Natural Hair Academy: Take 2!

Natural Hair Academy in Paris

Back by popular demand: Natural Hair Academy! Sponsored by Bellebene (and others) with the fabulous Felicia Leatherwood, this time you have two dates from which to choose: Saturday March 9, 2013 : 12h-15h OR Sunday March 10, 2013 : 13h30-16h30. Read my post from the last workshop (April 2012) and see the pictures on Facebook!

Paris Natural Hair Academy Featured in Essence

Remember the Natural Hair Academy that I attended on April 1 with experts Felicia Leatherwood and Jane Carter? Well ESSENCE magazine has featured pictures of the event on its site! Check out the lovely ladies here. Bravo to Clarisse and Bellebene for going international with this!

Natural Hair Academy in Paris a Huge Success!

Me with the amazing Felicia Leatherwood

On Sunday April 1 LA native Felicia Leatherwood of Loving Your Hair with Natural Care was in Paris to give the Natural Hair Academy. Hosted by Clarisse Libene of bellebene and ak-a, this was a rare opportunity for naturalistas in Paris. I can truly say that I had the loveliest of times cruising around the River Seine with some of the world's premier natural hair experts and natural hair lovers. 

Ms. Leatherwood's workshops are an invaluable resource to women who want to learn how to maintain and take care of natural hair. She has been doing hair since she was nine years old. Her experience is solid, having worked on stars such as Jill Scott, Kim Coles, Will Smith, Terrence Howard, Anthony Anderson, and Hill Harper. Her work that has appeared in People magazine, Essence, and InStyle, as well as in film and television. 

I had been looking forward to attending this event for weeks and I wasn't disappointed. Ms. Leatherwood was so kind and patient! She took in a lot of questions and made sure attendees fully understood her answers before moving on to other topics. Some of the questions included: What type of curl pattern do I have? Can I condition my hair before bed? Can I blow dry? 

Needless to say it was extremely informative and women walked away feeling more confident and knowledgeable than they were when they arrived. Several of the ladies I spoke to afterwards told me they were so happy to have an expert on hand right here in Paris to guide them in their natural hair journey. Here, here.

Jane Carter (Jane Carter Solution) was there as well and demonstrated some of her products on models. The results were amazing. I definitely have to try her products for myself. AND on top of that and she was truly wonderful. I had the best time chatting with her. Cassidy Blackwell (The Natural Selection Blog) was on hand and it was great meeting her too. Chimole Williams of SheaMoisture  (who also co-sponsored the event) was there but unfortunately I didn't get a chance to speak to her. A real pity since SheaMoisture is my favorite product. Hopefully I'll see her again in the future. 

Chimole Williams of SheaMoisture and Actress Aissa Maiga

There was even a surprise appearance by French actress Aissa Maiga, who is currently starring in Sur La Piste du Marsupilami with Jamel Debbouze and Alain Chabat.  She was both gorgeous and humble.

I think there will be another event of this kind very soon.
I'll definitely keep you guys posted!

Go to the Black Hair in Paris Facebook page to see the rest of our photos!

Up Close: Felicia Leatherwood of Loving Your Hair with Natural Care

Felicia Leatherwood

As you know, Felicia Leatherwood is coming to Paris! Owner of Loving Your Hair with Natural Care in Los Angeles, this natural hair specialist will no doubt make a huge impression here on April 1st. In fact, the event is already sold out! Ms. Leatherwood recently took time out of her busy schedule to speak to me. I can't wait for this event! 

BHIP: Is this your first time doing your workshop in Paris? In Europe?


FL: This will be my first time presenting a workshop in Paris, but I hosted a successful one last year in the UK.


BHIP: I read that you're touring Europe a bit. Do you expect the Paris workshop to be different than the one in London or Amsterdam? 

FL: I get excited about all of the workshops I do and no two are the same. I look forward to the Paris Workshop and the response has been amazing!


BHIP: As an American expert I am sure you will be well received here in Paris. Do you feel that European women will have different hair needs or questions for you than African-American women? Or do you think that naturalistas will pretty much have the same issues anywhere?

FL: I think that women all over the world have some of the same hair care needs and concerns, the only difference is, what products are available. A lot of work goes into making sure you can get the products that you need to keep a good kinky curl of hair!


BHIP: What do you hope participants will get out of your workshop?


FL: Inspiration, Empowerment and good hair advice!

Natural Hair Academy: Get Ready!

Felicia Leatherwood

Get ready Paris naturalistas! On Sunday April 1 from 12 noon until 4:30 pm you'll be able to ask your natural hair questions to one of the world's premeire experts. Los Angeles native, Felicia Leatherwood, who has conducted haircare workshops for women around the world, is coming to Paris.

Jane Carter

We can't wait to attend. Ms. Leatherwood's workshops are an invaluable resource to women who want to learn how to maintain and take care of natural hair. She has been doing hair since she was nine years old. Her experience is solid, having worked on stars such as Jill Scott, Kim Coles, Will Smith, Terrence Howard, Anthony Anderson, and Hill Harper. Her work that has appeared in People magazine, Essence, and InStyle, as well as in film and television.

Jane Carter (Jane Carter Solution), Cassidy Blackwell (The Natural Selection Blog) and Shea Moisture will also be appearing with Ms. Leatherwood.

Sponsored by Clarisse Libene and bellebene (which we have just discovered and love ) and ak-a, you should not miss this rare opportunity my friends. What a great way to learn more about natural hair: in Paris, on a peniche, with experts, food, cocktails and a giftbag to every participant! This is the first time I myself have heard of such an event in Paris. We are definitely going to be there, but hope you'll be there too.

The Details:

Date: Sunday April 1, 2012
Time: 12 noon until 4:30 pm.
Workshop: 12-2pm
Cocktail and products, photos questions/answer session: 2pm-4:30pm
Place: Peniche Alize, port de la Rapee 75012 Paris - Metro Gare de Lyon

Contact: contact@ak-a.fr
More information: www.facebook.com/Natural.Hair.Academy.Paris
and on www.bellebene.com/html/naturalhairacademy

Buy your ticket here:
http://parisnaturalhairacademy.eventbrite.com/

Natural Hair Academy Coming to Paris!

Get ready Naturalistas (and those who wanna be)!