I had the wonderful opportunity to attend Design Essentials‘ invitation-only event during Essence Fest this year. Tucked away in a private area of the W New Orleans, guests had the opportunity to try and take home products from their line. I am always searching for natural product lines to try and review (coming later!) and they do not disappoint! A big shout-out to Yodi of Yodi International (pictured far right) for her patience and fun, easy-going manner in sharing professional tips to achieve curly and straight style in New Orleans’ humidity!

*above photo credit: ExclusiveAccess.net Courtesy of Design Essentials®.
I’ve seen Ledisi perform when I lived in San Francisco and she was always great! I missed the chance to meet her in such an intimate setting, though I did see another artist drop by:
Attendees also got the chance to receive beauty services and deluxe samples from brow expert Joi Mebane of The Look By Joi, luxury body butters from Jones & Rose and anti-aging pampering pillowcases from Morning Glamour. These woman-owned businesses really delivered with service and style! I must confess…I’m a little partial to the mini-massage I received…can’t imagine why…
Can’t wait to review all these goodies!