I have to tell you guys about my 2nd event! Yep, my 2nd!! I had wanted to do a vision board party but...everyone does those! So of course I had to do something a tad different. My girl Mya suggested I do a vision BOOK party. Well what exactly did I want to do, is what I had to figure out! I did a little research and some planning and yes, Write it down, Make it pain with Crysy Allyson was born!
Yes Erykah!!!
The vision book I created is different from a vision board because I placed more focus on goal setting and planning. Where a vision board is more cut out pics and just paste them to a board. I wanted to actually "work" on what you want to manifest in your life! Do some thinking...some planning...you know? So I created this cute little workbook (which will be available for purchase) that covers they key areas of our lives and planning and setting goals for each. There are pages to "update" your goal setting process as well as identifying what you may need to work on. We did do a little cutting and pasting for our covers, so each lady got to be a bit creative. The good thing about the covers, is that you can go back and change and add as you like! Vision boards are so "permanent"!
I believe that it is important that we work on ourselves while asking God(the universe, Allah, Buddha or whomever you worship) to make things happen in our lives. We must make moves on our own as well!
Working on their covers!
I am so humbled by this experience. I have ladies attend that just found my event on eventbrite and Facebook ads! They didn't even know me and wanted to attend! Social media followers that I had never met! This was awesome on so many levels, y'all. I look forward to connecting with many wonderful ladies in the future! I'm already thinking of my next event! As well as looking for other events and women to support!!!!
Ok so, the bad news is, if you weren't there...you missed an awesome time. Good news is....I'm doing one EVERY year! Yayyyyyyyyyyyyyy! I definitely suggest you join me at the next one!
make sure to connect with me on social media to keep up with me! IG: @crysycouture FB: Crysy Couture
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
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
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)
It's Wednesday again! I'm sending love and positive vibes you guys way...hoping that this hump day gets you through yet another awesome week! Being that is IS Wednesday, that means that there is another wonderful woman that I have to share with you!!
You know, as the saying goes, "change your thinking and it will change your life"....do you believe that?? I do. Totally. Some times you have to let go or release certain people, places AND things in order to progress in life or just get to another chapter in the book of life, per se...that includes and personal practices and thought processes as well. Growth!
As I go through my own personal journey of growth and change, I have come across new interesting people, places, as well as new things! I had the pleasure of crossing paths with Lilith Shakti of Indigenous Naturals. Lilith is a Houston native(Acres Homes) and a mother of 4. She has been studying/practicing holistically since high school! She began her womb care studies when her daughter was diagnosed with a "chemical imbalance" at 4 years old. She wanted to find a way to cater to her daughter's needs; with out medicine. She stated that her daughter began her cycle at an early age and she needed to be able to help her daughter with her personal hygiene as well as her menstruation/PMS symptoms.
Indigenous focuses on all things regarding natural women's hygiene and womb care. What is "womb care" you ask? Well, to take care of our womb(the uterus; a place of origination and development)!
According to Lilith, it is important because, "not only do we receive our partners and carry our children, but we process and heal through our wombs. We are happy or unhappy. You can always tell what a woman is going through by how she carries herself and her view on things." So it is important that we care for our inner self as well as the outer.
The Indigenous brand encompasses care of your mind, body and spirit. Under the Indigenous umbrella are:
Indigenous Naturals- body products (bath scrubs and milks etc...)
Indigenous Wellness Institute- which offers classes to provide the services that she offers as well as certifications in yoga, touch therapy, and making natural body care products.
Lilith offers a WIDE variety of care products and services.
Some of the services that Lilith offers are:
Yoni Yoga- a combo of breathing, kegels, and mind stimulation exercises.
Guided Meditation- 45 min meditation, focusing on quieting your mind and visualization.
Mommy Doula- In which she serves as a Doula (a woman who is trained to assist another woman during childbirth and who may provide support to the family after the baby is born.) In which she offers assistance 3 months before and after a baby is born in to a family.
How awesome is THAT? NOW....
What is a YONI , you ask?? A yoni is a
Hindu word that represents a woman's vagina.
Ever hear of a "Yoni egg"? Well me either until I met Lilith! When she was initially telling me, I was like ,"You want me to put what and where??" But it definitely sparked an interest and I had to do a little research. Yay for growth, because a few years ago? She would have gotten a "GIRL BYE!"...lol. After researching, I decided to give it a try! I'm so glad I did.
Yoni Eggs are actual gem stones( jade, rose quartz etc.) in the shape of eggs that women insert into their vagina/yoni. These eggs have been used for centuries by women who knew that keeping good female wellness is the key to universal well being.
There are MANY benefits of using a yoni egg such as:
-strengthens your pelvic floor muscles
-tighten and moisten your Yoni
-improve your pelvic awareness
-increase blood circulation of your genitals
-support your urinary and digestive organs
-clear blockages, and ultimately
-cultivate your sensitivity, leading to an experience of heightened pleasure
-increase your self-love,
-feel your own vibrations, step into your feminine power.
Surprisingly, you don't even have to inset the egg to benefit from it. As long as you have it NEAR you like in your pocket, bra, or even your purse...Shoot, I had mine in my purse a few days and I SWEAR I noticed a change in not only myself but my surroundings! My attitude was better, I was more open to talking and socializing in social settings, I was meeting great new people...and that was just from being in my purse! Yea I haven't graduated to "inserting" it just yet....
This is the Yoni egg that I have, each gem has different "powers". You pick the stone you will benefit from most
Although yoni eggs are very popular, the yoni scrub is Lilith's most requested item. The Yoni scrub is a body scrub, made of all natural ingredients(oils, butters and exfoliants) used to treat eczema, sun burn and other skin conditions.
Her most requested service is the Intuitive Yoni Steam. A steam is basically a medicinal, herbal, steam facial for the vagina. It is used to treat things such as:
Irregular and painful periods
• Vaginal cysts
• Infertility
• Bladder and yeast infections
• Hemorrhoids
• Uterine fibroid
• Scarring from childbirth, hysterectomies and laroscopies A yoni steam before use
Lilith has a goal to be "Relevant and available to all sister queens needing her services." She aspires to be pure, simple, and true as she services all women that she comes in contact with.
Her future goal is to be able to offer knowledge, train and nurture other women with a pure intent to heal wombs, so that they can be able to carry out the practices and beliefs of indigenous; unfortunately she can't heal all us all!
I'm sure your mind is all over the place after all of that new information!
Lilith Shakti to keep up with all things indigenous such as products new and old, events, and when you can join her and her sister queens on "wine and writing Wednesdays" (a writing cypher where women gather, write, sing, release energy and vibes and have wine!)
Lilith, the sister Queen herself!
Meet Lilith here and watch our YouTube video!
I really hope I brought you guys some new info and you will take it and use it as you feel need. Just open your minds...think a little. Doesn't mean you'll turn into a mini Erykah Badu, lol. Doesn't mean you have to change your religion. Do a little research like I did and see how you can benefit from any if not all of these services/products mentioned above. You can always contact me with any questions as well as reach out to the REAL expert, Lilith. It is definitely a lot to take in but I think it is very useful! Have a wonderful rest of the week!
It's #WWW or Working Woman Wednesday again! I am SO glad that my 1st #WWW blog post received SO much love!! Thank you!!! I just thought that it was time that someone recognize women that are actually making a positive mark in today's society. There are so many female business owners, philanthropist, advocates etc. that we know nothing about! Why not be that someone to bring attention to them! I definitely plan to keep #WWW posts going. Let's support each other! Hopefully, I can help inform people of all the wonderful women doing various things in our communities as well as make some connections! Not only do I want to inform, but I really want to inspire! Everybody has a STORY! By me sharing the stories of various women, I hope that at least one woman can read this and decide not to give up, to give something new a try or to keep on pushing! This weeks #WWW is Kim Harris, owner of Sheas of Essence. Sheas of Essence is a budding handcrafted body
products company that includes items such as bath bombs, sugar scrubs and body butters that are creatively infused with
shea butter, mango butter, coconut oil and jojoba oil. When asked how she decided to start her business, Kim stated, "I come from a family of entrepreneurs and as successful as my family’s businesses have become I have to be honest that I never imagined having the torch being passed to me. Before Sheas of Essence was even birthed I always had this way of trying to recreate something. My husband and I could be at dinner and I would say “You know I can make this right?” Even though I love to cook I knew that I had no desire to going into the catering business. As long as I can I can remember I’ve always had sensitive skin. There were very few products that I could use that wouldn’t irritate me. After noticing that I ran out of my skin moisturizer and didn’t have time to go to the store to purchase more I decided to make my own. I didn’t know what the outcome was going to be but I was up for the challenge." She went on to say that after making her first batch of body butter, she knew immediately that is what she wanted to do. Kim went into researching various natural butters, oils and other ingredients and how to create some of her favorite body products. A year and a half later, Sheas of Essence is well on it's way to becoming a staple body product line! All the products have a special way of pampering and moisturizing your skin, leaving it feeling and smelling amazing. The bath bombs that are offered in a variety of yummy smelling scents are seemingly the line's best selling product. Kim said, "It makes me laugh when customers come up to smell them and then inquire what is the purpose of them. Most of the responses are “I don’t take baths.” I understand where they were coming from because of our daily tasks and all the hats that we may wear throughout the week rarely gives the average person just to take time to relax. You may not have time or the finances to go to the spa or get a weekly massage, but that is when our products come in to play. I challenge all customers to take time after a busy day, draw them a warm bath, light a candle (Soon I will be introducing a candle line), drop a bath bomb in and allow Sheas of Essence to go to work. I promise you will be coming back for more." Kim gets excited when sharing her love for God and how her faith has helped her, especially with her business. Kim shared, "I find great joy when I’m allowed to be used to be a blessing to others in any capacity. When I think about each of my new and returning customers I thank God that something that he has gifted me to do has given them a chance to experience a way to relax and feel pampered after using one of Sheas of Essence products. My motto is that each product is “made with love and a prayer.” All throughout the process of preparing the products I’m praying that all of my customers needs are being met and that are able to experience and see Christ within me and their experience with Sheas of Essence." Kim concluded by saying, "As a child of God I know that he has equipped each one of us with a gift and assignment to share with others. I had no idea that this moment of creativity would blossom into such an amazing journey. I know that everyone isn’t meant to be an entrepreneur or a small business owner but after being laid off and giving someone the power to interrupt the finances of our household I was determined to never be put in that state again." SOE is definitely a budding business! You can can find Kim sharing her faith and her awesome products at various events all over the Houston and surrounding areas. Keep up with Kim and all things Sheas of Essence here by following her on Instagram!
