HEIR-ish ‘Power of Woman’ Recap & Walking in Your Light

So many of you know I was asked to speak on HEIR-ish’s “Power of Women” panel a few weeks ago, and boy, was it awesome! I, along with my amazing other panelists, all huddled in at the WeWork Dumbo location, met with some dynamic women (and men!) who came to show up and show out! I have to admit, I was slightly nervous. I’ve done speaking engagements before, but it’s different when you are asking others to be vulnerable WITH you, especially nowadays when things like #BlackWomenatWork, #MaxineWaters, and #FindOurGirls are trending hashtags.

As you can see, ya girl had an great time. I wanted to ensure that not only was everyone having fun and was comfortable, but that we, as the panelists, were being open in our journeys and faithful to our discussion of what it means to be a BLACK woman in today’s climate.

Throughout the panel, I found myself introspectively remembering days I used to pray that God would give me the voice to speak out on the things that mattered. That one day, I’d have a platform to speak for other women of color looking to get into the industry. The reality is it hasn’t been easy, but any con has far been outweighed by the success and blessings of my fruit.

I suppose all I’ve ever had to depend on was my work ethic. And personality. Those two things will always carry you far, and as long as you stay true to yourself, you will always attract others with a positive light.

Aside from the poppin’ panel discussions, we got to connect with everyone afterwards (so many of you left inspired, which is alwaysssssssss the blessing), do a little shopping, some drinking, and press interviews.

Various vendors were spotted throughout the night, including one of my favorite candle companies in all of New York, Lit Brooklyn (heeeeey Denequa!) The funny thing about Denequa is that she and I met each other serendipitously at an event back in January. Since then, we’ve run into each other’s spaces multiple times, and for me, always running into someone is a sign. Since then, I have had the chance to see her grow and I am so proud of the work she is doing.

Other vendors included Buttah Babez (run by my girl Andrea) and Coco’s Lash Bar, where all my misfit babes could go and get some glitzy eyelashes to throw on day or night.

I appreciated the love within the room. Whether it was a guest speaking out on their own struggles, to one of us panelists speaking on what makes us powerful, there was nothing but pure magic. Often times, I’ve been asked to speak on panels and there’s a forced aesthetic amongst the panelists. This time, we all organically loved on each other and I am proud to call each one of these amazing women my new “sisters”. Yes, I think I’m the baby of the group, but we’re all beautiful, fiesty, and amazing.

I can’t thank HeirPR enough for all they’ve done for me and my brand. My pastor once told me “People never have to be nice, and if they are nice, they never have to be nice to YOU.” It has taught me to remain humble and appreciate when others lend their resources to help you, so that hopefully, you can help someone else. To think, I moved to New York in August with $200 and a dream. I’ve been told no and had doors slammed in my face. Resumés tossed back to me. Rejection emails sent like kids passing out candy. But not once did it deter me. I’ve worked hard to be here, and as we discussed that night, I’m not going anywhere.

For more information on HeirPR (and to find out about their other upcoming events) head over to their site.

Until next time, Misfits!

*All photography was done by Eshamajphotography.