The Twin Cities Hair & Beauty Expo is thee event to look forward to each year because each year it gets bigger and better. It celebrates culture, beauty, and empowerment. For me, it is the Essence Festival of the North.
The expo brings together professionals, enthusiasts, and individuals interested in the latest trends and innovations across industries. It serves as a platform for showcasing diverse beauty standards, promoting self-confidence, and fostering empowerment through various workshops, panels, presentations, and exhibits.
This year’s event, which took place on August 13, at the Courtyard Marriott in downtown Minneapolis, had the theme of “Rise: The Evolution of Black Hollywood.” Tephanie Delaney and Briana McCall Cress created an atmosphere that explored the history, growth, and impact of Black representation in the entertainment industry, specifically focusing on Hollywood.
The challenges, achievements, and significant contributions of Black actors, filmmakers, and other industry professionals were highlighted at the event. Even the tattoo industry was represented with Black Ink Crew Dutchess. There were no stones uncovered.
Also, not to be missed was the beautiful artwork of Queen Africa that literally jumped off the canvas with the essence of the motherlands painted so elegantly.
The Twin Cities Black Hair Expo plays a crucial role in celebrating and promoting Black culture, while also offering educational resources and opportunities for networking and empowerment within the Black community.
In addition to renowned hairstylists, makeup artists, and beauty experts presenting workshops and masterclasses, the event offered a marketplace where beauty brands, hair care companies, makeup brands, and other related businesses showcased their products and services.
Melanie Savage of Evolve Fashions by Coco gave you a Black Hollywood runway show like none other featuring models of all shapes and sizes adorned with creative hairstyles, makeup looks, and jaw-dropping outfits. They all did this super-fly, super-cute denim number that was a showstopper.
Then there were the soul-penetrating inspirational talks and panel discussions on topics such as self-esteem, body positivity, cultural identity, and breaking beauty stereotypes.
Also, we can’t forget the men’s panel on “Mental Health Epidemic in the Black Community.” These seminars aim to uplift and empower attendees by fostering positive self-perception and self-expression while getting real on issues that are often brushed over.
Given the emphasis on culture, the expo features performances, music, and displays that highlight the rich cultural diversity of the Upper Midwest region.
The expo’s holistic approach addresses not only the physical aspects of beauty but also its connections to financial wellness, mental wellness, physical wellness, community cultivation, and economic wellness, and reflects an understanding that beauty is not skin deep.
Jiccarra Hollman welcomes reader responses to jhollmon@spokesman-recorder.com.
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