NJ National Hair Care Expo

Hey Kinkies!!!  I have been anticipating the NJ NHCE for months.  Although I wasn't feeling 100% like myself, I made myself go out to this event.  After all, I had workshops to attend, networking to do, Kinkies to meet, and perhaps a few things to buy!

I had mixed feelings about the event in general.  Overall, I enjoyed myself as I felt that it was my duty to ensure that I do so.  The weather sucked outside; however, it was amazing energy inside!!  I talked to a bunch of people and built, what I hope will be, lasting relationships!

Okay, so we like our dessert before dinner right?  Ok... let's talk about the good.  There were soooooo many accessory vendors there that you could have racked UP!!  If anyone knows me, they should know that I LOVE me some accessories!  I did not shop too much though, some prices were totally not worth it.  In addition to the vendors, there were a few classes that you could also attend.  Based on the schedules provided, I attended the classes that seemed more beneficial and of interest.  Not only did I takeaway knowledge for myself, but I have some takeaways to also share with my Kinkies!  

The first session that I attended was No More Eczema.  As people of African American descent, some of us may suffer from allergies as well as eczema.  Although the intended speaker was not present, Malaika-Tamu Cooper stepped in and gave an abundant amount of information to us.  She talked about what we can do to prevent certain blood disorders, how we can treat and possibly cure ourselves from eczema, and how one can tell of the medical issues that another may have, just by looking at them.  She and I also had a personal interaction and I must say, I thoroughly enjoyed it and will never forget it!!

The next session I attended was Caring For Your Natural Hair.  Oraje was the speaker (pictures of him are below).  Oraje's spirit and personality blew me away.  Not only is this chemist (and stylist) VERY informative, but he's very personable!  He talked about his own product line as well as pH, caring for color treated hair, the need for a filter when shampooing hair, and much, much more.  It was the place to be!!  If  I didn't take anything else away, I took away this: stay away from those dollar store shampoos!!  #message!

The final session I attended was called Happy Healthy New You.  A gentleman by the name of Consir led this session and talked about when, how, what we eat affects our body and well-being.  Although I knew some of what he talked about, I did gain further knowledge and his message allowed me to put more things into perspective.  I definitely have to look more into what he teaches.

Due to socializing, I was not able to attend the Chemical Suicide session as intended.  In addition, due to my need to leave the event earlier than planned, I was not able to attend the session called Jewelry Making. 

The in between...  There appeared to be more vendors of clothing and accessories than hair products.    While I do love accessories, I think it would have been more appropriate and beneficial to have more vendors of hair products.  I'm not sure if the sellers of 'natural' hair products were either busy, didn't want to pay the vending fee, or what, but they should have come.  I was happy to see Pooka Pure and Simple there, who I previously did a review for, as well as ShidaNaturals, and Design Essentials (I so want to try products from the latter two).  On the flip side, it was accessories galore there!  Jewel Afrika Designs, Toni Daley, Sarenzo Beads and Loc Soc were there.  I'm so mad at myself as I wanted to get something from Toni Daley (remember I did a giveaway for her) and I didn't get a chance to.  I have my daughter to blame for that one!  ;-)  

The bad... This is something personal and I guess I need to get over it but uh, I paid $25 plus, web processing fees, to attend this event.  A few weeks before the event, the price dropped to $15.  Now, I was told that since I paid $25, I would get a VIP bag.  That, unfortunately, was not the case.  I met a lady there, who paid nothing, and attended all of the classes.  I saw some people checked for wrist bands, while others weren't.  Talk about getting over on the 'system.'  So, I've decided to never again purchase a ticket for an event until the week of, or before, the event.  I feel as though I lost out on my $10 (which I could have used to buy something).  I was thankful that parking was only $5 and not the $40 the sign noted to be.  I know I put it above, but I will mention it again: there should have been more hair products there.  Other than that, I can't think of anything 'bad.'  Oh wait, yes I can: PRICES!!  Usually when you come to events such as these, prices are lower than noted in the store or website.  Unfortunately, some prices weren't all that low.  I think it goes back to the vending price (as discussed with a vendor who came from out of state).  She was upset that she only made $50 when she had to pay to vend as well as pay for a hotel, gas, and food.  I can definitely understand her frustration.

But again, I had a blast and interacted with a bunch of people.  I swapped contact information and was actually able to meet other fan page owners, business owners and my very own Kinkies!!  All in all, it was worthwhile!

See my pictures of some of the event below.  I should have done more snapping and less talking.... NOT!

Me with Sara of Sarenzo Beads

 I thought she was just too fly!

 Dope shirts!

 The beautiful Tameka of Jewel Afrika Designs.

 Oraje and The Golden Child (too cute).

 Monique of Cotton Kinks & Coils.

 I loved her hair (the stylist).

 The beautiful Cara (a friend of Tracey's).

 The also beautiful Tracey.

  The talented Toni Daley.

 Some dudes doing spoken word.

 The beautifully-spirited Joi of Loc Soc.

 The adorable Teneele of Wires 'n' Thangs by TeneeleMichelle.

 Oraje working his magic on a natural sista.

 Oraje styling The Golden Child.  Totally loved them!

 The awesome beauty  Jocelyn behind Purposeful Beauty.

 Shida of Shida Naturals (I could have sworn we took a picture together).

 Vendors...

 and more vendors...

 and some MORE vendors...

 ...yeah, those are vendors too...

 ...accessories... and a vendor...

 Here's some totally cute earring holders.

 Pooka Pure and Simple.

 Vendors again...

 Hahaha.  I got a picture!!  (insider with Candace).

 He and his cousin were selling jewelry as low as $2.

 Here's some of the $2 jewelry.

 There were A LOT of accessory vendors.

 From shea butter to knock off bags... it was THERE!

 Dopeness!

 The totally cute Golden Child.

 Yeah, I LOVE this shirt and had gotten SOOOOO many compliments.

 The stuff I came home with... I was good (and on a budget).  

Shout out to the people who I talked to that distracted me from making a bunch of purchases.

 And now... it's time to go to bed.  I'm beat!

I hope you enjoyed reading and viewing my pictures, almost as much as I enjoyed the event myself.  I kind of regret not taking more pictures.  It's o-tay as I will always have my memories!

Feel free to also check me out on Facebook, Kinky Kinetik and on Twitter, Tweet Kinky.

~Keep it Kinky~