Natural Diva of the Month: Lekeshia Walton

Name: Lekeshia J. Walton

Age: 26

Hometown: Atlanta, GA

Inspiration for Fashion: "My gosh! Where do I start? When the spirit of excellence falls in love with creativity and class, the style you would get is mine. Dancing has inspired my fashionista side. The flow of dance, the precision it requires, and the coordination it takes to choreograph blossoms my style. Overall, my style is simple with noticeable details. Most of my chic dresses are manufactured by Ann Taylor and BCBG; slacks by Express; blouses by Guess, Bisou Bisou, and Karen Millen. In fashion, it's my goal to unite primary colors with their cousins- fluorescent and its neighbors- pastel."

Why Do You Love Fashion: "A manufacturer can produce 1000 of the same shirt. It can be sold to individual women across the world and you'll get 1000 different looks. That's why I love fashion. My physique, confidence, and environment makes my clothes curve, pop, and transform."

What Inspired You to Go Natural: "There are several reasons why I chose to become natural. 1) A change in my lifestyle ended up being the main reason. In 2008 I began my transformation, but then I pressed my hair out. I was looking good, almost the same as I did when I had permed hair. Awaiting my next style, scarf with a huge afro, I washed my hair and the curl pattern was stripped. I was so disappointed that it would not go back to its natural curl after its first press; 2) I had plans to workout more and needed a way to look presentable at all times without wearing the "scarf-and-pin-up look"; and 3) As I attempted to maintain volume and body in my hair I regularly washed and pressed it, which eventually damaged my hair. Breakage became so overwhelming. So one random day a year ago, I let a friend (Sandra) put scissors to my head. From there, I realized that not only was I frustrated with my hair, but I was frustrated with my life and with some of the people in it. It's funny how God brings you what you have been praying for. I was praying for stability in my life and ultimately it started with my hair. When it was all chopped off, never have I received so many compliments about a hairstyle. Most say that I'm bold or the hairstyle is becoming of me. So I decided to keep the low cut and not grow it back.... yet! With this style, I found my true and natural beauty. The beauty no one could tell me about or compliment me on. This was a sacred beauty that only I can define or deny. I chose to define it by getting closer to Christ, pursuing my calling, not apologizing for my blessings, and accepting every part of me. Now people can only see me for who I am."

Natural Hair Products You Use: "Jane Carter's Leave-in Conditioner, Doo Gro Anti-Itch Growth Oil, and Olive Oil."

Natural Diva Quote: "India Arie puts it best- I AM NOT MY HAIR... I am who God says I am (fearfully and wonderfully made)."

Passion: Lekeshia has a foundation called "I See You Sis". Its purpose is to encourage young girls and women. There are three simple ways to encourage: write a letter to a young girl or woman that has inspired you, give an ISYS letter to someone to encourage a young girl or woman that has inspired them, or write a ISYS letter to yourself (most women find this to be the most challenging but important). Please email info@iseeyousis.com to initiate your order.