The Essence [Weekend] of Life

So, now that I have had time to recoup from the longest event weekend of my life, I am ready to share how great the past weekend actually was.

Essence Festival 2018 brought 510,000 people into the city of New Orleans. Along with that, there was close to $1 billion spent in the city as well. I’m sure the hit movie Girls’ Trip had something to do with many women groups in matching shirts and color coordinated outfits. My favorite group name was the “BrideHive.” Shout out to y’all… I stan for Beyonce as well.

The music is always a highlight, it is a festival after all. This year, Miguel, H.E.R., Snoop Dog, and Janet (Ms. Jackson, if you’re nasty) were some of the few amazing talents to grace the Superdome stages. And while their catalogs can go on forever, I really enjoyed the experiences beyond stage most.

Behind The Stage

The Morial Convention Center had speakers from ever walk of entertainment. There were seminars, meet and greets, free giveaways, beauty bungalows, and more!

I had the pleasure to work Essence at their home base, Essence House, at the Ace Hotel. Being a native, I already enjoy the Ace Hotel. The vibe is chill and there’s always an awesome band to catch playing live music throughout the week. I also find the staff quiet pleasant. But this weekend, the Ace Hotel became  the hub to private events, pod casts, and an all around eclectic gathering space..

I was already enjoying meeting new people in the entertainment industry and seeing the hustle and bustle of behind stage productions. Listening to people’s growth and stories was the most refreshing, though. It just reminded me as a freelancer, even the people who need the least professional guidance still appreciate personal support.

While working the Proctor & Gamble: My Black is Beautiful Dinner, I had the pleasure of hearing Queen Latifa speak to a crowd of influencers. As she took to the podium, she acknowledge the speaker who gave the grand introduction. She took a moment to pause and reflect. After thanking everyone for listening to her long introduction, she confessed to not really paying attention to her successes because she is constantly busy working on the next task.

Humbled by her own credit, she encourage everyone listening to take the time to accept your accomplishments and celebrate them. We are so quick to move on to the next thing that we seldom appreciate the little things. We are dope we are dope individuals. And that was so big to me. Someone who is so well accomplished and radiates grace and security was telling us that it is okay to stop and have a moment.

The Truth of The Matter

I confess that I am that person that once a milestone is completed, it is time fore me to tackle the next one. But how do you enjoy the moments in life that way? When am I allowed to pat myself on that back and say, “Damn right, I did that!”?

Well, after listening to Queen Latifa say those words I still felt the overdrive in me say, “She can say that, now. You aren’t there yet.” Instantly, I was back in my old “gotta get it” mode. But  I remembered to stay in the moment and good things come. Just like the opportunity to work  the Essence Festival did. I was referred by a friend who knew I was growing my company, Blueprint Marketing & PR, LLC.

I had no idea the call was coming to help with VIP event activations. The summer was supposed to be dedicated to rest after graduate school. My goal was to get back to things I loved to do like working out, traveling, and doing fun creative projects. While, I had dedicated the summer to enjoying life by doing the little things in the midst of doing so, the opportunity just fell into my lap.

It was as if the university was rewarding me for putting in the ground work, but also taking the time to enjoy life. The balance was literally rewarding. Queen Latifa’s words couldn’t be more true. Take time and enjoy the milestones. Relish in your moments. Everything else will come at the right time.