Event Review: Noir Naturally, Loc-In Nashville 2015

Last week, I had the pleasure of attending the first annual Noir Naturally Nashville Loc-In. What's a LOC IN? It's a celebration of loc'd hair with style and flair. Locticians from around the southwest came with the thunder bringing models in all phases of their loc journey to showcase their skills. In addition, independent musicians and poets performed, celebrating the beauty of natural hair.

It was a fun experience. I never thought I'd see so many ways to style locs. Click the link below to see the details:

#PopUpMeetUp - CANCELLED

Due to unforeseen circumstances, the Holiday #PopUpMeetUp has been cancelled. In an effort to give you the BEST meet-up with all the elements to make it a success, we are rescheduling the event for a later date. We always wan to make sure you have fun, be informed, and network.

Please make sure to support our event sponsor, Natural Awakenings Salon for all you natural haircare needs. Really, the ladies over there are THE BOMB! We will be working with them in the future as co-hosts of another event.

All who purchased a ticket will be refunded within the next 5 days. As always, thanks for your continued support. We will keep you posted on out next planned event.

Thanks for reading and enjoy your holidays!

The NIN Team.

Win TWO TICKETS to Naturals in the City 3, July 19!

MORE INFO: www.naturalsinthecity.com

On Saturday, Memphis will host the 3rd Annual Natural in the City Health & Wellness Expo! And guess what, I'm going to be a speaker! I'm so excited to represent Nashville's natural hair community in Memphis! You know I'm going to represent! Oh yeah, I want YOU to come! Below, win a pair of tickets to the event.

What is the Naturals in the City Hair Expo? Its an event that focuses on natural hair, natural living, and natural products! 

This expo will include natural hair seminars, products, wellness seminars, products, and vendors who are marketing their natural products. Celebrity stylists, naturalists and wellness entrepreneurs are among those scheduled to appear. This will be an opportunity for vendors to present their brand of products to a new untapped market for consumers who are health conscious of natural solutions. The wellness part of the expo will introduce consumers to natural skin foods, natural tattoos and natural health foods.

You are guaranteed to have a ton of fun, be informed, and inspired at the same time. Take a look at the video below:

 

Wanna win pair of tix to the event (Remember it's in Memphis)? 

Leave a comment below, with the year you decided to go natural + your email address. Two winners will be selected on WEDNESDAY (7/15)!!

EVENT: Meet-Ups & Product Swaps in Nashville, May 17, 2014

 

Tomorrow is International Natural Hair Meet-up Day (NHMD). NHMD was created by a group of ladies with a desire to build-up the natural hair community, one city at a time. On May 17, 2014, cities across the country will host meet-ups for natural hair wearers (and those interested in natural hair.). Unfortunately, Nashville is not an OFFICIAL host city for NHMD. But there are several events that will get you to network and kick it with your curly sisters.

Kenya P aka HalfieTruths (purple) and Kristi A of Kinky Rootz Salon (black)

The two natural hair events happening tomorrow aren't officially sponsored by the NHMD team, you can still celebrate the essence of the day. If you enjoyed our speakers from the #NINMeetup, Kenya and Kristie (above), then you have a chance to mix & mingle with them tomorrow at two fun events. Take a look below and RSVP ASAP!

On May 17, 2014 from 1:00p-4:00p the NASH NATURALS Facebook Group is hosting a small product swap/meet & greet at Kinky Rootz salon in Nashville. This event is INVITE only and you MUST have a ticket to attend. There are a small amount of tickets available HERE. This will be a super-fun and informational event, make sure to RSVP quickly.

 

Then from 6:00p-8:00p, Kenya aka @HalfieTruths is hosting Curls and Cocktails at Wxyz Bar, ALOFT Hotel (1719 West End Ave).

Curls & Cocktails is where natural women, of all backgrounds, come to socialize with other like-minded women who are on a similar journey in life! This is an event where you can put on your cutest look, style your hair, and come have a drink and have some fun! RSVP HERE

So, I hope you can hit up one of these events tomorrow to mix & mingle with your fellow natural hair divas! OH YEAH!

#NINMeetup Spring 2014: Pictures and Review!

Melissa, Candice, Ashiya, and Amber!

 Last month, we had our first meet-up and it was glorious! So glorius that our popularity increased, t-shirt sales were through the roof, and I was busier than ever. All excuses for me not posting these photos. LOL! But I know y'all love me and you don't mind. So let's take a trip down memory lane and enjoy some pics from the event.

And I know the big question, "When's the NEXT #NINMeetup?" 

August! And it's going to be AMAZING!!! I can't wait to start letting you know!

Enjoy the photos!

Our AMAZING volunteers! Thanks for helping us!

One of the hair models and Amber - Amber did her hair and it was AMAZING!

The Aveda student-sylists show us how to get the best out of our hair.

Our speakers for the day - Ms Gale of Aveda, Kenya aka @HalfieTruths, and Kristi Alderson of Kinky Rootz Salon

During our ice-breaker game, the participants were asked to find someone with hair like theirs. We see the loc'd ladies found each other.

The sign-in table and raffle ticket area

Make sure to view more photos on the Facebook page. Tag yourself if you see yourself.

NIN Meet Up Spring 2014: Ashiya's Favorite Things

Its Wednesday and I'm still feeling the energy and love from the first Natural in Nashville Meet Up.  When we started planning the event, there was really no way to gauge our ideas and goals for the day other than what we hoped to gain from the experience ourselves.  We knew we wanted our readers to be educated and informed, but we also wanted to enjoy our time with you.  I think we achieved both.

Our obligatory group shot. Photo bomb by John.  He was always there when you needed him.  Perfection.

One of the things I loved most about the NIN Meet Up was the opportunity to see Amber do her thing.  Aside from the Meet Up, Amber was preparing for a competition at Avevda as she moves toward completing her training this May.  Candice and I were able to take a quick break from setting up to watch Amber in action.  If you were there and met her model, you know Amber displayed her skills in a way that shows both her potential and her vision as a hair stylist.  We are so  proud!

Amber shares a few styling techniques on models from the NIN Community.

I also loved the knowledge that our panelists were able to bring to the discussion.  We are so thankful for the beautiful ladies that shared their questions and concerns because it allowed us to see first hand the talent and wisdom available to the Natural in Nashville community.  Kristi of Kinky Rootz and Ms. Gale of Aveda Institute were absolutely wonderful.  I loved the fact that they did not answer one question until there was a clear understanding of what was being asked.  At times, they even heard what was not being said.  Their experience was perfectly balanced by Kenya (@halfietruths) and her hair reminding us that hair care is as much about our lifestyle as it is about products and procedures.  As a life coach, wholistic self-care is one of the things I work through the most with my clients.  It was wonderful to see that aspect come through during the panel discussion.

Loc Love!  Over 30 years of combined growth!

More than anything, my favorite part of the day is definitely the warm smiles, hugs and hellos.  It is one thing to sit at my computer and publish words to connect with you.  It is quite another to spend the day enjoying each other's company.  As soon as we can catch our breath, we are ready to do it all over again, Nashville.

Thank you to all who attended!  You made our first Natural in Nashville Meet Up one to remember.

#NINMeetup Spring 2014: FAQ's and Schedule of Events

Like y'all, listen, it's a whirlwind over here! This is the VERY FIRST event we've ever hosted on our OWN!! I thought I'd answer some questions I've been getting through the Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter accounts. So let's go:

Question 1: I thought you guys hosted an event before? - Umm . . . about that . . . yeah, We've CO-HOSTED or have been MEDIA PARTNERS for other natural hair events around town.

We were co-hosts for an event last May called 'The Music City Naturals' event and we helped promote a huge natural hair event last October called the 'Nashville Natural Hair & Wellness Expo'. We aren't the only natural hair blog, group, or website in Nashville, but we pride ourselves on being the most comprehensive website in the city. We thought it was time to host an event for our fans and readers. This is our FIRST natural hair event hosted by this blog and it's writers.

Question 2: If it's FREE why do I need a ticket? - Simply, our venue is small. The Aveda Institute was a sponsor and they so graciously sponsored our venue. The room  holds 150 people. Including the NIN team, volunteers, vendors, and speakers we only had about 120 tickets available. Due to fire code regulations we can only admit those who have a ticket. Please don't make us be mean and have to turn people away. No ticket, no entry. However, we are planning an event in the summer (June or July) we'll keep you posted.

Question 3: Do I have to have the PAPER ticket? I can't make it, can I transfer my ticket to someone else? Help, I can't find my ticket! - No worries! All tickets are registered through the EVENTBRITE website.

• If you lost your paper ticket, you can re-print it through the eventbrite page - click here.
• Can't make it? You can release your ticket to someone on the waiting list just go to the eventbrite page and cancel your ticket order.
• You can also show you confirmation email via your phone or with the eventbrite app on you iphone/android.

Question 4: Where is the Aveda building? The Aveda building is across from the Cool Springs Mall near the Macy's entrance. If you are familiar with the area, it's on the other side of Pier 1. But for those of us who have GPS, just type this address in:

Aveda Institute Nashville
1765 Galleria Blvd
Franklin, TN 37067

Question 5: Do I have to be on time? Can I come and go as I please? Is this just a vendor showcase? - We've planned a nice afternoon for you! This is truly a 'girls day out' networking type of event. There will be a networking/ice breaker activity, Q&A with our featured speakers, shopping our vendors, and natural hair demos. Below is the agenda for the day:

• 2:45 - doors open for guests
• 3:00 - guests arrival & shopping vendors
• 3:45 - icebreaker/networking game
• 4:15 - raffle/giveaway
• 4:30 - hair demo w/ Aveda student stylists
• 5:00 - Q&A/panel discussion ft. Kenya Patterson (@halfietruths) and Kristi Alderson of Kinky Rootz Salon
• 5:45 - 7:00 closing remarks, pics, & guests can shop vendors

Question 6: I heard about a gift bag - will there be samples? Yup, we have a small gift bags available for guests who arrive early. The bags are first come/first served. There will be a sample from our event sponsor Alikay Natural and Aveda along with some coupons from our vendors. In addition, we will have a raffle for a huge gift basket featuring full-size products! So get there on time!

Question 7: Why can't I bring my child? NIN loves the kids, we do! However, the event will take place in a working cosmetology school/salon that has chemicals and sharp things. We'd hate for your child to be injured because of curiosity.

Question 8: I didn't get a ticket! When's the next event? Once again, I'm so sorry you didn't get a ticket! However, due to the overwhelming response, we are planning another meet-up/event in June/July. We'll keep you posted. I can tell you we like small-ish gatherings - it's easier to manage and create meaningful experiences. Tickets will go fast, so be on the lookout. Follow our Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram accounts.

I think that's about it. If you have ANY other questions, email me at melissa@natural-nashville.com. We can't wait to see you there!

#NINmeetup: Meet our Speakers

Kenya Patterson aka @HalfieTruths and Kristi Alderson of Kinky Rootz Salon

With less than 5 days away from the big event - I wanted to introduce you to our FEATURED speakers for the #NINmeetup Spring 2014: Kenya Patterson and Kristi Alderson! During the event we'll have a panel discussion where our guests and the NIN team will answer your natural hair questions. So let's talk about our featured guests.

Kenya Patterson, aka @HalfieTruths is the hostess of Curls & Cocktails. Kenya is a writer and blogger in her early 30′s, living in-love, here in Nashville. She describes herself as brassy, loyal, hilarious, and honest. Some think that Kenya is a "natural-hair enthusiast," but she likes to think of herself as a "self-enthusiast" who loves natural hair and uses it as a platform to discuss all things beautiful & real! Her hope is that people are comfortable with who they are, by nature, so if she's guilty of promoting anything, it's self-awareness, growth & happiness by any means necessary! Kenya is looking forward to exchanging energy with you!

Kristi Alderson, owner of Kinky Rootz Hair Salon, an all natural hair salon concept created in October 2004. Kristi is a Licensed Natural Hair Professional and a pioneer in the natural hair community. Her salon is located in the historical Music Row area in downtown Nashville. Kristi has been a licensed professional for 10 years offering chemical-free natural hair services (with the exception of color) to men, women, and children to include  Kristi takes a unique approach providing salon services that "Redefine beauty....Naturally". Her ultimate goal is to educate and nurture individuals on their natural hair journey providing complimentary consultations and salon services without the use of pressing combs, blow dryers, or flat irons.

I selected these two ladies for our panel discussion because every time I've talked with them they ALWAYS kept it real about natural hair and the lifestyle that goes along with it. Kenya and Kristi will be available to answer your questions and offer advice on living this natural hair journey.

 

Of course, the NIN team will be available to answer questions as well. Together we have more than 20 years experience dealing with natural hair. In addition, we all have different curl patterns, styling routines, and experiences as writers for this blog.

We hope this panel discussion is informative and FUN! We may not be able to answer EVERY question, but we will be able to share info.

We can't wait to see you at the #NINMeetup, Sunday, March 30, at the Aveda Institute in Cool Springs!

#NINmeetup Spring 2014: Tickets NOW AVAILABLE

It's OFFICIAL. Tickets are now available for the #NINmeetup! Admission is free BUT space is limited. If you want to get in the building - you have to have a TICKET. So, what's on the agenda:

• Two FUN networking Events
• Haircare demonstrations from the Aveda student-stylists
• Panel discussion with special invited VIP guests
• Swag bag with product samples
• Vendors selling lots of cool stuff
• Light appetizers

 CLICK HERE to RSVP and receive your tickets.

Make sure to share with your friends!

FAQ's

• Sorry, we cannot allow children under 12 years-old to attend the event.
• Youth over the age of 12 are allowed, but they must have a ticket.
• Space is limited - NO TICKET = NO ENTRY
• DONATIONS will be accepted if you'd like to give to the site

WE CAN'T WAIT TO MEET YOU!

TICKETS: Nashville Natural Health & Wellness CONCERT and EXPO

Some of you have contacted the site trying to understand the ticket situations for the Nashville Natural Health & Wellness Expo on October 5-6, 2013. Let me break it down for ya! Check it below:

Saturday's concert: Elle Varner, Eric Benet, and Kindred the Family Soul

On Saturday, October 5 - The Nashville Natural Hair & Wellness Expo begins with a soulful concert! At Tennessee State Univeristy's Gentry center, doors will open at 6pm with the concert starting at 7pm. Elle Varner, Eric Benet, and Kindred the Family Soul will rock the house as we celebrate the beginning of expo weekend!

CONCERT TICKETS can be purchase on NNHWE's eventbrite page - CLICK HERE

Tickets are $25 -$180 Prices include: VIP, Special Seating, and weekend combo packages

ON SUNDAY, October 6, it's EXPO DAY! More than 3000 guests are expected to pack the Gentry Center complex. Doors open at noon and expo activities will go until 8pm. 

What to expect:

• Live Entertainment w/ Elle Varner, Kenny Lattimore, and Kindred the Family Soul
• Celeb Appearances w/ Curly Nikki, Felicia Leatherwood, and more
• A pampering section w/ fitness classes and giveaways
• Knowledge building classes with local natural hair stylists
• Lots of VENDORS and shopping

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE DISCOUNT TICKETS

WIN A FREE MAKEOVER at the Nashville Natural Hair & Wellness Expo!

After all the planning and scheduling, the Nashville Natural Hair & Wellness Expo happens on October 5-6 at the Tennessee State University's Gentry Center. You already know Elle Varner, Kenny Lattimore, Eric Benet, and Kindren The Family Soul will perform. But did you know Curly Nikki, Felicia Leatherwood, and Deshonica Kerrie will discuss natural hair and answer you questions?

BUY TICKETS HERE - $5 DISCOUNT

SO - do you need a natural hair makeover, you are in luck! The NNHWE is hosting the BEAUTY 2.0 Makeover Contest! Enter the Beauty 2.0 Contest by submitting your story and photo to us at info@nnhwe.com. Send your photo and story to the email; the person with the most votes will win, plus be presented on stage on October 6, 2013.

Nashville Natural Hair & Wellness Expo - $5 DISCOUNT CODE!

We are just a couple of weeks away from Nashville's biggest Natural Hair and Wellness Expo!

On October 5-6 Tennessee State University will be the site for the event that will feature performances by Elle Varner and Kenny Lattimore and presentations by Curly Nikki and Felicia Leatherwood. Of course, Natural in Nashville, will be in the building representing for all the naturals in the city. You'll be able to meet the writers (Ashiya, Candice, Amber, and myself) ask questions about the site and get advice about natural hair.

And because we love you SO MUCH - we are offering a $5 discount on tix to the event. General Admission Tickets are Discounted when you use the code NINFAN or purchase tickets via THIS LINK.

Here is your chance to enjoy classes, food, education, shopping, celebrities, connections, performances and a great experience! Grab your tickets to Tennessee’s Largest Natural Hair & Wellness Expo. Come learn some of the latest and effective ways to care for your natural hair and body's wellness. We welcome you to meet Tennessee’s finest hair care professional educators and stylists as well as healthy and wellness experts.  All ticket sales are final. Children under the age of 12 are free with ticket holder.

CLICK HERE to purchase DISCOUNTED Tickets!

Melissa's Hair: I'm a model for the Nashville Natural Hair & Wellness Expo!

If you didn't know, Nashville is getting ready to host one of the largest natural hair events in the the southeast! Promoting OPTIMAL Health and OPTIMAL beauty for all, the Nashville Natural Hair & Wellness Expo (October 5,6) is one part natural hair convention, one part health initiative, and one part music series. Natural in Nashville is an official media partner for this event. Keep an eye on our Facebook and Twitter pages for official info and ticket giveaways! It's going to be an awesome event!

CLICK HERE to purchase tickets for the Nashville Natural Hair & Wellness Expo

Surprisingly, I, your humble editor, was asked to be a model for the event. Sort of like a brand ambassador, models for the event wil appear at all the events leading up to the expo as well as appear in the branding an commercials. Our first assignment was being professionally photographed for the ad campaigns. Every model was asked to bring a black outfit and a white outfit and be prepared to get our hair and make-up done.

The natural girl anxiety crept in - someone other than ME was going to do my hair! Oh lord! On the site, we've talked about visiting stylists - some experiences are good, some are bad. I prepared myself to hear the usual - your ends are split, what products do you use, when's the last time you visited a professional stylist, etc, etc, etc. With all my worry, my experience with my hairstylist, Teddy Chislom was phenomenal!

My make-up artist Sylvia, and my hairstylist, Teddy

My hair was washed and conditioned using Design Essentials natural hair line. Design Essentials/Hair We Are are official sponsors of the event. When I sat in the chair, Teddy was attentive, reading  my hair for it's needs. He said my hair was in good shape, of course I needed a trim, "Nothing but a dusting" he said. He even gave me advice on helping my weak edges (a continuous battle) and using heat properly.

I vowed to visit Teddy at least quarterly. Ladies, I suggest you visit Teddy at Beverly's of Nashville for your natural hair needs.  He's been doing hair for more 20 years (natural hair for the last 10 years).

Let's try flexi-rods again!

So what did I get done - FLEXI-RODS! Back in 2011 I attempted flexi-rods on my own - FAIL! See my attempts here. Teddy gave me some tricks to have the best flexi-rod set:

1. Since my 4b hair is so coily, it's better for me to do a light blow-dry to stretch my hair before adding the product.
2. USE a setting lotion/serum and rolling papers. Rolling papers keep ends from curly and becoming frizzy after day 1. Teddy then used Design Essentials Natural Twist and Set Setting Lotion to set the curls in my hair.
3. Use a hooded dryer to set the curls. The hooded dryer gives an even heat without damaging the hair. My hair was dry in under 45 mins.

I loved my look!

My curls were POPPING! Of course I love a bigger look, but I had to admit, this style was a nice change of pace. My curls lasted for almost 7 days. Probably would have lasted longer if not for my workout schedule and my general boredom. LOL!

So, I KNOW you'll be at the Nashville Natural Hair & Wellness Expo - when you see me there, say HOLA! I know I'll have cool style for you to see.

EVENT: ManeLove Affair (Atlanta) feat Ebony Clark & Courtney Adeleye, August 31

If you happen to be in Atlanta this weekend, August 31, 2013 - make sure you head over to Loft at Castelberry Hill to attend the Mane Love Affair featuring Ebony Clark and Courtney Adeleye! You don't know these naturalistas? Well step you Instagram/Blog Game UP!

Ebony (@Eclark6) and Courtney (@CourtneyNaturalHair) boast thousands of fan and give daily inspiration while posting their haircare routines, business endeavors, and inspirational quotes. The ladies have teamed up to give fans a classy hair affair in Atlanta during Labor Day Weekend.

This event will celebrate and honor the beauty of men and women loving their natural hair while promoting self-confidence. A night full of fun, food, music, socializing and more! Mane Love Affair 2013 will take place at the LOFT at Castleberry Hill, one of Atlanta’s premier event venues, located just minutes from downtown Atlanta. A comfortable atmosphere for socialization and little conversation. - www.maneloveaffair.com

So, if you are in Atlanta, make sure to stop by! The ladies are offering Natural in Nashville readers 30% off admission. 

Click HERE to purchase your tickets, add NIN2013 in the promo box.

Have fun!! Take lots of pictures!!

EVENT: Nashville Natural Hair & Wellness Expo, October 5-6, 2013

Visit www.nnhwe.com for more info

I'm happy to announce that Natural in Nashville is an official media partner for the 2013 Nashville Natural Hair & Wellness Expo! This event is not JUST a hair show, but a health and beauty initiative that will work in part to inform and educate Nashville's citizens about health and beauty products/services in this area. The event will occur on October 6th with several preliminary events leading up to the big EXPO weekend.

The expo will provide you with access to some of the nation's most talented professionals, including educators, stylists, health care service providers. You will also be able to access products, fitness training and entertainment all under one roof. See you there!

CLICK HERE for tickets

EVENT: 2nd Annual Naturals in the City Hair & Wellness Expo - Memphis, July 27-28

 

It's that time again! On the weekend of July 27-28, A Natural Affair Hair & Beauty Lounge, is happy to host the 2nd annual Naturals in the City Hair and Wellness Expo! This year the expo is bigger an better with more presenters, sponsors, vendors, and classes. 

The event's founder, Takeisha Berry Brooks, spoke and presented at the Music City Naturals event back in May.  She was happy to share info about the Memphis event with Nashville's natural hair ladies. Takeisha is a certified cosmotologist and business owner who sepcializes in natural hair matenance. Takeisha continues to raise awareness about natural hair by presnting events like the expo and doing business at her salon, A Natural Affair.

CLICK HERE for the official schedule of events.

This year, the presenters include psychologist/weight loss specialist/YouTuber Nina aka Beautiful Brown Baby Doll and brand stragtegist Kimberly Brown. There are more that twenty vendor booth and several classes for attendees and professional stylists. This is an event you don't want to miss!

CLICK HERE to purchase tickets

PHOTOS: Music City Naturals Event 2013

Guests fill the space and check-in for the MCN Event

 Oh my gosh! I think the high from executing the Music City Naturals Event has finally died down. Melanie, TaRee, and I are more than grateful for your presence at the event. Seriously, each guest was a blessing. To see the seats filled with lovely, attentive natural haired ladies was just OVERWHELMING! I mean, we thought people would like the event, but your attendance surprised us even more. Guests were filling in the building almost to the last hour! Oh, I can not forget to give a HUGE shout-out to the volunteers! They were beyond great, these ladies were exceptional!

Thanks to our vendors!

If you didn't get a chance to make it to the event, you missed out, but we are already planning on another FLY event in the fall. You know I'll keep you posted.

Below are photos from the event. In all of our planning, we forgot to hire a photographer (DUH!) but we did have a guest who volunteered for the position.

One of two vendor suites

Packed out for the seminars

Design Essentials team doing hair demos

To see more photos CLICK HERE

Ashiya's Hair Diary: Let It Breathe

The Music City Naturals Natural Hair Event was last week and Nashville really enjoyed it.  From the vendors and speakers to the beautiful natural hair and the lovely women who rocked it, it was something special.  
 

FASHION: What do I wear to a Natural Hair Meet-Up?

OMG, OMG, the Music City Naturals Event is on Saturday!! Wow, it seemed like just yesterday we were wondering if people really would come to an event like this. But hey, you guys came trhough strong! We are so excited to meet everyone and so excited to for you to hear our speakers and shop our vendors.

So, I'm sure you're wondering what should you wear to a Natural Hair Meet-Up? Well, keep it casual, keep it cute, and keep it comfortable. Below, I've assembled three looks to inspire you. I do this every thursday on my fashion website, Fab Glance Nashville, so make sure to visit me for more outfit inspirations. Let's get started!

Natural Hair Meet-Up: Maxi Misses by fabglance featuring nars cosmetics

First up, is the 'Maxi-Dress Misses' - Planning to stay all day, this ia comfortable look to rock. The wedge heel allows you to shop the vendors, and the cute jacket adds some urban flair. Oh yeah, check out this tribal enhanced necklace, very on trend for the season.

Natural Hair Meet-Up: Cross Town Cutie by fabglance featuring yellow gold jewelry

This set is called 'Cross-Town Cutie' - So, you are running errands all day Saturday, but you've carved out a couple hours to enjoy the event. This outfit, with it's trendy layers, allows you to transition from lunch with your friends to a quick hour and half at the meetup. Get it girl!

Natural Hair Meet-Up: Boho Beauty by fabglance featuring geometric jewelry

Lastly is our 'Boho Beauty' - Coming to Natural Hair Events are nothing new to you! This cute outfit bring in the cute turban trend (and protective style) with baggy boyfriend jeans, and chic wooden accessories. You came to get your shop on - that's why you brought this fly tote bag.

I know this helps. We can't wait to meet our fans/readers. Make sure you say "Hello"! See you there!

MUSIC CITY NATURALS EVENT: The Vendors

Vendors from the World Natural Hair Show 2012 (source)

We are five days away from the Music City Naturals Event! May 11th from 1p-7p, it's going down at the Scaritt Bennett center. Last week I printed the schedule of speakers and demonstrators for the day. Now, lets talk about the VENDORS!! Really, what's a natural hair event if you can't buy some cool products.

Just like the speakers for the day, we focused on bringing vendors unique to the Middle Tennessee/Southeastern United States. We wanted to make sure you knew about unique products and services right her in your own backyard! Below we've listed 14 vendors who will be available for your shopping pleasure! Make sure to visit there business pages for more info about products and services. Tell your friends.

Design Essentials/Hair We Are - www.designessentials.com - We are pleased to have Design Essentials as out VIP Swag Bag sponsor. The team will do a haircare demo during the day as well as sell product during the event. The Design Essentials Naturals line is one of my current faves - read my review HERE.

BeJeweled Jewelry - a start-up jewelry company ready to offer you trendy jewelry and awesome statement pieces.

The Closet Experience - www.theclosetexperience.com - Through a unique blend of style and affordability; The Closet Experience allows women to enhance their wardrobe by adding trendy accessories that will pull together their complete look without leaving the comfort of their home. 

All Things Curly - www.allthingscurly.com -  A boutique store and an online natural hair lifestyle site. All Things Curly is a distributor of innovative, high-quality, healthy natural hair care products that are natural and/or vegan, cruelty free products by some of the best natural hair companies in the country.

Kiia Bath & Body - www.kiiabathbody.etsy.com - Kiia Bath & Body offers handmade bath and body products that are high-quality yet inexpensive. This Nashville retailer is a favorite of the NIN team.

Shades of Chocolate - www.facebook.com/shadesofchocolate - Shades Of Chocolate was created/founded in 2010 as a means to spread love and promote happiness through everyone's first love...CHOCOLATE! They will have chocolate covered strawberries, pretzals, and specialty gift packs right in time for Mother's Day.

Konadu Body Care By Nature -  www.konadubodycare.com - Our products are handcrafted with 100% natural, organic ingredients. Konadu products are inspired by nature, and Infused with the aromas of the purest botanical essential oils. No matter your skin type, you can find the a Konadu product that will work perfectly for what you need.

A Natural Affair Beauty Lounge - www.anaturalaffair.com - Not only will the owner of A Natural Affair speak at the event, she will have vendor space available for you to have a one-on-one consultation. A Natural Affair Beauty Lounge, owned and operated by TaKeisha Berry-Brooks, is a quaint and professional hair care salon which specializes in the transitioning and upkeep of natural, beautiful hair. A Natural Affair also sponsors Memphis' #1 Natural Hair convention, Naturals in the City (July 27-28).

Carol's 5-Kin-Care Products - www.artlifestylecoach.com - Dr. Carol Batey is a lifestyle coach, author, and business woman. She will be available selling her green tea skincare products and offering information about services available through her site.

It Works Global - www.myitworks.com - I'm sure you've heard about those MIRACLE body wraps that have hit the weight loss scene. Well get your chance to speak to a representative of the It Works company, the #1 retailer of body wraps, health & wellness items, and body care supplements.

Braids Ashanti - www.facebook.com/BraidsAshanti - Ashanti Pratt is fast becoming one of Nashville's TOP braiders and protective style installers. Ashanti will speak about protective styling and will be at her both doing demonstrations, giving tips, and special coupons! Make sure to see her before you leave.

Essence Tree Holistic - www.essencetree.com - EssenceTree Holistic Life creates organic beauty products for face, body & hair. We also promote wellness through our Beautiful Life seminars and spa events. You can buy Essence Tree products at Whole Foods/Whole Body in Green Hills; they will be available at our event exclusively!

Michelle's House of Accessories - A girl can NEVER have too many accessories. Make sure to visit Michelle and shop her table of cool earrings, necklaces, and bracelets.

Fanuppa Soaps - www.fanuppasoaps.com - Fanuppa Soaps is a friend of Natural in Nashville. Their unique blends of high quality product are what's needed for those for sensitive skin and those who just love a great smelling bar of soap. 

There you have it! Make sure to come out to the Music City Naturals Natural Hair Event. Tickets are available online by clicking here - the first 150 ticketholders will receive a VIP Swag Bag!