There are many reasons why we avoid water, some deeply personal and others rooted in practical concerns, such as hair care and health. For the Black community, this avoidance often means missing out on cherished memories and the numerous health and wellbeing benefits of being in, on, and around water. This can impact our quality of life profoundly, restricting our experiences and opportunities for joy, healing, and liberation.
Here is my personal story about my journey back into the water.
A reluctant swimmer
As a child, like many others, I was pushed into swimming lessons. My parents understood the importance of swimming, despite not being swimmers themselves. However, the older I got, the more I began to despise my time in the pool. The long, arduous process of treating my hair after just half an hour in the water became a significant deterrent. I hated it. It never felt worth it, and I began to resent my lessons, increasingly looking for excuses to avoid them.
Surprisingly, I found it easy to persuade my parents to discontinue my lessons. But looking back, I realize it was probably because they were not active swimmers themselves and could appreciate why I wanted to quit. They had lived through the same difficulties that I was now facing.
Breaking the cycle
Fast forward 18 years, now a parent myself, I faced the daunting realization that history was repeating itself with my own children. As my two girls teetered on the brink of wanting to give up swimming lessons, in the same way I did 18 years before, I had an epiphany—it all starts with me. Our children are what they see. If I don't swim, they won't swim. That's when I decided it was crucial for me to return to the water, not just for them but for myself.
There I was, a grown adult, filled with angst, venturing back into the pool. Gradually, as I started to embrace it rather than fear it, I found that I actually enjoyed it. The refreshing splash of water on my face grounded my body in the present. The revitalizing energy from those first few lengths was invigorating. I found myself craving it more and more.
Yet, each time I returned to the changing rooms, refreshed and elated, I was brought back down to earth with a thud. The contemplation of horror and reality about the level of damage my new passion had done to my beautiful hair was disheartening. I was trapped in the purgatory of wanting to lean into an activity I was beginning to love, but being put off by the irreparable harm it was causing to my hair, my crowning glory.
The birth of Obé
I started Obé as a promise to my daughter, to help save her. But, through our journey, I have come to realize she was saving me too. Obé is more than just a product; it is the tool that our community has been longing for. Designed to help empower us to reclaim our place back in the water and enjoy all the benefits that come with it. Obé is a hypoallergenic, waterproof head scarf designed to keep our hair dry and protected while swimming, bathing, enjoying a spa day, and so much more. This innovation allows us to participate in aquatic activities without sacrificing our hair health.
The journey of Obé represents more than just a return to the water; it symbolizes breaking a cycle and creating change. It stands for the empowerment of our community to embrace water without fear. By addressing the unique water-related challenges faced by those with textured hair, Obé aims to foster a sense of inclusivity and freedom.
Embrace the water with Obé
My ongoing journey back into the water is more than just a personal story; it is a testament to the power of determination, love, and innovation. By creating Obé, we want to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to experience the countless benefits of being in, on, and around water, all while preserving our cultural heritage and hair health.
So, how will you embrace the water with Obé? Will it be a hot, steaming shower? Taking a plunge in the pool? Or perhaps dancing in the rain? Dive into the water with confidence and freedom, and join us in making waves of positive change.