Featuring Christina Velz

Photo by Christina Velz

What is your name? Christina Velz

How old are you? 36

Where are you from? I have roots from Brazil and Netherlands with a twist of American in me.

What is your background? In a few sentences, tell us a little bit about yourself and what you do. 

I have the heart of social worker, the mindset of an entrepreneur and the body of a world explorer. It is my belief, that when it comes to a balanced and healthy lifestyle, each individual has to discover their own journey to understand what awareness and health means to them.

In my younger years I was faced with many adversities, where I wasn’t able to study. I was always living in survival mode, working many jobs, prioritizing finding security and safety but then still not finding my way in life.  At the age of 32, when it seemed like there was no hope, I got fired and split up with my partner from 13 years. Which forced me to jump start my journey on to self-discovery and living my life in awareness and gratitude.

These events also gave me the opportunity to go back to school at age 32 to get a degree in Social work. Which led me to my current job as an assistant for individuals with chronic disease.  Because of my desire to grow and live a healthier and happier version of myself, I started studying nutrition and how what we eat effects not only our physical wellbeing but also our mental health. With the hope to start my own business in this field.

What are you currently doing for hair health and care? 

I focus on eating a healthy well-balanced diet, where I try to avoid animal products as much as possible and consume plenty of vegetables with enough vitamins to keeps my hair strong and healthy. I have my hair cut once every 6 months, but I probably should do it more often.

Are you using any natural hair products (if yes, what are they and what do you like or not like about them)? 

I use coconut oil to nourish my scalp and hair.

What works well for you and what doesn’t? 

Due to the high chemical additives in many hair products, I am allergic to many shampoos and conditioners. If I am not careful, I will get a not so nice reaction that isn’t always easy to take care of.
What helps, is if I use baby shampoo and coconut oil on a regular basis. 

What do you like about your hair and what has taken some time for you to accept about your hair? 

I am very blessed to have very easy long flowing hair. My hair is naturally dark brown, with darker and lighter shades that gives it an auburn glow. In the winter my hair does get a bit duller, drier and seems to fall out more. 

What are some helpful tips you can share with other readers? 

Stress is a horrible factor for hair and skin, and just awful for the entire body.  Stress and anxiety can cause hair fall out, dandruff, dull flat hair and many other hair problems. What has helped me to stay calm and let go of worry, is meditation, yoga and mindful living and being aware of my movements and eating patterns. 

Please share something different, interesting, or funny about yourself. 

Since the last year I have opened my life and heart to change and learned to welcome all aspects of my life with gratitude. I read recently this quote from Seane Corn that also become my mantra, “When we heal the fractured parts of ourselves and learn to love who we are and the journey we’ve embarked upon, we will see that same tender humanity in all souls. This is the revolution of the soul."

While learning to embrace my unique journey, I realized the importance that my overall wellbeing and health (body/hair, mind and soul) needs to stay calm and balanced. I do this by having gratitude for my past, my present and my future and accept the things I cannot change while taking responsibility for the things that I can. Meditation and practicing yoga have become an integral part of my life to stay at ease and peaceful.