Highlights from The Cindy J Expo: Uniting Innovators, Inspiring Change, and Celebrating Success!
The Cindy J Expo 2024 wasn’t just an event—it was a gathering of visionaries, trailblazers, and innovators in the beauty industry. This year, the Expo brought together some of the most inspiring people, from emerging entrepreneurs to industry leaders, creating an atmosphere of collaboration and celebration. Here’s a look at the people who made this year’s Expo shine!
The Visionaries Behind the Expo
The Cindy J Team went above and beyond to bring together amazing vendors, speakers, and beauty professionals, maximizing the impact of the event. Their careful planning and dedication to increasing accessibility, promoting innovation, and creating a transformative community set the stage for an unforgettable experience.
Kicking things off was the incredible DJ Jess who traveled from Atlanta, GA to set the tone and energy for the entire day with her beats. Known for her lively style and crowd-pleasing mixes, DJ Jess created the perfect backdrop for connections and inspiration, adding a personal touch that made attendees feel welcome and excited.
Meet the Experts: Inspiring Panelists, Master Class Leaders, and Workshop Hosts
Our guest panelists were some of the industry’s most forward-thinking experts. Nate Robinson-Brown, Joy Hankins, and Ellana Stinson shared lessons from their journeys as beautypreneurs. Montalee Chavious-Berry, Dr. Ashley Taylor, Manessa Lormejuste, and Carrissa Dowdy inspired not just product developers but everyone in the room to think deeply about their role in shaping the future of the beauty industry. The discussions were filled with memorable quotes, and attendees left with actionable ideas to implement in their businesses.
In the master classes, four talented leaders shared their expertise in everything from how to enter the retail space to the growth phase of the eyebrow. These sessions from Sharonda Newsome, Cassandra Celestin, Jalea White, and Jamyla Bennu gave participants invaluable opportunities to learn directly from industry veterans, equipping them with new skills and techniques to better pursue their visions. The master class leaders’ passion for teaching and beauty was contagious, inspiring attendees to pursue their craft with renewed enthusiasm!
The Cindy J Expo hosts shared their expertise and created an engaging atmosphere that encouraged hands-on learning and connection. Gernae Bingham from G’s Luxurious Candles and Ashley Duverneau from Krem au Krem respectively led candle-making and skincare question workshops. Ultimately, their approachable and passionate hosting style made the event feel welcoming and inspired attendees to pursue their beauty business goals with confidence.
Vendors and Sponsors
The Expo floor buzzed with excitement as attendees visited booths from diverse beauty brands, each bringing something unique to the table. Vendors showcased everything from high-performance skincare to cutting-edge haircare solutions for curly and textured hair. A standout moment was awarding a $500 Creating Beauty Together Grant to one exceptional vendor, Kayked by Kay, who demonstrated exceptional passion for her makeup products and commitment to community impact.
Expo Sponsors, including Spelman College, Larry Poncho, and the MBDA, were invaluable, adding resources and supporting opportunities that enriched the event for all attendees. Sponsor participation enabled deeper connections with beauty entrepreneurs, influencers, and industry leaders, aligning their purposes with a community driven by innovation and inclusivity. This partnership allowed both sponsors and the Cindy J community to strengthen their impact and foster lasting collaboration beyond the beauty industry.
Empowering New Talent and Community: The Launch of “Black Women in Cosmetic Chemistry”
One of the most powerful moments of the Expo was seeing so many members of Black Women in Cosmetic Chemistry Inc, a recently-launched nonprofit organization with a mission to support and uplift Black women pursuing careers in cosmetic science. This organization aims to provide mentorship, networking opportunities, and resources to help Black women excel in cosmetic chemistry—a field where diverse representation is essential but often lacking. This launch was a reminder that the beauty industry is at its best when it champions diverse voices, and it reinforced the Cindy J Expo’s commitment to empowering the next generation of beauty leaders!
Looking Forward
The Cindy J Expo 2024 was a true celebration of the people, talent, and heart that drive the beauty industry. Each person, from the Cindy J Team and volunteers to the media team and the inspiring panelists, master class leaders, and emerging business owners, brought something unique to the event. They reminded us that beauty is more than products—it’s a community of people who dream, create, and uplift one another.
As we look toward 2025, we’re excited to see the impact these leaders and organizations will make. This year’s Expo was just the beginning of many success stories to come, and we’re thrilled to have you along for the journey. We can’t wait to see you next year at Cindy J Expo 2025!