It was an experience to be at the Grind Pretty Fest- Houston Remix! The event offered a space for women to network, ask questions, and shed self-doubt. Houston, Texas is always a vibe! The Grind Pretty Fest- Houston Remix edition provided the ladies a unique atmosphere for creators and entrepreneurs. Unlike, many beauty events that focus on the latest trends or new products, the Houston Remix edition of Grind Pretty Fest was all about the “Grind” of being a business owner in the beauty and fashion industry and staying ahead of the game.
Mimi J, the creator of Grind Pretty Fest, originally launched in Atlanta in 2020 and decided to take it on the road to Houston. Her goal was to create an environment where Houston residents who love beauty could explore the industry from a fresh perspective. Embracing Houston’s culture, Mimi J not only brought speakers who could share valuable insights with the community but also featured local brands, business owners, and influencers who had an impact on the local beauty and fashion scene such as: Kim Roxie , April Shower, Jacque M
One of the standout conversations that left a lasting imprint on attendees was a panel called “Don’t Fumble the Bag”, hosted by Nikki Allure. During the session, panelist Cynthia Smith provided invaluable insight on trademarking. She explained that before you trademark your company, it’s essential to start using it to avoid a pending application. As she briefly put it, “Trademarking— you have to use it.” Cynthia discussed how to go by obtaining a trademark and helped the audience understand how to best protect and use their brand identity.
Grind Pretty Fest- Houston Remix had a pitch contest, sponsored by MyAvana CEO and founder Candace Mitchell. She initially planned to award $5,000 to the winner of the best 60-second pitch. With numerous applications, the atmosphere was filled with excitement and nerves as the finalists were announced just 30 minutes before the contest. In a powerful moment, Candace shared her thoughts on what makes the perfect pitch, stating, “Pitching is the art of communication.”
In an unexpected turn of events, the contest couldn’t be limited to just one winner. Instead, two participants were chosen to receive a grand prize. To make things even more special, The Tax Boss, a vendor at the event, generously added an extra $5,000 to the pot, bringing the total to $10,000, which was split between the two winners. JoAnn Emale ,Angelica Mills
Another exciting moment came when LaNell Grant, a Houston-based creative and artist, was presented with the front cover of Grind Pretty Magazine, solidifying the event’s role in spotlighting local talent.
Grind Pretty Fest was the perfect event for entrepreneurs, creatives, and women of color looking to learn how to develop and grow in the beauty and fashion industry. It offered a refreshing, business-focused approach to the world of beauty, fashion, while providing attendees with the tools and inspiration they need to thrive in their entrepreneurial journeys.
