Hey everyone! I know, I know. It’s been a VERY long time since I posted on TBM, mostly due to excessive travel, lots of movement and attempted regular sleep patterns. Nonetheless, we make time for the things we want to make time for. Thus, I’ve made it my mission to continue to build TBM and write content on a frequent basis!
Anywho, my recent travels included heading down to New Orleans for Essence’s 22nd annual EssenceFest. While I had been down to New Orleans years prior, I was quite excited for this trip, one that would be a guaranteed offering of seafood, beautiful black people, music, events, street style, and liquor (hey, it IS Nola).
I won’t lie to you guys, either. Attending EssenceFest can be and usually is VERY expensive. Not only are you thinking of travel, but lodging, food, transportation, clothes, and anything else you may really need while there (*cough, alcohol). I saved my money for months to make sure that everything was paid for and that I would have no problems getting there. Only thing I had to work out was housing arrangements, and God (and a very lucky friend) came through at the last moment. When I tell ya’ll GOD IS GOOD…
I get asked, quite often, how I am able to do this and do that. While some may covet the life that I live, let me just assert now that I have what I have only by God’s mercy and at the cost of a LOT of things. Late nights, early morning, reduced weekends and at times non-existent social life are all included in there. However, I have learned when life gives you lemons, some will hold the lemons, some will make lemonade, and others will make wine and leave you wondering how they did it. I am the latter.
While at Essence, I had the opportunity to lounge around and just drink Hurricanes all day. However, if you want to EAT, you better get up and go hunting! Between sleep, the bustling life of downtown and concerts, I was GRINDING to get my name and my brand out there. Resumes, cover letters, business cards and just a grand smile were on 100 every single day. Someone I met told me I needed to introduce myself to this guy but that he was out at lunch. She told me he’d be back in an hour, so in exactly one hour, I came back and waited an extra 20 minutes just to sit and talk with him. Things like tenacity and persistence…THAT’S how you get somewhere.
Now, I know some brands, businesses and people may try to make you believe that even while you’re on “vacation” you should still be working 24/7. Don’t forget to always build YOU up. The adage that nobody will grind for you as much as you grind for yourself remains faithful and true. Do what you must do for you, your health, your well-being, your sanity and your brand.
Don’t be an asshole. Whatsoever. But also don’t risk losing an opportunity to endorse yourself because you’re always putting someone else first. It is a principle I have actively been working on for months, and something I still constantly find myself messing up. Thankfully, I have an amazing team of inspirational Black women around me, who encourage me to walk in my life and truth. I’ve also learned to lean on the Holy Spirit, who gives you discernment to guide you in life’s decision making.
EssenceFest taught me a lot of things. I finally got to see Kendrick Lamar in concert, meet lots of celebrities and up-and-coming artists (Andra Day included), and see the power of thousands of Black women together.
But most importantly, I got to see the power within myself. This Black woman. And if it took Nola to realize her, then it was totally worth the cost.
I absolutely love this article, sometime it does take travel to realize certain things about yourself. I found myself taking notes from this article lol I want to be a writer as well but find myself not feeling confident in my writing, but you and your blog have inspired me to keep going. Thank you.