Over the weekend, I visited my sister-friend, Ziya. She hosted an event, "The Summer Scrap Up," which allowed for us to reflect on our summer through art. Using our hands to touch and manipulate the different textured scrapbook papers, magazine clippings, and images allowed for us to channel our energy into something creative. Between the hands-on activity, the music, fellowship, and delicious bites, provided by The Yard, I left this experience feeling full of love and light.
After the event, we continued to spend time reminiscing and talking about the importance of community. From the dj's we know, to the friends that help with setup and breakdown, to the local Black-owned restaurants and venues that allow us to use their spaces, community is EVERYTHING.
The month of September is my birthday month and my mommy's birthday month. Twenty-something years ago she had me on her birthday. This month, I've committed to stepping outside of my comfort zone and literally placing myself in the environments I want to be in and a part of. Whether that is spending time with my friends in their respective cities or actually letting my videos and photos see the light of day, because how can I be a media mogul and I'm scared to post what I create? Chile. All that to say, this month, I have started to post consistently on all of my media platforms as I continue to grow and build out IToldYaSo Media. I am always trying to find a balance between creating work/content that is authentic to who I am, my values and also creating content that people enjoy, want to engage with, and is an experience.
Anyway, I have been posting to Threads, check me out there, and a few weeks ago, I connected with a Black woman, Dyme Smith, who has an event management firm. She was asking for panelists who were interested in speaking during an event for New York Fashion Week "NYFW." Y'all, I am very passionate about fashion and using it as a tool of expression and civil discourse. I am also a wellness advocate. Yesterday, it was confirmed that I will be one of several panelists speaking about mental health awareness and advocacy, another passion area of mine. Talk about alignment.
Chile, the way that God has been directing and guiding my every move (my whole life), but especially in the few days of September so far, is truly mind blowing. I have been working to release my podcast, A Lot to Say, but honestly, I am afraid of just how powerful it will be and it has been difficult and downright overwhelming trying to do all the moving pieces of rebranding my company by myself without a team. I am rolling out more content through TikTok, YouTube, Reels, event recaps, music festivals, and community healing events like Ziya's Summer Scrap Up, blog posts, a newsletter and interviews.
BUT God. By making small strides each day, whether that is editing a video for an hour, contacting and scheduling interviews with other business owners, creatives, and friends, or going for a walk, taking a nap, or traveling to see a friend for a weekend, it is all a step closer than you were before, bit by bit. All that to say, I know that becoming this version of you is a lot (to say the least) and sometimes it feels impossible, but trust and believe that you are not alone and that there is a plan curated just for you. Join me over on the @YouVersion app where I have #FaithTalks through devotionals, prayer, and fellowship.
I am going to leave y'all with one of my favorite anthems by Queen Latifah, U.N.I.T.Y. Let me know over on the socials what community looks like for you.
With love,
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