FAMU’s Beauty & Wellness Expo: A Homecoming Highlight that Celebrated Confidence, Culture and Community
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida A&M University’s 2025 Homecoming Celebration may have ended, but the impact of its highly-anticipated FAMU Beauty & Wellness Expo continues to shine. The event held in the Grand Ballroom, on Oct. 15 transformed into a lively celebration of creativity, confidence and care.
FAMU Homecoming glow-up! Live makeup demos, beauty tips, and all the confidence at
the Beauty & Wellness Expo. (Photo by Glenn Beil/FAMU Communications)
A Neo-Soul-Inspired Celebration
With the theme “Neo-Soul,” the Expo set the tone for a unique blend of beauty and wellness. Inspired by the genre’s depth,
introspection and cultural resonance, the theme represented more than just aesthetics;
it symbolized healing, confidence and the beauty found in growth.
“We wanted to explore what music inspires — wellness, creativity, spirituality and
a deep sense of connection,” said Miranda Douglas, a junior biology pre-med scholar and member of the Beauty & Wellness Expo Committee.
“After everything happening in the world, especially for young Black citizens, we
wanted to remind people that even through struggle, there is still beauty. This event
was about embracing that and prioritizing self-care.”
From rich tones of brown and green accented by fuchsia and orange, every design element echoed Neo-Soul’s warmth and authenticity. The event’s aesthetic was as intentional as its message; creating a safe, celebratory space for attendees to invest in themselves and one another.
Students engage with local resources and organizations, gaining valuable insights
and opportunities during the FAMU Beauty & Wellness Expo. (Photo by Glenn Beil/FAMU
Communications)
Behind the Glam: Purpose in the Planning
Months collaboration brought the Beauty & Wellness Expo to life. Organizers spent
weeks curating vendors, coordinating logistics and designing experiences that would
inspire students to invest in themselves.
“It was about more than just putting on a show,” Douglas said. “We wanted people to walk out feeling inspired to take care of themselves — mentally, physically and emotionally. You can’t pour into others if you haven’t first poured into your own cup.”
Spotlight on Vendors: Where Beauty Meets Community
The vendor lineup featured a dynamic mix of local, national and alumni-owned businesses,
reflecting FAMU’s rich culture of innovation and entrepreneurship. Brands such as Walmart, LYS, Impressions of Beauty, Pretty Brown Girl and CeraVe joined the celebration, offering attendees exclusive access to products, samples and
expert advice. The inclusion of both women’s and men’s wellness brands emphasized
that beauty and self-care are for everyone — aligning perfectly with the event’s inclusive
theme.
Students show off their swag and smiles at FAMU’s Beauty & Wellness Expo. (Photo by
Glenn Beil/FAMU Communications)
“This was more than a marketplace,” Douglas said. “It was about creating meaningful connections between creators and the community they serve. Each brand represented something bigger — empowerment, wellness and pride.”
The Sickle Cell Foundation of Tallahassee also participated, providing free screenings and health education to attendees.
“It’s so important for you, as an African American, to get tested for sickle cell due to the prevalence in the Black community,” said Janay Perry, a representative with the foundation. “If two partners with the sickle cell trait have a child, there’s a 25% chance the child will be born with sickle cell disease. That’s why we’re here today — to raise awareness and encourage everyone to know their status.”
Students take charge of their health with on-site sickle cell testing at the FAMU
Beauty & Wellness Expo. (Photo by Glenn Beil/FAMU Communications)
Student Spotlight: Finding Beauty in Wellness
For students, the event was a timely reminder to prioritize self-care amid academic and social demands.
“Part of being in college is also learning how to preserve your mental and physical
health,” said Kaina Majes, a political science scholar from Broward County. “I’m just getting into beauty and
makeup, but I was really drawn to learning how to preserve my health spiritually and
mentally.”
The FAMU Beauty & Wellness Expo created a space for students to feel confident, empowered,
and celebrated during Homecoming! (Photo by Glenn Beil/FAMU Communications)
Majes spent her time exploring the diverse vendor booths, from wellness organizations
to beauty brands. “I stopped by the FSU College of Medicine stand, and they were talking
about spiritual and mental health. That really stood out to me because my mental health
is what allows me to be here — it’s so important,” she said.
She also highlighted the LIS Cosmetics booth for its makeup offerings, the Medicaid and voting tables for promoting civic and health awareness, and the CeraVe display for its skincare focus.
“As a Black woman, my skin is everything to me,” Majes said. “I use CeraVe daily,
so seeing them here made me feel seen.”
The event also featured a panel discussion titled “You Are Not Invincible”, where speakers highlighted health topics including diabetes, wellness strategies
and preventive care. This discussion reinforced the message that self-care is essential
for personal and community growth.
“Seeing everything come together, from a Canva vision board to this incredible event,
was surreal,” Douglas reflected. “It shows what can happen when we pour love, purpose
and intention into what we create.”
As the university looks ahead, the FAMU Beauty & Wellness Expo stands out as more than a celebration — it’s a movement. One that reminds students to nurture every part of themselves, from mental health to creative expression long after Homecoming week ends.
Students pause for a quick photo op beneath the vibrant balloon arch during the Expo.
(Photo by Glenn Beil/FAMU Communications)
Media Contact:
Ashley Flete
Senior Communications Specialist
ashley1.flete@famu.edu
