Aline Tacite: the lady behind the 1st Natural Hair show in Paris. Boucles d’Ebene which means Curls of Ebony, was a great success. She came to my BQ gathering and told going-natural.com about her drive, her experience and her goal.
Hey Aline. You had quite a busy time here in the US. How are you?
Iâm very well and had quite a busy and good time in the US. I came over to get some good contacts in the Natural hair field. Therefore I went straight to the Atlanta World Natural Hair Show.
You came right after the 1st Natural Hair Show (Boucles d’ Ebene) you organized in Paris. Had you organized something like this before? What made you want to do it? What was your motivation for doing the show?
Thatâs right; I came to the States right after my show in Paris. Boucles dâÃbène was the first Natural Hair show in Paris of this kind and importance. We welcomed more than 2000 visitors most of which were coming from Paris and suburbs.
My sister and I have organized similar events for the past 3 years under the umbrella of a black organization called Conscience Noire (Black Consciousness) which presented different cultural event throughout the year. After the last hair event in 2004 (where we welcomed 400 people) I decided to rethink the concept and expand the idea. I therefore decided to set up an independent show focusing on Natural hair and services in France.
My main motivation comes from the lack of information and services for black natural hair in this country and the frustration linked to that situation. After doing some research in the States and in London I realized that English speaking sisters and brothers were far ahead and something needed to be done in this field in France. In order to have a better idea of a bigger scale show, I decided to work in London with Adornment (www.adornment.org.uk), Europeâs Only Major Conference on Locks, Natural hair, Health, Beauty & Wearable Art for a few months. This great experience gave me the opportunity to understand better the market of Natural hair in Europe. It also gave me the strength to bring forward my ideas and dream of structuring a natural black hair market in France.
Aline @ the hairshow in Atlanta
Was it difficult to make it happen?
Not that much actually. We are a team of 4 black women (Mara, Marina, Nadia and myself) with different backgrounds (multimedia, communication, business, language and entertainment) and we succeeded in parting the missions between us in order to put the show together. All four of us were determined and very exited to organize the event in France.
How did it go?
It was beyond our expectation in every respect. We were expecting around 1000 people. More than Twice that number came to the event. Iâve never seen so many black women wearing there hair natural in a same place. Visitors were all exited to discover the stalls and workshops available on the day.
What was the most difficult thing that you encountered and what was the best thing about the show?
The best thing was to see so many black people together for the same thing: find information and be together.
The most difficult thing was to juggle many different things at the same time and remain calm and positive at anytime.
Did you come to the US for inspiration? Was your trip successful and what was most inspiring?
I did come to the US for inspiration and also to get in contact with people in the natural hair field thereâ Believe it or not my most inspiring experience there was to meet you!
I discovered that we had many things in common and above all that we have the passion to answer a demand in the natural hair market and that we could work together in the same direction.
Wow! Thanks for the compliment. That is very flattering to hear. You know I was grateful to meet you!
You also went to the Hair show in London. What are the similarities/differences between the shows in Atlanta and London?
From my point of view the London show is no comparison to the Atlanta show; London is warmer in terms of ambience (family kind of feeling) and they had a larger number of visitors. The entrance and conference fee in London were a lot cheaper. There is also an international participation which I could not find in Atlanta (hair specialists/exhibitors coming from the States, Africa, Europe).
Is there something characteristic about either one?
To me the characteristic of Adornment is that their exhibitors offer a comprehensive panel of services and products for the enhancement of natural hair, body and soul all in one place. The family dimension is always there.
A fashion show was part of the program
When did you go natural and why?
10 years ago a bad hair loss experience with relaxers made me realized that I deeply wanted to look like somebody else. I therefore decided not too cheat myself anymore and cut my hair all off (like a man). I discovered that this hairstyle suited me very well.
How long have you used relaxers?
I relaxed my hair for 8 years since the age of 15. Before that time my mum did not want us (my sister and me) to use any chemicals on our head. She would always tell us that we did not need that and that we were beautiful with our natural hair (but we would not believe it at that time)
What was most difficult on your natural journey?
The judgment of some people who did not like my hairstyle. I used to be bothered by their negative comments.
I am told that this is the hardest part of a natural journey for many women. How did you deal with this and more important how did you get over this?
I used to say to myself that they were ignorant because I was being myself and no matter what I was beautiful naturally. I used to think that once they would open their eye they would be able to appreciate it.
Participating Children – Fashion show
What was the best moment of your natural journey?
The day a handsome man told me I was beautiful with my short, natural and kinky hairstyle!
The first time I saw this man was in a Fast food restaurant in Paris. I was in a hurry and he stopped me because he wanted to see me again. It was at our first date that he said he loved the hairstyle which he said was “natural, simple, classy and made me very feminine”. He said he was very much attracted by the style. I stayed with the man 5 years…
Your parents who also participated in the fashion show at B.E are from Guadeloupe. Where you born there?
My parents are from Guadeloupe (French Caribbean Island) and I was born and raised in Paris, France. I know my island very well though.
How is natural hair perceived in Guadeloupe? Is it different from France?
Natural hair in Guadeloupe is just in the process of being accepted. Most of the women there were educated with the colonial idea that relaxed hair was more beautiful and socially acceptable. Since a few years, the young generation has started to wear their hair natural therefore we see a lot more afros, braids and locks in the streets. The situation in France is very similar. It is only now that black people have started to experience their natural hair more.
Will you also do a Hair Show in Guadeloupe?
Boucles dâÃbène has been invited to go to Guadeloupe in February 2006, to participate in the cultural month dedicated to Africa. A week-end will be dedicated to natural hair and Boucles dâÃbène will organize conferences hair demonstrations.
So what can we expect of B.E in Paris next year?
New conferences, more exhibitors (natural hair products to African inspired clothes, jewelleryâ), a new venue, more visitors and partners coming from abroad. A stunning hair show and surprises!
Do you have a special message for colored women or a final word?
Just be yourself not matter what. Once you reveal your real you, every thing is possible.
Thank you so much for taking time out of your busy schedule to answer my
questions and thanks for coming to the bbq. It was wonderful to meet you in
Atlanta. Hopefully we see each other again next year.
Fashion Show
