Review: Kim Coles Grow-out Challenge/Los Angeles Meet - Up

Hey everyone! It's time to follow up on the Kim Coles Grow-Out Challenge/Meet-up! Where to begin? I've read a couple of reviews from other attendees and I think their perspectives were spot-on. Of course, my perspective as the challenge winner was slightly different! I already noted my fear of flying so it probably won't surprise you to know that I stayed up nearly all night on Friday in anticipation of my Saturday morning flight. I found a cute little mini dress that I decided to pair with leggings and heels. After all, in MY eyes I was the Cinderella of the ball! I spritzed my hair with a little water and meadowfoam oil and retwisted for the night. I decided to leave them in until I arrived.

In spite of my fears, and after the initial take-offs, my flights to Los Angeles were rather peaceful. I slept for about 2 hours of the trip but I stayed awake reading for a good part of it too. There was zero turbulence and I even looked out of the window a couple of times! See:

I was picked up by a handsome, black... town car. LOL! And we zipped off to The Omni where I was staying. The view and the weather were magnificent. There were lush, green palm trees all around and TRAFFIC! My, oh my! And this was on a Saturday! I had plenty of time to review my itinerary which included lunch with Jess of JessiCurl and then a ride to the venue with Nikki. Decorated in warm tones with pops of red, yellow and orange throughout, The Omni was beautiful and serene. There were some minor issues with my stay but aside from that, my room was lovely and I cursed myself for not bringing my swim suit when I saw the pool from my window.

View of the pool

I had only a few moments to relax before having lunch with Jess. That was quite the... ADVENTURE! Jess and I met in the lobby and sought out a place to have lunch. She had stunning red curls and was immediately warm and friendly. I felt right at home- like we were old friends! I didn't know it at the time, but she was staying elsewhere and did not know of a nearby restaurant. It was suggested by staff that downtown LA is not especially busy and many places were closed during the lunch hour. However, someone suggested we take the Angel Flight, suggesting that we would find places to eat there. This statement was rather cryptic for both Jess and me. So, we set about asking everyone in view about the Angel Flight until finally, we found it. What is the Angel Flight you ask? It's an unmanned, trolley that takes you down the hill from the hotel to the street. Reminded me of a roller coaster; I was a little scared!

Across that street, there is a huge market that seemed to primarily house Asian/Hispanic/Latino cuisine but sold lots of other items including castor oil and teas. It was after 2pm before Jess and I found the place. At the market, we decided to just go for some yogurt since there would be food at the venue. We had great conversation, covering everything from how Jess began her business (great story!) to our family dynamics. We then headed back to our rooms to prep for the party. I found out I had an extra 45 minutes to prepare so I took a nap! Can you say JET LAG?

The town car arrived to pick up Nikki and I. Little did I know that I would have the TOTAL pleasure of also meeting Gia (just writing of her makes me smile), Aunt Toney and Nikki's friend John (he's a cool dude and he was single in a sea of beautiful women). Well, Gia is just too cute for words. Seriously. She has an immeasurable amount of personality! I immediately loved Aunt Toney! Nikki has a great team of family and friends around her for support. I loved that! They were supportive and helpful with Gia as Nikki conducted her business. Everyone I know in CN world has said that Nikki was very sweet. I CONCUR! She is just as cute as she wants to be and very warm and had on the best, sparkle-liest shoes I've ever seen! Together we stepped into the venue, a penthouse apartment called the House of Spades. I didn't know what to expect as the entry of the building was sparse and empty. But the ride to the 15th floor offered a surprise: It was the BOMB! If I liked that dot.com stuff I would have added it but bottom line- the place was very classy. 3 levels of awesomeness. I've visited similar homes before but this one had a bit extra, including 2 awesome, private patios overlooking the city, a hot tub overlooking the 2nd floor and lots of awesome flourishes. Once there, I ventured from the patio and from room to room, taking pictures. On the patio, I met some folks from Essence Magazine who were taking photos and interviewing curlies. I was interviewed when they heard I was the grow-out challenge winner. I have no idea what I said but if they use it- I pray that I sounded half-intelligent. Before I knew it, the place began filling up with lovely ladies. There was awesome, natural hair everywhere! There was color, twas, medium and large twistouts, fros, blowouts , braids and even straight styles were all up in the house! Look:

The atmosphere was electric and Kim Cole's entrance sent it into a frenzy. She was full of EN-ER-GY! Everyone was rushing to take pictures with and of them both. Nikki kicked off the party welcoming guests and saying a few words about CurlyNikki before introducing Kim. Standing off to the side, it was magical and fun to see what I deemed the "Curly Nation" on one accord, listening to her every word. It was an awesome sight indeed. When Kim joined her, it was just icing on the cake. She spoke of her transition, journey and the grow-out partnership with Nikki. When Kim finished, the audience applauded and the party officially began. There was music, food, drinks and hair demonstrations. I only indulged in the food and music. The vibe was DOPE.

I must confess that I'm an introvert and and you already know that I didn't know anyone at the party. That's usually not a good mix for a party setting. However, I forced myself outside my own box by talking to everyone I could. Some recognized me as the grow-out challenge winner. I met a woman who will be appearing on the X-Factor, singing for Simon Cowell! Go girl! A lovely young woman who told me she tried a recipe I had posted. I can't say how GREAT that made me feel! Thanks Keisha!  I met so many people that I can't remember them all! It was so nice to be embraced by all of the California ladies. I connected with so many who offered a familiar face once I ventured out and needed to return to base. A lone introvert can only deal with so much extroverted activity. So, for that, I want to specifically shout out Ysa, Janie, Buso, Connie, Destiny, Michelle, Pamela and my CN friends Renon and Lydia! Renon and Lydia were just as great in person as they are on CurlyNikki. Thanks ladies! By 9pm, this Cinderella was super exhausted and more than relieved when Michelle from NaturallyCurly suggested we hail a cab back to the hotel! I had already replaced the heels with a pair of flat, silver slippers. It was time to go! Thus ended my night at the LA meet-up and let me tell ya- a sista was exhausted and I got out of there before THIS Cinderella could turn into a pumpkin!

The following morning, I had breakfast with Nikki, Aunt Toney and Gia. Gia was too cute and more than patient when I kept mistaking her signs for milk as waves hello. LOL! She even let me hold her for about 60 seconds. It was great spending a little time with Nikki and Aunt Toney. They are both great. I'm all about family connections and I can't say enough that I love that Nikki keeps her family close. I love that kind of love. Afterward, my car arrived and I headed back to LAX for my journey home. In retrospect, I can say that the LA trip was the highlight of my summer. My only regret is not taking pictures with Cassidy of Natural Selection, Kim Coles and leaving without my JessiCurl winnings. Jess promised to mail them to me. I'll post an update after I've used them.  I want to thank Nikki, Kim Coles, Jess and the Naturally Curly crew for a great time. The entire affair was classy and a model for meet-ups everywhere. Can't wait to bring one to Ohio!
Peace!