Being unable to find a suitable wig for her mother inspired a local artist to make her own to help people with hair loss due to chemotherapy and other causes.
Creative artist and musician Nicola Hayden (known as Nikki Blaze) developed a wig business because her mother was unable to find a suitable one, due to the lack of them locally for black women.
Epiphany Bliss is holding a hair and clothes catwalk fashion show on Friday, October 14 at the Baltic Hotel, Liverpool. Local models and designers will feature alongside guests from across the UK.
The event will feature fashion, music and dancing during Black History Month (BHM) and Liverpool Fashion Week. They will showcase their latest collection of unique handmade wigs, hairpieces and more to suit all styles and looks.
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Nikki set up Epiphany Bliss following her mother Andrea's battle with cancer. Her inspiration came from the stressful experiences they encountered during her mother’s treatment.
Nikki told the ECHO: "My mother was diagnosed with cancer in 2012 and passed away March 10, 2014. During chemotherapy she was given a wig voucher by the NHS.
“At the time we couldn't find wigs for those of colour, they were not available with this voucher. When she passed, I was determined to start my own inclusive wig company which is also sensitive to those experiencing hair loss for different reasons including those going through chemotherapy.
"My mother was a professional artist and fashion designer so not having much of a choice to feel good in herself was heart-breaking. I started my company in 2020 during covid, as I was at home a lot, it seemed the perfect time to make wigs."
She added: "I’ve always wanted to put on an event like this to honour my mum as I know she would be proud. I don’t want this to be a conventional runway show, I want people to dance, eat, shop, network and get a real sense of what the city has to offer which isn’t just in the mainstream."
Nikki believes this collaboration with artists and organisations has been important in building her business and key to ensuring its future success. The event is in celebration of African and Caribbean culture, however, the handpicked selection is designed to bring out natural beauty regardless of your ethnicity or background.
Jennifer Reid, whose Mavazi label will be modelled, said: "I was privileged to be asked to take part in this amazing event, not only because it's BHM, but an opportunity for Black businesses to come together to showcase their talents. Also to show Mavazi designs to new audiences and challenge myself to produce new garments that have not been seen.
"I've known Nikki since a child and we, as a community, should support each other. Help each other to rise."
The event, organised in conjunction with Kindred and BLaST, a network to support black and ethnically diverse people in Liverpool. The project also received backing from The World Reimagined, a national programme designed to empower racial justice.
For information visit www.epiphanybliss.com and for tickets click here :
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