Working Woman Wednesday: Rita Givens

Hey ya'll HEY!!!

It's 2017! Happy (Late) New Year!!!! 

What do you guys have planned this year?? I definitely plan on featuring more wonderful working women this year!!! I have an awesome line up for the next few weeks! 

One woman can make a difference, together we can rock the world! 

My first gem of the year is, Rita Givens. Rita is a fellow blogger and business woman with a line of wearable inspirational quotes! You can find her website/blog at  EnHERgy Unleashed (www.enhergy365.com) and Positivity + Purpose is her online boutique.  Yes for inspiration! I actually followed her on Instagram after reading one of her inspiring blog posts and didn't even know she lives right in Houston!! My friend suggested her for the WWW posts and I was like, Hey I follow her! 

Anyway, Rita is awesome! She describes herself as, "A soul whose intentions are good." I believe that! 

Rita is a native of Natchez, MS and has been in Houston about 18 years. Rita, has had a career in corporate America, but says that "something" was nagging her to be more purposeful. Working in the corporate structure began to affect her health on every level and one day she cried out and prayed for change. She toggled back and forth for a variety of reasons, but after a surprise lay off, she was forced to "boss up".  In that moment I realized that the determination and hard work I had been using to grow other companies should be applied to my own, she said.

Currently, Rita says she " I'm soul journeying, and painting outside the lines."

She has been in business since October 2016. She has always been nudged by the universe to find a way to spread her positive quotes and inspirational sayings. Her initial goal was to write a book, but she felt the urge to do something different so she jokingly said she would "throw" her words on some shirts... and Positivity + Purpose was born.

As for what motivates Rita, she says, "My ultimate motivation is to encourage people to find their true purpose and believe in their abilities to manifest their biggest dreams. After a life of conditioned reactions and responses, sometimes you're forced to submit to the life the creator planned. I was living in a state of discomfort, because I thought my life was centered around being a good worker. The discomfort became too much and I needed to do what felt true to my soul. "

Where Inspiration and inspiring others is truly important to me, Rita says, "I am inspired by my hope for a more enlightened humanity. I am inspired by spreading love and light to each person I meet. I think it's important to show genuine kindness with gratitude for simply being alive." How awesome is that??? We definitely need more women in society that build US up instead of tearing us down.

The best selling item(s) from the Positivity + Purpose line is the "Thick Thighs & Positive Vibe" tees and tanks. Ya'll know I love a good statement tee!! I have to order one SOON! Of course I'll share when I do.

With so many other statement tee lines, Rita differentiates her brand by focusing on quality and respect for her customers. Her intention is to spread positivity and love to anyone who has weathered the experiences of life and still choose to actively aim higher everyday.

By reading this, I'm sure that Rita seems like some type of spiritual goddess, lol. There is something that she wants us to know about her, though. She says, "I want them to know that I'm not special. I'm just being brave enough to allow my soul to guide me in this moment of much needed direction, and I am hopefully using my gifts purposely.

In the future, Rita plans to grow her brand by extending it to a mentorship program for underprivileged teens. The program will give them a creative outlet and encourage their entrepreneurial spirits.

Rita's plans are to, "continue walking the path of purpose and spread love with each blog, book, or product that leaves my care. I am aiming for the sky."

I'm definitely here for all this awesomeness Rita is dishing out!!! I am certain that you cross paths with people for a reason and Rita and I crossing paths will be GREAT! I already have ideas, so stay tuned!!!

In the meantime, check out Rita's blog EnHERgy Unleashed as well as Positivity + Purpose merchandise on her website : www.enhergy365.com

Until next time, walk in faith & live in victory 

-Crysy

The Road to Freedom

"On the other side of fear, is freedom"

Man, isn't that the truth! As I posted in a previous post, I planned and put together a cute little women's empowerment event, The Road to Freedom"

I have NEVER done anything like that! I stepped completely out of my comfort zone(and out on FAITH) with this one, guys! I actually asked people for help and advice, something I NEVER do.

When I started planning this event, I kept getting little signs from everywhere that THIS is what I am supposed to be doing. A random man at church said to me, "I want to encourage you sister, to keep using your voice to encourage others". They way everything fell together and ended up being exactly what I prayed for(and more) though...nothing but GOD!

My beautiful speakers and myself

I had women come and share their unique stories(as well as myself). Each of these women have inspired me with their stories and  KNEW  that they would inspire they ladies that attended. I had goal planning exercises and activities to prepare to have a better 2017. I'm still getting great feedback from the attendees as well as the speakers a whole week later! The ladies realized things about themselves, they were able to set personal goals and plans to better themselves. Shoot, one of my speakers was so liberated by speaking, she cut her hair off and began her natural hair journey! All of the women that attended enjoyed themselves and came away with SOMETHING new! The fact that we could all be transparent and help one another was awesome.  We laughed, cried, shared and

bonded. Exactly what I wanted! What an awesome way to end one year and go into another!

One of the attendees, posted an activity we did

When I initially, started planning the event, I said that if I had 15 women attend, I'd be ok. Then I said 20. Well, I ended up with almost 30 women that registered! Look at GOD! Every thing I normally would have worried about, God worked it out! From the venue down to my handouts. I had no idea that the ladies would take so much from a handout (I wasn't going to do one) and one of my coworkers suggested that I do. We had yummy Jambalaya from Shawnie of HouOrleans Cuisine, and other light bites including some tasty cupcakes ....and a little cocktail! LaTai of Honey Shoots was in the building capturing some great shots!

Look out Iyanla!!! lol

Surprisingly, I wasn't nervous or scared putting it together. I thought about what I would say and it literally came to me RIGHT as I was speaking to the ladies. I knew that God would give me the words to say and of course he did!
I am SO thankful and overjoyed that my event came out the way that it did. Even though this is something that has been on my mind, I never imagined myself actually putting together a whole event alone AND speaking and being transparent in front of a full room of women! There is something about being free and fearless that is actually CALMING.

The ladies are asking for a part 2. Of course there will be a part 2! I'm definitely not stopping now! This is JUST the beginning, baby!

I've had men ask for an event too! Who knew!
I found my purpose in this. To Encourage. Inspire. and Empower.
Yes, I still love fashion. Yes, I will still be a stylist. But what's a beautiful lady in a bad outfit, if she's ugly, bruised, bitter, angry and/or broken on the inside?
I will definitely keep you posted on upcoming events!
Make sure you're following me on Instagram here as well as
Facebook here

Have a Marvelous Monday!
Crysy

The ladies and I. My heart is SO full!!



!!!! Im Excited !!!!

Hey ya'll heyyyyyyyyyy!

Yes, It's Wednesday...No, This isn't a Working Woman Wednesday post...I am working on something, though!  

I want to share with you something that I'm SUPER excited about!

Inspiration and encouragement of people is very important to me..... Over the years I have ALWAYS been that friend that people randomly go to for one of the two(and then some, lol). I can remember that as far back as middle school! I am an only child. I know what it's like to be alone with no one to talk to. I know what it's like to be surrounded with friends and still no one to talk to. I've been bullied. I've bullied. I've been a mean girl. I've been targeted by mean girls. I've loved. I've lost. Been crossed. Been lied to. Been discouraged. Been scared. Been fearful. Been there done that. Matters what stage in life I encountered those things. Hey, I may write a book about it! Who knows! I've grown(still am), matured, and can be better because I know better.  

One thing I DO know is that, PEOPLE NEED PEOPLE!  There is something about the confirmation, reassurance, wisdom, affirmation, compassion, words etc. from others that does something to our soul! Regardless of who we are, that is like the cherry on top of the cake of life. LOL

For years, I have had this thought in the back of my mind that I want to do an event for women. To empower and inspire none the less, but something GREAT. The other day that thought randomly came back to me, and God said, "Just do it. Don't worry about EVERYTHING(I am a worrier), just know that it will ALL fall in place". So....here I am. Putting this event together. I got all these ideas! God put a few special women on my heart. To ask to participate. Still, don't know exactly what I'm doing but just be a part! Thank God all of them loved my idea and were on board! LOL A date came to mind. I wanted to do it before the new year, in the New Year, New Me season(LOL). No seriously, to prepare us to kick 2017's ass...no matter what we encountered in 2016! Let's teach/learn with each other, share, inspire, be open, be honest, be transparent, be a shoulder/ear, BE US!
We will talk, laugh, share, encourage...maybe even cry. Most importantly we will leave renewed, restored, rejuvenated and READY for 2017.
I want to create something GREAT for women. Not just African American women, either. Everything is so divided these days. All women need this. And all women are welcome. We have a lot to learn from our sisters!

Of course there will be food...and drinks...and sweets!

This will be EPIC!
Oh and did I mention that I'll be conquering MY fears as well and reaching goals at the same time??? Look at God!
So stay tuned and get ready!
Saturday December 17!!!!  (location and time TBA)

XoXo

Crysy

Celebrating National Curves Day @ Curves & Cocktails

Hey Ya'll Hey!

Did you know that there is a such thing as "National Curves Day"? Yea, me either! That is, until the Texas ambassador Ta Morrison and the Two Curvy Cousins planned the "Curves & Cocktails" event to celebrate the day.

National Curves Day is the 2nd Wednesday in October (this year it fell on Oct 12) and is actually celebrated here in the U.S and as far away as Italy! Thanks to Ta, it is also declared a "day" here in Houston by Mayor Turner on October 14! How awesome is that?

                                                   Ta and the Mayor's proclamation for NCD!

According to the NCD website, the mission of NCD is, "To uplift and empower women with curves through the plus positive curvy movement and promoting self love, because every curve is Beautiful!"

The event was just that! Uplifting, empowering as well as positive energy! Might I add, a room full of beautiful curvy women! In a time where women are openly loving their bodies and themselves, I think it is very important that not only we can identify with curvy women on social media and television, but women that we can connect with in our own areas as well!

 I had an awesome time!

The event was held at The SupaStar Spin Academy, owned by THE Dj SupaStar. There were vendors ranging from clothing for the curvy diva to beautiful jewelry to fragrances to super cute custom greeting cards! Yummy light bites and cocktails where circulating, that's always a good thing!

Hosted by Ta Morrison, the event featured a "Curve Talk Live"  panel of  local curvy experts:

Designer/Fashion Stylist, Yolanda Ann of Ego boutique

Fashion Stylist, Kimberly Kne'cole

Ms. PLUS America 2016, Wykeisha King

Plus size fashion blogger, Tameka Wells

The ladies discussed things such as their definition of curves, personal experiences with being plus sized, what being curvy means to them, and what plans they to do within the curvy community. These ladies were so brave, sharing their personal experiences (some not so pleasant) as a curvy girl! I am exited to see what each of these ladies does individually!

I finally got to meet some the fabulous ladies I'm friends on social media with(including Ta Morrison, lol)! I ran in to some of my girls I haven't seen in YEARS! I invited some more of my girls out and they had a blast!  Yassssssssssssss for celebrating CURVES!

Curve Talk Live panel

This was definitely a great event, especially for the 1st time! I'm excited to see what all Ta as well as Two Curvy Cousins brings to the curvy women in the Houston area. Knowing Ta, who has her own travel agency, they'll be curving it all the way in Dubai! Count me in for that one!

Ladies (and Men) packed the house!

Did I mention I was a "Special Guest"?? That was a surprise! So thankful for the recognition! Thanks so much ladies!

Yours Truly!

Outfit deets:

all items are actually on SALE now!
Top: Rue 107 available here
Skirt: Eloquii available here
Shoes: GoJane available here   

I also copped a cute goodie bag(NCD tote) with a NCD tee shirt and some great products from the event sponsors!

If you weren't there, I definitely hope you can make it to the next event!

See you there!

Keep up with Two Curvy Cousins here

Keep up with Ta Morrison and ALL of her business ventures here

XoXo

Crysy