Miss Jessie’s, primary sponsor of the Nzuri Expo in Houston, stand.The Houston natural hair scene finished 2011 with a bang — a big Nzuri bang! On December 10 & 11, the Reliant Center was transformed into a full blown production of the most impressive kind. From the fashion shows to pageants, live action styling to hands-on tutorials, expert led workshops to in-depth panels, the Nzuri Natural Hair, Health and Beauty Expo was more than just a hair show. The atmosphere was one of a family reunion, like a community of kindred spirits with common bonds. Nzuri was far more than a natural hair event; it was a show stopping event of the highest caliber.
Icons in the Hair Care Industry
There was no better way to kick off a fun-filled weekend than with a pre-party to get everyone pumped for the spectacular affair coming to Houston.
The Just “Froing Off” Pre-Event Gala was hosted by the Curls brand and offered great ambiance, yummy food and good company. This was a perfect opportunity to meet & mingle with some of the elite guests before the Nzuri expo.
Aevin Dugas, world’s largest afro.Miss Jessie’s did a phenomenal job as the primary sponsor of the Nzuri Expo. Taking their place front and center, the Miss Jessie’s booth set the tone for what was to come. The DJ was spinning great music and the atmosphere was buzzing with excitement the entire time. Patrons were greeted with swag bags filled with yummy samples and promotional items from Miss Jessie’s as well as other vendors.
I think many were not even expecting the two gorgeous faces of Miss Jessie’s founders, Titi and Miko, interacting with the crowd, but it was certainly a pleasant surprise to me! The ladies so graciously held not one, but two stage presentations discussing everything from natural hair styling tips to how the Miss Jessie’s line originated. They even took the time to pose for pictures with attendees! It felt like a very personal experience even though there were well over 8,000 people in attendance.
It’s a Family Affair
Little Miss Happy Head Pageant participant.Nzuri brought out a wide variety of people to the Reliant Center. Of course there were beautiful natural curls, braids and locs everywhere you turned, but there were also plenty of natural supporters in the building too. The natural hair event was not just geared towards naturalistas, but brought entire families together. Significant others were there offering support to one another, children were there in high numbers enjoying the festivities, and even boyfriends tagged along with their natural girlfriends to see what all the fuss was about!
There were many options for everyone to be a participant in the activities offered at the Nzuri Expo. Macy’s sponsored not one but two fashions shows on the main stage that really got the crowd moving. Talk about a great combination of fabulous fashion and fabulous hair!
We were also treated to an extra special presentation of the littlest natural girls and boys. The Little Miss Happy Head and the Little Mr. Handsome Man Pageants truly stole the show. It was heartwarming to see the spirit, enthusiasm and pride in these young naturals!
