Kansas City Celebrates Curls: The Inaugural CurlChella Festival Is Here!
This weekend, Kansas City is buzzing with excitement as it gears up for its very first CurlChella Festival! Designed especially for those with curly hair, this incredible event is set to take place on Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at a local venue. The festival will celebrate curls and coils while bringing together women and men alike, all ready to share their love for textured hair.
A Passion for Curls
Leading the way in this curly adventure is Tippi Shorter Rank, the owner of Hair Love KC, a beloved salon known for transforming hair of all textures and types. With an impressive resume that includes styling high-profile clients like Beyoncé, Tracee Ellis Ross, and Rihanna, Tippi has become a trailblazer in redefining beauty standards that have traditionally overlooked curls. “I think this festival will give women a sense of community and belonging,” says Shorter Rank. “It’s about education and embracing our curls.”
The Importance of CurlChella
CurlChella isn’t just a festival; it’s a movement. In cities like New York, Atlanta, and Los Angeles, festivals celebrating curly hair have thrived for years. With the growing trend of women embracing their natural curls, there’s a heightened need for resources and guidance. Tippi, who has been an ardent advocate for diversity and inclusion, recalls her own struggles for information about curly hair while attending beauty school. “I found there wasn’t much training on how to work with curls and coils,” she explains. “That inspired me to take action.”
Having worked with the Texture Education Collective, Tippi has been on a quest to ensure that beauty schools teach the intricacies of styling textured hair. She’s already seen progress with this initiative spreading to various states, and she’s excited about its potential in Kansas City.
What to Expect at CurlChella
Are you wondering what you can experience at the CurlChella Festival? Attendees will be treated to numerous activities, including workshops led by experienced curly hair care professionals. There will also be styling demonstrations and panel discussions filled with insights and tips for curly hair care. Plus, local vendors will be showcasing products tailored specifically for textured hair — a haven for anyone looking to embrace their natural beauty!
Community Spotlight: Shotonda Jones
Kansas City resident Shotonda Jones is among the lucky attendees and a loyal customer at Hair Love KC for the past year. Shotonda’s journey with her natural hair is an inspiring one. Starting at age 12, she initially embraced chemical relaxers to manage her thick curls, but now, years later, she has transformed her approach. “I finally decided to be proud of my natural hair,” she explains. “It’s so freeing.”
Shotonda loves the vibrant atmosphere at Hair Love KC and is eager to attend CurlChella with her mom. “I’m excited for the workshops and the community aspect. It’s so important for us to be in spaces where our authentic beauty is celebrated,” she shares.
Exciting Guests and Expert Panels
This festival won’t just be about showcasing curls; it will also be a gathering place for curly hair experts. Notable personalities like Dr. Meena Singh from the TLC reality show Bad Hair and Kansas City native Monica Stevens, known as MoKnowsHair, will grace the panel. Monica, now based in Atlanta and creator of a hair care line for Black women, is excited to be speaking in her hometown, stating, “Kansas City doesn’t get many beauty events, so having this one is truly special!”
Looking Ahead
With the enthusiasm from the community and support from sponsors, Tippi envisions CurlChella as an ongoing event that celebrates authenticity, education, and togetherness. “The tagline for the event is celebration, education, and community,” she proudly states.
All in all, Kansas City is set to embrace its curly hair community with open arms this weekend. If you’re looking to celebrate your hair and connect with others who share your passion, don’t miss the inaugural CurlChella Festival!
For more information about the festival, visit their website and join the celebration of curls!
