CURLFEST + ATLANTA = BLACK GIRL MAGIC
If you haven’t heard of The Curly Girl Collective or Curlfest it’s likely because you have been living under a rock somewhere between Mars and Venus. No worries, I’m going to tell you all about the founders, the fashions, the small business vendors and the dope brands that support The Curly Girl Collective mission.
So, What Issa Curlfest?
Let’s go back in time…
In 2010, what began as a call to help encourage a friend on her natural hair journey turned Facebook group, turned house gathering has now grown to a worldwide community of not just women but men and children as well. Curlfest was founded by Simone Mair, Tracey Coleman, Charisse Higgins, Melody Henderson and Gia Lowe better known as the “Curly Girl Collective”.
CurlfestNYC debuted to the world in 2014, at a time where so many of us were not being hired for jobs, bullied in school and experiencing discrimination for our natural way of being; what The Curly Girl Collective started has become more than just a festival. It’s a family reunion where you are inspired to be you, loved for being you and motivated to be the best you.
The main stage DJs (DJ Hourglass, DJ Princess Cut, and DJ Stakz) set the tone with vibes from every culture, the panel discussions were informative, and there was even a yoga session!
Now, if your hair is not natural and you wear weaves / wigs, of course you can still join the “Curlfest” experience just be sure to wear your Sundays best!
THE FAMILY THAT SLAYS TOGETHER STAYS TOGETHER
Being from NYC I knew ATL was going to show all the way OUT and was excited to see my culture the Atlanta way. From the ladies to the fellas to the elders and even the babies (and mothers to be) had swag. Every style you could possibly imagine was represented on the lawn from modern to vintage, athleisure to cultural and some in head to toe Dashikis.
Natural hair from big to baby fros, (faux) locs to twists, up-dos to braids, every curl and kink from A to Z was on full display. The ladies came thru with their looks and hair on double fleek, some were adorned in crowns made of jewelry, beads, and flowers. Others showed out in their curly n kinky fros, afro puff pigtails, sculpted updos and haircare specialists from Shine N Jam were on the lawn giving Queens complimentary protective styles.
The fellas won hands down “The Best Dressed Contest” wearing T-shirts with the type of slogans that made you feel empowered and appreciated such as “BLACK WOMEN ARE DOPE.” Founders of “We Run The World” clothing was on the lawn swag n surfin it up during the rap group, F.L.Y. “Swag-Surfin” live performance in their brands t-shirt with the statement “THE BLACK WOMAN IS GOD.” written on the back and I couldn’t agree more.
TEAM WORK MAKES THE DREAM WORK
The CGC gives artists and entrepreneurs the opportunity to showcase their art and business to thousands of attendees each year. The Arts District is where visual artists’ live paints masterpieces while, The Market Place is for entrepreneurs looking to network and grow their business.
I had the opportunity to meet the vendors and find out what their Curlfest experience was like.
Jamilah, owner of “Fly By Knight” who attended CurlfestNYC as well says “as a brand this is exactly what you want because you have a chance to reach so many different people.” Jasmine, owner of “Styled by Jazz” said that CurlfestATL is “the best event I’ve ever done. Ever!”
Every brand was unique with custom-made/designed items; jewelry and accessories was made by Candid Art, Marked by Mulle, Styled by Jazz, Tru Face by Grace, Fresh To Def, Oyato, Exclusive Eyes, Fly By Knight; head wraps and clothing was made by Haus of Swag, Wrap Isiko, Mandika Style, Afrodesiac World Wide, Meow & Bark, Kwabs Couture, Cee Cee’s Closet NYC, The Carter Brand, Hope Heritage; stationary and handmade cards was made by Perfectly Hued Expressions and Beelegant; BGM inspired patches and lapel pins were made by Patch Party Club and natural hair products was available by Fro Babies.
While most of the vendors were women it was great to see brands represented by men as well such as; Kwabs, designer of “Kwabs Couture” from NY and DaQuan McCall owner of “The Carter Brand” from Atl. The majority of entrepreneurs were based in Atlanta however, some traveled from NY, DC, VA, Fl and CA to attend the first CurlfestATL.
First time vendor Ta’ron of “Fro Babies” said that after CurlfestATL she wants to “live in a home with The Curly Girl Collective.” Haus Of Swag”, founder Toni Grant from Brooklyn, considers herself a Legacy Vendor because she’s been in attendance from day one and shared how proud she is of The CGC. CurlfestATL was, “a step in the right direction”, says Toni. Chiedza Makonnen, designer of “Afrodesiac World Wide” declares that CurlfestATL “exceeded my expectations. The love, encouragement and positivity feeds your soul.”
While speaking to Blessing, owner of “Oyato” she was “getting goosebumps just thinking about it.” Katrina of “Perfectly Hued Expressions” is “looking forward to 2020.” Chioma Ngwudo, owner of “Cee Cee’s Closet NYC said “the energy was dope, the people were dope and we’re definitely coming back.” Fatima of “Mandika Style”, declares there was “so much magic.”
The overall sentiment amongst the vendors at the end of the day was that CurlfestATL was the ultimate vibe of unity, love, magic, support, positivity, so much so that for the majority of vendors returning next year is a sure thing!
WHAT’S A PARTY WITHOUT A GOODIE BAG OR TWO
Last but not least, let’s talk goodies!
The swag bags were full of hair care and beauty products sponsored by brands that understand the struggle can be real.
S/O to The CurlfestATL Village, Beauty Row and Gift Bag Sponsors:
Creme Of Nature, Auntie Jackie’s, Urban Skin Rx, Kinkistry, Girl & Hair, Ecoco, Yelle, Uber Soca Cruise, Shine N Jam, Softee Naturals, Aveda, Hue Noir, Africa’s Best, Kiss, SoapBox, Dove, Joah, LivSo, Palmers, Shea Moisture, Puff Cuff, DevaCurl, Suave, Africa’s Pride, Just For Me, Essence, Chase Bank, Eco Styling, Fro Babies, Bronner Brothers, Prostyle, Cantu, and Target Beauty Aisle: The Lip Bar, Curls Dynasty, Alikay Naturals, The Doux Shop, MakeUp Geek Cosmetics.
Now that you know all about The Curly Girl Collective and The Curlfest Experience, mark your calendars to join us at the 2020 family reunion!!!
