After several years of hair issues and feeling insecure, Vinna Best decided to create an event hoping that other women, just like her, would need a safe space to learn how to take care of their hair and be empowered to style their curls. This type of event was missing from the UK at the time.

Before creating the event, Vinna attended many beauty events but felt disappointed because of the lack of representation for Black women. Our experiences were absent from seminars, hair and makeup products were limited and celebrating our natural hair texture was frowned at.

Impressively, all of the first six events that took place in 2013 sold out. The team travelled throughout major cities in the UK, including Birmingham, Bristol, Leeds, London, Manchester and Nottingham. That confirmed that such a space is necessary for the natural hair community to celebrate themselves unapologetically – a platform where these unheard voices and experiences are amplified.

Over the years, the festival has developed to include health and wellness sessions alongside the hair and beauty activities – but the purpose remains the same, empowering Black women to be their best selves.

Since 2013, over twenty events have taken place, predominately in London. At each event, we have welcomed thousands of attendees who have visited from all over the world.

To celebrate Women’s History Month in March 2022 and International Women’s Day – We delivered our first in-door event post-pandemic – Dear Black Women because Black Women matter too. Attendees joined us on Saturday, 5 March, for an exciting programme of activities at this festival designed to celebrate everyday Black Women.