by Shawn Nowlin
Marlee Coles has never let the opinion of others define her.
A strong Black woman, Coles passionately believes that in the African American community, beauty comes in many different styles, especially hair. Black women have faced backlash for decades in America for their hair, something Coles and her friends are all too familiar with.
To make a difference for women who look like her, she created the Hairfirmations Festival, an affair that celebrates the diversity and beauty of textured hair. Inspired by the Crown Act, a federal bill that prohibits discrimination based on hairstyle and hair texture, Coles curated and hosted the inaugural event last week at the Humble Hustle Building in northwest Roanoke.
The well-attended gathering celebrated the limitless possibilities that textured hair represents. Every aspect, from extensions to braids, was elevated to new heights. Attendees absorbed valuable insights while also experiencing a live podcast recording.
“I was really inspired to create ‘hair art’ which was the inspiration behind the hair wall unveiled at the event. I was challenged to think outside of the box and create without an individual as my canvas, but an actual canvas. Every piece is significant to me and was inspired by either a person, place, or time in my life,” Coles, a Roanoke City Art Matters Grant recipient, said. ”Short for Hair Affirmations, in a nutshell, the goal of Hairfirmations is to speak positivity into Black women’s hair.”
Influencers and industry experts also shared their expertise and perspectives at the festival. The three guest panelists – Gregory Addison, Chas McGhee, and Tanecia Poindexter – all spoke on their experience as hairstylists and how they have impacted the community through art. Photographer Jennifer Hayward captured the essence of the event from start to finish.
Also instrumental in making last week’s event a reality was Lovelight Design Studio Chief Creative Director Robyn Mitchell. “The event brought together the community for meaningful dialogue around hair positivity. It allowed participants the chance to embrace their hair, regardless of style or texture while amplifying the culture,” she said. “This event marks a pathway for more events to come that help us to celebrate our uniqueness and individuality together.”
It’s not lost on Mitchell that there are plenty of young Black girls who have insecurities about their hair. “I was once in their shoes, so I know what the feeling is like. Society will try to get you to conform to what they deem ‘beauty’ is. Trust me from experience, any Black girl with those insecurities is plenty good enough.”
Visit marleecoles.com or lovelightdesign.com to learn more information.
