Last Sunday at The Moran Victorian Mansion in Bed Stuy Brooklyn, I was privileged to be counted among a group of inspirational and influential women in the natural hair community at this year’s Masters Brunch. The theme: The Natural Hair Revolution, Present and Future.
Sponsored by SheaMoisture and organized by The Supernaturals, the invitation-only affair brought together influencers from various facets of the natural hair industry- natural hair care professionals, actresses, vloggers, bloggers and of course, masters- all dressed in uninterrupted white as a symbol of unity.
Fellow blogger Ijeoma Eboh of Klassy Kinks and I happened to arrive together and were greeted by LaToya Johnston, one fourth of The Supernaturals (which includes natural hair care pioneer Diane Bailey, Imani Dawson of Tribe Called Curl and Natasha Gaspard of Mane Moves TV). We were handed sponsored gift bags packed with full and sample-sized products along with the book I Found God in My Hair by actress Tanya Wright who was in attendance as a panelist.
Photo credit: Nay Marie | www.naymarie.com
We hadn’t made it further than the garden walkway before we were greeted by more familiar faces… and a pomegranate mimosa! #yummers
Once hugs and kisses were exchanged, we were encouraged to network and meet those who we may not have known. To help us along, each tabletop had printed questions to ask one another and fun activities to break the ice like taking a selfie with someone’s whose hair you admire, with your hair twin, etc. We were buzzing in no time! After a few glances, I finally placed the face of Arizona stylist Essence China {creator of this gorgeous style which gained popularity after being featured in Essence Magazine} and head over to her table to formally introduce myself and chat a bit. We’ve communicated on Instagram so it was a rather smooth transition. She was as sweet as she is beautiful.
Group shots, selfies and usies came to a screeching halt when the announcement came that brunch was served. Everything looked delectable and my taste buds were not disappointed. Oooh-wee!
With bellies full, it was time for the discussion to get underway. Imani introduced a stellar panel of women who represented different areas of the natural hair community: KinkyCurlyCoilyMe! Editor-In-Chief and vlogger Jenell Stewart, actress Tanya Wright, Essence Online Beauty Editor Deena Campbell and natural hair care pioneer Tulani Kinard.
Each shared their perspective of the the realities of the natural hair movement as it stands and where they’d like to see it in the near future. Tanya expounded on what it’s like being a natural in Hollywood and shared a revelation she had while on the set of the hit show “24”. When preparing to shoot, Tanya decided one day that she would wear her own hair as it grew out of her head, going without the wig she had been wearing for some time. When she mentioned this to one of the crew, she was asked why she hadn’t done that all along. She knew he made a good point. That was a pivotal moment for her. I am big on realness and candor in these types of discussions and Tanya brought it.
Tulani Kinard definitely stole the show. As a pioneer in this game and mentor of many, she really broke things down, addressing us as would a caring mother. She told it like it was! One thing she stressed, which was definitely echoed by all, was the spirit of unity within the natural hair community. “There’s enough for all of us”, she said. So true. “There shouldn’t be one negative thing said about another person in this space. We need to work together”.
I more than enjoyed the food, gleaned much from the conversation, and the venue was… everything!
Many thanks to The Supernaturals for having me. What a lovely Sunday afternoon!
Trying to put together a recap video so you can hear some of the panel discussion for yourselves and view more pics. In the meantime, feel free to search the hashtag #MastersBrunch2014 on Twitter and Instagram for an overview of the brunch and to check out all who were in attendance.
Xoxo
Toia B.
I would have loved to be there…one day.