The Black Beauty Club | Chicago Field Notes
My First Beauty Event: Highlights & Lessons — Mya Wriggs
This Summer, I finally got the opportunity to attend a beauty talk hosted by The Black Beauty Club. It was exactly what I thought it would be. I discovered The Black Beauty Club back in February as they were preparing for their Beauty Talk event in New York, where they are based. Y’all, call me crazy, but I messaged them and asked if I could fly out to volunteer...and I was actually going to. But then every airline ticket shot up...I’m talking $300 for Spirit...I think not lol. So, disappointed and all, I messaged them and let them know that I wouldn’t be making it to volunteer, but would love to know about future things they have that I could help with in any way. Then boom...I’m on Instagram watching stories, and they post that they’re coming to Chicago on June 14th and to stay tuned. Babes...I FLEW to that RSVP form. One thing to note about me, if you couldn’t already tell, I love community, I love Black people, and I love beauty - holistically.
The turnout of this event was great! There were so many beautiful Black women and people there. The panelists were Abena Boamah of Hanahana Beauty, Karyn Kerr Pettigrew of Fashion Fair Cosmetics, and Kristen Noel Crawley of KNC Beauty. Topics such as beauty and fashion’s roots in Chicago, breaking into beauty as a Black woman, believing in your business, and more were discussed this night.
A couple of things discussed I want to highlight because they really resonated with me:
What is beauty in Chicago? This was the opening question of the night, addressed to the crowd. My immediate thought was “bold & natural”. As a non-native to Chicago, having lived here for 5 years now, I’ve had more than enough time to observe. And that’s what I’ve observed about beauty in Chicago - there’s a boldness to the beauty trends and fashion of the city while still holding onto authenticity and naturalness - especially in Black people. The feedback from the crowd echoed this same answer with slight variations that emphasized trendsetting. Shoutout to y'all fr. <3
How do I break into beauty as someone with a non-traditional background? This question was asked by a girl here as a summer intern, and girl…same. I’m not here as a summer intern, but I also come from a non-traditional background as someone who wants to work in a beauty (or lifestyle) role. The response to this struck me because I see it applying in small areas of my life. It was said, “Start showcasing your experience and what you offer. Let people know what you’re doing. Let people share your journey with you. I think a lot of times people want to build quietly, and a lot of your consumers are your family and friends - and they might not need what you’re offering. You have to start somewhere and let people know you’re trying to get into the beauty space. But also, know WHY you’re trying to get into the beauty space. What are you trying to do? What makes you different?”
Hearing this left me feeling like I’m headed in the right direction. I remember thinking to myself, “you know what…I’m not 100% sure what I’m building slowly to, but I know I’m building towards something, and I think I’m headed in the right direction.”
These were just a couple of things that stuck with me from this night, but the feeling that comes with being in rooms like this is unforgettable. I spoke with so many different women, and we all agree on one thing…Chicago needs more of this. This is community. This is networking in a rooted, un-forced, way. This is what happens when Black women are highlighted, listened to, and prioritized. I not only loved this event…I needed it. I hope to see The Black Beauty Club and more like it in the city soon.
The product recommendations I got from different attendees of the night!
Dior Backstage highlighters (pair with below)
Semi Haze highlighter (pair with above)
Urban Revivo Ruffle Midi Skirt (my skirt)
Honorable mention: Misericordia’s Heart & Flour Bakery (Doughnuts in particular)
Check out more from Mya Wriggs here