I heart Chicago. The universe keeps giving me these wonderful signs that yes, this was the right move. And this Saturday, I got to experience one of those signs and that feeling of affirmation yet again.
I went to a natural hair meetup hosted by Leila of Black Girl with Long Hair, and it. was. AWESOME!
Saturday morning at 11 am, we met at the Little Black Pearl workshop space in Hyde Park. First of all, this location is great. Amazing art, a friendly vibe, and delicious chai tea and muffins available for purchase. Win win win. Secondly, just being in the presence of so many beautiful, intelligent women who all celebrate our natural beauty? SO amazing.
I finally got to meet Leila who is so sweet and warm and welcoming! It’s so nice to meet someone and feel like you’re friends with them right away. She rocks. AND she didn’t mention this on Saturday, but she just got ENGAGED!!! Her fiance, Norman was in attendance and was taking photos and being super supportive. So awesome.
We had a product swap, and attendees who had their own business brought samples of their goodies. So I got to discover some new body butters and hair balms, made by afrobellas for afrobellas! I got to check out the amazing work of Jessica’s Jewels, and Shop Boutique Unique. Reviews to come soon – be sure to check out their links!
Also, I met Tori of A Kinky Hair Monologue, and Socialite Dreams.
Isn’t she adorable? Love her coat!
We didn’t want the event to end, and everyone had an awesome afternoon of mingling and enjoying each other’s company. And after the event Leila and Norman were kind enough to give me a ride home, potentially saving me from some dangerous confrontation that was about to pop off at the el stop! Chicago, you so crazy!
I had an incredible time at the BGLH meetup, and Leila and I have already been in touch about the next one. I’m so excited! So bellas – there will be a natural hair meetup here in Chicago in May! I’ll be sure to announce the details as soon as we figure it all out.
Have you been to natural hair meetups in your city? Will you be in Chicago this May and come to ours? Let a bella know!
Love the pics and as always you look fabulous!!
btw…1st!!!lol
The event looked like you ladies had a blast. I saw the post a few days ago on Leila’s blog. We need to have a mass meet-up at this years upcoming Essence Music Festival, probably in Congo Square or the city park if any of your readers are attending the event, I’m sure the event would be awesome!
Yes,Yes to the meetup during Essence. I’m a Nola bella and sadly permed hair is still where its at down here. I’d love to meet some more Natural beauties.
P.S. Afrobella where did you get that cool silver shirt you are wearing in the pic? You look awesome.
Of COURSE I’d come to the next meetup, wherever it may be. My big chop is officially one week old (you’ll see it tomorrow) and I need all the support I can get ;-).
I am looking to get away and St. Louis is but a hop and a skip from there!
I am in Chicago and would love to attend a meetup, and would invite all the sisters who consistently ask me “how did I get my hair to do that?!” Looking forward to it!
ooooohhhhh! I wish we would have this in ATL…I am constantly looking for products for my mini ‘fro!
Bella’s: Any suggestion I am in the transistion period and the back is natural and the top still has perm. I can’t get a comb through it.
I live in Chicago and would love to come!!
I live in the Chi and would love to come too!
I live in Philadelphia and will love to attend…My natural hair sisters rock!!!
The pictures look great. I have seen so much about this meetup – I wish we had a meetup group like this in NY????
Hi,
I am currently living and working in Guangzhou in China. I am seriously having issues with finding products for natural hair. In particular for my 7yr old son who has thick long hair. Has anyone been to or know of anywhere in this vast country that sells products. I use Kids Organics Shea Butter Detangling Moisturiser which is fantastic on his hair. Ps – Ladies you all look great.
Can’t believe that I missed this here in Chicago. The pictures look great! Hope I can attend one of these meet-ups next time around.
We’re putting one together in the DMV area. We’re going to have a product swap, napptural her-stories, tips, how-tos and so much more. Love to see you there.
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