Luv ♥ My ♥ Kynxx: Texas International Hair Show 2012

This year I was invited to attend the 2012 Texas International Hair Show, July 1-2, in Mesquite, TX just 15 minutes from downtown Dallas. As fate would have it I was scrolling down Facebook and noticed a status update from a friend stating Thando Kafele was looking for local Dallas natural stylists to accompany him at his booth at the show styling hair. Needless to say although I'd heard nothing about the event that was coming up in 2 days, I jumped on the opportunity and immediately sent him an email. I left it in God's hands and the rest is history.

Thando Kafele (pronounced Ta-hando Kah-fay-lay) is one of the most known Natural Hair stylists/educators in the industry. His 15 year plus resume includes Celebrity natural hair styling for Lennox Lewis, India. Arie, Manny Ramirez and his work has been featured in Ebony magazine, Braids and Beauty, and Authentic Hair. He is the owner of TK Salon in Brooklyn, NY and the Senior Stylist at Loc's n' Chops located in Manhattan. Kafele is the first Loc stylists in the industry who competed and won Natural Stylist of the year and all he does is loc's so you know this Brotha is bad! He attends the IBS show, and also one of the first recognized Natural Hair Loc Stylists at Bronner Brothers Hair Show. Among his many achievements, Mr. Kafele has is own hair oil called K-Oil and is also the international spokesperson for Jane Carter Solutions Products as well and the creator of Team Black, a natural hair styling team of 5 stylists including himself, J.Valentin, Simone Hylton, Queen Roshae and Folami Saunders each from all over the country. Who knows, Amber Frank may be the 6th addition to Team Black representing Dallas, TX ;o).

I'd been following Thando Kafele on Facebook long before I'd even thought of becoming a natural hair stylist. To have an opportunity to work along side him was truly a blessing. I attended the hair show with no expectation aside from doing my best at styling the hair I styled while there. It was definitely a wonderful experience. Mr. Kafele is now a professional friend in the industry who extended his professional industry insight as well as personal insight on living my best life. He went above and beyond mentoring and even put me on the spot a few times during his workshop when it came to my knowledge of natural hair care and educating others on correct verbiage to use when speaking about natural hair styling. One of the many things he said to me that I will never forget were when people come at me with the "who do you think you are?" attitude my question in return should always be " Who do I think I am I NOT?" The belief that I am talented enough to achieve anything I choose comes from within, therefore who am I NOT to believe being unreasonable at times and stepping outside of my comfort zone is where my success lies. So simple yet so profound to be respected, appreciated, and compensated. Mr. Kafele advised those 3 words remain embedded in my mind as expectations in every aspect of my life. It was a life altering experience I will forever hold dear in my heart and spirit.

It was the first time I'd ever worked as a team with other stylists Jackson Emile from Houston, TX (not shown) and Fatima Matthews (far right), a local Loctician in Carrollton, TX...the pleasure was all mine.

Hair Show Highlights!

It was great to see the Matriarch of natural hair care and braiding at the show Isis Brantley. I am forever grateful to this Sister for paving the way for every single licensed hair braider in the state of Texas. Had it not been for her going to jail and standing up for her belief that hair braiders do not have to invest 1600 hours of time in studying and training to become a cosmetologist, spending thousands of dollars at a cosmetology school learning nothing about Afro textured hair, I would not be able to live my passion. Much love to Sister Isis. I stopped by at chatted with her briefly (she even gave me props on a style she'd seen I'd done) as she twisted this brothers hair with speed and precision...all without using comb!

I love unique earrings and attend these events always in search of a booth that has some. I came across this booth and was AMAZED by the beautiful artwork, sarongs, necklaces, incense and much more. This was the only booth I patronized while there. As I was speaking to one of the owners he'd asked where I was from and when I told him California, he told me all of them were also from cities in Southern Cali. It was nice meeting folk from home.

I bought a wooden necklace for my son with the shape of Africa medalion, some wooden hair accesories and a really pretty Bob Marely Sarong....can't wait to rock that baby!

For more information or to purchase items shown of the 3rd World Roots Collection located in Baton Rouge, LA visit

www.rootscollection1911.com

The OG's of hair care products Dudley's was in the house!

Some really talented Cosmetologists and Make-up Artists come from this school.

The DJ at this booth had the entire convention center rockin'

Lashes going down for $20...this booth stayed packed

For the fly Brothers who understand the importance of dressing for success ;o)

Mocca Make-up Booth

Custom foundation by Mocca

Walking down the corridors of the convention center I was checking out these ladies being photographed for the hair show and had to get my own snapshot!