Miss Moon's Musing About: Curl Crush with the Curly Girl Collective

Here's something you may not know about me: I'm painfully shy when it comes to meeting new people. I find myself feeling as awkward as a 12-year-old at their first boy/girl dance. This is something I strive to improve about myself, so I was very excited (and nervous) when I heard about the newest natural hair event sponsored by Curly Girl Collective, Curl Crush.

Curl Crush was an event that first and foremost celebrated natural hair like most events do, but with a little something extra that made it totally unique. Taking a cue from the ever-popular speed dating events, Curl Crush gave everyone an event to sit and meet with stylist, bloggers, and other curly girlies for five minute "dates" to discuss products, techniques and just to bask in each other's beauty. I took a big, deep gulp and RSVP'd "Yes".

Held at the beautiful Taj Lounge on 21st Street in Manhattan, women from across the tri-state area braved the rain that day to hang out on a work week and enjoy the festivities.

In addition to the "speed hair" sessions, guests were invited to participate in a scavenger hunt that required chatting with fellow guests to answer questions like, "Who big chopped this year?", "Who is presently transitioning?", and "Who has a hair steamer?", while sipping complimentary signature drinks for the event. I had such a blast and I'm so glad I went... and participated in a speed hair session!

Here's the first group getting to know one another....

Even the fabulous texture guru Dickey of Hair Rules joined in on the fun!

After five minutes were up, it's time to switch and meet your next curl crush!

Curly Girl Collective partnered with NaturallyCurly.com and (the fabulous!) Shea Moisture to host this event. Gia Low, one of the founders of CGC told Essence Magazine, "The energy in the room was simply golden!" "The women here gained a sense of sisterhood, inspiration and empowerment which is so instrumental in the natural hair community," continued Charisse Higgins, also one of the group's founders.

The lovely ladies of Curly Girl Collective welcoming party goes to the night's festivities.

Me (and my rain soaked curls!) with Raena, whom I met during our "speed date". Our conversation went from hair to makeup, and thanks to her, I am the newest member of the Cult of Ruby Woo. See? Not only did I face my fears of meeting new people, but I rocked a red lip while doing it!!! Talk about a two-fer!! LOL

I met Courtney a few months ago at another event, so when I bumped into her... I had to request my old and new "curl friends" to pose for a picture together. How DOPE are her earrings!?!?!?!?

Another highlight of the event was meeting Chai of Back to Curly, whom I've been such a major fan of for ages... I didn't snap a picture of the two of us (Booo, me!), but be sure to check out my cameo in her recap of the night.

In addition to mingling, there were some great vendors present, selling goodies that would make a welcome addition to any natural's home. After drooling from afar all night, I snatched up a tote bag, ankara hoop earrings and hair bows from QuellyRue Designs... I've been rocking the heck out of those earrings, so I have a feeling you'll be seeing them on me sometime soon!

For those who didn't want to shop, there was an opportunity to get your hands on some killer prizes in the raffle, one of the main prizes being a Huetiful Hair Steamer. I wanted that steamer... badly, so I purchased copious tickets in the hopes of bringing that baby home! I didn't (Awww!), but I did walk away with three of the raffle prizes, which included an amazing gift basket full of Miss Jessie's, Beautiful Textures, and Oyin Handmade products... in addition to two(!!!) Shea Moisture Gift Sets.... so I have no complaints! LOL

This event was definitely a highlight of the year for me, and I cannot wait to see what the wonderful women behind Curly Girl Collective think of next, because they sure do know how to throw a party!!!!!