All About the Lashes : Erykah's Story

The Puffy Hair Podcast | Hair Care, Textured Hair, Curly Hair, Multicultural, Cultural Diversity

-Host: Char, Puffy Hair Podcast

- Guest: Erykah from Burlington, Iowa

- Topic: Lash extensions and personal stories

**Erykah's Adoption Story:**

- Erykah was adopted from South Korea by a couple influenced by the trend of adopting Asian babies.

- Her father, initially indifferent, developed a strong bond with her post-adoption.

- Discusses the identity nuances of being adopted and especially the dynamics within her family post-divorce and her mother's struggles.

**Lash Extension Discussion:**

- Erykah views lash extensions as a significant confidence booster, essential since her natural lashes are straight and coarse.

- Started getting lash extensions in 2017, citing it as one of her best life decisions.

- Highlights the addiction and maintenance required for lash extensions, emphasizing the impact on her confidence during the pandemic when she couldn't get them done.

- Lash extensions have become a bonding experience and a foundation for her friendship with Char.

**Professional Insights on Lash Extensions:**

- Lashes have growth cycles (baby, midlife, grandpa stages) necessitating regular “fills” every three weeks due to the natural shedding and regrowth cycle.

- Importance of getting extensions done by a trained professional to avoid damage.

- Not everyone is a suitable candidate for lash extensions, with allergies being a critical consideration.

**Personal Experiences and Perceptions:**

- Erykah discusses the nuances of growing up adopted in Iowa, sharing instances of obliviousness to racism in her youth and a deeper understanding and acceptance of her identity as she grew older.

- Shares a pivotal moment of experiencing racism from a basketball coach during middle school and the community’s support in addressing it.

- Reflects on family dynamics, her parents' divorce, and her mother's incarceration, emphasizing the complexity of belonging and love in adoptive and biologically related families.

- Expresses gratitude for the life and opportunities her adoption provided, despite recognizing the alternative realities that could have existed.

**Conclusion:**

- The episode intertwines discussions on lash extensions with deeper themes of identity, adoption, and the resilience in the face of personal and familial challenges.

- Char and Erykah’s conversation showcases the power of shared experiences in forging connections and the profound impact of seemingly small choices — like getting lash extensions — on one’s journey of self-discovery and confidence.

This note captures the essence of the Puffy Hair Podcast episode featuring Erykah's insights on lash extensions intertwined with her personal journey navigating adoption, identity, and the quest for self-confidence.