I know this is an oldie, but I wanted to share my experience this year at the Edmonton Natural Hair Show (ENHS) to highlight some of the local vendors that I had the opportunity to interact with and support.
For those of you who are not familiar with what ENHS is, it’s an Annual two day event (April 27-28) located in Downtown Edmonton that is designed to inspire individuals of all ages – and I’d like to add, race and sex to embrace their natural hair as part of what makes them uniquely beautiful.
Osas Eweka-Smith, who is the Founder/Producer of ENHS, launched the show in 2016 with the intent to create a space where diversity and inclusion matter; a space where we could unite and celebrate the beauty of our crowning glory (the texture of our hair), and express our individuality without being conformed to society’s standards of beauty.
ENHS builds and strengthens the natural hair community in Edmonton and surrounding areas through events and activities. Not only does this show provide tools and resources that aid in hair care. The show allows businesses, as well as individuals (social media influencers, bloggers, D.I.Y enthusiasts, etc.) the opportunity to expose and increase brand awareness to a new audience or to get the word out about their business, whether it’s products or services.
It does not just stop at hair: individuals who specialize in different industries such a fashion, home decor, cosmetics, fitness, and even financial literacy are welcome to shine the spotlight on their business too.
My experience this year at the ENHS was great, to say the least. This was my second year attending the show since I moved to Edmonton, AB. As stated previously, ENHS is a two-day event; however, I purchased a ticket just for day one, as the event program struck more of an interest to me, than what was outlined for day two.
Listen, I don’t know about you, but I love me some free goodies. When ENHS announced on Instagram that they would be giving out swag bags to the first 200 guests, I made it my mission to get there on time. And I did!
Upon arrival I was greeted, checked-in and given my swag bag at the reception area by the volunteers, who helped organize to make this event possible (Thank you!)
ENHS Swag bag 
Content inside swag bag
The set-up of the venue in the main hall was similar to the previous year. As you enter through the doors, you would have noticed the ENHS social media backdrop banner with the sponsor’s logo on it. I thought it was a cute touch to add to the show, especially for those who enjoy capturing moments and sharing it on social media.
It’s very rare that I take pictures of myself at events and post it on my social media accounts for these reasons: (1) I am camera shy, (2) I am not photogenic, and (3) I hate taking pictures. Nonetheless, I still captured the experience – just not with me in it.
Along the perimeter of the main hall were over 20 vendors stationed at their booth showcasing their various products and services. Each vendor had something different and unique to bring to their table. There were products and services for everyone, from hair, beauty, fashion, handcrafted jewelry, art, educational materials, financial services and so much more!
I went solo to the show feeling a bit overwhelmed. I do not have a problem with attending events alone, it is easy for me to shut out my surroundings and carry on about my business. However, this event was quite different, as it required me to be socially engaged. I struggle with social anxiety. Therefore, I had to mentally remind myself why I was there and summon every ounce of courage inside of me to interact with some of the vendors.
The first booth that caught my attention was My Filibo.
My Filibo
myfilibo myfilibo www.myfilibo.com
My Filibo is a fashion store inspired by African and Caribbean heritage. The store launched in 2017 delivering wearable lapel pins, apparels and accessories designed with deep-rooted meanings. My Filibo not only brings you statement pieces, but also encourages individuals to celebrate their African and Caribbean heritage, and proudly show off their belief and ancestry in an appealing manner.
My Filibo lapel pins 
My Filibo apparels
This was My Filibo’s first year exhibiting at ENHS. I’m glad I had the opportunity to support and purchase some items, which I found was an accurate representation of who I am.
My Filibo lapel pins 
My Filibo “Queen” apparel 
My Filibo “Africa” lapel pin
I was excited to find out that there was a Do-It-Yourself (D.I.Y) workshop programmed that afternoon organized by Stylist, Caleecia Burte on How to Make Shea Hair Butter.
Recently I have developed an interest in formulating natural skin/hair care products for my personal use. I am not a hair guru, nor a skin esthetician but I like to save my coins and have control of the ingredients that go into my products. If there is an opportunity for me to gain more knowledge and skills, to improve in the things that I have developed an interest for, why not go for it?
I am going to keep it real, I expected more from the workshop. It would have been a nice experience to have created our own shea hair butter to take home at the end of the session. Doing so, would have increased the attendee’s engagement, made the session more interactive and enjoyable, in my opinion. Also, the location (the Willow Room) where the workshop was held was not ideal. I found it extremely difficult to hear Caleecia Burte explain how she formulates her shea hair butter; the key properties and benefits of each ingredient used, over the music blaring from the main all.
I understand ENHS had to work with and utilize the space it was given, but maybe having a microphone or utilizing another room could solve this issue in the future? Just a thought.
Overall, what I did take away from the session was the confidence of knowing one day, I too can formulate natural skin/hair care products and organize workshops at events like ENHS . After I build my self-confidence, of course
ENHS was well organized and executed: there was something for everyone. Besides the workshop I attended, the itinerary included a Spring/Summer makeup tutorial session, a workshop on how to create versatile styles with dreadlocks and sisterlocks, and a live hair demo on how to do various twist/twist out styles. I didn’t attend these, but I am sure they were helpful and informative sessions.
There was also a live entertainment segment which included a fashion show, spotlighting Oluchi Nayaa — a clothing and an accessories line created by Laurel Sabur, CEO, born and raised in Jamaica.
Laurel collaborates with designers in Ghana, West Africa, to deliver beautiful, traditional, yet modern, vibrant clothes and accessories. The African styles that were showcased were stunning; from the materials, prints, vibrant colours, and styles, down to the runway models (who did and amazing job strutting down the runway displaying Oluchi Nayaa pieces).
To continue with the list of live entertainment; there were spoken word by Saida Barre, and of course the natural hair show itself “Natural Hair on the Runway” hair styled by hair stylist, Zaynab Logun, owner of Style by Zee.
The live entertainment was then wrapped up with a panel discussion which touched on natural hair and intergenerational issues.
The panel discussion was the highlight for me: it was a safe space. The panelists and some audience members shared their journey with their hair such as, obstacles they have encountered and how they dealt with it, sharing tips and advice for those who are natural, those who are transitioning and/or considering going natural.
I appreciate the way the panelists engaged with the audience; answering some tough questions that were asked and having to relive those not so great moments that they experienced throughout their journey. Whether it is hair discrimination in the workplace or strangers invading personal space (i.e. touching your hair without consent) it was all discussed.
The discussion was very insightful, inspiring and uplifting. If there is one thing, I could take away from it, it would be to hold your head up as high as your crown – because you are royalty.
We live in a society where there are going to be individuals who harass and discriminate the hair we were born with, or the way we choose to style our natural hair. And that’s because they are ignorant — they don’t know what they don’t have, and that should not alter the way we view ourselves in our natural state. We do not have the ability to change the mindset of others; however, knowledge is power. Educate others, protect your space, and embrace who you are and what makes you uniquely you, YOU!
To conclude my experience at ENHS, I was fortunate to meet a few like-minded people who I connected with, and who I wanted to support and highlight, as well as try out their products (which I plan on reviewing in my future posts).
Support Your Locals!
Thriving Tress
thrivingtress www.thrivingtress.ca
Thriving Tress is a black owned company in Canada that delivers affordable products which contain natural ingredients made with care and perfection. Their products are designed for those who want to promote growth, retain length, moisturize, and protect their hair.
I ended up purchasing an Electric Steam Cap for hydration purposes and an Onion Treatment Bar for growth and hair thickening purposes.
Thriving Tress Red Electric Seam 
Thriving Tress Onion Treatment Bar
Mello Hair
Mello Hair is a Haircare brand that is nature derived, eco-friendly, and effective. The brand takes a holistic approach to attain and maintain healthy hair and a healthy scalp. Mello Hair is very particular when selecting the ingredients that go into their products; their origins, sustainability, safety, effectiveness and the impact on the environment, are taken into consideration when selecting ingredients. All the ingredients used are Eco-cert and NPA certified. Mello Hair products promises to deliver stronger, longer and healthier hair.
Focused on my hair needs which is primarily moisture/hydration; I ended up purchasing the Mello Hair Soften & Nourish 2-in-1 Conditioner — a rinse out and/or softening mask.
Mello Hair’s booth 
Mello Hair Soften & Nourish 2-in-1 Conditioner
And lastly,
Shania Arts
Shania is an artist born and raised in Edmonton, who uses a variety of mediums to create her art pieces but mostly pens, markers and acrylic paint.
I was fortunate to meet Shania at an event that I attended last year, Africanival 2018 where she displayed her gorgeous pieces. There was one particular painting that captivated my eyes, that I had to get my hands on. I was excited to find out that she had a table displayed with her artwork at the ENHS. I ended up purchasing an original; the same painting I had my mind set on for a long time.
An Original (purchased by moi) 
There you have it, my experience at ENHS 2019! If you are interested in getting involved as a volunteer, vendor, sponsor, or even just attending ENHS next year for the experience, you can check out their social media platforms, so you do not miss out.
Until nex. t time!
edmonton_naturalhairshow EdmontonNaturalHairShow www.edmontonnaturalhairshow.com
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