Martine from Nappy is Beautiful talks to us about Ethno Tendance!

Martine, from Nappy is Beautiful, attended the Ethno Tendance event in Belgium, where she organized a Nuhanciam contest.

She looks back on this fashion and beauty moment for us in an interview!

Tell us about your partnership with Ethno Tendance.

Ethno Tendance, for me, is first and foremost synonymous with wonderful encounters—especially with the organizing team and all the people I get to chat with between photo shoots, which is really nice!! But above all, it’s a fantastic concept for showcasing ethnic and socially conscious fashion, much like Labo Ethnik or Paris Black Fashion Week. This event is now in its third year, and I’m incredibly proud to have supported it through my blog since the very beginning.
Our partnership is taking shape with the “ Ethno Tendance Nappy Hair ” contest, which aims to recognize someone who has stood out with an unconventional, trendy, or roots-inspired hairstyle on their natural hair. Above all, it’s about encouraging people who are embarking on the journey to natural hair... I want to emphasize, however, that we’re not engaging in activism!!

 

 
 

What motivated you to participate and include a Nuhanciam contest as part of it?

Through all the encounters and various stories I’ve picked up here and there, I’ve come to realize that the natural hair journey is about so much more than just hair. Many readers tell me it’s been a true revelation—simply daring to be themselves… Which often leads to a change in look or a way of highlighting one’s best features, with hair being just one element among many… I experience this myself every day: since going natural, I’ve become much more fashion-conscious, and I wear makeup more often. When I look at old photos, I realize that my face was hidden behind the weaves… Now, it’s out in the open, so it’s important to have beautiful skin. So my discovery of Nuhanciam a little over a year ago came at just the right time. I’ve always taken care of my skin, but I was missing that little “je ne sais quoi”—that extra glow… I found it in this brand—I’ve become a fan not only of its products but also of its philosophy. That’s why I simply want to share this discovery with others… For next year, I’m aiming for the trifecta: a hair care brand, skincare, and a makeup partner. That will bring things full circle(!)…

What did you take away from this latest edition?

Aside from the contest, I was also there with Annie and Juliette from the Curly Hair Club, a concept for informal get-togethers where we talk openly about our hair’s ups and downs... I created this platform a little over a year ago, with the idea of getting together every two months to discuss a specific theme and share advice, tips, and other great ideas. It was the first time we organized it during Ethno Tendance, and it went pretty well—which makes me very happy.

 

What's coming up next for you?

The interview with the two winners of the “Ethno Tendance Nappy Hair” contest will be an opportunity to ask them what they think of the products; the next Club des Bouclés event will take place on November 16 at Orybany (Registration via info@nappyisbeautiful.be), contests (particularly with Nuhanciam), and preparations for the blog's third anniversary.
Blog www.nappyisbeautiful.be