ESSENCE Centers Black Women’s Wellness; Brings #ESSENCEWellnessHouse to Atlanta

Today, ESSENCE Communications Inc., the leading media, technology and commerce company serving Black women, announced that it is bringing its signature ESSENCE Wellness House to Atlanta on March 7th.  The ESSENCE Wellness House – an immersive wellness experience designed to support Black women on their collective and individual health and wellness journeys – will convene a host of wellness practitioners and A-list fitness professionals for an exclusive day-long retreat. The retreat will take place at the W Hotel Atlanta Midtown.

ESSENCE Wellness House serves as an extension to the brand’s unwavering commitment to Black women’s health and livelihood, as well as cultivating spaces for healing.  With robust experiences – including energizing workout sessions, intimate conversations, interactive workshops, massages, reiki, meditation and group discussions with leading industry experts – this full day of ESSENCE-curated programming is designed to rejuvenate the mind, body, and soul.

“As the leading global destination for Black women, ESSENCE embraces our position as a premier resource for their wellness as well – and we take that very seriously,” said Michelle Ebanks, CEO, ESSENCE Communications, Inc. “We know that Black women tend to focus more on the care of others than herself, and as a result, they are disproportionately affected by almost all major health crises affecting women in the United States.  So, it is incumbent upon ESSENCE to use our platform to bring wellness practices to Black women, create a safe space to gather and connect with culturally-informed spiritual, health and wellness practices.”

Highlights of the ESSENCE Wellness House on March 7th include:

  • Heart Health Real Talk: A Conversation with AMA’s First Black Female President with Charli Penn, ESSENCE Relationship and Wellness Director and Patrice A. Harris, MD, MA, President of American Medical Association
  • Get Your Mind Right: A Mindfulness Exercise with OmNoire’s Christina Rice
  • Introduction to Breathwork with Yoga Instructor and Holistic Health Educator Ona Hawk
  • Dance Your Pounds Off with Celebrity Dance and Fitness Instructor, Dwight Holt, Jr.
  • Preventing Burnout by Reclaiming Your Boundaries led by Licensed Clinical Psychologist Dr. Ayanna Abrams
  • Top Tips for Relationship Wellness & Sustainability: A Conversation with Aaron Turpeau Ph.D. and Derrick Jaxn

Additional exciting wellness professionals and influencers who will participate include Beatrice Dixon, Founder, and CEO of The Honey Pot; Alex Elle, Author & Self-Care Facilitator, Egypt Sherrod, TV host and Celebrity Home Space Expert; Rashan Ali, Multimedia Personality and co-host on the syndicated show Sister Circle; and more.

For more information and to purchase tickets:

visit essence.com/wellnesshouse and follow #ESSENCEWELLNESSHOUSE

Sweat It Out: Best Workouts for When You’re Sick

With so much news about the “coronavirus” and the flu, Cat Kom, founder and lead trainer of Studio SWEAT onDemand, thought about putting together a list of exercises that people could perform, (not when having a serious illness like those strong viruses, but at least) when not feeling so well.

Being sick is never fun, but it’s even worse when you’re a devoted fitness aficionado. Feeling a little ill can mean needing a few days off, but skipping a workout could throw your routine all out of whack.

So if you’re feeling a little sniffly but still wanna get back on the fitness saddle, here are some ways you can exercise when you’re sick.

Walking or Jogging

I get it, being stuck inside isn’t fun, and lying in bed all day can actually make you feel worse. Although hitting the pavement for some sprints or going on a strenuous 10-mile hike probably isn’t a great idea, some light walking or jogging can do wonders for a cold. Even just a short 20-minute walk…

Yoga

Whether you’re in the midst of a cold or in perfect health, yoga is a go-to workout for increasing flexibility and building strength in a low-impact way. When you’re feeling a little under the weather, a nice yoga flow can help…

LISS on the Spin Bike

Love spin so much that you just can’t bear to miss a day? Us too! But sometimes, you gotta make sacrifices for your health. Although you might not be able to make it through a tough spin class, you can still get a little biking in. I recommend…

Water Aerobics

Being sick can really drain your energy, making it hard to do intense workouts, so you probably won’t be swimming laps. But you can still get in the water by doing a gentler workout like water aerobics. It’ll give you the same movements, but with a little extra help from the water holding you up… If you’re feeling worse than just a cold (we’re talking fever and chills), definitely get back in that bed and rest up. But if you do choose to get some exercise in when you’re not feeling your best, be sure to take it slow.

Missing out on a workout is no fun, especially if the alternative is cough drops and tissues.

So if you’re looking for a way to still get that group class in from the comfort of your own home, check out a 7-Day Free Trial from Studio SWEAT onDemand. Our huge library of on-demand workouts features passionate trainers and classes like TRX, HIIT, and Spin, plus low-impact workouts like yoga and Pilates. Remember, it’s all about feeling better, so make sure you listen to your body, even if that means an extra rest day… or three.

How To Feel More Empowered As A Woman

There are some women who just seem to have everything in place; their lives are going somewhere, and they are – perhaps most importantly – powerful. It can be tempting to look at these women and compare their lives to our own and come up lacking. Yet this is not a helpful way to look at things. Rather than regretting that our lives are not ‘as good’ as theirs, why not try to make changes to make our lives better? Why not become more empowered and change everything else around you? It’s not as difficult as you might think once you make a start and really work at what you want in life. Read on to find out more.

Featured Photo from TooFab

Do More Exercise

Does it seem odd that the very first suggestion on how to become more powerful in your life as a woman is to do more exercise? Perhaps so, but it does make sense once you think about it. Although exercising more is about losing weight and getting fitter and healthier, there is more to it than that. These are great things, but what else can exercise do?

Exercise puts us in complete control of our bodies. When we exercise, we can choose how to go about it and how much or how little to do each day. When we skip a day, it is on us. When we push through our boundaries, that is all down to us too.

The power that comes with taking charge and being in control of this element of our lives is enormous, and it’s something that can lead to positive and much better self-confidence altogether.

Not only that, but exercise removes stress and negativity, replacing it with calmness, happiness, and positivity. When you have this, you can think more clearly about your life and the direction you want it to take.

Stand Up For Yourself

Standing up for yourself is scary. It takes a lot to be able to get out of your comfort zone and to speak out about things that you believe in. However, it is also so very empowering, and it makes you feel happier too. Keeping everything in because you are afraid of saying the wrong thing or offending someone isn’t healthy; you’ll never get to express your opinion, and over time you’ll even start to think that your opinion isn’t valid and that no one is going to want to hear it.

This should never be the case. Everyone has the right to express their opinion, and as long as you do it in a way that is meant positively and you don’t intentionally go out of your way to hurt someone or be obstructive, then you must speak out and stand up for your beliefs.

When you start to do this, you will also start to believe in yourself more and be more empowered and confident as a result. Other women will see you confidently and concisely expressing your opinions and holding down an argument if someone disagrees (or realizing your mistake and admitting to it if that is the case), and they could well be inspired.

Have Standards

There are all kinds of areas of your life where standards are important. Putting your own standard mark onto those things and accepting nothing less will help you to feel and be empowered. Take your home, for example. If your standards are that it always needs to be clean and tidy, then make sure it is. Once you let your standards slip, you will find you feel less confident and your power is diminished.

The same is true of anything. At work, you should have certain standards that you hold yourself to and that you hold others too – without being overly judgemental, of course. This way, people will respect you and you will be more productive.

You can even have standards when it comes to the way you dress and look. If something isn’t right, take the time to change it; clothes that fit you well can make a huge difference. A hair transplant can boost your confidence and make you feel better about yourself. A regular spa day can reset tired muscles and help you to feel brighter and happier.

Do what it takes to help keep your standards up and you will be empowered – everything is your decision to make.

Say No

Saying no when you need to is one of the most empowering things you can do in your life. It’s so easy to fall into the trap of always agreeing to do things, even if they aren’t going to benefit your own life or they are detrimental.

If you want to do something and you are able to, then say yes. If you don’t want to do it, it is going to cause you upset, or you cannot carry out the task, then don’t be afraid to say no. It’s hugely empowering.

Collaborative Post

 

 

Holiday Gift Set from KORRES Natural Skincare Products

KORRES has bottled up the intoxicating scents of Greece that capture the magical moment when the sun kisses the sea. Debuting December 1st, KORRES will introduce The Indulgence Collection, a series of limited-edition holiday gift sets, each featuring a super-sized luxurious Shower gel (1L) and Body Butter (400 ML) duo.

The Indulgence Collection is available for only $39 and offered in five scents:

  • NEW! Mediterranean Vanilla Blossom: A creamy vanilla, delicately wrapped in soft white florals warmed by the Mediterranean sun.
  • NEW! Unscented: Pure & unscented, this rich, luxurious body butter to deeply soften, smooth, and nourish the skin.
  • White Grape: Crisp fresh white grape, wrapped in soft peach blossom, with a hint of Aegean Sea breeze.
  • Cucumber Bamboo: Dive into this lush & delicate scent of Cucumber and Bamboo – tranquil & pure.
  • Cashmere Rose: Envelop your senses with petal-soft wild roses warmed by the Mediterranean sun.

Click here to learn more about skincare products.

BLOOM: Faith, Fashion, and Business Empowerment Series Spotlight: Dr. JeFreda R. Brown

Style + Life + Fashion has launched a new empowerment series!  Titled, BLOOM focuses on faith, fashion, and business; spotlighting dynamic women that are movers and shakers in the community.

Today’s feature will spotlight Financial Literacy Educator, and Business Consultant, DrJeFreda R. Brown.

BLOOM SPOTLIGHT:  Dr.  JeFreda R. Brown

  • Explain why Financial Literacy is such an important topic for women of all ages.

     Financial literacy is competence in personal financial skills and financial education to make effective decisions concerning family, goals, lifestyle, and desires. In many families, women handle the finances. It is important that women be good stewards of what God has entrusted to them. This is why it is vital that young girls receive a strong financial foundation at a young age. The first teachers of finance affect the future financial decisions that young girls will make.

  • How can women empower themselves (or bloom) in the areas of personal finance, budgeting, and credit?

        Women first need to ask themselves if they need to change their financial behavior. If you have trouble making money last for an entire month, that is a clear indication that you need to change your financial behavior. Also, it is so important for women to realize that everything we do revolves around finances. Therefore, a strong financial foundation needs to be in place. Getting financial literacy education is the first step to blooming in all areas of personal finance.

  • What is the biggest misconception about repairing your credit?

         The biggest misconception about repairing your credit is that you have to pay someone to do it for you. You can repair your own credit. I recommend doing it yourself because it helps you to gain a better understanding of how the credit system works. I also want to stress that repairing credit doesn’t help if you haven’t first changed your mindset about finances. Repairing your credit but continuing the same cycles doesn’t solve the problem. I am a featured contributor in a book called, “I Didn’t Learn That in High School: 199 Facts About Credit Scores“, which is available on Amazon. This book is full of details about credit, how it works, how to use it, how not to use it, how to repair your own credit, and much more. I recommend that women get this book to help learn more about credit.

  • What are some of the specific financial obstacles that women are facing?

            There was a sample conducted with 7,000 men and women. They were given a 5-question basic financial literacy test. Only 29% of the women were able to pass the test. That means 71% of the women were unable to answer 5 questions about finances. Also, there are a lot of single women raising children. These women have to take care of their households. Most of them only have one source of income, which still may not cover all the necessary expenses each month. These are critical financial obstacles for women. These are also more reasons why getting financial literacy education is so vital for women.

  • What financial advice would you tell your 20-year-old self?

            If I knew at 21 what I know now about compounding interest, whole life insurance, investing in real estate, etc., I would have really focused on making sure my credit was good. I would have started putting all these things in place then.  I would have start building wealth then. 22 years later at 43, I would definitely be set financially. Thinking about how much interest would have compounded over 22 years! Jesus!

  •  How does faith have an impact as it relates to your personal finances?

          I believe that trying to manage finances without faith will never work. There are over 2,000 scriptures in the Bible about finances. This tells us that God wants us to have the proper guidance in managing finances. Another reason that faith is important is that we must realize that it is not “our” money; it’s God’s. He owns it, and we are just stewards of what He entrusts us with. If someone puts something they own into your care, wouldn’t you take good care of it? Most importantly, we are required to pay tithes. It’s a command, not a choice. I’m a witness to how God has provided for me in tough times because I have been obedient to paying tithes. Tithes are paid on gross income, not net income. Tithes are paid on any money you receive from others, even if it’s $1.

  •  Tell us more about your platform and Provision Financial Education? 

          It is my mission to educate people about finances and help people develop financial health and wellness. My goal is for Xaris Financial Enterprises to be the preferred financial literacy education company in the world. I want to get financial literacy curriculum into schools for grades K-12 and colleges. It needs to be a required curriculum. I want to go into companies and organizations to provide financial education to their employees. It saddens me when I read statistics about how people are developing health problems because they are stressed about their finances. People have to work past age 70 because they haven’t properly prepared for retirement. If people would get rid of their pride and seek help, they can solve their financial problems. It first requires a mindset change. Realize there is a problem first and then make an effort to resolve the problem. Action is required for change. That action is getting financial literacy education. God, Himself said, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge“. There is nothing to be ashamed of in getting help and letting someone know your situation. Many of us have had financial hardship; myself included. I’m not here to judge; I’m here to tear down the systems that have kept people in financial bondage. I have the compassion to help you because I have been through financial hardship.

  •  What’s the most important concept that we can take away from this interview?

           A problem is no longer a problem once you take care of it. Financial literacy is the key to having a better, stress-free life. Financial literacy is the key to having the lifestyle that you desire. Nothing happens until you first take action. Provision Financial Education is here and ready to help.

Follow Dr.  JeFreda R. Brown and join her Financial Literacy community on social media:  Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

“EMPOWERED WOMEN, empower women!”

What Really Works To Eliminate Cellulite: Expert Tips from Certified Dermatopathologist

“Cottage cheese,” “funky gravy.” “hail damage” – whatever you want to call it –  cellulite is never something we want to see on our bodies. That lumpy, dimple-looking flesh on our thighs, buttocks, abdomen, and hips is dreaded by women and men alike. Cellulite is caused by fat cells pushing up against a layer of skin, tethered down by connective fibers that attach to the muscles. When there is a buildup of fat, these fibers pull down while the fat pushes up, creating the appearance of uneven, bumpy skin. Cellulite is not a weight issue and can affect individuals of all shapes, sizes, and ages.

While cellulite is not a serious medical condition, it can make someone feel insecure or embarrassed. However, you aren’t alone; between 80 to 90 percent of women will experience cellulite at some point in their lives. Some might start to notice cellulite as early as puberty.  Dr. Gretchen Frieling is a board -certified Boston Area Dermatopathologist. She cuts out the clutter to define what really works in 2019 to eradicate cellulite, be it a temporary or permanent solution.

Are there at home creams that can provide temporary improvement?

“If you’re looking for an at-home treatment, topical creams are an effective way to diminish cellulite. However, they’re a long-term or complete “cure,” says Dr. Frieling, She adds, “The fat cells are still under there!

To maintain the results, you’ll have to apply the product every day. Use a moisturizing cream with ingredients that treat fatty tissues such as caffeine or retinol to minimize cellulite.

To see results, you must apply the topical cream daily to improve cell circulation. Caffeine works as a diuretic, which can dehydrate the fat cells and change the water content, which can reduce the appearance of cellulite. While creams with at least 0.3 percent retinol work by thickening the outer layer of skin. It is essential to test these products on your skin before long-term use as some have shown to have adverse effects. Most creams can be found online and at any drugstore.”

What are the latest technologies to decrease Cellulite?

Acoustic wave therapy

Studies show that this can reduce the appearance of cellulite. Several treatment sessions are needed to see a reduction.

During one minimally invasive laser treatment called Cellulaze™, a tiny laser fiber is inserted beneath your skin. When the laser is fired, the laser energy breaks up the tough bands beneath the skin that cause us to see cellulite. This treatment can also thicken your skin, which is important. The skin often thins where cellulite forms. Thickening the skin can help reduce the appearance of cellulite.

Bottom line: Cellulaze™ may reduce the appearance of cellulite. Patients see results that last a year or longer. More research is needed to know for sure how effective this laser can be.

Subcision

Called Cellfina™, this medical procedure involves your dermatologist inserting a needle just under the skin to break up the tough bands beneath the skin that cause us to see cellulite.

Bottom Line: Cellfina™ has been shown to reduce the skin dimpling that you see with cellulite. In a study of 232 patients, 99% of them said they were satisfied with the results. The results can last two years and possibly longer.

Vacuum-assisted precise tissue release

This also breaks up the tough bands that cause us to see cellulite. During this procedure, your practitioner will use a device that contains small blades to cut the tough bands. After the bands are cut, the tissue moves upward to fill out and eliminate the dimpled skin.

Bottom line: This may be an effective treatment for reducing cellulite. A small study shows that many patients who received this treatment had less cellulite for up to 3 years. It’s too soon to tell, but the results may last even longer.

Radiofrequency

This is a type of treatment that heats the cellulite. One FDA-approved device combines radiofrequency with a laser, suction, and massage to target cellulite.

Bottom line: Recent studies suggest some patients see a little less cellulite. This result, however, is short-lived and several treatments are needed to see this minor change.

After treatment, bruises are common. These fade with time.

Are there lifestyle exercise or diet changes that will reduce cellulite?

AVOID SUGAR

Dr. Frieling explains, “Your diet may be playing a significant role in the amount of cellulite you have, so it’s important always to have a well-balanced diet. One of the biggest culprits for causing cellulite is sugary sweet snacks and processed foods. Sugar is stored in our fat cells, and having too much will cause them to expand, thus creating the appearance of cellulite. The same goes for foods with high sodium intake, which cause bloating and water retention, making cellulite more noticeable. Other foods to avoid are cheese, soda, deli meat, fried food, and white bread.”

EXERCISE REGULARLY

If you’re struggling to get rid of those stubborn dimples, it’s time to get up and get moving. “While it isn’t exactly the cure for cellulite,” says Dr. Frieling, she adds that “regular exercise will help in its prevention by strengthening the muscles underneath the fat in your butt, thighs, and hips.

Squats and lunges, as well as a 45-minute walk, are great exercises that target the leg muscles and make the skin look evener.”

STOP SMOKING

Smoking reduces the amount of blood that flows to your skin, causing the skin to become thinner and saggier. While it is a difficult habit to kick, the cellulite on your legs, arms, and butt will be less visible.

REDUCE YOUR ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION

“Elimination or significantly reducing the amount of alcohol you consume may aid in decreasing the toxins that accumulate underneath our fat cells. Alcohol also has high amounts of sugar, which will only make the cellulite more noticeable,” says Dr. Frieling.

STAY HYDRATED

This probably won’t be the first time you’ve been told to drink more water, but it does help! Dr. Frieling explains that “By drinking 8 to 10 glasses of water every day, you’re helping to remove the toxins stored underneath the layer of fat which cause our skin to look lumpy. Staying hydrated also helps with the overall health of your skin, making it appear more plump and full”.

FAKE IT!

If you have fair skin, a self-tanner may help. Dimpled areas are less noticeable on darker skin. Start with a gentle body scrub, then apply a self-tanning lotion to cellulite areas only. Next spritz your entire body with a tanning spray. Pass on a real tan. It’ll damage your skin and make cellulite look worse.

About Dr. Gretchen Frieling

After graduating summa cum laude from Florida State University with a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences, Dr. Frieling completed her medical school at The University of Florida College of Medicine. She continued to excel academically and personally and pioneered a medical mission trip to the Dominican Republic to provide free medical care. After medical school, Dr. Frieling completed her training in Anatomic and Clinical Pathology at the Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital/Harvard Medical School. She then completed her Dermatopathology fellowship at the University of Vermont Medical Center. Currently, she is also a practicing Dermatopathologist in Newton, Massachusetts.

During her training, Dr. Frieling built an extensive resume, including but not limited to many articles in the Dermatology and Pathology literature, textbook chapters, and national conference presentations. She was on faculty at Harvard Medical School and participated in the first year Histopathology course.

In her spare time, Dr. Frieling continues to give back to her community and beyond. Currently, she is spearheading another medical mission to the Dominican Republic and partnering with Pedro Martinez and The Pedro Martinez Foundation.

Along with splitting her time as a practicing dermatopathologist, Dr. Frieling enjoys spending time with her husband, her two kids, and extended family, as well as volunteering in the community. She is a resident of Wellesley and loves good music and is always up for trying a new restaurant!

THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY ESSENCE FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES PROGRAMMING FOR ALL-NEW WELLNESS HOUSE EXPERIENCE

WHAT: The 2019 ESSENCE Festival® presented by Coca-Cola, the world’s largest cultural, entertainment and empowerment experience and the largest celebration of global Black culture, announces the 1st ever Wellness House experience. The ESSENCE Wellness House is comprised of programming targeted to mental, physical and relationship wellness inclusive of group workouts  by leading fitness instructors spanning fitness genres such as kickboxing, yoga, pilates, aerobics and more, healthy living conversations, mental health advice, expert nutrition and wellness advice and opportunity to experience a variety of holistic healing remedies.

WHEN:  Saturday, July 6, 8AM-4PM; Sunday, July 7, 8AM-3PM

WHERE: The Lighthouse Glass Gallery, 743 Camp Street, New Orleans, LA 70130

WHO: Initial participants for the ESSENCE Wellness House include:

  • Beatrice Dixon, Founder, Honey Pot Co.
  • Boris & Nicole Kojoe, Co-Founders of KoFit
  • Christina Rice, Founder, OM Noire (Yoga Retreat company)
  • DJ C Devone, Fitness DJ, creating live workouts
  • DaShaun “The Guru of Abs” Johnson, Fitness Instructor
  • Domango Training & Motivated Muscle, Shanda Domango & Michael Brown, NOLA-based husband, and wife Fitness Instructors
  • Dr. Wendy Goodall McDonald, OB-GYN
  • Dr. Chelsea Jackson Roberts, Fitness Instructor
  • Dr. Jess, Mental Health Expert
  • Dr. Joy Harden Bradford
  • Dr. Safiya Lyn Lasiter, Medical Marijuana Expert
  • Dr. Tammy Wilborn, Mental Health Expert
  • Faith Hunter,  Fitness Instructor
  • Johanna Basford,  Fitness Instructor
  • Marco Borges, Beyonce’s Nutritionist
  • Melanie Fiona, Grammy Award Winner & Wellness Advocate
  • Mashonda Firere, Author
  • Nicole Chaplin,  Fitness Instructor
  • Shanti Das, Founder, Silence The Shame (Mental Health Advocacy Non-Profit)
  • Simone Bresi-Ando, Owner, Bresi-Ando
  • Staci Jae Johnson, Relationship Expert
  • Starr Hawkins, Fitness Instructor
  • Pinky Cole aka Slutty Vegan, Founder, Slutty Vegan
  • Trap Yoga Bae®,  Fitness Instructor

    A full lineup of participants and events can be found by visiting www.essencefestival.com

    Sponsors for the 25th Anniversary ESSENCE Festival are Coca-Cola, AT&T, Disney, Ford, McDonald’s, State Farm and Walmart.

KINDri: NEW Celebrity Favorite, Cruelty-Free Beauty Brand

Robin McDonald is the celebrity esthetician, actress, writer and extreme cactus enthusiast behind KINDri. Embodying the holistic lifestyle of the Southwest, you’ll find her formulas are infused with the potent plant-based components of the southwest like organic prickly pear cactus seed oil, apple stem cell, aloe vera, avocado, and citrus.

Discover the LA-based brand and creator/founder that Charlize Theron considers her “go to”. Robin McDonald’s passion and care for the wellness of the skin is evident in KINDri’s mantra which is to not only be kind to your skin but the earth as well.

Summer must-haves:

Cactus & Rose Illuminating Face Oil – Your skin will glow! Hydrating Organic Prickly Pear Seed (cactus) Oil, reparative 4% Apple Stem Cell and the anti-inflammatory properties of Rose Essential Oil make up this potent serum.

Quench – A lightweight drink of water for the skin. Contains Organically Grown Aloe Vera, Citrus and Eucalyptus to clarify, soothe and calm a normal to the oily complexion.

Desert Dew Facial Mist – Hydrating Cactus and Rose Floral Waters are infused with uplifting cucumber Seed and Organic Witch Hazel to refresh and balance any skin type.

Avocado Smoothie – A powerful blend of 2% Organic Apple Stem Cell and potent Organic Prickly Pear Seed (cactus) Oil naturally increases cellular rejuvenation.  Our newly reformulated extra rich day to night cream defends skin against harsh environmental conditions in the day, soothes and revitalizes while you sleep and has a fresh, clean aroma.

For more information, visit https://www.kindri.com/.

 

Talia Oliver Announces Special Event In NOLA During Essence Festival Weekend

Atlanta entrepreneur Talia Oliver will be bringing big names to New Orleans during the Essence Festival weekend, for a party with a purpose about emotional intelligence and mental health issues. The headlining event, titled “The Essence of Emotional Intelligence: Demonstrating How To Foster Healthy Friendships, Romantic Relationships and Business Partnerships”, will be held on Friday, July 5th at the historic Carver Theater in New Orleans. Two amazing ladies — Randi Rossario Maples and Tamisha Monet — will be joining Talia in a panel discussion about the importance of having emotional intelligence, while building various relationships in this digital age we are living in.

Randi Rossario is a media mogul, author, life and empowerment coach, and the owner of Oh So Radio, an internet/app based radio station based in Metro-Detroit. She uses her platform to help others on a daily basis, delivering encouragement and wisdom through her morning videos. Randi currently has a combined social media following of over 250 thousand people, with a weekly reach of over 5 million accounts per week.

Tamisha Monet is a certified life coach, having received her certification from the reputable Tony Gaskins Life Coaching Academy. She has a plethora of spiritual gifts that she accesses regularly through her work as a certified Astrologer and Master Reiki Practitioner.

Other guest speakers will include Atlanta entrepreneur Christopher Williams, who recently became the youngest black franchise owner will be telling his story about how he raised over $250,000 and went from homeless to franchise owner in just a year. Atlanta entrepreneur Taylor Deathridge, owner of the only one-stop-shop beauty loft in ATL will be interviewed live about having it all; the dream career, the fairytale love story while balancing a huge life-changing struggle.

Talia will be partnering with A Bella La Femme Society to give away three scholarships to three very lucky attendees. A Bella LaFemme Society is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Baton Rouge, Louisiana that provides collegiate minority women with scholarships to promote mental wellness. The mental wellness scholarships may be utilized at the desire of the recipients. ABLS is also committed to serving the community across the state of Louisiana by providing free self-defense and gun safety courses, Heels & Steels ®. The courses are structured to empower, alleviate hardships, and to build resourceful sisterhoods in their communities.

Not only will this event be filled with food for thought, but a lot of delicious food will also be prepared and served by Chef Sell (@SellsCajunCooking on Instagram). His mouthwatering Cajun chicken and seafood alfredo have been nominated for Best Pasta in Atlanta by Terrapin Brewery.

 

Please join us Fri. Jul. 5th, 2019 at 3 P.M. at the Carver Theater (2101 Orleans Avenue, New Orleans, LA) for an afternoon of good discussion, good company, and a great time.

About Talia Oliver 

Having served as one of the original writers at The Shade Room and a contributor for The Singers Room, Talia went on to create the burgeoning media platform “The Closet Ratchet” which has become the voice of the intellectual and spiritual yet “closeted” ratchet people who utilize social media. In addition, Talia is a published author, a small business owner and an inspirational speaker to young mothers and entrepreneurs. For more information, contact Talia Oliver at (470)292-1811 or taliaoliver716@gmail.com

Okabashi Reflexology Flip Flops: Supportive, Stylish, and Sustainable Shoes

The sand. The beach.  The waves.  All of the best components of a great beach day.  And what beach day would not be complete without the right attire.  Of course, everyone packs their favorite swimsuit and coverup but what about a comfortable pair of flip-flops?

Okabashi is the perfect lightweight shoes for any summer vacation.  What makes it so dynamic is that Okabashi sandals are therapy for your feet.  Everyone knows I love a pair of pumps or platforms.  But, after a certain time period wearing shoes for comfort becomes a luxury!  The brand has a variety of sizes and colors to compliment anyone’s summer swimwear.

Featured Photo from Okabashi Instagram Account.

The Indigo Flip Flop has a unique design and it’s recommended by podiatrists and chiropractors nationwide.  I received my first pair in the mail and couldn’t wait to open.  Immediately, I placed my foot inside the shoe and felt an overwhelming sense of comfort.  The company’s motto is “Everyone deserves to have comfortable feet” and I couldn’t agree more!

Order a pair of Okabashi sandals to wear a pair of supportive, stylish, and sustainable pair of flip-flops.