Your Natural Hair Doesn't Define Your Professionalism

Today's Guest Ayorinde John or Ayo for short. Ayo has lived across three countries: Sierra Leone, moved to France, and now lives in the UK. Ayo has written a book titled Abundantly Rooted; she wants black women to reclaim their crowns and stories through loving and embracing their natural hair. Ayo is a corporate executive, entrepreneur, wife, and mother. I sat down with Ayo to talk about her experience navigating the banking world with natural hair. Email: [email protected] for speaking and collaboration requests Get the book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1036930122 also in other geographies IG:   / abundantly_rooted   Youtube:    / @abundantly_rooted   ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Covered with Mya-Karren podcast is dedicated to uplifting conversations for women! Each episode will dive into how we’re showing up in the world, navigating life’s challenges, and supporting each other along the way. Whether you’re a mom, a professional, or in a phase of rediscovery, this is the show for you! Let’s explore what it means to embrace our authentic selves and empower one another. We share insights, have meaningful discussions, and create a community where women feel seen, heard, and inspired. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Subscribe to be a part of the community - @CoveredwithMyaKarren Business inquiries: [email protected] Want to be a guest on the show: [email protected] 0:00 intro 0:11 guest introduction 1:03 did you relax for corporate ? 1:41 were you told to relax for corporate ? 7:05 what happened when you wore cornrows to work ? 10:04 black people and natural hair in the workplace 14:46 were you every passed over ? 18:45 what is a professional black woman ? 21:06 mentoring young girls 23:30 it is psychological ? 26:10 who decided what tidy hair is? 30:56 advice for young women hesitant to wear their natural hair 32:57 The Book: Abundantly Rooted 36:53 young girl wants to straighten hair for picture day 42:36 wigs - self hate or survival ? 51:30 Sharon goes back to relaxer 55:59 mommy what doesn't your hair look like mine 59:35 Ayo's childhood 1:01:06 Ayo's relaxer 1:02:39 what message did that send to you? 1:05:58 stop getting relaxers for health reasons 1:08:46 what do you want people to take away from the book ? 1:10:59 what should mothers stop saying about their hair ? 1:12:18 what does Abundantly Rooted mean ? #naturalhair #naturalhairjourney #corporate