Minneapolis played host to the 5th annual Twin Cities Hair and Beauty Expo this past Sunday, shining a spotlight on the realms of Black culture and entrepreneurship. This year, the event witnessed an expansion in response to its soaring popularity, solidifying its status as the most significant gathering of its kind in the Upper Midwest.
The resonance of Black hair reaches beyond its physical manifestation, resonating with a profound cultural identity. Melissa Stanton, an attendee at the expo, shared, “Black hair extends far beyond just what’s on our heads. I think it says this is a really great representation of just who we are and how we represent ourselves.”
The grandeur of the occasion was illuminated by the presence of 60 vendors, all of whom proudly championed their Black-owned enterprises, showcasing an eclectic array ranging from hair care essentials to trendy clothing lines. DeVonna Pittman, owner of Nature’s Syrup Beauty, reflected on the experience, noting, “It’s incredible. I’ve done this all five years because in Minnesota, we don’t have things like this.”
A decade ago, Pittman’s brainchild, Nature’s Syrup Beauty, took its fledgling steps, eventually gaining traction and securing a coveted spot on Macy’s shelves this year. The journey, however, was far from devoid of challenges. Pittman shared, “We don’t have trust funds that we use to start our businesses. Many people don’t own homes yet so they can’t go and get equity out of their homes.”
In a concerted effort to provide guidance and support, the expo conducted informational workshops that equipped Black entrepreneurs with strategies to navigate these hurdles. Additionally, grants were bestowed upon deserving ventures during the event, serving as a springboard for growth and success.
Underpinning the expo’s multifaceted approach, live panels also tackled the subject of mental health struggles. “This is more than a hair show,” emphasized Briana Cress, a representative of the Twin Cities Hair and Beauty Expo. “We can share how to empower, educate, and uplift.”
A poignant shift in perspective was ushered in by this year’s enactment of the Crown Act, which prohibits racial hair discrimination in Minnesota. The significance of the event was magnified as the participants celebrated the newfound freedom to embrace their natural hair. DeVonna Pittman articulated, “The Crown Act has really brought it full circle where we as Black women can go into our workplaces and be exactly who we are.”
Pittman’s personal journey encapsulated this transformation. For two decades, she had grappled with conforming to society’s conventional norms by straightening her hair. Now, her beauty line stands as a beacon of encouragement, urging the Black community to embrace their unique hair textures and styles—a testament to their authenticity. “It makes me feel incredible,” Pittman shared. “There’s no better feeling than being able to be yourself and love the way your hair grows out of your scalp like most people do.”
Looking forward, the leaders of the expo have already witnessed substantial interest in next year’s iteration. Their aspiration remains clear: continued expansion to foster even more space for the triumph of Black excellence.
