Well, I started last weekend off with a trip to Memphis’s Farmers Market and since I was undecided on whether or not to attend the Memphis Book Festival I dressed cute and comfortable to be on the safe side. I got my fresh fruits and veggies (see Memphis Farmers Market Post) and headed down Union. A quick left into the Playhouse on the Square and a parking space magically appeared! I believe I was in sync with the Universe! (Parking spaces in midtown are hard to come by) I waltz in like I know where I am going and what class I am going to sit in but, I don’t know either. With a warm welcome and a quick read of the confused look on my face, I was handed a festival class and activity guide by a lovely volunteer.
I see the class Having It All and the description of balancing being an author and your other endeavors (blogger, running a publishing company, publicist, working professional, etc). I thought to myself “Can I have it all? Will I have to let some things go? I need balance. I don’t know what I am doing. This is the class for me!” I walk in and opt for a seat by the window so I can view the tent of authors I would visit after this class.
ALL of the authors on the panel gave us the unbridled truth about having it all, how they got where they are, where they are trying to go from there. They were very down to earth, practical, spoon feeding us truth serum in the world of Having It All all with pats on the back. You know the kind of hearty pats on the back your mom gives you after you cough from the horrible liquid night time syrup that is sure to make you better by morning.
I met Kima Jones, publicist for Natalie Baszile, the author of Queen Sugar. If you didn’t know, Queen Sugar debuted a few weeks ago as a new night time TV drama on OWN. She was the only woman on the panel and offered sound and sharp advice to women in the audience.
After I floated out of the class, I ran smack dab into a woman here in Memphis I adore. Cheryl Pesce is an angel that handcrafts jewelry with intricate details from precious stones and metals. I follow her on Facebook and Instagram (and you should too!) because she is so inspiring, unique and gifted. She has a story to tell that will light fire under your stilettos or sneakers.
I headed on over to Belly Acres for lunch and walked right into a Junker’s Fair in Overton Square. Belly Acres is in walking distance from Playhouse on the Square along with many other restaurants and bars. It was my first time there and the food was delicious.
I went home, rested and got back out to end my night with the crooning of Eric Roberson and D. Maurice as they made a pit stop in Memphis for a fundraiser of a very special and important non-profit organization here in Memphis; SisterReach. Click here to find out more about this organization and to see how you can help: https://sisterreach.org/about-sr/
My Monday was a push through to a Cocktails and Connections:Building Powerful Relationships hosted by The Brown Experience and Kay Brooks at the Hattiloo Theatre. It was well worth the push through as the panel, once again, delivered sound advice on how to handle the many types of relationships you will encounter as a professional and an entrepreneur. They shared their experiences, honest mistakes, and wisdom. I needed that advice like a fashionista needs a matching clutch to complete her attire. https://www.facebook.com/thebrownexperiencemem/ Like The Brown Experience on Facebook for up and coming events!
I was beat after that but, headed over to a behind the scenes photo shoot with flip flops in tow to relieve my aching feet from those gold heels. The experience of seeing multiple models in front of the camera and how a photographer conducts shoots was priceless. I made some great connections with the owner of iHustle, a Memphis born clothing line. Photos from their fashion show coming soon.
Nikki's Confetti Life 