11/15/2021
GRATITUDE BEYOND MEASURE! Remembering Natashia E. Ford Boss Lady, no words can express how much you are missed, but I know that you would expect the show to go on and although you my brilliant, beautiful and Uber creative partner/sister is not here the essence of you remains, and with our vision in mind the legacy continues.
2021 the 10th annual Hair She Grows Expo and 11 years in the books came to SERVE and Celebrate. THANK YOU to our HAIR SHE GROWS community, we have nothing but big Love and Gratitude for the continued support that you have shown us starting from day 1 back in 2010 that makes the reason why this expo lives on today and will keep rising.
It was an honor to award the first Natashia E. Ford Small Business of Excellence Award to Reeta's Organics for their amazing growth and commitment to our community. We see you and support you. And in our co founders spirit we got your back!
My heart overflows with love for the Amazing people who poured into the expo they went beyond my expectations and to say that they delivered is an understatement.
First to my Chase Ford Events, LLC bio family this is our why and I love you more then you know. Starting with Natashia's lineage Kenneth Ford( aka Papa Ford strength and wisdom), Antonia Ford (Mum beauty and grace), Lorna Ford (lil sis with a big heart), Seraiah Whyte(Natashia's heartbeat, daughter of a Queen and legacy), Kaliyah Whyte (Natashia's heartbeat, daughter of a Queen and legacy). My lineage Keith Benton (best hubs ever and all around amazing support he wears many hats), Chase Ryan Black (only sunshine & legacy), Gabrielle Benton (my heartbeat & legacy).
To our bonus family and friends (please forgive me if I miss a name) of which I am forever thankful for your love, continued support and prayers. Jaison Radcliff and Andrew Browne (the dynamic duo and also always there with a shoulder for crying, great advice, and all around support), Mike Morse(friend, Natashia's brotherly love), Andrea Gordon (ride or die from day 1, love you sis), Bridgette Benton (aka Kayla Benton, super best SIL) Carlos Brown(our husband inside story, day 1 support and model/fashion show coordinator rockstar). Rikki Jean Antoine for your help and always encouraging me to keep it going. Xaviera Zientek for your assistance. Mona Benton thank you for having my back. Margaret IamMargaret Johnson your encouragement means a lot. Carmen Davis, Ataje Anderson and Rhonda Sutton, Kimberly Marando all the love and support you bring. Thank you all, for your love and support I appreciate you to the heavens and beyond.
Now on to the 2021 expo of which is now the year of rebirth and renewal.
Our not 1 but 2 Fabulous co hosts/Mistresses of Ceremony who set the stage on Fire!!! They deserve more than a round of applause for their performance deserving of an Oscar. This tag team kept the Hair She Grows stage flowing with professionalism and Empowerment! Not in order of appearance we give you the Val Gamble the epitome of grace, beauty and talent the dancing MC who keeps the crowd hype. Who not only can make everyone from the audience members to the vendors feel like family attending the annual family reunion and she does it with such finesse, charm, poise and of course that New York swag. And the best co host and the Yin to Val's Yang straight out of the ATL the eloquent JoVaun Gash the original songbird MC. She brought it on with wit, pazazz and fashion model catwalk wardrobe changes. Her powerful voice has the ability to make a room listen and obey. She serves you sweet with a touch of sassy and a whole lot of love. These two intelligent women were given an assignment and they fulfilled it and more. Bravo Val and JoVaun to a job well done. Love you both.
And a big shout out and THANK YOU to the Hair She Grows Dj mixologist who kept the stage going and the sound flowing our very own Dj Meloyelo love you, love you, love you!
The Incomparable Liz Everett and her team
Jessica Rosado - Runway Director
Alana Nelson - Backstage Director
Quanda Yvette - Beauty Director
Annalise Sofia Delatorre - Fashion Assistant
Lia Brinson - MUA
Jennifer Rucco - Hair
her curated designers put on the most fashion forward, creative and stunning show to hit our Hair She Grows stage. Liz from the conception meeting to the finale came with all her knowledge and expertise delivered 2 extraordinary fashion shows with a smile, diamonds and stilettos. My most heartfelt Thank you to Liz and the fabulous designers Elizabeth Tran, Shatreka Bennett King Chic 2 Chic Boutique, Candice Christian & Dre Ben Frank the Kweens Kloset, Emma Amme LLC Gabriella Goina.
Thank you to Ericka Dunlap not only did she deliver an inspiring speech as our featured speaker, she also put our stage decor on 100% with her event planning company, can I just say that she is not just beauty and brains but the most kind and humble person ever.
Hair She Grows 2021 speaker lineup did not disappoint we covered it all. Thank you to our superb presenters Scarlett Rocourt, Alexis Blount, Shay Talley, Syreeta Scott, Melanie Church, Chelsea Cherry-Brown, Dr. Kristal Cunningham, and Dr. Ramiqa Hopewell. Please follow everyone of the speakers as they still have a lot more empowering knowledge to share.
Thank you to our Hair She Grows community 2021 was beautiful, now I am ready for 2022!!
Love and Peace ❤
Donna Chase Benton
