I’ve been blessed by readers and commenters from across the pond since I started this here blog back in 2006. I’ve always had the good fortune to know that Afrobella is read in the USA and the Caribbean, and also there are Afrobella readers in the UK, Europe and beyond. But knowing isn’t seeing and experiencing. So knowing that I had amazing readers in the UK was one thing. And then being taken to London with the team from Strength of Nature to the Afro Hair and Beauty Show was entirely another. I was so absolutely bowled over by the LOVE and happiness expressed by everyone who came out to meet me! It was such an incredibly joyous experience and such a validation of EVERYTHING.
Words can’t describe. Photos do it better. Let me share my London Strength of Nature Brit Beauty/Afro Hair Show experience with you! It was CRAZY awesome. Look!
That’s just a taste! Let me tell you how it went down, in order of events.
I landed in London really late on Friday May 24, and had to go straight to bed because the next morning I had to appear at Curlvolution! Curlvolution was an absolutely lovely day of fun and inspiration put together by Bukky – check out the event’s Twitter and Facebook page! I got my makeup done by the amazing Giselle Ali, she introduced me to UK makeup brand Sleek (which is apparently THE go-to brand for women of color there. Loved what she used on me)! I had a lot of fun at Curlvolution, but didn’t get to stay long and browse all of the vendors (which I really wanted to do). It was my 11th wedding anniversary that day, and my husband and I were off to do some celebrating!
The next day I made an appearance at the Afro Hair and Beauty Show in super chic Islington. Such a gorgeous space for an event! The place was packed with gorgeous women, all shades and textures of beautiful. And so many of them made their way over to the Strength of Nature booth to say hello, take photos, and ask questions about my favorite products within the Strength of Nature family (I put a whole lot of UK bellas on to Beautiful Textures that weekend, especially their Rapid Repair Deep Conditioner and Tangle Taming Leave In Conditioner)! Everyone I met was so sweet, friendly, polite, and happy to be there.
That’s me with the team of Strength of Nature models, the head stylist in charge, UK award-winning stylist Charlotte Mensah – she’s SO sweet! Loved spending time with her! And I met the lovely Vinna Best (Co-founder of Natural Hair Week UK. These bottom two photos are from her)!
I had some lovely moments with Charlotte. This trip was so busy I didn’t get to go by her Portobello Road salon, but I will definitely next time!
The natural hair scene in the UK is still in its early stages and it was a beautiful time to make an appearance there. The bloggers there have a fun and friendly support system, and everyone I met was genuine, excited, and happy to support and meet one another. It was so awesome. I thoroughly enjoyed the Afro Hair and Beauty Show. And after the show came the after party!
The Brit Beauty Bash was nothing short of phenomenal. To walk into a room that’s filled with so many beautiful natural haired women and to know that the room is full because these people are here to see you, meet you and show you love – it is such a blessed, incredible experience. The room was packed and everyone was so happy to be there.
Such a fun, full room! It was standing room only by the time I was introduced.
Charlene of Strength of Nature is so wonderful and said such sweet things about me. I can tell I was a little emotional at this point.
Loved working with Nicole Garner! We had SO much fun!
Amber of Brown Bombshell Beauty is so sweet and easy to get along with and awesome! She was the #BritBeauty contest winner from the States and was there with us all day – so happy to share this amazing experience with her!
Ayo of AO Media was our amazing photographer and took most of the shots you see above. Thanks Ayo!
It’s fair to say that the Strength of Nature House of Brands turned London OUT for the bank holiday weekend and I was so honored to be there for this once in a lifetime experience. Thank you Strength of Nature and Garner Circle PR, thank you Pelumi and Bukky, thank you Amber and thank you LONDON! You made my first trip so incredibly special and memorable!
Strength Of Nature’s mission is to make truly affordable products that work and believes that every woman has the right to be beautiful. Products can be found in your local Wal-Mart, Sally’s, of fine beauty retailer. For more information visit www.StrengthOfNature.com.
You can follow the Strength of Nature family here —
African Pride: @myafricanpride, facebook.com/myafricanpride, www.african-pride.com
Beautiful Textures: @lovinmytextures, facebook.com/beautifultextures, www.beautifultextures.com
Elasta QP: @elastaqp, facebook.com/elastaqp, www.elastaqp.com
MegaGrowth: @megagrowth, facebook.com/megagrowth, www.megagrowth.com
Photo Credit: AO Media
I was taken to London with the Strength of Nature team and this post is sponsored – but the experiences and opinions I shared are all mine (and all awesome)!
Good to see that ATL connection joined you across the pond!
Patrice, this is amazing! I’m just elated you’re having the chance to do what you love… inspire others! You’re an internationally known curly girl and I think it’s kinda cool!
This is a wonderful opportunity!
Such an honour! I can tell from your pictures and text that you did not disappoint your fans or your sponsor and that you had a fab time. Hope to see more transatlantic pairings.
This looks amazing! BTW…..I so want your skirt!!! Please tell me where you got it…..it’s absolutely beautiful.
Patrice (Afrobella)it was wonderful meeting you. Thanks for the feature. Speak soon!
absolutely incredible and you are truly living my dream! So happy for you that you were able to travel there and network with other natural hair bloggers : ) could you have ever imagined that you would be doing this back when you started in 2006??
fantastic points altogether, you just gained a logo new
reader. What may you suggest about your post that you simply
made some days in the past? Any certain?