Join Us As We Explore the Rise & Evolution of
Black Hollywood!
We shed the typecasting placed on us, and celebrate those who burst through the racial barriers, and glass ceilings and rose to become bright stars. We honor their signature looks, and timeless beauty throughout the decades!
Since its 2017 inception, the Twin Cities Hair & Beauty Expo has consistently gained national attention, spotlighting the underrepresented communities of color within the Minneapolis/St. Paul region. The expo quickly became the largest natural hair & beauty symposium in the Upper Midwest. Striving to influence ethnic beauty, culture and entrepreneurship in this region, our efforts have been highly supported locally, and nationally.
Each year, consumers travel from across the country to join the expo, increasing revenue for local BIPOC businesses and expo vendors.
We recognize the previous limitations of our reach, and are proud to announce a more inclusive space that also honors the creativity of the hairstylist and barber communities as a whole, and celebrates non-natural hair wearers as that may not be conducive for every person’s lifestyle. This name change in no way takes away from our fight to bring awareness to the need for equity in natural hair for people of color, it creates a larger space in the celebration of freedom in Beauty!
This year, the excitement will continue!
You can expect:
• Top education from beauty experts
• Live Entertainment
• Dozens of BIPOC Vendors to patronize
• The opportunity to stock up on your favorite products
• Workshops by Beauty Industry Professionals
• The opportunity to expand your knowledge on Social media, branding, and more
FEATURING...
Eras Of Fashion
Get ready for a mesmerizing fashion journey through the Eras of Black Hollywood at the Twin Cities Hair & Beauty Expo! Presented by Melanie Savage, founder of Evolve Fashions by Coco, this timeless fashion show will leave you breathless. Step into a Time Zone exhibition as we celebrate the iconic fashion eras of Black Hollywood, from the roaring 1920s to the cutting-edge styles of 2023. The runway will come alive with stunning looks that will transport you through time. The talented designers are crafting jaw-dropping ensembles that will blow you away! Let’s celebrate the rich heritage and undeniable style that has shaped black Hollywood throughout the years. Get your tickets today! This is a showcase you don't want to miss. Get ready to be inspired, amazed, and immersed in the Eras of Black Hollywood Fashion Show, only at the Twin Cities Hair & Beauty Expo. See you there!
Kim Berry-
Kim On Set
This year, as Twin Cities commemorates what would have been Prince’s 65th birthday, we are honored to have the genius behind his signature hairstyles! The extraordinary Kim Berry will grace our stage and share her insights on the Evolution of Black Hollywood.
For three decades, Kim Berry has styled the man who embodied the spirit of music and revolution. Her incredible talent has not only defined the iconic looks of Prince but has also touched the strands of some of your favorite Hollywood celebrities such as Katt Williams, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Niecey Nash, Tia Mowry, and Wendy Raquel Robinson.
Her remarkable skills have been showcased in famous magazines, the BET Awards, and television favorites such as “Abbott Elementary,” “Insecure,” “Belaire,” “Snowfall,” and “I Wanna Dance with Somebody.”
Join us, Sunday, August 13 at the Twin Cities Hair & Beauty Expo as we welcome the incomparable Kim Berry to the Evolution of Black Hollywood Panel. You’ll be inspired by her extraordinary journey and the stories behind the hairstyles that’s shaped the landscape of Black Hollywood.
Rhonda Marie
GoldieBelle, LLC
Twin Cities, get ready to be inspired by the remarkable Rhonda Marie Alston. A true powerhouse in the entertainment industry, Rhonda Marie wears multiple hats, all while making a significant impact.
As the owner of Goldie Belle, LLC, a sports talent management company, Rhonda expertise lies in nurturing the careers of current and former professional athletes, guiding them towards opportunities in television, commercials, modeling, and film. She is the visionary behind Forever Golden Films, an all-female production company that breaks barriers and brings diverse stories to life.
With a major in modern dance and theater, her big break started with a remarkable role as “Lucille” in the TV mini-series “Shake Rattle and Roll” for CBS.
The dedication to her craft extended beyond performing. Learning the production and casting aspects of the industry, she’s worked on groundbreaking projects, including seven seasons of the OWN Network first all-female-directed series, “Queen Sugar,” She also worked alongside Oprah Winfrey on “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks.”
Rhonda Marie’s impact reaches beyond the entertainment industry. Her philanthropic work with Dwight Howard’s D12 Foundation, Josh Powell’s 21 Reasons to Give, and Booker T and Sharmell Huffman’s Booker T Fights for Kids Foundation showcases her commitment to making a difference. In 2018, she co-founded The Goldie Legacy, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and launched the inspiring sock campaign, “Sock it Don’t Stop it.”
We are honored to be enlightened by the phenomenal Rhonda Marie Alston as she joins the Evolution of Black Hollywood Panel at the Twin Cities Hair & Beauty Expo.
January Curry
Destination Casting
January D Curry, a true visionary and powerhouse in the entertainment industry, is the Owner and Casting Director of Destination Casting. Hailing from Cincinnati, Ohio, January’s passion for the world of entertainment ignited at a young age. At just nine years old, she stepped onto the theater stage, marking the beginning of her extraordinary journey.
As she grew older, January’s talent blossomed, securing national commercials and securing small roles in major theatrical releases. Her remarkable vocal abilities led her to open up for renowned recording artists, perform the National Anthem for the Cincinnati Reds, and collaborate with Grammy-nominated and award-winning producers. The stage was her canvas, and she painted it with her immense talent.
In 2003, January made the move to Atlanta, Georgia, where she found her true calling. While staying true to her acting roots, she fearlessly transitioned behind the camera, delving into the realms of casting, writing, and producing. Her remarkable resume shines with credits on numerous theatrical releases and major network projects.
From blockbuster hits like Almost Christmas and Creed, to TV sensations like The Underground, Born Again Virgin, Saints & Sinners, and BET Tales, January’s contributions have left an indelible mark on the industry. Her talent and dedication have been recognized on platforms such as BYU’s Dwight In Shining Armor, Keyshia Cole: This Is My Story, and the hilarious Die Hart.
January D Curry’s journey is one of resilience, passion, and unyielding creativity. Her impact extends far beyond the screen, as she continues to break barriers and uplift others in the entertainment industry.
Through her leadership at Destination Casting, January is shaping the future of talent, championing diversity, and paving the way for countless artists to shine. Her commitment to excellence and her relentless pursuit of authenticity make her an inspiration to aspiring entertainers everywhere.
HEALTH & WELLNESS
FROM THE HEART OF BLACK MEN
For the first time ever, we will have an All Male Panel! The men will discuss their take on black men and therapy, as well as a variety of other topics relevant to today’s black man. This panel will feature an array of celebrities, celeb-alikes, athletes, therapists and coaches. Ladies & Gentlemen, you don’t want to miss this powerful discussion!
MALE PANEL MODERATED BY:
STEVIE BAGGS JR.
Former NFL Player | Motivational Speaker | Author | Actor
Twin Cities Hair & Beauty Expo is thrilled to announce that Stevie Baggs Jr. will be moderating the much-needed conversation, “From the Heart of Black Men,”
From the football field to the big screen, former NFL player, motivational speaker, author, and actor, Stevie Baggs Jr., has captivated audiences with his inspiring journey through life, football, and manhood.
The author of Greater Than the Game and Woke, he aspires to inspire. Stevie has been featured in popular TV series such as Star on Fox, Netflix’s Cobra Kai, our favorite soldier Oliver on Tyler Perry’s Ruthless, Underground Railroad, Love & Hip Hop Atlanta, and the Football reboot we all loved, The Game.
Stevie has become a renowned figure in sports and media. In the panel discussion, Stevie will be joined by other remarkable Black men, creating a safe space for honest dialogue and the sharing of personal experiences. Together, they will shed light on The Mental Health Epidemic Plaguing Our Black Men
TYRONE MINOR
JAMIL FORD
TETO WILSON
DEANDRE MILLS
TOMMY MCNEAL
KOREY DEAN
RONALD WINK WOODALL
ROB MALLOY
TEXTURED NATION HAIR SHOW
Charisma Shannon
Charisma's Creations
Stylist
Textured Nation Hair Show
For our Textured Nation Hair Show, we are also honored to feature the talent of Charisma Shannon of Charisma's Creations! The Twin Cities may know her as the realistic hair extension specialist, but don't box this Diva in! She's got you on the Natural Hair tip, as well!
Kanika Baker
Kanika Baker
licensed/certified
Cosmetologist and Trichologist
-Owner of The Real Mane Event Hair Extensions Studio located in Brooklyn Park, MN. Kanika is a licensed/certified Cosmetologist and Trichologist Practitioner, registered with the American Medical Association/National Provider Registry. She offers services catering to and geared towards those who are experiencing various forms of temporary and permanent hair loss. Kanika is a licensed stylist for over 20 yrs and has over 30 yrs of experience with hair extensions
Jai B.
Jai B. of the
Jai B. Experience
Color Educator and Artist
For the past 20 years, Jai B. has been mastering her craft as a healthy hair, natural hairstylist that specializes in color. She is a Pulp Riot educator & artist and recently signed with War Paint international as a bridal hair artisan. She is the co-owner of The BeYoutiful Experience Salon in South Minneapolis, and her desire is to unite beauty professionals of color to provide luxury services to the community. www.thejaibexperience.com
BEAUTY PANEL
FEATURING...
DUTCHESS OF INK
DESTINY PAYTON
mODERATED BY
MARTIKA LOWERS
MICHAEL K. COLE
KANIKA BAKER
PAMELA WEEMS
MONIQUE GREEN
DA TWISTMASTR
CHARISMA SHANNON
DR. MARGARETH PIERRE-LOUIS
RANADA KING
PRECIOUS RUTLIN
2023 Title Sponsors
MEDIA PARTNERS
SILVER SPONSORS
BRONZE SPONSORS
2023 VIP VENDORS
Tephanie Delaney
Co-Founder
Publicity & Development
Branding Agent Tephanie Delaney, is the founder & Chief Visionary Officer of Wild-Eyed VisionAries Branding & Media Group. I am devoted to empowering entrepreneurs around the world. My passion is economic empowerment through entrepreneurship.
I have been producing economic empowering experiences and spaces of opportunity for over 25 years. I strongly believe in networking, relationship
building, and nurturing connections.
Briana Cress
Production Team
Master Hair Stylist
As a salon owner and stylist, Briana is a specialist in Healthy Hair care with a focus on textured hair. A licensed beautician for over 14 years, Briana has found her passion in what she calls “healing” the hair.
Throughout the course
of her career, Briana has been highly sought after to speak in seminars, style for fashion shows, news anchors, theater, celebrities and brides, as well as have her work featured in print.
education
Learn top-level first hand exposure to industry professionals to increase business IQ and product knowledge
advocacy
Receive relatable and valuable education for better business practices and effective branding strategies
innovation
Stay current with innovative natural hair trends with cutting-edge styling and care techniques, resources, and tools
inclusion
Develop relationships with hundreds of attendees who shape the perspectives of the natural hair industry