Melissa Burgos of Rock Yo Rizos launched her #iamlettingGO campaign at the Eighteenth Street Lounge in Washington, DC.
Burgos’ latest project launched earlier this summer on social media, which empowers individuals to let go and overcome various obstacles that stand in their way. She demonstrates letting go by cutting her curling locs. As she travels the East Coast to share her message, she’s been screening a personal video documenting her empowering journey with deciding to cut all of her hair.
The first screening was held in New York. Next, she decided to come to DC.
The DC screening included an open bar featuring a fruity signature cocktail called “The Rizo” and light hors d’oeuvres. After a brief Q&A, the anticipated video was debuted and received a round of applause. To cap off the evening, a young woman named Kristina volunteered to visually release her inhibitions by allowing DMV hair stylist Gianné Nascimento to give her a big chop as Burgos held her hand for support.
This former Navy veteran explained one of the reasons she decided to “let go” of her hair. “I was very very nervous but I feel beautiful. Not to say that when I had my hair I didn’t, but I knew how to control what I wanted with my hair … I started using it in not such a positive way. In getting the attention, it wasn’t positive to me anymore because I just knew I was going to get it,” she said. “I wanted people to really know who I was. You know?… be able to have just a regular conversation, as opposed to [being asked,] ‘What kind of products do you use?’ or ‘Who’s your hair stylist?'”
Though she was only introduced to the natural hair community within the last two years, this buzz cut beauty has made a major impact.
When asked about her end goal, she explained, “Money is not my end goal. I’m actually in a process right now that I am not sure where I am going to end up and I am loving the fact that I’m going with the flow because I normally plan everything. Right now, i’m just seeing what happens and where it goes.”
Other naturalistas who came to support the event included @NapturalNicole and @Your_Curlfriend as well as Rock Yo Rizos’ newly buzzed younger sister.
