The Sisterlocked Diva's First Meetup: Natural Hair Meets Black History

The Sisterlocked Diva's First Meetup: Natural Hair Meets Black History

By:  Lauren Francis-Jackson

 

 

 

On Friday February 22nd, The Sisterlocked Diva held her first meetup at the Ledo's Pizza on Georgia Ave. in Washington DC!!  I was super excited to hold my firat sponsored meetup, and enjoyed planning for the event.  In preparation for the event, I wanted to share with the group who I am as a blogger, discuss hair journeys and routines, and add in a few black natural hair history questions as well!  To thank attendees for coming out to support the meetup, I created swag bags that conveyed thank you for coming, and gave some special beauty surprises.  Since I had attendees who had RSVP'd with a variety of hairstyles (e.g., locs, sisterlocks, and loose natural hair), I wanted to stay away of hair product samples because they had different styling needs.  After shopping at a variety of stores, I included e.l.f. oil blotting sheets for oily skin, a mini manicure set (nail file and nail clipper), pink nail polish, a facial mask with 80% natural ingredients, and a Mary Kay lip gloss sample.  A few days before the event a *man* decided to come, and I was super excited because it could bring a whole different dynamic to the conversation. In having a male attending, the evnt it also meant catering a swag bag for the man.   I created a whole new bag for him-- razor bump fighter, olive oil, and satin do-rag to tie his hair down. 

 

On the day of the event, I was so excited to bring my meetup to life!  For my hair plans, I went with an updo on my sisterlocks.  I sectioned my hair and leaving a large chunky bang in the front.  I flat twisted the sides in medium sized sections.  I set the chunky bang on large perm rods (hot pink rollers) long enough to give my locks a smooth swoop bang look.  The outfit was denim blue and white polka dot blazer, with a peach top, green jeggings, and a brown cowboy ankle boots.  I was bring the funky style like I like!  The pic earrings that I rocked were from Pretty Little Wire that I brought from her at Nappy Oke-- they are also part of my logo! 

 

On that night, there were a few weather advisories outside of the DC metro area, but it could have caused some of the potential attendees to stay home.    The first to arrive was Travis who was the brother who aspires to grow a big afro like Dr. Cornell West (his words :-).  He was quite knowledgeable about products which was a surprise to me.  He knew about co-washing, and the importance of moisture.  He also had an established routine that he based off of advice from his lady friends.  I was impressed by his desire to take care of his hair, and wanting to seek advice of how to grow a healthy afro!  Sometimes, being in a meetup for natural hair, which are usually geared towards women-- men might be intimidated to come and share.  Glad that Travis was an active participant and fully into the conversation.  Next, Bjae came to the meetup.  She was a nice lady who was interested in caring for her hair as she is trying to wear her natural hair "out" more and using less cornrow styles with added hair.  She was using a simple regimen, and is having trouble with moisture.  We talked alot about winter hair care needs, moisture tips, and our experiences in our inidividual natural journeys.  Bjae was interested in learning more about sisterlocks after I shared my hair journey.  She asked typical questions like "where do you get your hair done?", "how much did it cost?", and "how is it different from traditional locks?".  After getting to know each other a bit, we mixed in black natural hair history questions.  Bjae was on it with correctly answering the most questions so she won the Shea Moisture Bath Set including a bubble bath, moisturizing oil, and after-shower bosy spritz.  At the end of the night of fun, pizza, and games, everyone received their swag bag.  I shared the two upcoming events in March including a trip to the Baltimore Natural Hair Show, and the Cupcakes & Cocktails event hosted by the Magestic Divas and sponsored by Curls where I will be a featured blogger on the panel.

 

 



If interested in getting in on the fun, join The Sisterlocked Diva on meetup.com at http://www.meetup.com/The-Sisterlocked-Divas-Natural-Loving-It-In-The-DMV.  Next meetup is scheduled for Saturday, March 16th-- Cupcakes & Cocktails A Diva's Soiree in Forestville, MD at SPX Hall (formerly the Knights of Columbus).  Check me out on the panel discussion about natural hair!

 

~The Sisterlocked Diva