Case Study
The Philadelphia Natural Hair Show (2013–2017)
From Vision to Vibrancy: How Two Women Built a Sold-Out Cultural Event That Empowered Thousands
Overview
Event: The Philadelphia Natural Hair Show
Years Active: 2013–2017
Founders: Monique Eversley & Celena McAfee
Location: First District Plaza, Philadelphia, PA
Inaugural Attendance: 1,500+
Services Provided: Strategic Event Development, Community Engagement, Exhibitor/Vendor Coordination, Experience Design, Talent & Showcase Production
The Vision
Before “going natural” was widely celebrated, Monique and Celena launched a regional event to uplift, educate, and empower women of color to embrace their natural beauty and feel confident doing it.
Their mission:
To provide a vibrant space for education, product discovery, and cultural celebration around natural hair and wellness.
The Strategy
The Philadelphia Natural Hair Show was designed with intentionality from top to bottom—from its programming and marketing to brand partnerships and creative activations.
Key Strategic Elements
Educational Workshops: Featuring trichologists, stylists, wellness experts, and natural hair influencers
Community-First Marketing: Outreach through salons, barbershops, bloggers, and Facebook groups in the tri-state area
Exhibitor Curation: A diverse mix of natural hair care brands, handmade accessories, holistic wellness vendors, and cultural creators
Signature Event Feature: The Natural Hair Fashion Show, a live showcase of cutting-edge natural hairstyles by local stylists
Live Entertainment: Performances from local talent and celebrity guests added cultural vibrancy and drew wider audience attention
The Natural Hair Fashion Show
One of the show’s most anticipated experiences was the Natural Hair Fashion Show—a live runway presentation spotlighting the creativity, skill, and beauty of natural hairstyles across all textures.
Fashion Show Highlights
Styled by top local natural hair salons and independent stylists
Models showcased coils, locs, twist-outs, bantu knots, afros, and updos
Featured live narration to educate the audience on styling and care techniques
Created visibility and clientele for up-and-coming stylists
Served as a cultural affirmation moment and photo-worthy finale
This event-within-an-event helped elevate stylists, inspire attendees, and added a signature creative flair that set the Philadelphia Natural Hair Show apart.
Swag Bag Strategy
To build momentum and reward early birds, the first 100 attendees received exclusive swag bags packed with full-size and deluxe products from brand sponsors.
Goals Achieved
Boosted early check-ins and long entry lines
Positioned brands directly into the hands of engaged buyers
Encouraged social media unboxing and hashtag activity
Gave the event a luxe, thoughtful feel
The Attendee Journey
From arrival to finale, guests were immersed in a carefully curated and celebratory experience.
Check-In
Guests were greeted with music and signage that reflected culture and community. The first 100 received premium swag bags filled with natural hair products and tools.
Marketplace
Attendees explored an energetic vendor floor full of product demos, salon bookings, giveaways, and exclusive discounts.
Learning & Inspiration
Panels and workshops covered scalp health, transitioning tips, children’s hair care, and holistic wellness. Attendees left with real knowledge—not just samples.
Community Connection
Lounges, networking corners, and selfie stations encouraged guests to connect, share, and celebrate their journeys together.
Live Performances
Live entertainment from both local artists and nationally recognized performers added an unforgettable energy and drew diverse audiences.
Showstopper: Fashion Show
The event culminated with the Natural Hair Fashion Show—an artistic celebration of natural beauty and styling talent that left guests inspired and engaged.
Results & Impact
1,500+ attendees in year one, with consistent growth through 2017
Signature event that inspired other natural hair shows across the region
High vendor and sponsor retention rate
Increased bookings for local stylists and exposure for new brands
A legacy of confidence, creativity, and community
Every layer of the event—from the workshops to the fashion show—was about celebrating who we are and giving women access to resources they deserved. With the right strategy, you don’t just plan an event—you create a movement.
How YHD Enterprises Applies This Today
Today, YHD Enterprises uses the same strategy-first approach to help:
Nonprofits host events that educate and mobilize
Entrepreneurs build live and virtual experiences that convert
Mid-size businesses deepen brand loyalty through community engagement
Whether launching a brand, re-engaging your audience, or telling your story—a strategic event builds more than buzz. It builds belief.
Ready to Design a Movement?
Let’s plan your next signature event, experience, or showcase.
Case Study
CandleCon 2025 — Where Strategy Met Culture & Community
Client: All Black Everything Pop Up
Event Partner: YHD Enterprises
Focus: Event Branding • Exhibitor Management • Project Oversight • Strategic Follow-Up
Overview
CandleCon 2025 wasn’t just another pop-up — it was a movement in motion. Designed to celebrate creativity, commerce, and community, this Black-centered event brought together over 40 vendors, immersive wellness experiences, and vibrant cultural programming — all wrapped in a flawlessly executed brand identity.
YHD Enterprises proudly served on the all-female powerhouse team, providing exhibitor management, project management, and strategic planning to ensure CandleCon was not only inspiring but operationally sound and scalable for future growth.
Event Branding Excellence
Branding was more than a color palette — it was an experience.
From the moment guests walked into the venue, they were immersed in the CandleCon identity. With the visionary brillance of Meeka Johnson, every detail was thoughtfully designed:
Branded signage and wayfinding
Step-and-repeat and photo moments
Candle stations, massage lounges, and workshop spaces with visual cohesion
Content creation zones for attendees and influencers
The result? A unified, memorable event aesthetic that captured attention and built long-term brand recognition.
YHD’s Role: Strategy, Structure & Support
As a vital member of the event leadership team, YHD Enterprises provided:
Exhibitor Management
Crafted exhibitor communications and onboarding
Provided setup logistics, and load-in/out instructions
Managed exhibitor support day-of with real-time updates and team response
Project Management
Led pre-event coordination meetings and timelines
Ensured alignment across programming, vendors, and logistics
Created event vendor agreement to ensure clarity of participation
Impact Reporting (In Progress)
Collected exhibitor data and feedback via custom exit surveys
Preparing a CandleCon 2025 Impact Report to support future funding and sponsorship conversations
Powered by an All-Female Event Team
CandleCon 2025 was produced by an all-women leadership team — a powerhouse collective of planners, branders, and creators who prioritized purpose, collaboration, and Black excellence in every decision.
This intentional team energy was felt throughout the event — in how guests were welcomed, how exhibitors were supported, and how the vibe never missed a beat.
The Results
40+ Black-owned vendors featured
2 fully curated vendor rooms for seamless guest flow
5+ immersive experiences including line dancing, massage, and candle workshops
Hundreds of guests and organic influencer coverage
Streamlined communications and smooth exhibitor setup
Post-Event Assessment: Nurturing What We Built
The work doesn’t end when the candles are out. YHD Enterprises recommends a strategic post-event plan to maintain momentum and maximize ROI. This includes:
Follow-up communications to exhibitors, attendees, and sponsors
Thank-you campaigns and personalized touchpoints
Social media recaps to boost engagement and brand reach
Sponsor Impact Report to support long-term partnership development
Re-engagement offers or incentives for vendors and collaborators
Scheduling strategic planning for the next iteration of the event
Conclusion: The Power of Black Excellence
CandleCon 2025 was a celebration of Black brilliance, business, and boldness. It showed what’s possible when strategy meets soul. Through powerful branding, streamlined operations, and a vision rooted in community, CandleCon proved that excellence isn’t just an outcome — it’s the standard.
Ready to elevate your next event?
Let’s talk about how strategy can amplify your next experience.
Schedule your Event Strategy Call today
Case Study
Smart Solutions Roundtable – April 2025
A Strategic Collaboration Between YHD Enterprises & A Timely Solution, Inc.
Event Name: Elevate Your Business with Smart Solutions
Date: April 11, 2025
Location: Private Business Space – Philadelphia, PA
Format: In-Person Roundtable Discussion
Hosted by: YHD Enterprises in partnership with A Timely Solution, Inc.
Attendance: 15 entrepreneurs (start-up to established)
Series: Part of the Smart Solutions Quarterly Roundtable Series
Overview
In April 2025, YHD Enterprises and A Timely Solution, Inc. launched the first session of the Smart Solutions Quarterly Roundtable Series—a live, intimate business support experience designed for entrepreneurs who need more than surface-level strategies.
Fifteen hand-selected entrepreneurs—from emerging consultants to nonprofit leaders and service-based businesses—gathered in a relaxed, confidential setting to engage in meaningful dialogue about real business challenges and strategic solutions.
This roundtable was designed to remove barriers, foster peer connection, and deliver practical insights from two seasoned experts, Monique Eversley Buchanan of YHD Enterprises and Kathy Jordan of A Timely Solution, Inc.
Objectives
Create a safe, welcoming space for honest business discussions.
Provide guidance on compliance, systems development, and strategic growth.
Offer direct access to experts in nonprofit formation, project management, and sustainable business operations.
Help participants identify their next smart move through collaborative insight.
Event Structure
Welcome & Introductions – Each participant shared their business stage and biggest current challenge.
Guided Roundtable Conversation:
Topics Included:Building or refining foundational systems
Compliance best practices and common pitfalls
Structuring teams and processes for growth
How to ask for help and identify the right resources
Live Q&A + Peer Exchange – Attendees shared solutions and feedback across the table.
Resource Share: Handouts and tools from both hosts to support implementation.
Giveaways:
A Service Giveaway by A Timely Solution, Inc. – One participant received a complimentary administrative compliance check-up or filing assistance.
An Executive Gift Giveaway by the YHD Gift Division – One attendee received a curated appreciation gift, showcasing YHD’s corporate gifting capabilities.
Participant Snapshot
Business Types Represented:
Nonprofit organizations
Event service providers
Community-based programs
Experience Levels:
5 early-stage entrepreneurs (within first 2 years)
6 mid-stage business owners building sustainable operations
4 established leaders refining compliance and team systems
Results & Impact
Immediate Wins:
4 participants scheduled consultations with A Timely Solution, Inc.
3 participants secured discovery sessions with YHD Enterprises for project planning and systems support
Giveaway recipients received services and products valued at over $400 combined
Key Takeaways
A roundtable format fosters vulnerability, trust, and collaborative problem-solving.
Business owners across sectors share common operational gaps that strategic support can address.
Meaningful partnerships between service providers increase both perceived and actual value for attendees.
Curated giveaways—like those from A Timely Solution and the YHD Gift Division—elevate brand experience and reinforce appreciation.
What’s Next
The Smart Solutions Roundtable Series will continue quarterly throughout 2025, each session curated to address timely business challenges and provide tactical support from trusted experts.