My Journey to Self-Love

I grew up as the only girl with afro curls in a sea of straight-haired friends. Every morning, I would stand in front of the mirror, desperately trying to tame my curls, flatten them, and make them blend in. I wanted so badly to look like everyone else,to feel like I belonged.

For years, I battled my hair. I straightened it, tied it back, and avoided letting it live freely. I thought my curls were wild, unmanageable, something that needed to be fixed. But no matter how much I tried, they always found a way to bounce back, as if reminding me who I really was.

Through it all, my mom was my constant voice of encouragement. She would tell me, "Your curls are part of what makes you special." But back then, I didn't want to be specialI just wanted to fit in.

It wasn’t until my twenties that everything changed. I started seeing my curls not as a problem, but as a symbol of strength, individuality, and authenticity.
I realized they weren’t something to be hidden but something to be celebrated. This shift in mindset didn’t happen overnight, it was a journey of self-acceptance, unlearning years of self-doubt, and redefining beauty on my own terms.

That’s when I knew I wanted to create something meaningful-not just for myself, but for every curly-haired person who had ever felt the same way I did. That’s how Wholein by Benkin was born. I wanted to design something that not only honored curls but also empowered those who wore it. Our hats are more than just accessories; they are a statement—a declaration of self-love, confidence, and acceptance.

Unlike traditional hats that flatten or ignore curly hair, our designs celebrate it. With vibrant colors, empowering messages, and a unique structure that embraces curls instead of working against them, these hats are a revolution. They are a reminder that you don’t have to change to fit in-the world should adapt to you.

To every curly-haired person reading this: your curls are powerful. They are a part of your story, your identity, your magic. Don’t hide them. Don’t fight them. Wear them with pride. Because when you embrace your curls, you embrace yourself.

Join me in rewriting the narrative. Let’s celebrate our natural beauty, our uniqueness, and our strength-one curl at a time.

With love and curls,

Gal Benkin