The expo is organised by five young professionals, who are passionate about empowering women and girls, African heritage, and excellence. They aim to build the expo and give an opportunity to South African (and African) women and men entrepreneurs who are producing natural hair care products across the continent.
The organisers believe in the power of the arts as a tool to facilitate new conversations that lead to social impact. They also believe that within every little girl and women, is a powerful force filled with good instincts and passionate creativity. The journey of empowerment begins when women and girls understand and fall in love with who they are. One powerful way that they can start the journey of empowerment, is by embracing their natural hair because hair plays an integral part in the identity of women and girls.
This year’s ‘hair-itage’ theme plays an important role as the expo is on Heritage Day, a day in South Africans are encouraged to celebrate their cultural traditions in the wider context of the great diversity of cultures, beliefs, and traditions that make up the nation. The Johannesburg Natural Hair Expo encourages the attendants to represent they diversity on the day with their outfits.
The general expo includes brands from in support of natural hair along with a kids’ corner. Several new elements have been added to compliment the ‘hair-itage’ theme including music, poetry, fashion and art, as well as food stalls throughout the day.
“We believe in natural beauty. To us, natural beauty is being clear about whom you are and falling in love with that person. The way we pursue natural beauty is by embracing and loving our natural hair. We believe our natural hair is a beautiful crown that makes us feel gorgeous, confident, sexy, unfiltered and most importantly, authentic. We do not cover our crowns, but we take care of them and wear them with pride,” says creative director Itumeleng Mogatusi.
South Africa and the rest of the world are hungry for authentic dialogue on what it means to embrace you and this inspired the creation of the Johannesburg Natural Hair Expo. “We also believe in the women of South Africa and Africa, we are convinced they have a vital role to play in the economy of the continent. This is not just an expo but a platform to celebrate, re-educate and empower women and men on how phenomenal they are” adds Mogatusi.
Tickets will be available from Quicket and at the door.
