Nzuri Natural Hair Festival 2013

The holiday season is here and it's time almost time for Nzuri Festival! For the past three years, I have participated in this awesome event. Whether it was as a volunteer or taking part in the Bloggerspere, I have always had a blast and received education on proper hair care, the best products, and a multitude of information relating to all things hair, health, and beauty. This year will, undoubtedly, be equally great.

Mrs. Leola Anifowoshe, founder and CEO of the Natural Healthy Hair Society, which is an organization dedicated to providing information and resources about healthy hair and skin care from a holistic perspective is at the forefront of this event. It is sure to provide fun and facts for all who attend as well as holiday shopping from local and national vendors.

This year’s Festival features:

•  Health arena
• • Entertainment Galore an entire lineup of entertainers and Competitions!
  • Classes & Workshop
  • Fashion Shows
  • 5 Competitions:
    • Little Miss “Happy” Headed™ Beauty Pageant
    • Little Mr. Handsome Man™ Boys Modeling Showcase
    • Houston’s Top “Natural” Hair Stylist™ Showcase
    • Loc It or Leave It Showcase™ – Featuring Top Stylist Showcasing their locing talents on gorgeous heads of loc’d hair
    • Biggest Afro Competition”Just Froing Off” (People’s Choice Award).
    • Nzuri’s Best Put Together Person™ (Judged by the Audience on the Best Put Together Outfit from head to toe)
• Marketplace featuring dynamic and highly sought after vendors
• Hair & Fashion Competitions
• Top Notch Entertainment, Variety of Fashion shows and more.

My Break is Almost Over

School, children and every other imaginable obstacle have all kept me away from my love of writing. Now that I've had a couple weeks to relax, I am excited to start fresh and continue encouraging any and everyone who can gain useful knowledge through my words. Thank you for your support!

New Year, Natural Beauty

 Beauty Defined

Beauty  [byoo-tee] : the quality present in a thing or person that gives intense pleasure or deep satisfaction to the mind, whether arising from sensory manifestations (as shape, color, sound, etc.), a meaningful design or pattern, or something else (as a personality in which high spiritual qualities are manifest).

 

I first met aspiring model and high school freshman, Bianca at an event given by Naturally Happy Hair. I saw her photos posted on Instagram by Paula of Houston's premier natural hair care shop, Tendrils and Curls prior to our meeting.  A lovely young lady with a beautiful spirit, Bianca exudes beauty wherever she goes. Not only is she easy on the eyes with her natural head full of curly hair, she's intelligent and at 14 she already knows the road she wants to take into her future.  

 

We all define beauty in our own way.  Whether you look at beauty in a person's outward appearance or if it is one's inner qualities that determine your definition of the word.  I see beauty from the inside out. It is our differences that make each of us beautiful and unique.

 

 In the past few years I have run across so many young girls who choose to use their words to discourage each other rather than lift each other up. My daughter has been the subjected to the "mean girls" many times.  I think it is important that we teach our children from the beginning, especially our girls, to embrace all they are and all they have. We must help them to understand that anyone who chooses to belittle them has issues of their own.  It has been a long struggle getting my daughter to accept herself for the beauty she is, but finally at seventeen she has grown to love her dark skin, her naturally curly hair and that big ol' booty (courtesy of yours truly). 

 Hi guys !!! My name is Bianca Pino I am a freshman in high school.

 I plan on majoring in nursing at Baylor University with 

Modeling as a hobby on the side. I'm really into dressing Vintage , Retro, or Urban. 

I enjoy shopping and of course taking pictures. If you have any business inquires please contact me at bianca.pino3@yahoo.com

Like my Facebook page lovebiancaa

Follow me on Instagram @lovebiancaa

Nzuri At a Glance

Mrs. Leola Anifowoshe and Natural Chica

Although I attended Nzuri Natural Hair Festival in 2011, this is the first time I participated as a blogger.  I must say, I really enjoyed myself. I met some wonderful people and got a LOT of valuable information. The weekend started off with the Pre-Event VIP Party hosted at Aloft Hotel Galleria. The atmosphere was great and the attendees were dressed to impress.The weekend to follow was INSANE!!! As I arrived at Reliant Center for the event, the entry line had already begun to form. These people were waiting for the doors to open as early as 9 a.m. Their wait was not in vain. I had walked through and taken a tour of the venue before the doors were opened and was tempted to do some pre-show shopping. Vendors upon vendors were in the building selling their wares ranging from apparel to jewelery to art and a number of other goodies slated for the naturalista. Let's talk entertainment factor.  Not only did the Nzuri models show out at the VIP party, they showed up on Saturday bringing all kinds of face on the stage in the Nzuri Next Top model Competition. The entertainment continued on Sunday as well including Little Miss Happy Head and Little Mr. Handsome Man and Full Figured Foxy Competions. There isn't enough time in my day to cover all the happiness that resulted from attending this event. I will be posting more in depth coverage soon. This is finals week for me, but it is a must that I share all I can so you can see Nzuri through my eyes.

Kucheza Ngoma Dance Company

Mahisha Dellinger of Curls, Sponsor of  Nzuri Fest 2012

Photo by Dionne Murphy

                   

A few Nzuri Bloggersphere Participants

I Can't Deal...

We all know that life has ups, downs and so many different turnarounds.  You fall in love and it falls apart. New job; hired. Hate the boss; fired. I could go on, but you get the idea. Things are constantly changing. I started my blog with the intent to inspire those looking to lose weight and learn to maintain their natural hair. In the midst of it all, I went through some things. I was determined not to let my breakdown fall short of a breakthrough.  While I was looking for a way to get my head above water, God was there all the time saying, "I got you!" In the last year, I have had so many amazing opportunities and met so many amazing people it is surreal.  It all started with a volunteer opportunity with the Nzuri Natural Hair Health and Beauty 2011.  I was just beginning to embrace my natural hair and I wanted to learn all I could about what God gave me. The first thing I learned was that the sisterhood in the natural community was real! I mean there was no mean mugging or eye rolling going on in that place.  Everyone was smiling and just as eager to learn and share as I was. The entire weekend was filled with education and entertainment that I haven't seen anywhere else. Vendors? Yes, and plenty of them. Why can't I deal? The excitement of being an official blogger for this year's festival has me on edge! Wanting to have the perfect outfit and make sure I say the right things in addition to coming out of the background (which is where I usually am most comfortable).  I would have never imagined being a part of something so huge, but now I'm living it.  Don't be afraid or apprehensive about anything God has placed in front you. Step in with an open mind and an open heart. I am so blessed and grateful!

For tickets to attend Nzuri Natural Hair Health and Beauty Festival 2012 visit:

www.naturalhairfestival.com

Cyber Monday Scavenger Hunt

Hello all! You know I've been posting repeatedly on here, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram about the upcoming Nzuri Natural Hair Health and Beauty Festival. Why? Because I am overly excited about what is to come during the event.  I know we all like free stuff, so here's your chance to win a ticket to the festival. On this blog you will find the Nzuri logo...SOMEWHERE. Between 12 a.m. and 11:59 p.m. EST November 26, click on the logo and enter your information in the form.  This is no joke! You will have a wonderful time at the festival. It is filled with great information, entertainment, shopping, classes and workshops galore!

Are You Really Ready for Nzuri?

The much anticipated Nzuri Natural Hair Festival is fast approaching and I want to know if you're really ready for what's to come? Why should you make plans to attend? What is there to do once you're there?  I attended last year's event initially as a volunteer. My volunteer experience turned into so much more! I met so many wonderful people, saw hundreds of beautiful natural hair styles, shopped, attended classes and workshops and watched many different forms of entertainment.  Whether you're natural, contemplating natural or just want to be informed, this hair festival is the place to learn, meet new people and experience the love of the natural community. On Friday, December 7th, Nzuri will host a VIP Party. Show up and show out! I will definitely be in the building. General admission to this event is $20, however, if you bring a toy, you get in for only $15!

 The Nzuri Natural Hair Festival will open the doors at 10 a.m. on Saturday, December 8th. For more information on the VIP Party and the show and to purchase your tickets, please visit www.naturalhairfestival.com.