The Raddest girls on The planeT: @organixlocs
Dear Rad Girl,
If you've been following my Diary (blog) over the past 5 years, you are familiar with this segment #theraddestgirlsontheplanet . In this series, I feature Rad Girls that are energetic, ambitious, fun, loving, uber talented, kind and artistic... I search all around social media for the raddest girls on the planet and I've came across some amazing girls I would love to share their stories with you. This October we caught up with one delightful and super sweet and funny woman, Marisa Peal!!!!!
Introduce yourself! Tell us where you’re from born/raised, schooling/education, do you own any pets? Hey peeps! It's Marisa here: Philly's Texture and Curly Hair Nerd. I was born and raised right here in Philly and went to Dobbins High School where I studied cosmetology. I'm also a graduate of The Pennsylvania State University (WE ARE...!) When I'm not caring for someone's mane or facilitating a hair care workshop I enjoy being outdoors, finding hidden gems in the city or new food spots in explore and museum hopping. I do not own any pets. However, I've had my fair share of tadpoles, which turned into frogs, caterpillars that morphed into butterflies, hermit crabs and tons of pet fish I would take care of growing up!
We know you’re a cosmetologist and a writer for Txture Magazine! Share your journey to becoming a cosmetologist with us and how becoming a writer intertwined with your passion! It’s been a journey but God has been guiding me through it because there's no way I could even come across so many dope opportunities and people on my own! After high school I still had no idea what it meant to be a hairstylist full time so of course I went away to college as the next best option. Once I graduated PSU I finally found my first internship within in my major and found the work to be so unfulfilling. Welp, better to find out as an intern instead of jumping fully into it as a career I always remind myself. From there I serached high and low for beauty related opportunties since I already understood hair, skin and nails. I scored an internship with a popular virgin Indian hair extension brand in NYC called Indique Hair which led to an actual position in customer sales. From there I began blogging and writing hair care artciles for Ebony Magazine's digital platform. Working with Txture Magazine was super fun because I interviewed beauties like V Bozeman, Teyonah Parris, and Nicole Ari Parker. This is how hairstylsit meets blogging began to intertwine. Because of my blog platform, OrganixLocs.com I was able to build my clientele of customers who I care for and have creative styling control with (well some clients are more daring then others but I apprecate them all).
Learning our natural hair comes with trial and error and sometimes becoming a product junkie, what are some of your staple products for natural hair care? Having a great routine that works best for your schedule is so important. A hydrating or moisturizing shampoo and conditioner helps to cleanse the scalp and replenish the hair in between styles. A clarifying or detox shampoo is awesome after taking down those long lasting protective styles like braids or when product build up becomes yucky and out of hand. I’m loving the Bask & Bloom Rhassoul and Bentonite clay Detox Shampoo Bar for a dynamite cleanse. Following up with a deep conditioning mask makes the hair more supple and moistens parched hair. The Brahmi root Hair Mask will have curls restored and juicy. Now for styling using a cream based like the More Moisture Creamis perfect for twist outs, braids outs or or anything that need 'more moisture'. For styles that require more hold using a jelly based product like the Twirly Hair Gel will define individual curls for wash and go styles. Or if you prefer longer lastig twist sets adding a little gel will give that extra holding power. Foam products like the Hydrating Vitamin Curl Mousse gives a light hold but are perfect to use for rods sets or roller sets. You only need about 5 products in total to help you achieve multiple styles so don't overwhelm yourself with too many things espcially in the begunning.
Did you always love your hair or was it a love hate relationship? For many, it took time for us to embrace our natural beauty. Describe your journey to us. I can’t say it was a love hate relationship but I started having my hair relaxed in elementary school for sure and that lasted all the way until college. I remember being afraid of the heat from the curling irons plus having little burn marks on my ears and forehead. That’s why I begged for the relaxed like ‘please make it stop’ lol! I was also very much a tomboy growing up so my hair styles needed to be functional. Once I started caring for my own hair I would wear braids because I played a lot of sports. I started transitioning to my natural curl pattern in 2009 which was between my freshman and sophomore year at Penn State. In college there was a whole natural hair community but more unofficial. You would see other women with there hair and instantly find a connection over products, styling techniques or some many other relatable topics.
We see your creativity through hair and writing blogs, what inspires your creativity? Places, people and objects for sure. Styles of clothing can be inspiring too. Even a trip to the museum can ignite an idea. I love pairing and working with things that create texture. From the foods I explore (pistachios in my greek yogurt is quite tasty), to the clothes I wear and the hairstyles I create adding that element of texture takes it to the next level for me.
Let’s talk about travel although it sounds like an activity of the past at this point... where are you most likely to travel after the pandemic? Well I had travel plans for Greece during the pandemic shut down so I’ll have to reschedule those plans. I found a really dope travel deal for the Maldives on Travelzoo.com. A few girlfriends and I are sooo looking forward to it. We’ll want to visit another southeast Asian country like Bali or Thalinad since the travel is super far. It’ll be a 2-in-1 travel situation. I’ll also need to check in with family so some local state traveling to Chicago and Miami but I also got my eye on Arizona and Portland, Oregon too.
Favorite trip prior to Covid19? Cuba, Honduras, and India
Share your experience living in India for 5 months? It was such an eye opening experience and a reminder that I can always step out of my comfort zone, readjust to my environment, and DO something. I know India is so random for a black person but it was quite the experience. I wanted to make sure I came back home with a different story to tell because typically students opt for European countries but I decided to go a different route. I also had an Indian roommate in college who exposed me to the culture and that influenced my decision too. I’ve never experienced where so many religions co-exist among each other. I’ve been to several Hindu temples and festivals, Jain temple, a Sihk temple, and visited the Taj Mahal twice which is an Islamic Masque made from a symbol of love for the King’s Queen. Now that’s a love story❤️. This was also the first time I experienced being identified as “African” by other people. A little black girl was no longer seen as American but African and that felt great. I would often role play and pick different African countries I was from when the locals would ask me. I know I’m to much!
We love, love at dear laney... Describe the perfect date night? Going out to dinner because I love eating new foods and drinks. Although I am low key a romantic, I'm more of an adventurous type who enjoys being active. Wanna go bike riding? Sure! Let's try the batting cage, water rafting, ax throwing, snowboarding I'm here for it all!
What’s your favorite movie? And Why? My favorite movie is 'Crash' which has Lorenz Tate and Ludacris starring in it. It was a true reminder that as people we are all connected and our lives intertwine into one another's. What one person does over here will affect someone else and we often forget that too.
We hear you’re a foodie! What’s your favorite type of food? I would have to say Asian food although you'd think I'd eat more Indian food after being there for a while. I like hearty broths like ramen or tasty rice and noodle dishes.
What’s your Guilty Pleasure or Hobby? Watching Rom-Com movies late at night. Right about now I'm watching the entire 'Girl Friends' tv series and it's so hilarious being able to REALLY watch it as an adult. Oh and cooking. I'm more of an experimental cook so I like fusing things together or reinventing something new from leftovers too. I'm like the leftover queen lol!
What can’t you leave home without? My fanny pack with my portable charger in it
What’s your go to hairstyle? Two strand twists are my go to style and I find it very versatile. I can make the twists chunky if I'm pressed for time or create mini twists for a style with longevity. The mini twist gives so many styling options like a high or low bun and even bantu knots which are another fave of mine
Favorite places to shop for clothes? Now I am not loyal to one store in particular so I like to mix items from the thrift or consignment store like The Wardrobe (formly Career Wardrobe), the Goodwill or Buffalo Exchange. Then I may add other pieces from Madewell, who has the best denim selection on the planet, or even department stores. My style fluxuates from tomboy chic, bohomenain, or structured prep.
Favorite Dear Laney piece? The Zara Dress and Bella Gown!
What makes you “TRGOTP”? I am The Raddest Girl on The Planet because I can show up as my authentic quirky self and not feel intimidated to uplift & support other women in my network. I love collaborating with high energy creatives. It's always full of learning moments and good vibes.
