Hey everybody, it’s ya gurl Nij and today I want to be a blessing to one of my readers. I recently won a giveaway from Kai Designs Boutique, a small business with a big heart! You gotta check out the video for all the items I was blessed with.
Now, I’d like to share this blessing and offer my dearest readers the opportunity to win one of the gifts.
Hey everybody it’s ya gurl Nij and I want to let yall in on my latest endeavor. After watching Larissa J’s YouTube video “Praying for my Husband,” I felt led to do something similar – not at first though.
Although I liked her idea, by the same token, I didn’t feel compelled to do it. Funny how God will give you a change of heart right?? For about a month, the thought kept coming and I ignored it – until it became apparent that the Lord was laying this assignment on my heart.
So on April 20, 2019, Love Notes Until We Meet was birthed. It’s an an Instagram page dedicated to prayers, poems and daily chats to my future husband. No I haven’t gotten hitched YET, but in this season of my singleness the Lord has me speaking to this thing uhkay??!!
I invite you all to check out my new channel and give me some feedback, comments and/or questions. Also feel free to repost and use the hashtag #lovenotesuntilwemeet
Yall know I couldn’t mention that line and not think of Aaliyah right??!! Anyway, it’s been a whole 7 months since since we last talked. I know I know (shame on me) but although I’ve been kinda quiet on here, I’ve been active on my IG and YouTube.
Hopefully the announcement that I’m about to make will get me back in your graces. So here we go…now yall know usually I’m helping others on their events by vlogging and promoting, but this time I AM HOSTING MY VERY OWN!! It’s been a few years in the making, starting with being led by God to speak more boldly about my singleness and things I have learned while on this journey. First, healing had to take place and then I had to gain some courage and confidence in this season of singleness – especially in a world where the idea of waiting on the Lord to bless you in your love life is seen as a joke. But yall, I’m living that blessed life to the max and decided to gather some single men and women together so that we can chat and chew uhkay??!!
The date is set for Saturday, February 16, 2019 at the beautiful Tabula Rasa Art Gallery in Rahway, New Jersey. Tickets are available so be sure to snatch up one or two…and I hope to see you there!
Hey everybody, it’s ya gurl Nij and today I want to give y’all the 411 on New Jersey based designer, THOMAS LAVONE. I got the opportunity to sit down with him and ask a few questions regarding his nearly two decade career in fashion. Yes, you read that right! And might I add, he’s still going strong uhkay??! Despite the trends and forever changing market, the brand Thomas Lavone, continues to pave its own way and blaze trails…utilizing adversity to become its university. Check out what he had to say in our interview at his very 1st Pop up Shop in the East Village this past weekend!
Who started the brand and why?
I started the brand. After being laid off from my job as a technical designer, I knew that I wanted to take to take my craft to the next level and make a business out of it.
How has the brand managed to stay relevant amidst the trends and in an industry that’s seemingly over saturated?
Through God’s grace and direction, the brand continues to grow. We’ve experienced all the pains of growing a small business, but what we have learned has been invaluable. You must stay encouraged even when it feels you aren’t growing fast enough.
Where do you see the brand in the next 5-10 years?
In 5-10 years, we see the brand successfully growing in small boutique retailers, e-commerce, and in international retailers. We see expanding our footprint globally as a goal that is totally reachable for us.
What can potential clients expect from a Thomas Lavone piece?
Clients can expect more whim and less fuss…in essence, true craftsmanship from this brand. Size inclusion is apart of our DNA, so expect to see more of it.
5. Is there anything else you want people to know about the brand?
We will be intentional in bringing forth our vision of quality women’s lifestyle wear to the marketplace.
I guess you can say this serves as an official mic drop moment!
As one can see, Thomas Lavone is a brand which prides itself on the classic, timeless and chic everyday woman…yet he still manages to design a piece that is just right for you.
Lastly, in case you missed the Pop up Shop, no worries I’ve got you covered! Check out the inside scoop on it here!
Ok, so on Saturday April 14th, I attended the 1st ever Sistahs in Business Expo in Newark, New Jersey. Shout out to my hometown for hosting!!!
Ayyye ayye! LOL, ok now that’s out of my system!
It’s only been a few days after the event and of course, they haven’t officially announced a 2nd event, but I am speaking it into existence…and I want to give you 5 reasons why you’d want to attend the next one.
#1 WALL TO WALL MELANIN
I’m here for all my melanin rich chicas who are pursuing their purpose, increasing their bank and cash flow and who are also helping to provide their communities with service. The Ramada oozed with melanin and it was just inspiring to see so many black girls under one roof slaying in their businesses, giving words and wisdom and simply relishing in their melanin rich selves!
#2 FUBU
Y’all remember that clothing line from back in the day right?? For Us By Us…and that is exactly what this event provides – keys to success for all the brown girls with dreams…yea that’s me, you and the sistah in front of you uhkay??!!
#3 SHOPPING & NETWORKING OPPORTUNITY
I’m all for shopping major retailers for some things, but there’s nothing like supporting a sistah who has the same product you need. By supporting her, you are putting money back into your own community. Moreover, you get to meet other women ‘preneurs, who (for lack of a better word) are doing the doggone thang!
#4 WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT
Each woman on the panel had so much knowledge to offer and you can tell from the passion in their eyes, that each woman aint come to play! Get ready to slay your goals and snatch your life! #pointblankperiod
#5 HELPING TO SUPPORT SOMEONE ELSE’S DREAM FUELS THE FIRE FOR YOU TO PURSUE YOURS
Seeing other women actively pursuing their goals should get you so excited until you hit the ground running in pursuit of yours! The time is NOW! As I am saying it to you, I am saying it to myself. Forget fear and pursue your God given purpose with everything you’ve got. Also ask the Lord to surround you with people who will help you in this process and it shall be done! (words of wisdom from MC Lyte during the panel discussion).
BONUS: UNEXPECTED BLESSINGS
It’s more than just the free prizes, because you never know why God has you in a certain place at a certain time. Maybe it’s something you need to hear, someone you need to meet…so always keep in mind that your steps are ordered, Proverbs 37:23.
If that’s not enough motivation, then check out all the behind the scenes footage on my vlog below.
In closing, shout out to the host & CEO Aisha Taylor Issah once again for the success of her event, and to her entire team. I am certain that it took a whole lot of team work to pull this off! Check the website though because SIBEXPO is scheduled to make a few more stops in other states. The next stop is actually in Philly at Temple University on July 14, 2018. Again stay tuned to the website for more information because this is an event, you do not want to miss!
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