Inspiration for New Growth.

New Growth, initially a television series that I wrote entitled Hair in the City, was inspired by my friends and I struggles with styling and finding the right hair products for our natural afro hair. It’s was the early 2000’s and during that time, my acting talent reps were also telling me that I wouldn’t work as an actress wearing my natural hair in an afro. With this type of feedback, I soon found myself becoming self-conscious about how I looked and I tried to assimilate by wearing wigs and weaves in hopes to book work and look more what was thought of as acceptable during those times.

Looking for a way to express how it all made me feel, I later decided to write New Growth, a fictional story that satires my experiences and insecurities, as well as incorporates other observed struggles over the years revolving around similar themes. I wanted to convey my message in a unique, light-hearted, campy way which landed me at my premise, because there’s not one women who doesn’t care about her hair.

My goal is to champion self-love, self-acceptance and self-validation all while asking the question…“can you feel whole and complete without outside influences?”

My film is a satire of sorts, confronting social ideologies around beauty, success and tradition, including themes of friendship and community.

New Growth, a double entendre, it is not just about hair but it’s synonymous to growth as a person from the inside out. In this tale, it showcases how every problem is a gift and without problems we would not grow.