We Rise Brunch Recap
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We Rise Brunch
Recap
“Don’t be a lady, be a legend”
… the empowering words that attendees were welcomed to as they entered the inaugural We Rise Brunch (WBR).
What brought me to the WBR:
Instinct!
I don’t get out much (lol) but when I saw who was organizing this event I was very intrigued. A few years back I had the pleasure of working with Leigh Events Co. for a Carnival Spice wedding performance. That experience left a positive impression so I anticipated that the WBR would be dynamic.
The We Rise Brunch exceeded my expectations.
As an entrepreneur what charged me up the most was the branding! Guys, the WBR Logo color scheme, and sophistication could be found every everywhere.
EVERYWHERE.
From the The walls, the social media, the napkins, the desserts, chile even the bathroom! I lived for this. I appreciated this. It really made me reflect on how I display my business and personal brand… What impressions am I leaving on my clients and audience? What details could I add to my work to make an even greater impact? …ya, my mind went all the way there.
There were three facets to the We Rise Brunch; a panel, a brunch, and an aftaaa pawty! Each was in a separate room decorated beautifully. There was an intention for every detail and great vibe throughout. Here’s a short review of the different elements!
The Panel
@kelawalker my spirit animal!!!!! I am glad to have been introduced to you and your greatness.
@wondagurl congratulations on all your success and reminding folks that “age aint nuttin’ but a number”
@samanthaclarke my beautiful friend oh how I love thee! I already know how phenomenal you are so it was great seeing you in another element and crushing it too!
@janetjacksonhairstylist story resonated with me the most. Her passion for hair and desire to uplift other black hairstylists reminded me so much of my love for dance and building my team of performing artists. It was great to hear ways in which she rose above adversity to make her mark on the hair industry in Canada and beyond. Oh, and thank you for dancing your way into the room during your entrance! Too Lit!!
@karencivil what a pleasure to have you bring your knowledge and energy to us Toronto ladies. Many of the experiences you shared had strategies that could be applied to all areas of our life. SO TIMELY AND OH SO NECESSARY! Thank You!
Some of my fave takeaways:
“Be mindful of your character and your reputation will take care of itself” - Kela Walker
“Never step over a dollar to pick up a nickel” - Karen Civil
Introduce yourself using your first AND last name! Small note, yet so profound!
Brunch
Dear WBR team, the introverts and solo attendees greatly appreciated the assigned seating!!!!!!!! lol
Our meal was a WELL SEASONED four course Caribbean meal. Here we had live entertainment and learned more about the future of the WBR.
The event attracted a great audience as well. I was reminded of this even more by the women sitting at my table. Shout out to the ladies I sat beside. To my left was Rockstar Mom & Entrepreneur @robinawalling and to my right celeb make up artist @afia_beauty.
Afta Pawty
The Lounge was super fun! It had an array exhibitors & activations, live DJ and a big ole dance floor.
Everyone had high spirits and looked lovely. I also appreciated that most followed the Green and Pink dress code.
We were surprised with gifts throughout the day too. Here are some of the goodies I brought home.
In the photo you can spot my most favourite gift: My portrait! @caricature.dani sketched it in like 5 minutes! I went and got it lamented yesterday - I’m in love!
Additional goodies not pictured: A fresh rose from @thepetalpop, dairy & gluten free cookies (from Cake & Co I believe), and a kente head wrap I purchased from @siranis_fashion. There were many more activations that I didn’t get a chance to get to in time.
Small detail I also loved was that a majority of the vendors were black owned businesses.
