By Teia Burroughs | On the Scene with Hype Hair
ATL was on fire this weekend—and not just because of the sunshine. Grind Pretty Fest 2025 pulled up with power, purpose, and pure magic for its fifth anniversary, and trust me, this year was the most iconic one yet.
Held at the vibrant West Side Cultural Arts Center from April 11–13, this three-day celebration was a masterclass in what happens when unstoppable women come together to build, brand, and break boundaries. And of course, Hype Hair was on the scene catching every soundbite and sisterly connection.
Five Years of Fabulous
What started as a dream by beauty boss Mimi J. and the ever-legendary DJ Traci Steele has blossomed into a full-blown movement. Grind Pretty isn’t just a fest—it’s a force. With more than $35,000 invested in women-led brands over the years, this community has been grinding pretty and grinding with purpose.
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Walking in, you knew this was not your average women’s empowerment event—you felt the vibe. Electric. The crowd? All queens. The mission? Empower Black women to shine unapologetically.
Power Panels + Game-Changing Gems
From tech to trademarks, the weekend was packed with workshops and panels that went deep—think business credit hacks, AI strategies, and how to truly build legacy. Whether you’re launching your first product or scaling to seven figures, these sessions dropped the kind of gems that leave you forever changed.
And let’s not forget the $5,000 Elevator Pitch Competition—a live face off of bold visions and brave boss women on a mission to secure that business funding bag! Watching these fierce founders pitch with power and poise would inspire and motivate anyone and it certainly inspired me.
DJs + Dance Breaks = Therapy
Of course, no Grind Pretty Fest is complete without the dopest soundtrack in the city. The all-women DJ lineup was straight heat: DJ Traci Steele, Princess Cut, Queen of Spades, C. Devone, DJ Boogie—each one brought her own flavor to the mix and had the crowd moving like Monday wasn’t coming. It wasn’t just music—it was soul food for the spirit complete with queens putting their “Boot On the Ground”.
Icons Were in the Building
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When Trina, the Diamond Princess herself, hit the stage? The building shook. She didn’t just perform—she was celebrated. Honored for her cultural impact, Trina joined a lineup of trailblazing women including Toya Johnson-Rushing, Tamika Mallory, and Jewel Burks Solomon. Every woman honored is a blueprint in her own right—and seeing them recognized in front of a room filled with sisters? Priceless.
Beauty, Business, and Black Brilliance Everywhere
Grind Pretty Fest turned every corner into a celebration of excellence. Women-owned brands lit up the venue with pop-ups featuring luxe beauty, fashion, and lifestyle goods. Fellowshipping with other female bosses, selfies all over the room, and the exclusive swag bags? Let’s just say, if you know, you glow.
From the Heart of the Founder
“This is more than a festival,” Mimi J. told Hype Hair. “It’s a movement to empower women to show up fully, unapologetically, and fearlessly. Five years down—and we’re just getting started.”
Don’t Miss the Next One
Whether you’re a CEO in the making, a beauty boss, or a woman with a dream and drive, Grind Pretty Fest is your tribe. Your stage. Your moment.
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So if you missed this year’s celebration—start planning now. Because the movement is growing, and your seat at the table? It’s already waiting.
For updates, exclusive drops, and next year’s tea, hit up www.grindpretty.com.
