Finding My Voice Through Motherhood, Natural Hair & Community

Posted on April 24, 2025 • By Sandy Esprit

Long before I became a mother, I had already started losing my voice.

Between a chaotic upbringing, the weight of religious trauma, and the quiet pressure to mold myself into the “ideal” wife and mother, I slowly began disappearing. I was existing, but not fully living. I was performing, not thriving. I didn’t know who I was outside of the roles I played.

Then in 2017, I gave birth to my eldest daughter. And that changed everything.

In the rawness of postpartum—body healing, mind racing—I saw myself with new eyes. I realized I didn’t just want to survive. I wanted to be seen. Heard. Understood. So, I turned to social media. Not to impress, but to express. I started documenting my natural hair journey, my motherhood moments, and my rediscovery of self. I did it for me—and for my daughter. If I ever wasn’t around, I wanted her to know exactly who her mother was: a woman who fought to find her voice again.

The Journey Was Never Linear

I began simply—sharing what I knew, what I was learning, what I was struggling with. Over time, a community found me. Other moms. Natural hair lovers. Women embracing the truth of motherhood, body image, and healing.

It wasn’t always pretty. I’ve had moments of doubt, times I wanted to quit, and days where I wondered if any of it mattered. But I kept going because showing up authentically is what gave me back my voice. And that voice? It mattered to others too.

A Full-Circle Moment: Being Honored at the It’s Time Recognition Night

This year, something incredible happened.

I was selected as a recipient of the “It’s Time Recognition Night” Award, an event created to celebrate individuals and businesses making a meaningful impact in the Ottawa-Gatineau Black community.

Organized by It’s Time Event Management, this celebration honors leaders, change-makers, and visionaries who are uplifting our community in real, lasting ways. The nominations took place over two weeks and were evaluated by a panel of respected jurors who understand what true community impact looks like.

Being selected is more than an award—it’s a reflection of the love, time, and truth I’ve poured into this space for the last eight years.

Join Me in Celebration

The Recognition Night will be held on
📍 April 26th, 2025
📍 Rogers Centre
📍 7:00 PM – 12:00 AM

It’s a cocktail networking event filled with connection, music, performances, and so much joy. It would mean the world to see familiar faces and connect with others who believe in community and celebration as much as I do.

🎟️ Get your tickets here

Thank you for growing with me. Thank you for making space for my voice. And thank you for reminding me that this journey was never just mine—it was always ours.

With love,
Sandy