Beauty is root deep
From curly to straight + blonde to brunette, your hair is part of what makes you, you.
Meet our hair muse
Because “hair goals” isn’t one size fits all, we will share a few of our favorite hair muses from the gimme fam who embrace their roots + inner strengths beyond their hair. Own your roots.
Say HELLO to our hair muse: @chyannaantonio
Meet Chyanna
I am a 25 year old living in Washington, DC with my 4 year old Calico cat and my 1.5 year old Maltipoo. I am a Machine Learning Engineer by career but have also worked in content creation for several years. Content creation brings me an amazing creative outlet. Whether it’s sharing my favorite beauty tips or creating fun cleaning videos, I love that creating content brings me the opportunity to make genuine connections with others. I believe that everyone can create a life that brings them joy and find happiness in everyday things. I am so thankful that I have created a space where I can inspire others to do just that!
Q: How has hair impacted your life?
Not a day goes by that I am not thinking about my hair. Growing up biracial (Black and white) and being raised by my white mother, I did not see hair that looked like mine in my family and struggled to learn to care for my hair. Throughout my childhood and teen years, all I wanted was for my hair to be long, straight and blonde - just like my mom’s.
Growing to love my hair marks my maturation as a woman. As I began to love my hair, I began to love myself. Through loving my hair I became more confident in myself. I became more expressive as I experimented with new hairstyles. I learned more about my Black culture and roots as I connected with my community.
Now, I still think about my hair every day, but it is with appreciation and love - not discontent. My hair journey has shaped who I am today and for that I am thankful.
Q: Do you have any hair insecurities, how have you embraced them?
My biggest hair insecurity used to be its maintenance and unpredictability. When I straightened my hair, it would get frizzy and start to curl up. When I wore my hair curly, the curls weren’t uniform. When I tried a new style, it never looked like the girls I watched on YouTube. I would spend hours on my hair only for it to end in frustration.
What I used to see as high maintenance I now see as beautiful versatility. What I used to see as unpredictable, I now see as incredibly unique. I learned what products and styles compliment my hair. I love that my hair can be worn in so many different styles - straight, curly, braids, wigs, etc. I also learned that my hair does not have to be perfect. If it does get frizzy or the curls all come out looking different, that’s okay. That’s what makes it my hair and that’s what makes it special! As a Black woman, my hair holds so much history and for that I will always be proud and humbled.
Q: What advice can you give to someone about being confident w/ themselves + their hair?
They say that comparison is the thief of joy - and although it may be a cliche, it is 100% true. When I was younger, I would spend countless hours watching hair videos on YouTube wondering why my hair couldn’t look like those girls’. With all the social media platforms today, it’s easy to compare yourself to others. It took me a long time to learn that the only opinion that matters when it comes to your beauty is your own. Everyone’s hair is so unique and different. Just because a product or hairstyle works for someone else, doesn’t mean it will for you. You have to find what works for you and your hair. Don’t be afraid to try new products and hairstyles until you find what makes you feel confident and beautiful.
Lastly, remember your hair does not determine your self worth. We all have bad hair days. We’ve all gotten a bad haircut. We’ve all run to the grocery store with bedhead. You are beautiful and worthy when your hair is done and you are beautiful and worthy when it is not!
Q: Fave gimme product?
My favorite Gimme product is definitely the hair bands! Regular hair ties typically cause damage to my hair. The Any Fit Hair Bands are so gentle on my thick, coily hair! They do a great job at securing my hair style in place and I never have to worry about the bands breaking!
