From Coils 2 Crowns expands into podcast series on hair, heritage and identity

GREAT BAY--From Coils 2 Crowns is expanding its work on natural hair, heritage and identity with the launch of a new mini podcast series designed to continue conversations that began last year with students, parents and teachers.

Founded by Soidi Illis, the initiative is using the podcast format to create an ongoing platform for personal stories and broader discussions about natural hair, culture, family, confidence, history and belonging.

The series was launched under the theme “Real Stories. Real Women. Bigger Conversations.” with panelists Shanella Romney-James, Peta Gaye Harriot and Maya Williams-Thomas participating in a discussion titled “My Crown, My Story.”

The women reflected on their earliest hair memories, perceptions of beauty, their natural hair journeys and what their crowns represent to them today.

Their experiences helped set the direction for a podcast series that organizers say will move beyond hair itself and explore the deeper cultural and personal issues connected to identity and self-expression.

A representative of the Department of Culture also attended the launch, as the initiative continues to place emphasis on cultural storytelling, heritage and preserving experiences that contribute to St. Maarten’s identity.

From Coils 2 Crowns began last year as a two-day initiative involving schools, students, parents and teachers in conversations surrounding natural hair, heritage, identity and self-expression.

Both the initial project and the new podcast series have received support from Cultuurfonds Caribisch Gebied, allowing the initiative to continue documenting stories and expanding conversations across generations.

The inaugural event also featured the “Our Hair, Our Legacy” photography portrait exhibition, led by Kenty Lichtenberg and supported by the Slavery Memorial Committee.

Through portraits and storytelling, the exhibition explored ancestral lineage, heritage and the historical significance of Afro-textured hair, reinforcing the message that hair can carry history, memory and identity beyond appearance and personal style.

Illis said moving into a podcast format allows From Coils 2 Crowns to include more voices and perspectives.

“The transition into a podcast allows From Coils 2 Crowns to invite more voices and perspectives into the conversation,” Illis said.

Future episodes are expected to explore natural hair journeys, generational experiences, cultural traditions, beauty standards, representation, confidence and identity, while encouraging listeners to examine their own stories and the messages passed between generations.

At the center of the initiative, organizers said, remains the belief that every crown carries a story worth hearing.

“Our curls tell stories. Our coils carry history. Our crowns deserve celebration.”

The From Coils 2 Crowns Podcast Series will continue through featured conversations, community engagement and digital storytelling, building on the foundation established during last year’s initiative.

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