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As a beauty writer, I love attending events where I can learn, discover new products and connect with others in the industry. My second time attending the Black Beauty Roster Beauty Expo reminded me why the event is so important. I\u2019m often one of the only Black men in the room at beauty events. At the BBR Beauty Expo, Black beauty professionals weren\u2019t treated as an afterthought. Instead, experts, innovators and storytellers were leading the conversation.<\/p>\n
The event, all thanks to the founder Maude Okrah Hunter and presented by SalonCentric, featured master classes, live demonstrations, brand activations, and candid conversations with some of the industry\u2019s most influential professionals. Returning gave me a deeper appreciation for the community the expo fosters and the access it provides to emerging beauty professionals and creators. The event also featured a fireside chat with model Anok Yai and celebrity makeup artist Aston Em.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Throughout the day, I discovered products and connected with representatives from Design Essentials, DIBS Beauty, 4U by Tia, Tarte Cosmetics, Ruechi Beauty, S\u2019Able Labs, Camille Rose, Pattern Beauty, Fenty Beauty, NARS Cosmetics, Oribe, D\u2019Hair, Amika, Armani Beauty, Danessa Myricks Beauty, Olaplex, Ulta Beauty, DevaCurl, LYS Beauty and Bask & Lather Co.<\/p>\n
From Lacy Redway\u2019s advice for creating voluminous curls to Danessa Myricks\u2019 reminder to pursue your own path, here are 10 things I learned at my second Black Beauty Roster Beauty Expo.<\/p>\n
While demonstrating how to create a big, curly hairstyle using TRESemm\u00e9 products, celebrity hairstylist Lacy Redway advised us to \u201cget the meat of the style\u201d before adding more volume. In other words, you need to establish the shape and structure first. Once the foundation is in place, you can make the hair as big and dramatic as you want without losing the original style.<\/p>\n
I love getting a sneak peek at a new beauty product, and DIBS Beauty delivered. The brand introduced its Edit Stick, a dual-ended brightener and concealer designed to brighten and conceal in an easy-to-use format. Makeup artist Jaray D. Banks demonstrated how to use it, and I was impressed by how seamlessly the product blended into the skin while still creating a natural-looking finish.<\/p>\n
Karrueche Tran isn\u2019t simply putting her name on a beauty brand and walking away. During an interactive live conversation, she gave attendees more insight into Ruechi Beauty and the journey behind its development. The session showed how giving consumers access to the founder and making them feel included in the process can help build a stronger connection to a new brand.<\/p>\n
I\u2019ve always associated Amika with colorful packaging and hair-care products, but the brand is officially expanding beyond hair. Its new body collection includes a body mist, body oil, body wash and body butter. Now, fans can bring the full Amika experience into the rest of their beauty routines.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe world needs you. Run your own race,\u201d Danessa Myricks told the audience. It was one of those simple statements that stay with you. The beauty industry is filled with trends, launches and constant comparison, but Myricks reminded me that individuality is still your greatest advantage. You don\u2019t have to follow someone else\u2019s path or timeline to build something meaningful.<\/p>\n
The Ultimate Hair Battle was one of the most exciting moments of the day. Janel Sealy Smith took home the win after competing alongside Susy Oludele and Agnes \u201cAgee\u201d Ashi. Jesseca Harris-Dupart, Julee Wilson and Greg Gilmore served as judges. Vernon Fran\u00e7ois was also there to show his support. The competition was about more than creating a beautiful hairstyle. It showcased the technique, creativity and storytelling required to turn hair into a complete visual moment.<\/p>\n
During the \u201cBeyond the Feed: The Creator Impact in Beauty & Culture\u201d panel, Chelley Bissainthe said something I needed to hear: \u201cStop asking yourself what\u2019s next. We don\u2019t allow ourselves to live in the moment enough.\u201d As creators, we\u2019re constantly thinking about the next post, opportunity, campaign or milestone. Sometimes, we move on so quickly that we don\u2019t give ourselves a chance to appreciate what\u2019s happening right now. Her advice reminded me that being present is also part of building a career that feels sustainable and fulfilling.<\/p>\n
Sly Huncho spoke about sharing experiences that reflect what his audience may also be going through. \u201cPeople can relate to the things I\u2019m doing,\u201d he said. \u201cThey\u2019re going through the same thing I\u2019m going through.\u201d That message resonated with me because I\u2019ve learned that audiences don\u2019t always want perfection. They often connect more deeply when they can watch someone learn, evolve and figure things out in real time. Jeannette Reyes echoed that idea of growth, saying, \u201cYou don\u2019t owe the old version of yourself a lifetime subscription.\u201d<\/p>\n
For aspiring creators who are afraid to speak directly to the camera, Huncho offered a practical tip: \u201cStart doing voiceovers if you\u2019re scared of being in front of the camera.\u201d Not everyone feels comfortable showing their face or talking on camera immediately, and that\u2019s OK. Voiceovers can help you develop your storytelling skills, find your voice and build confidence without putting too much pressure on yourself. You don\u2019t have to wait until you feel completely ready to begin.<\/p>\n
Achieng Agutu left us with one of the most energizing messages of the day: \u201cYou can be. Give yourself permission to just do it.\u201d Whether you want to launch a brand, become a creator or take up more space in the beauty industry, you can\u2019t always wait for someone else to validate the idea first. The Black Beauty Roster Beauty Expo reminded me that access matters, but so does believing you belong once the door opens.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n