CocoaBrownCurlsXo catches up with Cairo

A few weeks ago I had the awesome pleasure of sitting down with the one and only Cairo Williams! For those of you who may not know Cairo is not only one of the models and brand ambassadors for YBLimited, Full Service Mobile Glam Squad here in Atlanta, but she has also maintained a successful career as a model for companies such as Express, Maybelline, Essence, Calvin Klein, and many more. Most recently Cairo has now become the face of Tokyo Fashion Express in Tokyo, Japan.  Cairo, along with her management team, has been providing runway classes here in Atlanta to teach runway skills to local models using her trademarked “Clock and Flow” runway method.

When Phillip Washington, CEO of YBLimited, reached out to me about the chance to get to watch Cairo in action, I knew I had to be there! Watching her interact with the girls during her class was quite an experience. Not only did she provide them with what seemed to be a great workout, but she also focused on teaching them how to discover their own signature runway walk and how to exude the confidence needed to stand out. I found myself truly amazed at how much goes into being a runway model, as it’s so much more than walk, turn, flip hair, walk. There is truly an art to it and I have to add, Cairo has a FIERCE walk. The girls were truly lucky to gain so much knowledge and great tips from her.

Following the class, I got to sit down and take a moment to catch up with Cairo to talk curls, love, and life.

When did you first get interested in modeling?

I got interested in modeling when I was in college. My roommate in college, who was a model, wanted to enter into this modeling school that was on campus and she wanted me to go with her. I thought it was really cool, and I enjoyed the runway. That’s why I chose to teach the kids runway and posing. We did that for a little while and then the model instructor liked me and thought that I had potential so he took me to the local modeling school in Valdosta Georgia. The school was called Slyvia’s modeling school. I started going to her classes and Slyvia convinced me to compete. In a matter of months I began to meet agents from New York, Canada, and all over. I placed first in every single category, I won two modeling contracts, and decided to go with the contract in New York.

How did you transition from being the face of Maybelline and Calvin Klein to the face of Tokyo Fashion Express?

I started going to Kawaii fashion meetups with a friend of mine who is into Japanese street fashion and Kawaii fashion. Kawaii means cute in Japanese. After awhile she decided to submit me into a contest, and they liked it! They decided to use me for a network called Kawaii international, then came Tokyo Fashion Express. Japan only has two networks, so it was great to land Tokyo Fashion Express which is like our version of the E Style of Japan. On all of their media you will see me which is a big thing to see them support a brown girl with natural hair. They chose to use photos with my afro out, so it’s a great thing to show the world that we are loved. 

How did you create your trademarked Clock and Flow?

I created that when I was 18! I was very shy, so shy that I didn’t know how to get out of my head. I started to create something that would loosen me up so that I could have fun. I needed something that would allow me to focus on something else then just being in front of the camera and it worked! Now I’m sharing it with others!

What is your experience as a naturalista working with stylist? Do they accept your natural hair? Do they promote wearing wigs or more traditional styles?

You know, It’s hard. Having natural hair, and having alopecia is a challenge. Most stylists do not know how to work around it and make it look like it’s not there, or diminish it. I have to be prepared and I have to know how to style my hair so that I don’t have the same look. You have to research and know your hair, know how to take care of your hair, know how to use wigs. Just be prepared because it is a challenge.

As far as wigs, I think it’s all about embracing the styles but adding your own personal flair to it. I tend to wear my hair natural so that I can show girls that you don’t always have to wear wigs, you don’t always have to relax your hair or throw weave in it. I do different things with my fro and it’s still cute. It’s all about searching for what’s good for you.

Do you feel like it’s easy to speak up for yourself when you’re working with a stylist so that they don’t try to lock you into one type of look?

Yes, it’s all about how you present yourself. Make sure you present yourself professionally. I come in, I greet everyone, I’m very nice, so when I’m in that chair they already know that I’m easy going and professional. So if a stylist starts to pull and tug at my hair I’ll explain to them that I have alopecia and I’ll make sure to give suggestions. I’ll show them what looks good and what works for me.

How long have you been natural?

7 years. My mom gave me my first relaxer, but relaxers don’t work well with alopecia and the alopecia runs in my family. But I work with my hair and it’s important to know when to give your hair a break.

Did you always embrace your natural hair? Since you just went natural 7 years ago, how was that transition for you?

Hard! It was hard! It was life changing. It made me really look at what I thought was beautiful. I didn’t think I was pretty when I started. To be honest, when it finally started coming out I had this preconceived idea that I would have those big curls like on You Tube. I didn’t like it at first, but I knew that I needed to get in touch with my natural self. Over time, and after trying different things I began to love it. Soon as all of my relaxer grew out I began to love it. It was definitely a journey.

What are your favorite products?

I do have some favorite ones, but I do make a lot of products myself. I try to stay as close as I can to natural. I noticed for my hair texture that it doesn’t respond to silicone and some of the other harmful ingredients. Once I started using my natural oils and aloe-vera I noticed my hair bounces back, is soft, and has great moisture.

What is your go to hairstyle?

Straight out afro! And most of the time it’s not picked out, but it’s neat. I do believe just because your natural doesn’t mean you don’t do some sort of maintenance to your hair. I like to use pins and different hair combs and accessories.

What is your biggest takeaway from this journey?

I learned my biggest takeaway from Phillip from YBLimited who said “you have everything you need to succeed”. I was one of those people who just collected everybody, but that doesn’t mean that everybody was good for me. People that I have around me now are supportive, and I support them. It’s so crazy out there in the world, so the love is what I’m focused on right now.

What makes you feel like you’re living your best life?

This class! Once I started Clock and Flow, it’s so me, and I created and developed something so unique that came from my own experience and from my own love.  Even once I told my family about it their response was ‘That is so you’. It’s opening so many doors and I’m so happy.

What’s next for you? What’s next for your brand?

There’s no limits! I have so many things that I want to do. First I want to focus on really building Clock and Flow. After that I want to see what else is out there. Anything that’s connected to modeling is going to be my next step.

Where can we find you?

Photo Credit: YBLimited LLC

You can find me on Facebook at CeeCee Williams or on Instagram @cairosclockandflow

I want to send a huge THANK YOU to Phillip Washington, CEO of YBLimited, who introduced me to Cairo! I left that day feeling all of the #blackgirlmagic and so motivated by our talk. Cairo is an example of how sometimes we fall into our passions. Throughout the years great opportunities continued to come her way as she persistently showed up for herself and just enjoyed each moment. Something I can truly relate to myself as I continue following my heart. I will certainly be keeping up with Cairo as she makes her way to Japan as the face of Tokyo Fashion Express. I’m so excited to watch her on this journey! Be sure to check out the full interview on my You Tube channel!

-XO