Beautiful Textures’ Ultimate Beauty GetAway

OMGeezie! This is one of those posts where it’s really hard for me to put into words just how epic my weekend was. First of all, you guys know I am a hard-working mommapreneur of three; my real life includes me working from home in my pajamas, caring for my kids and ALWAYS struggling to keep it all together. When I say that I NEEDED the Ultimate Beauty GetAway more than a newborn baby needs breast milk, that is, like, thetruth.com! I literally had moments this weekend where I felt like somebody needed to pinch me in order to believe it was all really happening. I cannot remember the last time I traveled by myself anywhere–well, maybe to the grocery store last week, but that doesn’t count really right?!? 

Thank you so much to Beautiful Textures for whisking me away to Miami for the Ultimate Beauty GetAway.  I got to meet lots of influential bloggers and beauty experts; we had so much fun learning about a new product that will be making its way to a retailer near you very soon. The Texture Management System (TMS) was created to help naturalistas go from curly to straight AND back to curly. I know most of you are just itching for me to share my thoughts on the product, but because I have yet to try it (will do that very soon), I can’t give you my honest opinion right now. Keep checking back, though,  because I do plan to post a full video product review. Here’s what I did learn this weekend: the product is NOT a keratin treatment. It contains natural ingredients like olive oil, amino acids and shea butter.

Felicia Leatherwood, who is a well-respected celebrity hair stylist, was the guest expert at this weekend’s event. Felicia had the privilege of testing the product with clients prior to its release to the public.  She says the product did not damage her client’s hair, and that it actually helps to strengthen and condition.  Normally, this would not be a product that would be a priority for me because I only straighten my hair maybe 4 times a year. Because I’ve always loved the Beautiful Textures product line, however, I am going to give it a go and see if it helps my hair to be less frizzy for those straight hair days. I truly believe every woman should have options, and in the humid Chicago weather, this is a product that would be nice to have in my beauty arsenal.

Ok, so back to the Ultimate Beauty GetAway festivities! Texture Turn Up!!! Friday started with a day of education and live demonstration of the TMS product. We got to sit in on a live styling session with Felecia and Pam Hogan where the ladies shared their experiences with us and answered ANY & ALL questions. I must say, I already knew that naturalistas can be really tough consumers, BUT try being a room with beauty bloggers, magazine editors and hair care professionals. Every question under the sun was asked about the product itself, technique, ingredients etc. It was also great to hear from Strength of Nature’s Global Marketing Director Charlene Dance and Brand Manager Camila Crews; I love when brands are not too shy to say, “We are working to bring the best product exclusively to the African American market.” So many times, companies will shy away from saying it or even worse, just completely overlook us.

After a fun and lively day of beauty education, we went to Catch restaurant for the Diva Dinner. The food was delicious, every one looked so beautiful, and guess what: NO DRAMA! Take THAT, mainstream-media-always-misrepresenting-us! Uh oh, off my soap box; I digress. I even won a $250 MAC gift card #cabbagepatchdance  #footworkin ; I’m sooooo excited.

Saturday was my favorite day because I really am a chill, laid-back kinda girl. We started the morning with Yoga on the beach where I almost split two knee caps trying to do the reverse downward dog or whatever it’s called. I couldn’t really keep up with some of the moves, but I did the best I could.

 

We left the beach and were all treated to a choice of either a facial or a massage. I learned about a new skin care brand named Walker’s Apocatherapy, and I hope to share more about it in an upcoming post.  The day ended with a swanky fashion forward mixer attended by socialites and celebrities, including Angela Simmons.

 

This trip meant so much to me, although it technically was for business. Not one moment felt like work, and I honestly hope that I get to do more traveling this year.  Thank you for reading this extra long post; a short post (my usual) just wouldn’t have done the Ulitmate Beauty GetAway justice.