I had a really heartwarming little experience today...

Ladies, have you ever had that moment? It's when, on an ordinary, even slightly tiring day, a small gesture from a stranger instantly brightens your mood? Today, I experienced just that.

One afternoon, after a busy day, I dragged myself into a hair accessory shop I frequent. You know, the "repair station" for us Black women—it's filled with all sorts of scarves, headbands, haircare products, and a dazzling array of wigs and braiding materials. I was debating between dark brown and honey-toned hair curlers when an elderly Black woman, probably in her seventies, slowly sidled up to me.

She wore a simple floral dress and a silky royal blue headscarf, exuding a time-honored elegance. She glanced at the two curlers in my hand, then back at me, a gentle smile in her eyes.

"Honey," she said, her voice soft but clear, "try this color."

She wasn't referring to any of the hair extensions I was holding, but rather to another curl from further down the shelf, expertly yanking it out. It was a blend of caramel and light gold, shimmering delicately in the light. It was exactly the kind of "high-end" color I'd been searching for but always worried I couldn't pull off.

Surprised, I said, "This one? I'm a little worried it might be too light. Besides, I've been wearing glueless lace wigs a lot lately, so I wanted to find a color to go with it."

The old woman smiled, the wrinkles at the corners of her eyes blooming like flowers. "No, child. Your skin is a warm dark chocolate, like velvet at night. This color will shine on it like moonlight, brightening your complexion and making you glow. The texture and color remind me of real Burmese curly bundles, with their natural, springy curls. That's what makes a high-end hairstyle."

She didn't simply say "makes your skin look brighter," but "like velvet at night." At that moment, my heart was gently touched. We are all too familiar with the feeling of being overlooked and misdefined by mainstream aesthetics, yet this stranger, a fellow elder, used her most poetic language to accurately affirm our innate beauty.

She continued, "I had this color braided when I was young. My husband—may he rest in peace—said the first time he saw me, 'You look like you've got stars braided into your hair.' There were no glueless wigs back then. Now you have it so easy, with glueless lace wigs, but when it comes to the texture of braided hair, a good Burmese curly bundle is still different. Trust me, darling, you'll love it."

I didn't hesitate and picked up the curling iron she recommended. We chatted briefly while checking out, and she mentioned that her granddaughter, about my age, was also proud of her natural curls. As we left, she gently patted my arm and said, "Keep your light, child."

Just those simple words made me feel a little lighter in my step as I left the store. The setting sun's afterglow warmed me. Holding the curling hairpin in my hand, I felt like I was holding more than just a product, but rather a silent token of support and blessing from a community of sisters, a beautiful legacy that transcends generations.

Sisters, we strive every day to live and become stronger. But sometimes, it's precisely the casual glances and affirmations from strangers that give us the most strength. It's a look that says "I understand you," a direct reassurance that "you are beautiful," a sisterly care that runs deep within our culture.

So, today, I want to extend this warmth to you as well. No matter how your day goes, remember that your Black skin is a unique canvas, capable of bearing the most vibrant colors. Your curls are a crown, and your very presence is radiance.

I hope you too will encounter or feel this small, heartwarming gesture of kindness today.