Hundreds of Naturalistas To Celebrate at the 2nd Annual Roc-A-Natural Hair Health & Beauty Expo

NEW YORK - June 17, 2014 - PRLog -- Naturalistas of all ages celebrated their “crowning glory” at the 1st Roc-A-Natural “Hair, Health & Beauty Transform Your Life Expo” in NYC on April 6, 2014 at The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture. Expert educators, hair stylists, barbers, technicians, fashionistas & professionals along with their supporters from across the Tri-State area & beyond spent the day cultivating a Roc-A-Natural state of mind! On the heels of 2014's success, Roc-A-Natural is proud to announce its 2nd Annual Hair, Health & Beauty Transform Your Life Expo on Sun., April 12, 2015.

"The Roc-A-Natural show was a one stop shop for all things natural and empowered small business owners to shine a light on their goods and services. I am looking forward to the next installment of this show!" stated Aisha Diori, Special Events Manager, Schomburg Center.

Roc-A-Natural founder, Dorcas Meyers said, “Our first expo was amazingly successful and the message of 'beauty begins within and starts with Roc-A-Natural' was accomplished!"  More than 390 people attended and were able to take advantage of our panel discussions and demonstrations as well as talk to knowledgeable vendors about a wide variety of consumer products. Our core mission is to provide simple health tips, great recipes & images of natural hair styles to encourage men & women to kick start their transition to a natural way of life. This expo revealed just how much interest there is in the community for a more healthy way of living.

Denise Beachem of Deeva Pilates & Wellness kicked off with a 30-minute fitness workshop that got everyone moving & eager for more, while James Mack of Clipper Metrics showcased expert cutting edge & colorful techniques. Caroline Masi of Body Back in Motion talked about “Beauty Inside and Out,” and the best way to begin being beautiful through eating right. Coach Carmen Ambercrombie of Sharing the Bliss demonstrated how to prepare healthy organic meals & Chef Jay and Colbert "The Alchemist" Saint-Laurent of The Meditating Chef & Co. sold comfort foods with a natural twist.

Panels included:
Health & Wellness, featuring panelists Diane C. Bailey of Tendrils Natural Hair Salon, Brooklyn, NY, Dr. Carina Lopez, N.D., Lac, Bronx, NY, Chef Jay, The Meditating Chef, & Derneeka Cruse, Life Coach of The Meditating Chef & Co. NY, NY, moderated by Abena Anum, Bronx Healing, Bronx, NY.

Bloggers/Vloggers, with panelists Katherine Watterson of DeLux Hair Salon, Brooklyn, NY, Karen Tappin-Saunderson of Karen’s Body Beautiful, Brooklyn, NY and Ebony Tynes of Locks of Nu Hair Spa, Brooklyn, NY, moderated by Tiffany Wilder of www.beautiffulcurls.com & newyorkcitynaturals.com.

Marketing & Branding, featuring panelists Anu Prestonia of Khamit Kinks, Kahshanna Evans of Kissing Lions Public Relations, James Mack of Clipper Metrics & Cynthia Williamston of Bridal Tribe, & moderated by Karen Taylor Bass, PR Expert, of Taylor Made Media/The Brand New Mommy.
Professional Technicians, with panelists Tami C. of Imena Salon, Claudette Gyles of Design Essentials & Dennis Mitchell of Denny Moe’s Superstar Barbershop, moderated by Sakeenah Nzingha Kinard, of Nu Ade Enterprises.

More than a few naturalists walked away with great tips and information from "The Art of Managing & Coloring Natural Hair” workshop lead by Anu Prestonia of Khamit Kinks & Design Essentials Product Demonstration by Toy-Joan Rogers & Claudette Gyles.

The highlight of the expo, was the Roc-A-Natural Hair Fashion Show which featured natural hair models wearing cutting edge hair styles by: Imena Salon, Khamit Kinks, DeLux Hair Gallery, Doreen’s House of Style, Locks of Nu Natural Hair Spa, & Nu Ade Enterprises. Adorned in fashion forward styles, the models unveiled the upcoming collections for celebrity fashion Designers Carlton Jones & Yvonne Jewnell. We were also given a sneak preview of the Mother & Daughter Team, Sandra & Saidah Haye of Tafari Tribe Designs of their spring collection. With thumping beats keeping the runway hot, models showed off couture locks, braids, twist, afros and puffs suitable for the full on naturalista and someone who is transitioning. The outstanding finale performance by Jay Ax and Juan sent us home rocking to the rhythmic rappers beat!

Matthew of MC Distributors, Design Essentials said that "Roc-A-Natural is a beautiful concept and a great opportunity for the Natural movement to get positive exposure and network."

"Roc-A-Natural provides a wonderful space for Naturalistas to receive education & inspiration.  I highly recommend Roc-A-Natural." said Anu Prestonia of Khamit Kinks.

Dennis Mitchell of Denny Moe's Superstar Barbershop stated that "The Transform Your Life Expo was very informative, enlightening & full of amazing people. I learned a lot."

"It was a pleasure to be motivated, informed and seeing all our culture of strong, entrepreneurs, self confident black women together. ♡♥ LOVED THE EXPO...Can't wait for next year! Hopefully, it could unite with Black Girls Rock" said Expo Attendee Sharece Rivers.

“I suggest that next year you go to the Roc-A-Natural Natural Hair, Health & Beauty Expo when the doors open and plan to stay all day!...As the presenter of the Healthy Eating Workshop, I didn’t have to be at the event until the later part of the day. I got there at 10am and was truly blessed. The event was laid out in a warm, high vibration fashion, unlike the harsh, overwhelming venues of most expos. Every workshop & panel I attended was super informative & inspirational. I only wish I made more time to visit more of the alluring vendor stations. Most important for me was the number of enthusiastic sisters & brothers that attended my cooking class. It was truly the most enjoyable day of 2014 for me so far. Can’t wait to come back in 2015,” exclaimed Coach Carmen Ambercrombie.

Vanessa Edwards-El, The Event Strategist for Roc-A-Natural LLC said,”We were uber excited as we welcomed all of the attendees to the expo & were amazed at how engaged they were. There were men, women & children of all ages, hair types and nationalities getting beauty consultations, makeovers, facials, haircuts and organic food tastings. The positive atmosphere was amazing. Looking forward to announcing the new sponsors, vendors, talented professionals & performers for a bigger and better expo in 2015.”

“The terrific attendance for our first ever expo has us eager to start planning next year’s event,” said Andrea Lockhart, PR Director for Roc-A-Natural LLC. “However, since we know you don’t want to wait another year to embrace your natural, beautiful self, we invite you to join the Roc-A-Natural family & our discussion at www.rocanatural.com, Facebook: facebook.com/groups/rocanatural, Twitter & Instagram: @rocanatural."