It's funny how life works.
For the longest time, I've wanted to organize an event - an '83 To Infinity meetup where I could meet some of my readers in person, enjoy some yummy food and drinks, and discuss life, our passions, and our various journeys. First, I put it off because I thought I didn't have a big enough readership (I remember meeting Afrobella a couple of months after starting '83 To Infinity, and she was the first one to encourage me to do an event regardless of how many people may be reading). Then, I thought I'd do one for my blog's 1st anniversary, but that didn't pan out. Then, I thought "OK. You've been putting this off. Just get down to it." I started plotting venues, special guests, what my event would be about, and I actually started getting excited. However, not too long after I got excited, I got scared. My idea for a June event in Toronto started to slide closer to July...then maybe August...and y'all know what that means. I started to chicken out, and almost succeeded.
In an interesting turn of events, I was asked to help organize an event in Toronto for International Natural Hair Meetup Day because the original organizer had to tend to family issues. Of course I said yes - I knew she was looking forward to the event, as were a number of people in our particular Meetup.com group. Once I agreed to take it on, I realized something.
Sh*t. I'm actually doing an event.
It was too late to turn back, so I took the leap and decided that this was how the Universe was going to make me face my fears and get down to it. With that, I present to you: Curls, Coils & Cocktails!
Together with my sistren Ann Marie Collymore of the dope blog Soulafrodisiac, we've created an awesome event for our Toronto readers, friends, and fellow hair and beauty lovers. Curls, Coils & Cocktails is going down on May 18th at the lovely Saviari Tea & Cocktail Lounge from 4-9pm - and this won't be just any ole meetup!
- We've got product swapping (so bring that lightly used product that just doesn't work for you - it might for someone else)!
- We've got mini-hair consultations (thanks to the ladies of Curl Bar Beauty Salon)!
- We've got a panel discussion featuring some of Toronto's best voices on hair and beauty (like Trudie Mulalu from Curl Bar and Thea Mitchell of Cocoa Bloom Cosmetics)!
- We've got awesome gifts and door prizes (thanks to Shea Radiance, Cloré Beauty, Harlem Restaurant, Ola Finesse, and more)!
- We've got an awesome mix and mingling atmosphere (so be ready to make some friends)!
- We've got delicious tea-infused food and a signature cocktail (all due to Saviari's unique menu)!
And we want YOU!
If you're in town on May 18th, we'd love for you to join us. One of the major complaints I often hear from blog readers and friends in Toronto is that we never seem to have the frequency or quality of natural hair and beauty based events like we see in the US. Lately, I think the climate here is changing, and we're starting to see a few more meetups and events offered. Now that I've actually jumped in with both feet and got this idea off the ground, I'm ready to put my stank on it and bring a unique vibe to Toronto's natural hair and beauty lovin' communities. So if you wear natural hair, are contemplating it, or are just in the pursuit of healthy hair overall - Curls, Coils & Cocktails is for you. I'm sure that while we discuss how to look good on the outside, the positive vibes and connections made at CC&C will help us to radiate the beauty we have inside as well.
I'm hella excited!
Click here for the Eventbrite ticket page and grab yours today! Tickets are only $10 in advance, $15 at the door. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to hit me up, and I look forward to seeing as many of you as possible at my very first '83 To Infinity event!
Psssst...thanks to everyone who entered my The Mystic Effect ticket giveaway! The lucky winner is... *drumroll* GINA AYANNA! Gina - please shoot me an email at bee[at]83toinfinity[dot]com to get your ticket to the show!