A Jam-Packed SENSATIONNEL Event

By Isis Nicole & Bonita Holmes

‘Twas a ‘SENSATIONNEL’ evening in Chicago at the Sheraton Hotel, filled with gifted beauticians, beautiful models and fine dining. Up until the SENSATIONNEL New Year’s Party, this previous Sunday I had only imagined the makings of a quick weave hair show. Let me tell you folks, my imagination was fulfilled. Entering into the event just a few minutes shy of being on time, I got a chance to peek at the young women gathered around the foyer emulating the dress of animals found in jungles. By this time, I could tell that this was just the beginning of my electrified hair fantasies. 

Posters of women with neatly styled SENSATIONNEL brand hair filled the second floor of the Sheraton Hotel while media, hairstylists, beauticians, models and onlookers awaited the start of the show. Women with pink collared shirts and short professionally styled hair directed guests to their seats. The ballroom featured at least 100 tables elegantly decorated with dinnerware, white tablecloths and neatly crafted centerpieces. More posters of women modeling SENSATIONNEL brand hair filled the ballroom, while gift bags worth over $150 nearly consumed all walking space. SENSATIONNEL models opened the show with a performance of the song, “Whip My Hair” by Willow Smith. The party had begun.

SENSATIONNEL models were selected through YK Management Inc., a Chicago-based modeling agency, started by Yoshimi Kiosha in 2009. “SENSATIONNEL hair hired me to select the models for the event,” said Kiosha, who considered the SENSATIONNEL hair show to be among some of the high-end shows she’s ever done. The models wore black leggings, brightly colored wigs and black shirts with glittered writing that read Bump, Start To Finish, Premium Now and Goddess—all hair brands by SENSATIONNEL.

The show started with a performance by the Capri Beauty College who gave the audience a Barbie-themed showcase. Each model rocked a unique, polychromatic hairstyle, tutu skirts and swayed across the stage mimicking Nicki Minaj songs throughout. After a performance interval, Ms. Roberts Beauty Academy took the stage with a lion king-themed performance that featured exotic animal-like hair. This performance was the only one that featured plus-sized models. Lastly, the Dudley Beauty College gave a celebrity themed performance, which featured those impersonating Etta James and Ike and Tina Turner.

Following SENSATIONNEL’s hair show was a tap dance routine by Chicago’s own, Madd Rhythms. Each dancer entered the stage unaccompanied merely to create a unified group. What really got the crowd’s excitement flowing again was their tap dance break down to Chicago’s house music. Madd Rhythms’ performance was clever, full of energy and stayed true to its Chicago roots. Later that evening, hip hop dance group The Industry hit the stage with a routine that unfortunately was not as hard hitting as the rest of the show. Nevertheless, The Industry stayed dedicated to the fierce and fun ambiance of the night exclusively with a smile.

Then, there was dessert. Singer and Actor Terrell Carter, known for his appearance in Tyler Perry’s “Diary of a Mad Black Woman,” graced the stage tall, dark, handsome and in an unbuttoned shirt. Ladies sighed and smiled as he continued with a love song, “Better Than” inspired by his ideals on how to treat a woman. His voice was passionate and powerful with remnants of church.

Closing the performances was singer Shirley Murdock who was the absolute icing on the cake! I have to be honest, I was a little surprised when she started off singing her hit single “As We Lay,” but it was a pleasant experience she and the audience shared as they reminisced with the words of the song. Her voice was uplifting and her presence was that of a diva. She owned it! Shirley Murdock then took a moment out to encourage the audience with the song “Stand.” Her voice filled the room strong and heartfelt, leaving some beauticians standing on their feet. It was the perfect ending to a happy new year.