“There’s a lot of negativity in the world, on social media, and just in the media in general. I think it fosters negative stereotypes for black women, particularly the college age.”
This year, Essence wanted to take aim at the negativity with the tour, dedicated solely to empowering black college students on leading successful and healthy lives.
The tour initially kicked off at Howard Community college with Essence hosting a panel based on higher education. The panel featured first Lady Michelle Obama, as it was also a part of her education initiative entitled Reach Higher. The tour stops also include Hampton University (which took place October 16th), Clark Atlanta, and University of Maryland.
Each campus stop is filled with brand ambassadors from Cantu and Ultrasheen, demonstrations, complimentary manicure services as well as the Essence Beauty Talk: Chic Beauty on a Budget. Campbell exclaims that students will get a chance to learn that there are a lot of ways to look great and not break your pockets.
“You don’t really have to spend a lot of money to look beautiful, our beauty comes from within, and in addition to that, you can look beautiful on a budget…”
Deena Campbell took her role as Hair and Beauty Editor for Essence digital in March of 2014 where she monitors all content that hits the site related to fragrance, fashion, skincare, as well as haircare and styling. Campbell describes her experience with as Hair and Beauty Editor thus far as rewarding.
“Particularly when I got to the college tours like the one we’re doing now, to just kind of give back. I didn’t have someone when I was growing up to show me the ropes or mentor me, and not saying that I’m necessarily mentoring in this role, but in a sense I am. I’m helping people feel beautiful, and good about themselves, and when they feel good, then others feel good, and then ultimately we as black women feel good.”
Campbell also works very closely with the new Essence Beauty Box, a new subscription service that sends beauty products to your home. The box which launched last month has been featured on the tour as well. It features a number of black owned and indie lines, and happens to be products that Essence stands by.
For those that can’t make the tour Deena Campbell wants you to know that a good burgundy lip, coupons, multipurpose hair products, and homemade products are her fall tips. She admits that it’s possible to make a lip stain and blush with beets. Also there are brands that will discount you if you return your empty makeup containers.
This Saturday, October 24th, Beauty Editor for Essence, Nykia Spradley, will be the featured guest for the beauty talk on Clark Atlanta campus, and Campbell will join the tour again for its last leg at University of Maryland. Both women will deliver equally insightful information and tips as well as a day of fun to attendees.
Campbell says that she feels the tour has been a learning experience for her and the students. When asked to describe the tour in only three words, Campbell without hesitation spit out “Engaging, smart, ad exciting.”
Be sure to check out the Essence College Tour details and information online at www.essence.com/collegetour .
