Chris-Tia Donaldson is a breast cancer survivor and founder of Thank God I'm Natural (TGIN).
She released her first book, Thank God I'm Natural: The Ultimate Guide to Caring for and Maintaining Natural Hair, in the summer of 2009. It was quickly heralded at the "The Natural Hair Bible."
The book dispelled some of the most common myths and misconceptions about kinky hair. It also gave women a much-needed resource for how to embrace their coils.
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Following the success of the book, Chris-Tia, a Harvard law school graduate, made a transition. She never had plans of being an entrepreneur, but this was the perfect moment to launch her natural hair care line, Thank God I'm Natural (TGIN).
In 2013, she started making her products in the kitchen with the help of her family. By 2015, the products became a viable company with revenue topping $1 million.
The now successful CEO, entrepreneur, author, and public speaker has another title that she proudly claims: breast cancer survivor.
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The CEO used social media to chronicle her journey. She continues to speak to women about the importance of early detection - even for women younger than 40.
Chris-Tia shared her story with BlackDoctor.org via a Facebook Live interview. Below are highlights from the Q&A. Watch the full interview on the following page.
TGIN Founder Discusses Breast Cancer Diagnosis
BlackDoctor.org: I remember running into you often at LA Fitness years ago and I know your health is something that you take very seriously.
Was the possibility of breast cancer something that was on your radar?
Chris-Tia Donaldson: Absolutely not. There is no history of breast cancer in my family.
I was also just 36 at the time of my diagnosis. When I thought of breast cancer, I thought of people like Sheryl Crow, Melissa Ethridge, Joan Lunden, Suzanne Sommers and Christina Applegate.
I never gave much consideration that this was something that could happen to me.
Breast Cancer Self Exam
BDO: How did your diagnosis come about? Did you discover something abnormal during a self-exam?
CD: I was actually taking a shower and noticed it then. Initially, I thought it was hormonal-related. I had a cyst removed from my breast in my 20s.
Given my age and the fact that I felt perfectly healthy, breast cancer was the furthest thing from my mind.
After two to three months passed, I made an appointment to see my doctor. Although she did not think it was cancer given the lump’s size, shape and the fact that it was soft and movable, she still recommended a mammogram just to be safe.
Managing Business and Breast Cancer
BDO: Your diagnosis came at the time of some very important business deals for TGIN and you pushed forward as planned. How did you know that was the right course of action for you, rather than stepping away to focus strictly on treatment?
CD: When I first was diagnosed, my doctor asked me when could I start chemotherapy. I told them I had a meeting with Target on 3/22 that I had to look good for.
Based on that, we scheduled my treatments in such a way, that I would be off and looking and feeling good for that meeting.
But, I soon learned that you can’t plan for everything, because we ended up getting calls to do meetings with Walgreen’s and Rite Aid and I just had to wing it even though I was at my weakest.
The Chemotherapy Process
BDO: Describe your treatment plan and experience with chemotherapy.
CD: I had a lumpectomy, followed by 8 rounds of chemotherapy and 33 rounds of radiation. My doctors were extremely aggressive with their choice of treatment given my age.
In older women, they tend to only do a lumpectomy and radiation, if the size of the mass is small, because of their shorter life expectancy.
In terms of the side effects, the biggest thing is extreme fatigue and mild nausea. Although I’ve never been pregnant before, I would say it is akin to a really awful pregnancy. I basically dealt with the side effects by taking it easy and resting a lot.
Hair Loss and Breast Cancer
BDO: With hair and beauty being such a large part of what you do, were you concerned about losing your hair?
CD: Of course, I was really nervous about losing my hair, especially since I run a hair care company.
I’m supposed to be out there being the face of this hair care company, wheeling, and dealing, and spreading knowledge of all things natural, so I felt a little nervous at times donning a wig. But it’s all good.
I’ve never had any major issues or anyone says anything to me too crazy. The natural community has also shown me nothing but love since learning about my diagnosis.
Now product development is a different story. I’m the primary tester of our products before they are released for testing.
So I was in a real crunch to expedite our product development cycle. I had to develop our Edge Control and Curl Bomb Moisturizing Styling Gel before I had to shave my head for treatment.
Now, that my hair is growing back, it’s back to the same old testing.
But my hair is a little different now and I’m waiting to see if it will go back to its old texture.
Finding Hope and Support
BDO: What are some things you did that helped you stay encouraged?
CD: When I was first diagnosed and going through treatment, I would often “lurk” (okay maybe “stalk”) on the pages of people going through breast cancer treatment. Most people were extremely positive, and I would kind of live vicariously through their pictures, which allowed me to see the light at the end of the tunnel.
BDO: What advice can you share to women who may be newly diagnosed, or have a feeling something isn't right but are afraid to bring it up to their doctor?
CD: Advancements in cancer treatment have come a really long way. If caught early, breast cancer is a treatable disease and is not a death sentence. The important thing is to know your breasts, stay in tune with your body, and talk to your doctor if you experience any major changes.
Also, trust your instincts. If something doesn’t feel right, listen to your gut. If you don’t feel like your doctor is giving you the best advice, seek a second opinion.
Next Steps
BDO: What's next for you and for TGIN?
CD: The plan is to continue to focus on building and growing the business. Next year, we’ll be in more Target and Sally Beauty stores, plus we’re making a foray into the drug store market by launching in Walgreen’s, CVS and Rite Aid.
Given the overwhelming feedback to my story on Instagram, I’m writing a book called This is Only a Test: What Breast Cancer Taught Me About Love, Hair, Faith and Business.
BDO: Do you have a deeper appreciation for what makes you beautiful internally after this whole process?
CD: I sure do. Now, I’m much more conscious of my internal spirit and how that is so much more important than the hair we have (or don’t have) and the makeup we wear.
WATCH: Chris-Tia Donaldson Shares Her Breast Cancer Journey
