Loc Journey With Chef Will

You may have been warned that you won't get a job, accepted into a school, or just won't be taken seriously. Your loc journey may have all types of challenges that you don't know how to face, but we're here to tell you, You Are Not Alone.

We sat down with Will to learn more about his Loc Journey of 28 years. Below is what he had to say:

Do you remember what inspired you to grow locs?

“Yes. Growing up in the 90s with the whole movement to have knowledge of self, positivity, and self expression prompted me to express myself this way. I was in love with the Rastafarian movement. To be honest my hair grows like wildfire, so I wanted to let it do what it did.”

Do you see any similarities between the natural hair movement in the 90s and the resurgence of the natural hair journey today?

“Yes, I actually do. In the 90s, there was this movement to get back our natural state of thangs and it’s happening again. A push to reclaim our heritage, with all the turmoil this ‘toupee in chief’’ has stirred up, we all have had to band together more closely and stand strong. Coincidentally, I also see a HUGE movement to reclaim our ancestral spirituality.”

Was there anyone in particular that drew you to learn more about the Rastafarian movement?

“Besides BOB Marley being a freedom fighter, groups like Brand Nubian, XClan, All Native Tongues, and some of my older cousins especially. They moved like Rastas and made me rethink how I was living. I stopped eating pork senior year of high school and when I finished my first year of culinary school, all else started to fall away. So, I have my older cousins/idols/and musicians to thank for my researching and changing my life”

What's the most important lesson you've learned along your hair journey?

“Patience, love for the journey, learning myself, and your hair is YOUR hair. As you get in tune with it, you get in tune with yourself”

What advice would you give to a person that wants to loc their hair?

“Love yourself, be patient, and enjoy the journey”

Do you have any hair tips you'd like to share?

“Hydrate, drink lots of water (also spritz, oil, and condition). Try your best to use the most natural products. Don't use anything you can't consume”

What does professionalism mean to you?

“Presenting yourself in the best light. Being consistent, intriguing, and inspiring”

What's something you enjoy doing or what's one thing you're passionate about?

“Food, culture, and people.”

We asked Will to share a little more about his love for food and he shared, “It's what I do”

“I manage an account for a corporate food service company by the week; teach cooking classes on the weekends, and do meal delivery and classes with ATL Veggie Spot”

Lastly, is there anything else you'd like to share with us?

“My locs are a form of self expression as much as they are an accessory and a proclamation of my love for self, my culture, and ancestors.”

Chef Will, thank you so much for taking the time to sharing your Loc Journey with us and for proving that natural hair and professionalism can coexist. We’re looking forward to taking a cooking class with you and ATL Veggie Spot soon.

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Now It’s Your Turn!

Join us by sharing your loc journey and help people learn more about life with locs.