CurlyCon LA was a feast for the eyes. From decadent bites from local vendors like Beignet Box and The Ice Guy to chic photo activations throughout the event, Founder Ava Pearl left no stone unturned for her attendees. As the first annual event, CurlyCon LA was designed to create an immersive experience that would bring curly girls from all walks of life together. Pearl cites that her brand CurlyCulture and the event came from the idea that “I realized it was more important to have a platform where curlies could get together, learn, connect, and develop authentic offline relationships. Once I saw that need for community, I wanted to create a platform that could be a hub for curly hair creators. I’ve never been to an event where all of us were in the same room, and I identified a huge need for that.”
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Guests were given the VIP treatment upon entering with complimentary flower crowns and swag bags with products from brands like Sally Beauty, Donna’s Recipe, Curlsmith, Naturally Drenched, and Camille Rose. The ornate space hosted at the Rolling Greens Center in Los Angeles was decorated with fresh flowers and succulents that radiated a feminine and chic aesthetic. Hause of Curls founder Sherly Tavarez, who flew in from New York City, shared that “I’m not used to going to L.A. at all, so getting to know people I met online in real life is cool.” Curlies came dressed to impress in feminine brunch attire with larger-than-life afros, pixie cuts, tight coils, and soft waves. Attendees could grab complimentary drinks inside the venue, which boasted a VIP lounge, DJ, and elaborate stage with seating.
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Those needing the Los Angeles sunshine could walk out onto the deck with local vendors, photo activations, and an outdoor stage that offered additional opportunities to connect. Naturally Me events creator Abrianna Gutierrez discussed the importance of having a West Coast event, “I’m so happy because you think of CurlFest on the east coast, and we get jealous because we have a community here as well. It’s cool to see Ava’s YouTube channel come to life with the creation of this entire event.”
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Education was an essential part of the experience, and Pearl worked with influencer Bianca Renee to curate panels that would provide insight into popular hair topics like scalp care, ingredients, and microaggressions. Popular natural hair influencers like Poofy, Christine Obanor, Persia Bella, and Fola Amudipe led conversations on their hair experiences that were vulnerable and honest. These candid conversations were a hallmark of each panel which focused on helping attendees find common ground in the everyday struggles of the natural hair experience. It wouldn’t be L.A. without the appearance of a few famous faces and actresses, Anjelika Washington and Chelsea Tavares provided their expertise and insight into the world of curls in Hollywood during the “Behind The Industry” panel. As the last panel of the evening it lifted the curtain on the nessecary work ahead for people behind and in front of the camera rocking their natural hair.
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Washington who came sporting crotchet locs discussed how the inclusiveness of this event supported the community and connection naturalistas all need. “It’s healing to be around so many women who get it and have different cultures, nationalities, shapes, and sizes whose one commonality is our hair. Although we may have different textures, we accept where they are in their hair journey.” America’s Top Model and actress, Eva Marcille and dance queen Ashley Everett closed the event with a vivacious catwalk which included enthusiastic audience members. Pearl cited that the event is “This event is exactly what I envisioned; I wanted people to be engaged, excited, and empowered.”
Did you attend CurlyCon LA? Let us know in the comments!
