I am still pinching myself from the event with Family Dollar in early October. I was one of the lucky bloggers that were selected to attend a 2 day Family Dollar Fabulous Beauty event here in Atlanta.
October 6th and 7th were two full days that left me exhausted, in a good way.
This was the 3rd year Family Dollar has put on this event, and this was also the biggest and first time in Atlanta. Each year it has more than doubled in attendance of brands and collaborations with blogger/vloggers.
I was apart of 42 beauty & lifestyle bloggers from not only Atlanta, but across the country, that met with 18 brand managers that all have their products in Family Dollars across America.
Family Dollar Tour and a Coke!
First, I was running late! Honestly, I stopped for a hot chocolate and because of morning traffic, it knocked me 20 minutes off of my route. I was so afraid I was going to get left but thanks to God and my Fast & Furious driving skills, I made it just in time.
Our first day started at the Intercontinental Hotel in Buckhead. We loaded a huge charter bus and headed to tour a Family Dollar in Atlanta. We were able to see the products they actually carry along with their new clothing line, Just Be.
It was great because for the individuals that didn’t regularly shop at Family Dollar for beauty products, were able to see the selection they carry.
After touring Family Dollar, we were treated to a VIP experience tour at The World of Coca Cola. I have been to the WCC before, but this time I was actually treated like a VIP!
A great surprise at the end of the tour was a grand lunch in the dining room of The World of Coca Cola.
At this event we talked about Family Dollar’s partnership with Coke and how this can work for bloggers. They were interested to hear where we think this industry is going and how it effects women of color in media.
Brands, Brands, & More Brands . . .
After leaving Coca-Cola, we headed back to the Intercontinental Hotel and who knew the treat we were in for. Once we were given clearance to enter our section of the hotel, we walked around that corner with our mouths wide open (or it could have been just me).
The set up was nothing short of beautiful and very detailed. They left no stone uncovered. We were first given huge suitcases filled with goodies. The suitcases were also given to us because they knew we would eventually be given SO MUCH SWAG, that we would need help carrying it all.
The remainder of the afternoon was spent meeting with the brands one-on-one. We were teamed up with a partner, but I was a lucky gem because it was 3 of us! We had 30 minutes with each brand, which gave both parties enough time to talk about ourselves and learn more.
You were able to make a human connection with the brands and learn exclusively what the products actually do for you and why they’re sold in Family Dollar.
On Day 2 we completed our one-on-one with the 18 brands and also enjoyed an all star celebrity panel that included; Chili of TLC, and Johnny Wright (First Lady Michelle Obama’s hair stylist).
The gave us an insight into the moment they realized their true fabulousness!
We ended this event with a concert from Tank! Can you say OMG! I met him at the Essence Festival last year, but I can tell he didn’t remember me. Tank was so funny and comfortable on stage. His performance had us swooning hard and singing along with every song.
Takeaways:
Family Dollar is more than just a place for detergent and school supplies. It’s a place that sells quality beauty items that actually can complete with the major players out there.
Family Dollar prices their items because they understand that although you desire to purchase things and a comparable price, you still desire & deserve to be FABULOUS.
Over these two days, I learned about products I had never heard of, LA Colors, which is now my favorite new lip gloss/stick.
I also received the opportunity to meet with brands that I use every week, Cantu, which works great on my twist outs.
I was able to meet bloggers I’ve only seen on social media and get to make an in person connection with them.
THE BIG GIVEAWAY:
I received more swag at this event in 2 days, that I’ve received in my bloggering career! I have so many products that I honestly feel guilty keeping it all. I enjoy giving and gifting things to people, especially when they don’t expect it.
If you watched my instagram video, you will see a lot of the great products.
Now it’s your turn to get a piece of this giveaway. All you have do comment below with two big things:
- Where you live (your city)
- What do you buy the most at Family Dollar
** This contest will run for 2 weeks. 10/31 – 11/14 **
Thanks to Cassandra Cummings, Founder of The Stocks & Stilettos Society, who sponsored this giveaway, we are giving away 2 boxes.
