Embracing Self-Love and Authenticity in Every Kink

Curl Fête is more than just an event in Guyana; for every Guyanese, it has become a unique celebration of beauty, culture and identity. This vibrant gathering, dedicated to the love and care of natural hair, is a movement that encourages self-love, authenticity, and cultural pride among Guyanese women.

Reflecting on Curl Fête, we can’t help but remember the incredible woman who played a pivotal role in its inception – Denisha Victor. Tragically, she passed away at the height of the pandemic, but her legacy lives on in every coil and curl celebrated at this event. Denisha was more than just a local entrepreneur and the face of Guyana’s natural hair industry; she was our friend and one of our biggest supporters. Every year, Denisha would be one of the first to inquire about tickets to our Miss World Guyana national competition, always ensuring she was in attendance. A businesswoman who owned her own natural hair store, KoKo, was also praised as one of Guyana’s most innovative small business owners. To us, Victor was a brilliant and passionate soul, way ahead of her time, a true visionary who will forever hold a special place in our hearts here at MWG.

We are glad to continue witnessing the growth of this movement and Curl Fête’s journey under the leadership of co-founder Tameka Henry, Guyana’s Miss Universe 2010. Tameka, who is another visionary trailblazer, has been instrumental in keeping Curl Fête and its vision alive, ensuring that Denisha’s dream continues to flourish.

The importance of Curl Fête is revolutionary. It’s where kinks, coils, curls, and waves take center stage, celebrated in all their glory. The event is a powerful reminder that beauty is diverse, and we must continue to embrace all the natural textures that make us unique. Curl Fête offers a refreshing narrative – one where authenticity reigns supreme.

Encouraging self-love through events like Curl Fête cannot be overstated. For generations, women with natural hair textures have faced societal pressures to conform to straight-haired ideals, often resorting to harmful, cancer-triggering straighteners to achieve a certain “approved” professional look. This event challenges those outdated norms by promoting the idea that every curl pattern is beautiful and worthy of admiration, moisture, and proper maintenance.

The other thing about Curl Fête is that its attendees and supporters are not just passive participants; they are active members and producers of a community that values and uplifts each other. Vendors promoting hair care, styling tips, and showcasing Guyana’s talented artists highlight the cultural significance of natural hair as they provide a holistic experience through their talent and products. Attending the event empowers women to take pride in their natural hair, fostering a sense of self-worth and confidence that transcends the event itself.

Curl Fête is about more than hair – it’s about identity. It’s about reconnecting with your roots, celebrating your heritage, and embracing the authenticity that comes with being true to oneself. In a country as culturally rich as Guyana, where our diversity is our strength, Curl Fête serves as a reminder that our natural beauty is a reflection of our history, our ancestors, and our journey.

In 2018, I attended Curl Fête in Georgetown, embracing my African element in authentic African wear and my kinkiest of curls. I was there to support Denisha, who had supported me more than enough over the years. It was a different experience from the Curl Fest I often attended in New York. It was an inspirational experience I will forever be grateful for, not knowing it would be the last time I saw Denisha Victor in person.

By encouraging self-love and authenticity, Curl Fête is helping to redefine beauty standards in Guyana and throughout the Caribbean. It’s a movement that’s growing stronger every year, inspiring women to love themselves just as they are – no filters, no alterations, just pure, unfiltered beauty.

So, whether you’re rocking a fro, braids, twists, or locs, Curl Fête is your moment to shine. It’s a celebration of you, in all your natural glory. Embrace it, love it, and let your curls tell the story of your unique beauty. Show up with all your majesty traits, full royalty as the queens you are and support this visionary event. There is no other like it!