With concern growing of the possible side effects related to pharmaceutical drugs and cosmetics made with chemical additives – many Americans are turning to natural health & beauty products as a safer alternative.
The African-American community is no different. Many black people have recently embraced the trend of wearing “Natural” hair styles – as opposed to using relaxers to straighten the hair. Dr. Rachael Ross M.D., PH.D. (Family Medicine & Clinical Sexologist) appeared on an episode of the “Doctors” daytime television program and stated:
“There was a study that linked relaxer use in African-American women to a higher incidence of fibroid tumors… Which are non-cancerous balls of muscular tissue that form in the uterus – but is actually the leading cause of hysterectomies here in the country.” – Dr. Rachael Ross M.D., PH.D.
In response to the growing demand for natural health & beauty products in Louisville, KY, – many local African-Americans have created businesses that cater to those needs.
On Saturday, April 23, 2016, the Manhattan on Broadway, in Louisville hosted the 1st annual African-American “Earth Day Celebration” – which was an event that allowed African-American natural health & beauty product vendors to display their goods.
The event was sponsored by Rooted Natural Toothpaste, Melodic Elements, Infinite Yoga, and Natural Logistics – which are all Louisville based black-owned businesses.
The various vendors offered natural products and services which ranged from handmade soaps and deodorants – to belly dancing, vitamin supplements and a senior concierge service.
One particular vendor – Precious Kentle Powders – manufactures handmade skin care products for men and women which include: natural soap and body butters, shea butters, and men’s shaving kits & beard balms.
Another impressive display booth was operated by Lailah Hampton-El who is the director of the Kuumba Youth Liberation Academy (KYLA) – which is Louisville’s only Afrikan-Centered home schooling academy. KYLA specializes in math and science and also offers a youth chess club.
Retired veterans, Retha & Joe Williams, manned a booth that provided information about “Alleviate” – which is their senior home healthcare business.
“Alleviate is a non medical private homecare service, helping seniors to be able to stay at home and help them with their daily living. We also have a concierge service for seniors as well.” – Retha Williams
The celebration featured several other local African-American vendors who provide natural products and services to residents in the metro Louisville area as well as to customers nationwide through online purchasing.
Deanna Coles – owner of Melodic Elements – manufactures an all natural line of body deodorants that are available in a variety of different scents. In addition to manning her own booth – she was also a sponsor of the event.
“We just wanted to celebrate Earth Day because this is the weekend of Earth Day 2016, and we also wanted to showcase local black-owned businesses who are making all-natural homemade products and handcrafted items as well.” – Deanna Coles
Organizers are planning other natural health & beauty product events in the near future and also plan to bring the Earth Day Celebration back next year.
Brad Harrison is a journalist/motivational speaker/entrepreneur and on-air personality. He earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications with cum laude honors from the University of Louisville. In October 2015, he started UrbanMaxx Magazine to provide positive role models for Urban residents that reside in at-risk-communities and lack positive leadership in their lives.
For booking or advertising – contact Brad Harrison at bradharrison@urbanmaxx.com