Atlanta's Beauté Noir Fest: A Juneteenth Celebration That Sparked Pure Joy
- Jordyn Mayes
- Jun 26
- 2 min read
WAFFLE. Magazine's Erin Warren was on the scene at Pullman Yards, bringing you all the exclusive details from the vibrant Beauté Noir Fest, where Black culture, beauty, and music converged for an unforgettable Juneteenth celebration.
Atlanta was absolutely buzzing last Saturday, June 21st, as Pullman Yards opened its gates for the fifth annual Beauté Noir Fest, a vibrant celebration of Black excellence and culture for Juneteenth. Our very own Erin Warren was right in the thick of it, capturing every moment!
This year's festival, spearheaded by Camille Rose founder Janell Stephens, aimed to bring the magnetic energy of New Orleans' Essence Festival right here to Atlanta, paying homage to the city's rich musical heritage and its "ATLiens." Headlining the star-studded event was Atlanta's own R&B sensation, Mariah the Scientist, marking her first hometown performance since her hit single "Burning Blue" soared onto the Billboard Hot 100. It was clear from the jump that this wasn't just a festival; it was the moment.
From the moment you stepped in, the atmosphere was electric. We caught up with Tanine, the Event Lead for Camille Rose, who gushed about the festival's growth, proudly describing it in three powerful words: "Exciting, Bold, and Black Excellence!"
Camille Rose, the Georgia-based hair care brand that started from Janell Stephens' mission to cure her children's eczema, truly owned the space, showcasing their classic products for just $10 and unveiling their new Guava Slip Collection. The Black-owned marketplace was a treasure trove of innovation, with vendors like Black Girl Vitamins (who shared their limited edition Juneteenth packaging) and Two Gurls with Curls offering samples and good vibes. Even Janell Stephens herself, alongside her husband Dr. Stephens, shared their joy at the community support, with Janell playfully admitting her favorite Atlanta "hidden gem" was "Walmart to buy Camille Rose!"
The main stage was a non-stop masterclass in sound. Beyond Mariah the Scientist's anticipated set, the lineup featured heavy hitters like Sonny Digital, Foggieraw, Zeddy Will, Toosie, and Chxrry. We snagged a moment with Sonny Digital, the legendary ATL producer, right before his performance. Surrounded by young creatives showing him their beats, Sonny shared that he usually avoids new music from peers to keep his own creativity clear.
But here's the exclusive: when asked his favorite song he's produced? He dropped a bombshell – it's a Beyoncé track, the "Bow Down/I Been On" mashup famously used in her iconic Coachella Homecoming performance! Our minds? Officially blown!
Beyond the epic tunes, Beauté Noir Fest was a hub of cultural activations, from dazzling fashion showcases and fierce hair battles to intimate community connections. Organizers expected around 3,000 attendees, all enjoying what truly felt like a safe, inspiring space. We wrapped up the day chatting with creatives Scoon (Will Hill's manager and co-owner of Agenda Studios) and recording artist Neila. They were buzzing about seeing fellow artists and the overwhelming support for Black creativity. They both agreed that Mariah the Scientist's performance was the one to truly anticipate.
This year's Beauté Noir Fest wasn't just an event; it was a powerful reminder of Atlanta's rich cultural tapestry and the unstoppable force of Black joy and innovation.
Copyright 2025 WAFFLE. Magazine All Rights Reserved.
Comments