Crowned in Confidence: The 7th Annual Twin Cities Hair & Beauty Expo Returns with Power, Purpose, and Star Power
Minneapolis is preparing for a bold celebration of beauty, culture, and Black excellence as the 7th Annual Twin Cities Hair & Beauty Expo returns on Sunday, August 17, 2025, at the Delta Hotels by Marriott Minneapolis Northeast. Recognized as the largest BIPOC beauty event in the Upper Midwest, this year’s expo is set to spotlight not just aesthetics, but empowerment, entrepreneurship, and authentic community connections.
Held during Black Business Month, this year’s theme, “Crowned in Confidence,” invites attendees to embrace every part of themselves—inside and out. With a mission to Encourage, Empower, and Educate, the Twin Cities Hair & Beauty Expo continues to stand as a cultural cornerstone in the region, evolving from a local gathering into a movement that unites innovators, creatives, and conscious consumers under one roof.
Star-Studded Panels and Meaningful Conversations
The expo will be hosted by PepTalk Tae, known for her engaging presence and cultural commentary. The programming promises dynamic conversations and unforgettable celebrity moments, including:
A fireside chat with actress Terri J. Vaughn (Netflix’s Miss Governor by Tyler Perry), where she’ll share insights on her career, self-worth, and navigating life in the spotlight.
A men’s panel featuring Karon Riley, former NFL player and actor (Ambitions, Meet the Browns), and Mario Canon, actor and rapper (Empire, The Chi), moderated by producer and actor Lucky Johnson (Your Honor, Snowfall). The discussion will explore leadership, identity, and wellness from a male perspective.
A resilience panel featuring Lori Hanford (widely known as Rich Auntie Lori from Later Daters, produced by Michelle Obama’s Higher Ground Productions) and Sarah Mae, founder of the nonprofit Destiny Over Diagnosis, offering stories of survival, strength, and personal transformation.
Live performances from singer Teóna Washington and creative visionary Anthony Cherry will bring a dose of soul and energy to the stage.
Immersive Experiences for Every Guest
The expo goes beyond panels to deliver immersive, community-driven experiences designed to uplift, educate, and connect. Attendees can explore the Boss Moves Corner, presented in partnership with the Minnesota Black Chamber of Commerce, which offers tools and resources for Black entrepreneurs ready to scale their businesses.
A full Beauty Bar Makeover Station will provide glam touch-ups and styling advice, while the Pink Ladies x Black Nurses Breast Cancer Awareness Activation will raise awareness and support wellness in the community.
Additional highlights include acting workshops with Lucky Johnson and a stunning fashion show curated by Midwest stylists Melanie Joyce and Karlowba Adams, showcasing designs that reflect Black creativity and boldness.
Guests will also be able to shop and support over 50 Black-owned beauty and lifestyle brands inside the curated vendor marketplace, making it a prime destination for conscious consumerism and community engagement.
More Than a Beauty Show—It’s a Cultural Movement
“This isn’t just a beauty show — it’s a cultural movement,” says Tephanie Delaney, Creative Director of the Twin Cities Hair & Beauty Expo. “We celebrate every layer of who we are while honoring our resilience, brilliance, and shared joy.”
Sponsors for this year’s expo include Gloria Freeman of House of Beauté Atout, The Beauty Konnect (St. Louis, Missouri), and The Principle of the Principal, led by Constance Anderson—solidifying the expo’s vision of connecting changemakers from across the Midwest and setting the standard for what a beauty and culture festival should be.
Event Details
Date: Sunday, August 17, 2025
Time: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Location: Delta Hotels by Marriott Minneapolis Northeast
Tickets & Info: www.TCNaturalHairExpo.com
Vendor spaces are still available, and tickets are on sale now. Early registration is highly encouraged for those ready to join a day filled with beauty, brilliance, and meaningful connection.
Whether you’re a beauty enthusiast, entrepreneur, cultural curator, or simply someone who believes in the power of representation, this expo offers a space where inspiration, business, and identity merge—and everyone walks away crowned in confidence.
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