Guess who’s addicted to subscription boxes? You guessed it, me. I remember jumping on the Birchbox wagon twice and unfortunately was disappointed twice. Next was my love for Curlbox. I thought this was genius, someone who looked like me making it happen. And the exclusivity of the box being sold out added to me wanting it more. While I still share that same love for Curlbox and think that Myliek is a big sister in my head, I became a serious product junky and had to end my subscription. Currently I’m subscribed to the Walmart Beauty box which comes quarterly as well the Sephora Play Box. As you see, subscription boxes and I have and have had history.
After stalking my favorite Instagram page, I saw that Ujamaa Box would be celebrating their 2nd Year Anniversary in DC. Second year, like where was I two years ago when this box came out. In case you haven’t heard about Ujamaa Box, it’s a curated collection of distinctive product samples and special promotional offers, exclusively from Black-owned businesses. The founder Ebony Costain featured over 150 Black-owned businesses in just 2 years with the goal of cooperative economics amongst black business owners. Of course I was quick to put it on my calendar and purchase a ticket to attend.
The Anniversary took place at the Anacostia Arts Center, which is a location that’s totally F.U.B.U old heads will get that reference.Honestly, what I had in mind was actually surpassed. The venue was dimmed, there was an area off to the right where a musical selection would take place, and the entire line of Ujamaa goodies were set up to the left. After being at the event for about 10 minutes, I was greeted by Ujamaa box founder Ebony Costain and she was gorgeous. Her outfit, hair, and personality were all on point!!! Included in the ticket price was an actual station to make our own Ujamaa box. There were sooo many kool items to choose from, including t-shirts. Where they do that at?
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| Ebony Costain |
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| Repost from @UjamaaBox |
Aside from the awesome products, there were also small bites of catfish/hushpuppies and crab cakes from Capitol Hill Crab Cakes. Now they’ve been on my radar for quite some time and the little bites that I had was a major teaser so expect me to visit them sometime soon. Aside from the small bites we were given a drink ticket and was able to grab beer/wine to sip throughout. A little later in the evening Candice Hoyes blessed us with her amazing jazz vocals. She is a phenomenal artist so definitely be on the lookout for her projects. And looking at her IG, she is no stranger to the art of slaying. After Candice’ performance I went around to the many shops that are located in the Anacostia Arts Center. If you’ve never visited this venue, it’s definitely worth checking out. The mere fact that it’s a space that houses businesses of color is pretty remarkable. I was able to snatch up Black Card Revoked from Nubian Hueman without having to pay shipping charge. That’s definitely winning and I know my family and I will enjoy it over the holidays.
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| Candice Hoyes |
The night ended with ice-cream from Ruby Scoops. They brought three different flavors with them and I chose a vanilla and sweet potato pie combination. Yes you read that right, sweet potato pie ice-cream and it was beyond delicious. All in all, I am sooo happy that I was able to support this wonderful milestone of Ujamaa Box. I look forward to starting my own subscription and you should do so as well.
If you like to see what I chose for my box keep scrolling.
Let me know in the comments if you're subscribed to any subscription boxes.
