Last Saturday was so cold, that I was a bit worried about whether or not my Chicago Naturalistas would come out to the Third Annual Black Beauty Summit. I am happy to say, that my family, friends and social media followers did not disappoint me. Hundreds of women joined me for a day of beauty, shopping and natural hair education.
The day started with a hair care demonstration facilitated by yours truly. I had not planned to be on stage doing any hair styling but unfortunately the hair stylist canceled just minutes before the presentation so I jumped into action! I decided on a quick and easy DIY tuck and roll style.
- Thank you for letting me play in your hair Kellye:)
After the hair styling presentation we enjoyed hearing from some of my favorite experts in a special Black Women’s Wellness Panel. Panelists included Erica Douglas AKA Sister Scientist, Tammy Matthews of Restored Inc, Yanni Brown of Making Love Better TwoGether and Felicia Houston of Anointed Wives Ministry. The panel was an honest and inspiring conversation about mental health, wellness and the journey to self love and acceptance. I believe by sharing our stories we made a huge impact.
L to R;Yanni B, Felicia H, me, Tammye M, Erica D.
During Saturday’s program, there were several minority owned businesses available for shopping. I picked up a few things I really loved from Starchild Designs and Bobbi of Hidden Treasures Boutique.
Starchild Designs makes the coolest, show stopping jewelry.
Styled by Hidden Treasures Boutique.
Yanni Brown doing a little shopping with The Ice Cream Lady Hosiery.
Eden Body Work’s Brand Ambassador Nikki of Nikki & The City helping customers find the perfect natural hair product.
A Thank God I’m Natural happy naturalista.
Check out the complete vendor list here
Finally, the show ended with everyone’s most favorite part. Every year attendees rave about the fashion show. I hand- selected local Chicago designers Hidden Treasures Boutique and Kiwi’s Boutique to participate in the fashion show. I also made sure to select models of all shapes and sizes to represent the true body type of today’s women. Thank you to all of the models, designers and Felicia Kelly of Forward Events for helping to produce the fashion segment.
Valeaka Freeman working the catwalk in Hidden Treasures Boutique.
Guests were so happy to receive goodies from our sponsors Eden Body Works. Nubian Heritage, Alikay Naturals and Design Essentials.
Thank you to Q-Redew for the cute mirrors!
Thank you to all of the volunteers, vendors, members of Chicago Natural Beauty Meetup, our amazing and generous sponsors Design Essentials, Eden Body Works & Nubian Heritage. The Black Beauty Summit would not have been possible without all of you.
