Hello Friends, It's with a great sense of sadness that I'm reaching out to let you know that there will not be a 2019 Roc-A-Natural Hair, Health and Beauty Transform Your Life Expo. Over the last five years,  I have planned, coordinated, promoted and funded this event  which is near and dear to my heart, often with the assistance (financial and otherwise) of family, friends and volunteers. Unfortunately, this monumental labor of love and community, cannot keep pace with the rising costs of producing a stellar event. The reality is and has been that it takes a lot more funding, staffing, sponsorships and partnerships than we have now, to keep this annual R.A.N Expo going.   Having said that, I don't intend for this to be the end of the Expo. Moving forward, here's what I'm hoping to do this year. I have been advised to create a separate 501 (c) 3 nonprofit for the purpose of organizing and funding the R.A.N. Expo, since it is entirely a mission-based effort to promote healthy living, minority entrepreneurship, self-esteem and community.  Simply put, the Expo has never been about money-making and so it should be organized as a charity with all the benefits and implications.  The 501 (c) 3 process however, isn't easy or cheap and so I would very much appreciate any suggestions or connections that you might have to pro bono or low cost legal services to help with transitioning the structure of the event. Even while I work on this reorganization, I am still very much excited by some new collaborations and partnerships being cultivated in the community. I recently partnered on creating two pop-up style events in Staten Island:  the Celebrate Kwanzaa & Ujamaa Marketplace (December 29) and the Black History Celebration: Then & Now (February 15). Additionally, I've just been appointed to the Executive Board of the Richmond County Black and Minority Chamber of Commerce, with whom I'm hoping to create and promote more opportunities for entrepreneurship.  In March, I was recognized for this community-building work with an award for "Influential Staten Islanders" at the 2nd Annual Staten Island Black Heritage Red, Black and Green Ball. Even though my name is on the award, the truth of it is that I couldn't have done many of these things without you.  Therefore, I thank you for all your love, support and generosity now and over the last five years. Again, this is not intended to be the end of the R.A.N. Expo, any advice, contacts or suggestions that you think might be helpful  is welcomed. Let's look to come back smarter, stronger, and more sustainable.

Happy Mother's Day!

Dorcas Meyers Founder and Creator Roc-A-Natural Body By R.A.N B-Oil & B-Butter www.rocanatural.com

"It's all about being in a natural state of mind"

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