MY MAGICAL ESSENCE FEST WEEKEND
I did the Wobble dance at a party besides Robin Givens, walked over 10 miles in 95 degree scorching #Nawlins heat, ate the most delicious poboy sandwich on the planet, was asked by Big Freedia to be in a video, witnessed the most gorgeous natural arrays of twist-outs & fros, received priceless relationship coaching from Michelle Obama at the Superdome, rode on a flight where the majority of passengers (including 1st class) were fabulous black women, and got the opportunity to share my risotto recipe with of all people...Nas!
All to say…” If I Ruled The World” – I’d turn it into Essence Fest!
Yes, New Orleans Essence Fest 2019 owes me nothing! I lived, created memories, and met some incredible women that fed into my spirit and career.
For every black woman that has a purpose and yearns to be inspired by a contagious energy of sisterhood empowerment, Essence Fest is the most magical place on earth. Here’s some of my key magical takeaways from a weekend I’ll never forget!
Celebrity Bright Lights & Highlights
Essence Fest is one of those rare events where you’re bound to see some of your favorite black celebrities, because they’re out and about at literally over 100 events. From the Convention Center events during the day which are free to the public, to the dozens of day parties, to the actual Essence Music Fest concerts at night – you’re bound to run across several celebs that will make your heart jump. And the cool thing is, most times they’re so cool due to all the good vibes Essence brings.
For me, the exclusive invite I received to the OWN Party was everything. As soon as I walked in, I made eye contact with Gayle King – and some other favs I love seeing on the big screen. Me, my brand strategist and my home girl from Cali, all worked the room while having a ball! And EVERYBODY in the room was so cool, because that’s always the vibe at Essence Fest.
Essence Blessings In Disguise
As momentous as meeting celebs is, I’ve found in general some of the most impactful engagements occur amongst your own peers. It’s crazy, but when positive energy is flowing as strong as it is in New Orleans for Essence Fest – you’re always one person or event away from something groundbreaking happening for you.
At the Natural Hair Show, I met a lady who is not only from the Sudan but a Special Needs Mommy with an autistic child like me. Our journeys and breakthroughs in overcoming milestones doctors never thought our kids could achieve made us instantaneously connect as new sisters for life.
I then attended an event at the Omni Hotel for an Authors’ Influencer Program, but after being stuck in Bourbon Street traffic for what felt like an eternity, I missed it. However, the founder of the program and godsend Audrey Woodly stayed just in case anyone else came. A 2m convo turned into over an hour of 1-on-1 knowledge and life spoken into my career. She poured herself into little ole me…which was perfect because part of my goal is to become a published author. Plus, while pow-wowing in the lobby, Vena also known as @yesimprettyvee came over and spoke words of life, love and blessings. Vena took our convo to a whole other level with her passion and most importantly belief in God.
She spoke words I was not prepared for that she couldn't possibly have known I needed. And to make things even more magical – one of my makeup idols Keita Moore came by to give us some serious insights and selfie love, just as another one of my fav makeup stylists – AJ Crimson had done the night before backstage at the Essence Music Fest concert.
Beauty Beauty Beauty Beauty Rockin Everywhere!
Listennnn… NATURAL HAIR is in and it’s not going anywhere! I’m so proud watching all these women rocking so much melanin and curls I wanted to scream. In addition to the streets being full with all kinda texture poppin, I attended the Beauty Carnival in the Convention Center with amazing natural hair brands like Creme of Nature (s/o to Director of Marketing Teneya Gholston…girl you did ya thang & we turned the city out alll weekend long! #Smooches) and Shea Moisture, as well as the Natural Hair Expo offsite. They both were great activations. The number of black owned beauty brands in attendance had me jumping up and down like a schoolgirl. Black women are embracing their beauty and demanding their makeup come along for the ride. No more grey foundations or shades that are 14 shades to light. Ohh, and in terms of fashion lawdddddd WE ARE TALENTED!
To witness the fashionista/beauty epicness just check my video at the Essence Fest Convention Center and my pull up to the Meow and Barks Boutique and Creme of Nature booths!
Essence Fest Fashion & Beauty Turn Up
Top 3 Survival Tips For Essence
With everything going on in that New Orleans heat – Essence is so much not a sprint but a marathon. So, ladies, these survival tips aren’t up for negotiation – when you come to Essence Fest, they are a MUST!
1. FEAR the HEAT: Understand there is nothing you can do about it. Your hair will fall, your make will melt, your lace front won't make it to Sunday. I’m just saying. Tread carefully.
2. KILL THE HEELS: Either leave your heels at home or keep flip flops in your purse cause you aint gonna make it no matter how much of a vet you think you are.
3. You WILL SWELL: So, keep that diet in check and DRINK WATER. MORE THAN NORMAL. Bourbon Street shots are fun, but you must drink bottled water religiously - otherwise you will be laid out.
Essence Fest: The Epitome of Black Excellence
Essence Fest is a celebration of black women – in addition to black men, our culture, our talents, gifts, and music that impacts our lives. Essence Fest can transcend even beyond us as a people – as all great cultural movements do. To give us hope. To love one another. That’s why I sooooo loved my Lovestyle Essence Fest weekend and I can’t wait to do it again next year! Hopefully I’ll see you there too!