“Magic”! That’s the word chosen by Alicia Makanja, a Nutritherapist specializing in Afrocentric plant nutrition, to describe the 10th edition of the Natural Hair Academy. After all, following a fitting celebration of 10 years in 2022, “the unmissable event on the beauty and empowerment of black and mixed race women in Europe” broke all the records this year! All this under the signs of Black Joy, the Sun and color, during Mother’s Day weekend.
Welcome to NHA 2023! – Photo credit: @aliciamakanja on Instagram
Each year, the program evolves and offers us great surprises with exhibitors from all over the world, exclusive and free lifestyle events, inspiring masterclasses, internationally renowned guests and popular competitions. One of the highlights of this 10th edition was the famous Roller Park by Les Secrets de Loly, which enchanted thousands of visitors, to the delight of fans of the sport and beginners alike! For guests, actress Shoniqua Shandai from television show Harlem was the main event of the weekend. Her sunny personality, positive energy and experience as an African American woman delighted and inspired us during her talk, “A Discussion with Shoniqua Shandai”.
The Afro-minimalist jewellery from the Dear Katiopae label – Photo credit: @aliciamakanja on Instagram / The Roller Park by Les Secrets de Loly – Photo credit: @aliciamakanja on Instagram / Under the Sun of NHA 2023 – Photo credit: @aliciamakanja on Instagram
For exhibitors, the Beauty, Empowerment, NHA Festival, Wellbeing and Kids organizations were excellently represented thanks to products like Famn Ata, Scheena Donia, In Haircare, Madame la Présidente, By Happiness Therapie and The Last Kamit. The participants were able to have fun with their high-quality offer and enjoy their brand-new formulas, including the first showcase for the body jewelry brand “imagined and handmade with love, in Martinique, by Jay Asani“. A royal moment organized, staged, and performed by a Dream Team like NHA 2023!
Colourful and creative stand by artist Rose Canva – Photo credit: @aliciamakanja on Instagram
Personally, I fell for the Afro-minimalist jewelry from the Dear Katiopae label, including the bronze ring shown above, engraved with the word “LOVE”. The brand’s vision is to elevate women’s unique beauty through elegant, delicate, and minimalist, handmade pieces. The whole thing paying homage to Mother Earth and her pre-colonial kingdoms. My second favorite was the colorful and creative booth of artist Rose Canva. This graphic designer, illustrator and painter of Caribbean origin highlighted her world and her works, with an entirely handmade set up for the event! In addition to offering her creations, she led self-service painting workshops during the two days. Plenty of time to express your art in a sunny setting in a way that is soothing and a source of sharing. “Sharing” is the concept used by Rose Canva to define NHA 2023.
Ariane Suarez Judith, Founder of Aka Arie, a concept that offers spaces for women to recharge and be inspired – Photo credit: @aliciamakanja on Instagram/The Afro-minimalist jewelry of the Dear Katiopae label – Photo credit: @aliciamakanja on Instagram / Espace NOFI Kids – Photo credit: @aliciamakanja on Instagram
After two days of radiant and intensive festivities, the event ended beautifully in a Caribbean carnival atmosphere led by the Tropikana group. The 6,000 m2 area of the Parc Floral devoted to the NHA vibrated to the rhythms of the drums and dance steps of the group, who were adorned with summer outfits and crowns. It was a symbol that perfectly reflects the words shared by Ariane Suarez Judith, Founder of Aka Arie and Aïcha Tanko, Founder of Dear Katiopae, to describe this edition of the Natural Hair Academy: “vibrant” and “Ubuntu, the power of the community”!
Welcome to NHA 2023! – Photo credit: @aliciamakanja on Instagram
