By Makenna Underwood
A line wrapping around Morse Street, a street within the bustling Union Market district, leads visitors to a small brick venue. Music and chatter seep through the walls and out onto the street.
A small space awaits guests, featuring beauty product displays, a mocktail bar, and rows of seats for a panel of beauty professionals and natural hair enthusiasts. For attendees like Aris Folley, this event is a dream.
Attendee steps to take a photo in front of The Curl Club banner. Attendees could take photos as well as professional headshots at the event. (Makenna Underwood/HU News Service)
In partnership with The Black Hair Experience, Sally Beauty recently held “Rooted in Success,” a two-city pop-up shop dedicated to natural hair enthusiasts, beauty, and networking.
Alisha Brooks, the CEO of The Black Hair Experience, said the events reflect a movement that celebrates and empowers those with natural hair, providing them with the resources and knowledge to thrive in their personal and professional lives.
“I think it was just really great to look out and see a sea full of black hair. With so many different hairstyles,” Folley said.
Previously held in Atlanta in February, Rooted in Success made a stop in Washington, D.C., on March 16.
Brooks expressed the significance of these locations to the brand’s mission of recognizing “natural hair enthusiasts.”
“Both cities are home to many HBCUs, which means that they have a large population of students who are passionate about their heritage and culture, making them a perfect audience for events that cater to the natural hair movement,” Brooks said.
For her, this also meant recognizing the importance students from HBCUs play in the natural hair movement and highlighting the “perspectives, ideas, and experiences” they bring.
Attendees line up to receive free hair care products. The event gave away products from brands such as Mielle, TPH, Shea Moisture, etc. (Makenna Underwood/HU News Service)
“These students represent a significant part of the future of Black entrepreneurs and creatives,” Brooks said. “Providing them with programming and events that speak to their growth and experiences can help them develop the skills and connections they need to succeed in their chosen fields.”
Brooks expressed that The Black Hair Experience aims to organize events and programs that make attendees feel acknowledged and appreciated.
Attendees say the highlight of the event was the Rooted in Success panel hosted by Bianca Renee, a natural hair influencer.
“I enjoy panels, and I like panel discussions. I think the topics seemed like something that could be interesting for entrepreneurship, black culture and hair,” Folley said.
During discussions on hair and entrepreneurship, Kenya Moore, founder of Kenya Moore Hair Care and a panelist at the event, emphasized the importance of empowering oneself and others through their hair.
“Instead of making Louis Vuitton more famous and rich or Balenciaga or [Yves] Saint Laurent, I’m making myself empowered to empower other people through their hair,” Moore said.
Looking ahead, Brooks hopes to bring “Rooted in Success” to more cities and continue the partnership with Sally Beauty to further their reach on HBCU students.
