As a way to bring different cultures together and to provide a venue for businesses in the area to share their talents and services, Danielle Darr, the owner of D’s Natural Products is sponsoring an International Cultural Fest Aug. 8 at 2 p.m. at Salem’s Banquet Hall located at 2911 Penn Ave. in the Strip District.
“We are an international people. Pittsburgh is diverse when it comes to vendors. On Saturday I hope to achieve togetherness and recognize the variety of talents from different cultures while supporting entrepreneurship,” she said.
A few merchants included in the vendors shopping lane will include Lydiah’s Coffee House, Zebra Candles, Original Bean Pies from Mosque 22 and Cynthia Hickman Jewelry from the Ujamaa Collective Market Place.
Darr outlined the fun filled day to include entertainment by Cetidon; AKA La Coca of Congo, Emanuel; former lead singer for the R&B Sensation CRAVE and national recording artist Pretty Ricky, Teanna Medina Afro-Cuban Folkloric and Rumba Dancer, vocalist Rita Rose, S.G. Music will be provided by DJ Selecta and the entertainment portion of the event will be hosted by Lovley Paris.
In business for more than four years, Darr remembers creating her first natural product at an early age. “My initial experience in mixing natural remedies came when I created an aloe concoction to apply to a large keloid with a zipper-like appearance wound my father received on his arm during a work related accident. The doctor was amazed and curious to know what I created to get rid of such a deep scar. I was around seven years old,” she said.
Later in life, Darr expressed that her interest in natural products and foods peaked as a result of several family members dying from the results of cancer as well as her mother being diagnosed with a rare cancer of the bone. “I became more concerned with my diet and what I put on my skin.” Reflecting, she mentioned that her grandmother often said, “Treat your body like a Temple.”
Some of D’s Natural Products consists of Shae body butters, body oils, body air mists, exfoliating body scrubs, pain creams, incense, perfumes and natural hair products and deodorants. Considering her products very reasonably priced, Darr said her goal is to share her natural products with others at prices that the average person can afford.
Various items of D’s Natural Products are sold at Salem’s Banquet Hall, the East End Co Op in Point Breeze, the Spinal Rehab and Wellness Center and Milanos Pizza Shop both located in Bellevue.
“Danielle’s skin care line is outstanding and very beneficial to the community,” said Leslie Askerneese an alternative health practitioner and owner of the Ultimate Beauty Spa in Squirrel Hill. A D’s Natural Products supporter and co-sponsor of the International Cultural Fest, Askernees has been assisting Darr in organizing the event. She also introduced her to the Kiva Zip Pittsburgh process. Kiva is a 0 percent interest crowdfunded loan.
The $2500 Kiva Zip money, according to Darr was used to assist her in purchasing labels, jars, ingredients, and to fund her website. “The loan has helped in getting my natural product line to the level to be available in stores.”
Both Askerneese and Lydiah of Lydiah’s Coffee House, Darrs’ Kiva trustee concur that Darr is passionate about her products and find them very valuable. “Not only do I love them for myself; I also have introduced her products to my friends and not to mention my daughters and son,” said Lydiah.” Her coffee shop is located on Grant Street downtown.
A native of Cumberland, Md, Darr has lived in Pittsburgh since 1999. She said she followed her mother, grandmother and other family members to the City. She is a graduate of Allegany College of Maryland where she received her degree in Computer Science. She currently works as a customer service representative at a large corporation in Pittsburgh. “I did not like the computer science field,” she confessed. “As a child I liked mixing things and enjoyed playing with chemistry sets.”
Darr credits her grandmother who she identifies as an Aruban and Bermudan descendant as introducing her to and teaching her about natural remedies. “She sparked the creation of D’s Natural Products.” She pointed out that one of the goals of the International Cultural Fest is to generate funds to assist in purchasing a head stone for her grandmother’s grave site.
“Planning this event has been a learning and interesting experience. I have met a lot of people and realize that entrepreneurs are longing for support and a variety of events like this,” said Darr. As a result of her findings she has plans to organize and sponsor an annual activity.
Darr also is looking forward to expanding her line of products. When asked her five-year plan she said, “I hope to be making products from the land of Aruba.”
Excited about the August 8 International Cultural Fest, Darr said she is looking forward to the results. “As entrepreneurs we have to come together and work as a unit to help each other. A celebration of cultures with food entertainment and exhibitors is not a bad way to begin,” she said.
(For more information on the Aug. 8 International Cultural Fest at Salem’s Banquet Hall located at 2911 Penn Ave. at the former CJ’s in the Strip District email; danielle.darr1@gmail.com or danfuduye@gmail.com.)