There’s something about when women of color come together–unapologetically and with a purpose. So when TheBlondeMisfit was asked to swing by Ellen Osei’s ‘Journey to the Crown Experience’ event in Manhattan, of course we had to see what it was all about.
It was all about the celebration of #BlackGirlMagic.
Osei is not only a practicing occupational therapist in New York, but also the CEO and Founder of The CLASS Network (Circle of Ladies Above Societal Standards), a mentorship and management network that supports women of all walks of life to pursue their passion and purpose through self-discovery and healing.
Healing seems to be something sacred to Ellen, who told TheBlondeMisfit she also feels her “life mission is to support individuals in obtaining optimal quality of life in all their daily activities.” Of course, one can not achieve an ‘optimal’ life without a little bit of soul-searching and cleansing. And that’s what Osei strived for at the ‘Journey to the Crown Experience’.
“My inspiration for this event stems from experiencing how many women were able to use the pageant platform to overcome their stories of hardship and insecurities and use their experiences as an opportunity to serve as a leader, develop a new business idea or career path,” she said. “I thought, how many more women are there that may be suffering in silence and don’t have the courage to stand on a pageant platform, but could benefit from a similar public outlet?”
Thus, the experience came to fruition. The inaugural event not only symbolized each attendee striving for their own ‘crowns’ by overcoming own internal competitions, but also realizing their true power and purpose.
“What makes everyone’s beauty unique to me is the passion that radiates from within,” she said. “Passion that stems from proclaiming victory over that thing that once was an obstacle, and walking in your purpose.”
As I looked on throughout the event, I couldn’t help but see the determination and drive behind so many attendees. Men and women wanted to find a way in which to conquer something in their life. What did I want to conquer in mine? By refuting my magic, I was refuting the hand of the Creator who made me. And then I realized, that was my obstacle.
The Journey to the Crown Experience allowed us all to celebrate our individual journeys of where we are, practicing self-love, self-pride and healing in answering the truths of who we are and hope to be in this world.
Of course, did Osei feel it lived up to expectation? “The turn out, the speakers, the atmosphere, the love was beyond what I imagined and I’m so thankful that God is using me as a vessel for this project.”
And don’t think that this was just a one-day event. “I am most excited to begin the long term process of mentorship and supporting others along their Journey to the Crown during the installments of our 90-day course, as well as launching the Journey to the Crown: Men and Youth departments.”
If there’s anything I’ve learned thus far in New York, it’s that a Queen is a Queen, but she only blossoms more when another Queen supports her. Osei’s message of love and radiation of one’s purpose in this earth is proof that we have nothing to do but to live unapologetically in our calling. Because no matter how long it takes, you have to appreciate the journey to your crown.
