Bangs & Boho Braids for Charity

My very first POP-UP event was a SUCCESS!

I have to share all about it! I asked 7 hair models to come because I really wasn’t sure how busy my booth would be. Do people really want to get their hair done? Will I attract the people I want or be doing mostly kids hair? Would I have a nice healthy mix of both? I had no idea!

Turns out fForrest Fest came through big time! It was from 10a-8p and I had 2 pee breaks the whole day. That’s not something to brag about. But just to give you an idea. I did about 30 heads of hair and raised $$ for two organizations. People receiving services could choose to support one or both organizations.

They could choose from:

Postpartum Support International

OR

The Canal Corridor Association- Building the new Historical Garden on the I&M Canal in Morris, IL.

Photo credit: Jillian Aprati

Catching me cleaning my tools between visitors! Click the photo to see my Instagram Reel for a recap of the day, once you finish catching up here.

I want to support people and organizations that hit home, helping to raise awareness and funds for locals too. If you received my last email in May, you’ve already seen some other organizations that are of interest to me as well as others who are close to me.

People loved that I was supporting both. They wanted to know more. They shared their life experiences with me. I was able to find connection with others through this event. It was a special opportunity.

Did you know that 1 in 7 mothers have some sort of peri or postpartum health issue? Or that 1 in 10 fathers do as well? Can you imagine how many people live with this in secret and how that could drastically change the statistics? I want to help spread awareness because it is oh so common. If you know 7 parents, you know someone who has gone through a postpartum mental health issue. I met more than 30 people on Saturday and more than 5 people shared a personal experience they had themselves or had been there for someone in their lives who was going through this currently.

I also found that the I&M Canal is beloved to the locals. I have always appreciated the towpath, views along the river, and scenic route it offers. When I contacted the Canal Corridor Association, I spoke with the president & CEO Ana Narvick. She took such good care of me and even personally brought flyers etc. to my booth Saturday morning. I was honored to be able to take care of her and cut her bangs as well. If you live in Illinois and enjoy history and nature. You have already visited the I&M in some way shape or form, or you know now that you need to put it on your bucket list! FUN FACT: It’s trail connects Chicago to LaSalle, encompassing 5 counties and 60 communities.

Most chose to support both, which I appreciated.

I spent all day creating cool bangs, twisting and plaiting hair, then adding hair rings that I made special for the event, spreading eco-friendly glitter all over parts for everyone to envy, all while live music played. The people were cool and the vendors ( at least the ones I met) were supportive and fun as hell! If this sounds like a slice of heaven to you, it was.

I was even given the opportunity to go on stage between bands to share about what I do and cut some hair!! Which I have to give Stacey Olson, owner of True North in Morris, the biggest hug for offering me the opportunity. If you love supporting small business and antique shopping, True North is a must for you to visit. Just make sure you give yourself plenty of time to get lost in there!

I left with body aches for days and my heart spilling over with joy! I can’t thank fForest Fest, True North, my new vendor friends, my team of hair models/friends(you know who you are, I LOVE YOU SO FREAKIN MUCH), and the people who visited my booth enough!!!

We raised about $400 !

I just received a confirmation that I’ll be at The Vintage Faire in Minooka, IL on June 26th 8a.m.-3p.m.! Will I see you there?

Do you know of any cool or unique events/fests that I should consider?

Send them my way by shooting me an email..

Did you visit the booth & want the full experience?

Would you like to be a hair model for future events?

Your Personal Destination Hairstylist,