I went to the 2013 AIHE that was held on the weekend of the 30th at Brightwater Comons in Randburg, Johannesburg. I know l did not mention l will be attending. I thought I would be in Zimbabwe for a wedding on this particular weekend only to find out a week before the wedding that it was going to be held on the 24th. So l ended up quickly getting my act together going for the wedding and then the AIHE the next weekend. The other thing l was a bit skeptical on attending the AIHE and was not really sure if it was really worth going. Ain’t l glad l went. Had a jolly good time.
There were a lot of things that the organizers could have done better but at the moment l just want to applaud them for their effort. I mean to organize such an event was really great and it was affordable too, only costed R100 for a single day entry and R150 for a double day entry. Only wish a lot more people had attended. I am sure Jo’burg has a lot more people who could attend such an event being hosted right in our back yard. I managed to go on Saturday, having a full time job and a family to attend to and Sunday I was in Church. I was really hoping for more people especially more naturalistas. I think those who can attend need to go out more and support such events that bring conversation on African ethnic hair. Our presents will surely influence change in the direction.
Just to mention, most exhibitors were from overseas or they got their merchandise from overseas? Is there a gap in manufacturing in South Africa and Africa as a whole? Or the organizers did not reach out more to manufactures locally? Not sure. Some booths were empty still around 11am when I got there and the representatives from Motions only walked in to set it up their stand around 1pm whilst the ladies from Long Lasting seemed to be waiting for their products much of the morning. I thought l was late and l got there around 11am and to have empty booths and incomplete arrangements really, l think Africa since its supposed to be an African Continental show, deserves better, or should do better.
I however really enjoyed myself. Managed to meet people who read my blog, answered questions, networked, met representatives of a number of products, saw some awesome hairstyles and I am sure, since this was the second time hosting this event, they will improve as they keep hosting them.
For my video report, please watch it here.
And here are some of the many pictures that I manged to capture.
With Zoe at the T444Z Booth
- Long and Lasting model showcasing natural hair.They could have done better than this!
- There were younger girls too. Asking questions and taking notes. Only hoped they were taking the correct ones!
On stage demo on how to install clip on hair extension
- With Kavuli of Good Hair Diaries
- The Ticketing station at the venue. Left without a goodie bag after paying for my ticket. Had to go back an hour or so later to claim it.
Department of Arts and Culture honoured the event with their presence
Nubian Queen Stand
Golden Perfect Booth
- That is really long hair, in locks
- Educational Workshops
Philips was there with their Flat Iron – On stage demo
At Organic Therapy Booth with Latoya who did a hair analysis and recommended some products from their range
One of the hairstyles showcased
I will be uploading some more pics soon.
Till then, stay blessed.
8 comments
I only went on Friday, would have been lovely to meet you 🙂
Would have been great to meet you too Wisaal.
looks like it was nice, from the looks of it was aimed at ‘black’ hair! would have been nice to have it where most ‘black’ folks could actually access easier coz taking two taxis to a venue is taxing on the pocket as well….just saying
You’re right hey Cleo. I hope the organizers see your comment. Let me confess, I never saw any problems with the venue but now that you mentioned it, it could have been really great to have it in one of the townships or in Jo’burg CBD. I also think the organizers did not advertise and reach out as much as they should have. But I also don’t know the battles they faced and their reasons for having it at Brightwater Commons.
true we dont’ know the logistics and all that….but hope they remember us their target market and reach out! I would have loved to be there! I am loving my hair like crazy since I began my new journey after cutting off my dreads
You can say that again. Hosting such events where the target market can easily get to is very important. Next time I hope it will be more accessible. Am glad you’re loving your hair. Sometimes that’s all it needs. LOVE
I can’t stop laughing!!! the face of the little girl with the pink jacket, in the last pic ‘hairstyle showcase’ its Epic…… the face is like ain’t that thing suppose to be under her dress and not on her head!!!…..
ha ha ha. Nicole, only seeing that girl now. Most of the hairstyles showcased were not something I would wear to church or work. I think they just wanted to show their creativity. ha ha ha. now am in stitches!!!
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