How To Make The Best Of A Natural Hair Meetup

Alot of us do this natural hair thing online. We are on websites daily, on Face Book and on YouTube checking out our favorite natural hair guru. Every now and then though, we might get the itch to take the show on the road and attend a soiree or two.

I used to wonder what was the point of a meetup. I just wanted to know what to do with my hair; I didn’t see the need to ‘interact’. This is partly because I am an introvert at heart, and while I can be alot of fun to be around once you get to know me, I get really shy pretty quickly in a setting with alot of people – which is why I avoided meetups at all costs.

The thing is, I have met some really great women throughout this journey. All of them started online, and as the years pass by quickly, the urge to meet my girls got greater – and you know what? When you finally meet them it’s like, why in the world did I not do this sooner? Recently I had the opportunity to attend the Blissful Curls Tour in Dallas that was a CURLS sponsored event that had a couple of goals.

It was a chance for Mahisha Dellinger to introduce herself as the mogul behind the brand, introduce a new product, and give us some serious tips on Branding. I went to the meetup after a long decision process with me myself and I – and let me tell you – it was totally refreshing to go.

Not only did I get to meet Whitney (Naptural85) and Vee FINALLY! (VeepeeJay on Youtube), but I realized what meetups mean, and why it is important to come prepared to make the best of it if you decide to go.

Here is what I learned:

1. Don’t be shy

This might be hard if you are an introvert like me, but when you realize that you are in the midst of women with some of the same problems you have, and some of the same goals, things get easier. If you are sitting beside someone you do not know, introduce yourself, talk about products and hair. After all, that is why you are there, right?

2. Listen 

At the Blissful Curls Tour the topic of discussion was branding, from all different perspectives including that of Mahisha Dellinger. The stories are so inspiring; when you hear your favorite Youtuber tell her story off camera, it is different. There is so much value with connecting with a person away from the gadgets.

3. Look good

Listen, I know I don’t have to express to you the level of ‘gorgeousness’ at one of these things. Dallas was so darn humid, so you know my hair shrunk up into a mushroom, which I totally hate! I felt like I should have been more prepared with maybe a cute bun or something.

The ladies were all on point. When Drake said, “With your natural hair and sundress”, he was telling the truth. The girls showed up and showed out, so make sure you do the same.

4. RSVP and come early

Sometimes these things can get packed fast, so it helps to be prepared and get your tickets early, so that when you get to the meet-up, everything is already done and setup. All you have to do is literally just walk in. It helps to come early as well; we have heard of some meetups where even if you RSVP’ed, you aren’t guaranteed a seat. That doesn’t happen often, but it can.

5. Get a goody bag

Some of the meetups give awesome goodie bags with full size product; CURLS was no different when I went, so when you choose a meet-up, get a goodie bag if you can. Free products are a great way to try something new, especially if the meet-up is sponsored by a company who is trying to introduce something to the market, and their core customer is you!

6. Stay till the end

I was glad I stayed till the end because then the girls could really talk, exchange numbers meet YouTubers and take selfies – tons and tons of selfies. Most meetups are short anyway, so they won’t take up much of your day. So why not stay till its over, right?

7. Bring your camera

We all have camera phones, so that might be easy, but be ready to take pictures to capture moments. A curly girl meet-up is all about the selfie – as I mentioned before – so be prepared, and charge that bad boy up.

8. Keep in touch

After the meet, it will be great to be able to connect with your new friends. So get their digits, Instagram, and/or Twitter, and keep in touch. You never know, you might have a meetup buddy for the next party.

Well, there you have it; all of the things you need to know for your next natural hair event, from my own experience. Feel free to comment below on your last event, and what you took away from the meet-up.