Ledisi knows a thing or two about love and loving life. The Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter, author and actress is known for her soul-stirring ballads about romantic relationships as well as soaring anthems that explore loving and celebrating yourself.
These days, Ledisi has much to celebrate. With her critically-acclaimed rendition of "Precious Lord (Take My Hand)" for the Ava DuVernay directed film SELMA, sold out shows on her #TheIntimateTruthTour with fellow artists Raheem DeVaughn and Leela James and becoming the new face of Design Essentials Naturals, 2015 is proving to be icing on the cake of an already delicious career.
BlackDoctor.org recently caught up with the Oakland, California loc star to talk about being an ambassador for natural hair, weight loss and learning to love herself.
BDO: Congratulations on becoming Design Essentials Natural first Beauty Ambassador! How did this partnership come about?
Ledisi: Frank Sheifield, who owns a hair salon in Washington DC called Epiphany Salon with his wife Tika, who is also one of my hairstylists. She introduced me to their products and their distributor in that area.That is where my relationship with Design Essentials began, but it would take 3 more years after that before we actually started to really connect.
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BDO: Your locs have become a signature look - what inspired you to take the loc journey?
Ledisi: I've always been a naturalist since I was little. My mom wore an afro and celebrated being black and beautiful. So that's all I knew until I was pushed into the world [laughing]! I've had one perm my entire life and a lot of childhood memories with a hot comb. An ex-boyfriend had long thick Bob Marley locs and it fascinated me how beautiful I thought they were. I wore my hair in Bantu Knots and naturally my hair would loc together. I would take it apart and one day I just let them loc. And that was the beginning of my journey wearing locs.
BDO: For many, you are their "loc inspiration". Did you have, or do you have, a loc inspiration or hair crush?
Ledisi: I love Lisa Bonet and Lenny Kravitz. They wore locs when it was not popular in mainstream. Most people wore braids.
BDO: What is your daily hair care regimen?
Ledisi: I do not wash my hair everyday. I wash it every two weeks. I do keep it moisturized everyday. I just started using DE Natural Coconut Monoi Deep Moisture Milk Creme which is really good. Still my go to is the DE Natural leave in conditioner. It keeps my locs shiny.
BDO: Not only is your hair gorgeous, but your skin is flawless and you look like a happier and healthier you. What do you do to stay in shape?
Ledisi: I stretch a lot and walk a lot. When I'm not on the road I love doing things that require being in the sun. I love mixing it up between 30 minutes on the treadmill, walking stairs in Santa Monica or back to my dance classes with Brandee Evans Hip Hop In Heels.
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BDO: What keeps you mentally and emotionally "in shape"?
Ledisi: Silence...me time. In those moments I can think and let go or create new ideas or I'll read.
BDO: Your song "Bravo" resonated with so many. When was the point that you started to celebrate yourself?
Ledisi: When I took a leap of faith and moved to Los Angeles. I started doing fun things and understanding that everything is connected. Mind, Body and Spirit. How I feel about me effects everything!
BDO: Was there a defining moment for you when and why you decided to lose weight?
Ledisi: When your heart is broken and you rush into more instead of letting it heal this will make someone want to change or keep doing the same thing. I saw myself in my movie making the same mistakes and it was in that moment where I dropped everything and said you need to change this cycle. It's time to love you how you love everybody else. I looked in the mirror and really looked mentally and physically because I needed both to make healthier decisions. I learned by journaling I was emotional eating and I needed to channel that energy elsewhere. Being around great supportive women also helped me lose weight.
BDO: Who are your role models?
Ledisi: My mom, Ava DuVernay, Roland Jack (my tour manager), Tyler Perry and Yolanda Adams. They all understand their power and they use it wisely.
BDO: What advice would you give to a young woman who is out there trying to make it like you?
Ledisi: If you do this...do it for love not just to be famous or successful. Understand the business that you are in, have a strong foundation of support and don't forget to enjoy the moments.
BDO: Beyond your current tour, what other projects do you have in the works?
Ledisi: I love the element of surprise so the world will have to wait and see, but right now I am enjoying being The first Natural Beauty Ambassador for Design Essentials.
To catch Ledisi's "The Intimate Truth Tour" in your city or to purchase the album, visit her website www.ledisi.com.
