others to redefine what leadership looks like.
Locs don’t make me any less competent or any less deserving of a seat at the table. If anything, they make me more me. Every twist and coil tells the story of a woman who has fought to claim her space in the world, who refuses to be limited by stereotypes, and who leads with authenticity. This is my crown, and I wear it with pride.
For anyone who has ever felt the pressure to conform, to change who you are in order to fit into a mould that wasn’t designed for you, I want to say this: Your worth isn’t determined by how well you fit someone else’s vision of success. True power comes from being you, unapologetically. Whether it’s your hair, your voice, or your dreams, claim them. Own them. Walk into every room with your head held high, knowing that you belong there. Not despite who you are, but because of it.
Love my locs or hate them, this is me. And while I might not be defined by my hair, I wear my crown with pride.
So what are some of my reflections and takeaways?
Breaking Free from Societal Norms: It’s time to redefine what professionalism and leadership look like by embracing authenticity and diversity.
The Power of Choice: No one should feel pressured to alter their natural self to meet other people’s expectations. Be proud of the choices that reflect who you are.
Embracing Authentic Leadership: Your uniqueness, including your appearance, can enhance your leadership and empower others to follow suit.
The journey to embracing my locs has been about far more than hair. It’s about taking control of my future and claiming my right to live authentically. I hope my story inspires you to take that step towards whatever it is you’ve been holding back from, and to do it without apology.
#MyCrownMyChoice #LocsAndLeadership #UnapologeticLiving