Franchelli Rodriguez, a.k.a. @chelliscurls is using her platform to empower women to unapologetically rock their natural hair.
To date, the New York-based beauty influencer has gained over 368k followers on Instagram and 93k subscribers on YouTube, due in part to informative posts filled with helpful info for transitioning to the no-heat lifestyle—a journey she undertook herself. And leading haircare brands like OGX have taken notice. Rodriguez partnered with the haircare line to become their resident OGXpert showing how to achieve stylish curly hairstyles using their products.
In our interview, Rodriguez outlines her hopes to create content that inspires viewers to embrace their own individual beauty, what she wishes her younger self knew when she was first starting out in the beauty industry, and what motivates her to get through even the toughest days.
CREATE & CULTIVATE: You really helped to launch the natural hair movement. How do you hope that your content inspires viewers to embrace their own individual beauty? Why is this visibility important?
FRANCHELLI RODRIGUEZ: It’s honestly such an honor to be a part of the natural hair community as a Latina woman. Growing up, I never saw anyone who looked like me or had my natural hair. Everyone’s hair was always straight and that was always labeled as “beautiful.” Fast-forward to now, where I fully embrace my crown of curls. I hope that, through my content, I can inspire women and men to love, care, and rock their natural texture unapologetically. This is so important to me because it’s not something I saw growing up as a kid, not even a teenager. I want my 7-year-old niece to always know that you don’t have to straighten your hair to be beautiful. Your curls are your crown.
What do you wish your younger self knew when you were first starting out in the beauty industry? Why? What message do you hope others are receiving from your work?
Wow. That’s a really great question. I wish my younger self knew that it was okay to be real and raw. Oftentimes, we see the highlights of everyone’s life on social media and all of their accomplishments but not everyone sees the struggle it took to get there. I wish I would’ve been more transparent from day one because I feel like now it would be much easier. I still struggle to show the “not so happy” moments of my life in fear of being judged, but by doing so, people could relate and actually get to know me a little bit deeper. I hope that through my work people could learn to love themselves in every stage that they're in and to always put God first. I am a strong believer in that.
When you hit a bump or hurdle in your career, how do you #FindNewRoads + switch gears to find success?
We all have those off days or days that things just don’t go as planned. When those days come, I simply take a moment to just chill. Relax my mind, pamper myself perhaps for a day, and reprioritize. I also love listening to podcasts and audiobooks, which help clear my mind and set new goals for that week or month.
“Growing up, I never saw anyone who looked like me or had my natural hair. Everyone’s hair was always straight and that was always labeled as ‘beautiful.’”
You've really inspired a lot of change in the industry and innovation. What changes do you hope to see in the beauty industry in the future? Why? What more needs to be done?
Thank you, that’s honestly such an honor. The beauty industry has evolved tremendously in these last few years and I am so happy, grateful and honored to be a part of that! However, I would love to see more Latina entrepreneurs, women who look like me, representing us. I would love for every little girl, no matter her race, hair type, or skin color to have someone they can look up to and say, “Wow, she looks like me. I can do it too.” I do believe that the beauty industry is heading in the right direction and I would love to continue to be a part of this movement.
Talk us through your partnership with OGX hair care and the content you are creating together? Why has this collaboration been so successful? What tips can you share to achieve the perfect partnership?
OGX products have always been in my collection, even back in my transitioning days. I found myself constantly repurchasing their conditioners and curling cream throughout these last few years. Fast forward to now, having such a successful partnership has literally been a dream come true. Not only do their products work for everyone and they are super affordable and accessible but they also have an amazing team! Their team is super supportive and always allows me to be honest, creative and have fun with my content. When a brand is able to trust you enough to have fun with your content and be creative, everything is just so much fun and it shows in the content you create. This to me is the definition of a perfect partnership! I truly love my OGX fam!
With success comes opportunity, which also means you have your hands full. What keeps you inspired and motivated to keep going even on your most challenging days?
In all honesty, my supporters keep me motivated. I know it sounds a bit cliché, but it’s the truth. Whenever I’m having an off day where I don’t want to film or I don’t want to post a video, I get the sweetest messages from my supporters encouraging me to continue posting helpful content and to always keep pushing through. I also have a strong support team at home who are always motivating me to be the best version of myself.
What's a mistake you made and what did you learn from it? How did you turn it into an opportunity?
A mistake I made was, unfortunately, choosing the wrong manager. At the time, I desperately wanted to be managed and impulsively made the wrong business choice. However, through that experience, I learned to trust the process. After making the tough decision to let that manager go and manage myself again, I came across my new manager who has honestly changed my life. Not only is she my manager, but I also see her as a mentor. With that being said, it’s okay to make mistakes because there’s always a light at the end of the tunnel.
The beauty industry is a saturated and competitive one. How do you set yourself apart from other major players in the industry? How do you stay unique and offer a point of difference?
The beauty industry is definitely competitive. I set myself apart from others by just simply being myself and allowing others to see right through me. I also talk about my faith a lot because that’s a big part of who I am and I think that brings a uniqueness.
What advice do you have for other young women reading this who want to embark on a similar career journey as yours?
The advice I have, and will always share, is to just do it! Don’t overthink it, don’t wait around for the perfect time, just go for it! Whatever it is you want to do, go for it. No one starts off with everything already “perfect” and put together. It’s a journey and a process and that’s what makes your journey unique and different from others. Also, don’t be afraid to be yourself and never compare others success with yours. We all work and grow at our own pace so don’t let anyone distract you from that.
“Don’t overthink it, don’t wait around for the perfect time, just go for it! Whatever it is you want to do, go for it. ”
How do you define beauty? What makes you feel beautiful?
Beauty to me is who you are! In my eyes, beauty is not always about the exterior but also the interior. Although of course there are things we do to ourselves that make us feel beautiful! I, for example, love a fresh wash and go and love doing my makeup. That always makes me feel beautiful!
What is the #1 book you always recommend? Why?
The #1 book I always recommend is the Bible! The Bible covers everything we could ever ask for. I know not everyone is a believer, but I do believe that there is a message in the Bible out there for everyone. No matter your situation or circumstance, read the Bible and you will find comfort and even answers!
Photographer: Jenna Peffley
Hair: Styled by OGXpert & Celebrity Hairstylist Jillian Halouska
