Atara Twersky on being a Today Show Style Hero: Changing the “coarse” of curly hair and more!
Three years ago, I was inspired by my young daughter to write a children’s book called, Curlee Girlee. My child was the only curly-haired person in our family of five. I noticed that even as a very young toddler, she was inundated with images of the”ideal child”. This “ideal child” inevitably had straight hair. Often well-meaning strangers would comment about her: “She is so cute with those curls, but don’t worry you can straighten her hair as she grows older.” I became disheartened. I didn’t want my child to feel “less than” her straight-haired counterparts. Having an older sister with pin-straight hair and a mom who didn’t look like her either, only served to exacerbate the differences in our family.
My book Curlee Girlee was born organically, out of love for my daughter; what happened thereafter was something I did not anticipate, but it has been so humbling and moving.
The inspiration behind the books
Curlee Girlee was inspired by my young daughter in an effort to ensure she loves her hair and all her unique features. I am an attorney, but I entered a new world when I decided to get my book published. It was one of the hardest things I have ever done, and I thought after I published it that would be it. I would have a nice children’s book that my family could always be proud of, I would go back to practicing law, raise my children and that life would resume: business as usual.
Instead, I began to receive letters and emails from moms of young girls detailing how badly their child felt about their hair or how they were being bullied for their curls. Older girls and women repeatedly emailed me telling me how much my book touched them, and I even received an email from a psychology professor thanking me and explaining how she read my book to her college class in her discussions on body image. I suddenly knew that I had the rare opportunity to make a difference, not just for my own daughter but for countless other young girls.
The spark that started a movement
When I was contacted by TODAY.com to tell me that I was selected to be a TODAY (show) Style Hero, in connection with the Curlee Girlee movement, I was so grateful. TODAY Style celebrates fearless, bold and influential men and women. I was humbled and honored. Being named among change-making women like Pink, Tyra Banks, Faith Hill, and make-up artist Bobbi Brown, to name just a few of the selected style heroes, was amazing in a myriad of ways.
Today, my movement of changing the “coarse” of curly hair and embracing ourselves just as we are has taken on a life of its own. My side hustle has become something I live, eat, and breathe, while I continue to practice law and navigate parenting. I am now also the host of a parenting podcast, and my one book, is now a book series, with the second book debuting now in time for the holidays. Curlee Girlee’s Got Talent, finds Curlee Girlee discovering her talent in the field of STEM, so once again, Curlee Girlee demonstrates her creativity and confidence making her an ideal role model for little girls learning the lessons of self-love and limitless imagination.
Curlee Girlee is more than a book series
My podcast has enabled me to reach a whole new group of moms, dads, grandmothers, and even younger women as they tune in weekly. I interview varied guests all with the common theme of self-love and empowerment. I recently had the pleasure to interview Salva Dut from the NY Times Best Seller, A Long Walk to Water and Gil Zamora of the acclaimed Dove Real Beauty Sketches video, viewed over 100 million times worldwide.
The purpose of Curlee Girlee
My hope is that Curlee Girlee, the movement, and the character become a recognizable household phrase and name so that no little girl ever feels less than because of her hair or any other feature. Curlee Girlee is partnering with charitable organizations to make a difference. We give of ourselves, and we not only help the receiver but we, in turn, are also empowered to know we can and should make a difference. Curlee Girlee, the character learns this lesson in each book as she struggles to come to terms with who she really is. When we know who we are, we are better able to help those around us find themselves and ease the pain in their hearts.
Join me as together we change the coarse of curly hair and more!
Atara Twersky, Author of Curlee Girlee is a TODAY Show Style Icon. Her mission is to teach girls to embrace the beautiful curls they have with power and confidence. Join us as together we change the “coarse” of curly hair. Don’t forget to check out our recent article on What to Do or Say if Your Daughter is Showing Signs of Hating Her Curly Hair.
