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

                                                             

Event: The Playlist Showcase

Hey Ya'll!!

This past Saturday (Sept. 24), I had the pleasure of attending "The Playlist Showcase".

 The Playlist originated as a nationally syndicated radio show, hosted by Ms Cat TV which is for indie music artists across the country to share their art through various media outlets. Ms Cat TV along with B.A.N.G productions created an opportunity for these performers to do a  showcase to display their talent to a live audience. Ms Cat is an entertainment industry POWERHOUSE! Through radio, television, as well as social media she is changing the game and breaking barriers!

                     Ms Cat TV

The Playlist showcase featured about 10 indie performers, awards for local music contributors and pioneers as well as a variety of vendor an service offerings. Wait, how awesome is this, the show is to benefit F.A.C.E.S (Foundation for Autism Care, Education and Services)!

Each act performed about 3 songs. With a good variety of music performed from hardcore rap to a R&B artist who sings and also a plays the guitar! I was on my feet the whole time!

rap artist Kory Smokz put on a hott performance

 Tariq Adid ... that voice + the guitar= FIRE

Group The Pharmacy put on a WHOLE performance!!!

There were other great performances from a beautiful very talented young lady named Bria Jhane, a hip hop duos G.S.O.C, DBFD6, rappers Jtronius and Shooter Mac. So much talent in the building! 

What a treat to see legendary Houston group H-Town, local rap sensation Jay Dawg as well as Marketing genius TC Thomkins and my fav radio personality Kandi Eastman in the building to receive awards for their contributions to music. Also in the building were a variety of other artists, musicians, community leaders, business men/women and socialites.

What an awesome event this was!

H-Town with Ms Cat and Righteous of B.A.N.G production

 Jay Dawg humbly accepting his award 

 Amir Diamond of 97.9 The Boxx presenting Kandi Eastman of 102.1 Jamz her award. Did you know that is his mother!!??

I really enjoyed myself! From meeting the various artists and other media outlets on the RED CARPET to the wide variety of vendors to the refreshing talent...oh and did I mention there was food and drinks! Yes!

Myself and Mc Key2ThaCity; just the hottest female MC out of the south!

 Mc Key2ThaCity with songstress Jaye Valentine

 Ms Cat doing a red carpet interview; the fashionista in me HAD to find out who designed these fabulous gowns Ms Cat wore! Designer, Tamara Ellis of The Natty Needle did that!!!

 Power couple Lawanda and Gaylon, creators of the Hair Choppas awards, the first Grammy awards for the Beauty industry.

 The variety of vendors

Media access!

t

Even though the was the 1st annual Playlist Showcase, everything was put on and put together very nicely! Ms Cat has a great team!

Thanks to my very special sister Mc Key2thaCity for this opportunity. If this is any indication on how Ms Cat does events, I can't wait until the next one! You guys should meet me there!

Until the next event!

XoXo

-Crysy

Keep up with Ms Cat here

Keep up with B.A.N.G productionz here
More info on designer Tamara Ellis here

Keep up with Mc Key here

More info on the Hair Choppas awards here

Brunch and Slay: NARS cosmetics Fall preview event

Hey guys!

I attended my first Brunch and Slay event and I'm so excited to share with you guys!!!

According to their website, "Brunch and Slay is a Lifestyle Event series, created to connect, inspire and entertain women who have an undeniable passion for Self, Health, and Wealth."

I'm glad that I finally had a chance to attend an event hosted by Ameerah of Brunch and Slay! I had an awesome time!

This past Thursday night (8/25/16), she hosted "Celebration of Self", a Fall make up preview at NARS cosmetics at their River Oaks Location. Ameerah is an awesome host! She was so warm and welcoming. Even though the event was PACKED, she greeted each attendee with a smile and conversation. My girl Kim and I came in, she greeted us, got us wine, and entered us in a raffle. Usually you go to events and the host is too busy and you probably get little to no personal interaction with them. She chatted with us, took pics, answered our questions and everything. She worked that event honey! Kuddos to her and her crew!

If you don't already know, events and networking is NOT one of my stronger attributes. It's a tad(nah...a LOT) overwhelming for me. I was glad that Kim was able to go with me, but the vibe at the event helped as well. The MUA's at NARS were very helpful. They were able to answer all questions, gave demonstrations as well as gave suggestions and samples of the new Fall products. They have some very pretty lip colors as well as eye shadows and nail colors coming for the Fall! Ya'll know I love color! The other ladies there were super nice, whether they were a part of the Brunch and Slay crew or an attendee. Every one was so nice and engaging! They also had light bites and drinks. Oh, how can I forget; I tried macaroons for the first time! AND it was my fav, cookies & cream! Talk about DE-LISH! I have never tried them because they look like they are dry and flaky like a "wafer". Boy, was I wrong! Man! Ok...I had a total "snackie" moment! Lol
They also had an artist painting each guest! Mine came out soooo cute, I'm gonna frame it!
The #1 goal of Brunch and Slay is, That the guest enjoy themselves. Welp, I did! Mission accomplished!
Ammerah did say that she has a whole year of happening and events planned, so I'm definitely looking forward to my next B&S event! I can't make the next one, which is a session at Soul Cycle! Ugh! I've been wanting to try that out! If you can, you should attend! You can get more info about it here .

Also, make sure you LIKE the Brunch and Slay page on Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/brunchandslay/?fref=ts

They are also on Instagram @brunchandslay

Hope to see you guys at a Brunch and Slay event!

XoXo
Crysy

Kim, Ameerah and Myself at the event

Packed House! Great vibes and fabulous women!

NARS foundation/concealer/blush offerings

NARS Lip and Eye products

NARS has a good variety of Fall nail colors!

NARS offers a variety of shades!

That face u make the MUA makes your blush POP! lol

Exhibit A and Taj Mahal were the 2 the MUA used. Loved em!!!  

Kim getting tips from the wonderful MUA

My painting! How cute