This past Sunday, April 6th, Renae Bluitt, founder of Crush Media, celebrated the five year anniversary of her amazing blog In Her Shoes at DUMBO’s Galapagos Art Space with “The Brains & Beauties Behind the Brands II”. Having missed the first installment of Beauties & Brains, I jumped at the chance to be a part of round two!
The hot ticket event included signature cupcakes courtesy of Tipsy Tasty plus the debut of the In Her Shoes Marketplace where we had an opportunity to shop some of the brands that have been featured on the blog.
But of course, in addition to helping Renae celebrate this milestone, we were geared up to be inspired by the panel discussion to be had with Claire Sulmers of Fashion Bomb Daily, Anthony Dickey of Hair Rules, Latham Thomas of Mama Glow and Demetria Lucas of A Belle in Brooklyn & Bravo’s Blood Sweat & Heels.
All in attendance listened intently as each panelist opened up about the obstacles and trials they faced on their road to success. Their transparency regarding the not-so-good times certainly gave weight to the jewels and gems they dropped during the conversation.
Here are just a few of the takeaways I personally appreciated…
“Slow down… and listen. Everything takes time. Process makes perfect. We put so much emphasis on the outcome, so what you see is outward expression, especially on social media. Stop looking at everybody’s feed and start looking within and ask yourself what it is that you want and really hone in on what your desire is.” ~Latham Thomas, @GlowMaven
“Fill a void. I started A Belle in Brooklyn because I wanted to see a different representation of Black women that currently existed… that’s how I became popular.” ~Demetria Lucas, @abelleinbk
“…don’t try to rush through to build something really fast because everybody else is doing it. Let yourself take your time and actually put all the energy it takes to getting something done right and properly. Don’t try to cut corners because you wanna hurry up and launch. Just focus on doing your best and making something impeccable.” ~Latham Thomas
“If you wanna be a writer, write in YOUR voice… bring your voice to the conversation. That’s what is unique about you- your perspective, the way you put your words together, the way you express yourself. Don’t try to be an imitation of someone else, you’ll just be really bad at it. You be your best you. You share your thoughts in an authentic way. You can be amazing and really stand out.” ~ Demetria Lucas
From Dickey speaking about how he wasn’t the best student to Claire sharing her experience which included moving to Paris only to make 250€ (around $346) per month, I’m sure I speak for many, if not all, that the candor of the entire panel was refreshing and much appreciated.
The highlight would have to be the young “beautypreneurs” of Baby Girls Nails in Brooklyn {who were featured on the blog} being presented with the first ever In Her Shoes “Aspiring Fly Female Entrepreneur” Award. After which, Tricia Lee, owner of Polish Bar of Brooklyn, gifted the young ladies with supplies and offered an internship. How cool is that?!
I have no doubt that everyone in attendance left with a little something that stuck with them. Thank you to Renae for bringing together an amazing group of individuals to inspire, encourage and motivate through their experiences, positive and negative. Congrats on five years and we look forward to seeing the progress of In Her Shoes in the years to come! 😉
Here are some more pics from the affair… enjoy!
Renae chats with Style Makers TV
With Anthony Dickey of Hair Rules
Host Kela Walker kicking things off
…and that’s a wrap!
I had to congratulate & get a shot with the lady of the hour!
With the lovely Yardley Messeroux of Make Me a Naturalista, formerly of TheCoilReview.com
Carmen of Lipstick Fashion Mascara
Renae strikes a pose with Niyya of Locs Revolution
Yours truly!
Sweet swag bag courtesy of Essence, Pantene, Ouidad, Hair Rules, & EDEN Bodyworks
xoxo
Toia B.
You look super cute. I met Renae last year. She is such a warm person. It looks like a group of great women.
Author
Thanks Melissa! Yes, Renae is super cool. It was an awesome atmosphere.