Naturalista Expo Goodies
Last weekend I went to the Naturalista Expo in College Park, Maryland; this was the 6th year for the event and my first time attending. I didn’t learn about it until the Thursday night before and when I learned Uncle Funky’s Daughter would be there and the entire line was on sale 2 for $20 I knew I wanted to go ( Y’all know my favorite gel is from this line and it is normally $25).
Since I learned about it so late I didn’t have time invite anyone to go with me and I couldn’t convince my husband so I went by myself. The venue was beautiful (The Hotel). I was a little concerned and excited that the event was so well attended I wasn’t sure I would find I parking space in the garage. I ended up on the very top floor of the garage.
Once in the main ballroom there were vendor booths around the entire room. On the stage there were various panels speaking on such topics as skin care from local dermatologists, a panel of psychologist speaking on mental health wellness in the black, community, hair stylist, a master barber, and an expert on locs talked about hair health.
Oyin Hairmade’s booth was front and center. I didn’t really need any products from Oyin but I did want to buy the Detangler Brush by Felcia Leatherwood $14.99 (famous natural hair expert) that is always sold out on Oyin’s website. None of their products were on sale. https://oyinhandmade.com
The Miche booth had all of their proudcus on sale for $10 I have never used the line but they were on my list of brands to try. I purchased the leave-in, the deep conditioner and the twisting butter. The owner Michelle has a YouTube channel that’s where I learned of her product line. It was nice meeting her in person she was so sweet and super knowledgeable about her products and the ingredients in them. https://michebeauty.com
Nature’s Little Secret was my favorite booth because the owner was there with her adorable daughter who couldn’t have been more than 7. She bagged my products and couldn’t wait to swipe my card. She said she wants to be an entrepreneur like her mommy. CUTE! I purchased the Irish Moss Styling Cream and the Strawberry Styling Cream. The products were $10 each (not sure if the products were on sale). https://www.natureslittlesecret.net
I was so excited about all the goings on that I totally forgot about Uncle Funky’s (which was in the very back) by the time I got there my UFDCM gel was SOLD OUT! The ladies at the both tried to console me by telling me about their latest product Heal & Renew deep conditioner I purchased 2 lol. http://unclefunkysdaughter.com
Okay so I have been looking for a bonnet big enough for my hair. There was a booth that had beautiful bonnets in sizes I thought would work for me. I purchased a large one. I don’t know the name of the brand so I can’t share their information. The bonnet is well made BUT…the elastic isn’t smooth if that makes sense; which means it doesn’t lay flat; it bunches up and is lumpy around the parameter. I would love to reach out to the brand and see what she suggests I do to make it work.
One of the first booths I checked out was the Olodia hair care line. I met one of the Ambassadors who told me about their style kits which were $40 for 4 full size products. The kits were for a wash n go, twist/braid outs and one for hydration. I purchased the deep conditioner for $14. The brand was created by a Medical Scientist and Hair Tricholgoist (scalp health). https://alodiahaircare.com
There were a few makeup brands there as well, I was really interested in 3:27 Cosmetics they sell matte liquid lipstick and lipgloss. I was drawn to the color Play Nice. I love matte lipstick but it can’t be drying that’s not cute. I tried Play Nice on and told the ladies at the booth I wanted to walk around with it on and then I would come back if it didn’t suck the life out of my lips. I came back in about an hour or so and you guessed it Play Nice was sold out! Please check them out the formula was amazing with great pigmentation. https://www.327cosmetics.com
What I loved about this event was interacting with the owners of the brands these women were knowledgeable and so passionate about not only their brand but natural hair. I am so glad I was able to attend such a wonderful event!
Have you ever attended a natural hair event? I can’t wait to try all of my goodies! Would you like to see reviews on these products? Which ones?
Hey Karen! OMGoodness that sounds like so much FUN! I would have loved to attend. I’ve personally never been and have never seen any promotion for the event. If you learn of them (even the night before) feel free to send out a text or post on your blog(as a scrolling announcement) or Instagram. Never know. 🙂 It sounds wonderful and I will check out the links you’ve suggested. Sounds like some great products!
It was so much fun and the next time I will post it on my Instagram and FB page just didn’t think anyone would want to go so last minute.
This sounds like it was fun and I love the venue! Girl, out something on IG next time, I would’ve come to play. I must say that Uncle Funky is a game changer. Per your recommendation, I’ve been using it and I love how it defines my curls and makes my hair feel. I’ll have to look up some of these other products. Thanks for sharing!
Hey Kiva! Noted! I will post on my social media next time didn’t even think of that since it was so late in the game lol. Honey UFDCM is EVERYTHING! My Holy Grail gel for sure. So glad you like it!