GREW FROM THE CONCRETE x THE BLOSSOM AND SOL FESTIVAL
03/17/19
During spring break, I had the privilege of experiencing my first internship with the Blossom and Sol Natural Hair Festival in Austin, Texas; I was in charge of contacting the press/media, covering the event, and assisting with creating social media content. The Blossom and Sol Festival is an annual natural hair event in Austin, curated by Coco Bates. Bates is also the founder of The Co Report, a personal blog that documents her life and gives tips to its readers on topics like sex, travel, and wellness
Huston-Tillotson’s campus became a haven for naturalistas across the state of Texas—women from different walks of life joined together to embrace their natural hair and celebrate their blackness. The festival hosted different panel discussions and workshops that highlighted multiple topics, like mental health, being a black creative, and owning your sexuality. Attendees also got to receive a complimentary yoni steaming from the Sugar Walls Yoni Spa.
Performers like Diomara, Wasila Giwa, and Kiara Craft blessed the B & S stage with their talent—there was even an afrobeat dance session that the attendees were able to participate in, including myself.
My 2-piece set came from Shein.com and it was very comfortable. I felt like a cozy pig in a blanket—the quaint breakfast food and in the literal sense. I don’t usually get things that wrap around my tummy, so it was nice to step out of my comfort zone a little bit. The theme was centered around flowers and I didn’t want to make a flower crown, so I decided to just stick flowers in my fro; I felt like Minnie Riperton.
I’m surprised that my look survived the day without a massive stain because I really went in on food. There was a jamaican food truck called “The Jerk Shack” and I got some jerk chicken wings. Ooo I wish I could repeat that plate! I also found a super good fruit/juice shop called The Juice Box; Prior to coming across the shop, I’ve never had fruit that spectacular. I don’t even like watermelons very much, but their watermelon juice tasted so refreshing that it shifted my original opinion of the fruit.
SN: They’re based in Dallas and they do pop-up shops around the DFW. I 10/10 recommend.
Anyway, I’m so grateful to have been a part of this movement! I met so many beautiful people and gained a lot of knowledge. It really blows my mind that some people believe that black women cannot come as a collective and spread positivity. I felt nothing but love at this festival! I hope every person that attended left feeling uplifted and with a full heart. Thanks to Coco for being a prime example of black girl magic and for giving me the opportunity to be apart of your journey!
Sincerely,
A flower that is blooming.
Set: Shein.com
Flowers: Jo-ann's
Kimono: Cotton On
