NYC (Essence Beauty Carnival 2019 Trip)
- Michelle(Miche)
- May 1, 2019
- 4 min read
My experience at this years Essence Beauty Carnival in NYC Pier 36 on April 27th & 28th was inspirational, motivational and insightful for me as a melanin woman entrepreneur in the Fashion Industry. Hard work and commitment are not out of style when it comes to seeing your dreams come true and what you are passionate about via serving other's . It was so exciting to see so many women entrepreneurs in one room the room was truly lit and ignited with creativity.
While looking out into the room on this past Saturday it was hard to perceive that only thirty eight percent of women are entrepreneurs and only five percent are CEO's of Fortune 500 companies. However, the tide is truly turning. African American women are the fastest growing group of women entrepreneurs right now.
I couldn't wait to share my experience with you. First to hit the stage was Misa Hylton, Fashion Designer for 28 years, Founder & owner of Misa Hylton Fashion Academy, Fashion Stylist to the stars. Her advice was to work hard, intern, knock on doors, educate yourself in your craft and never dumb down your client to suit someone elses ideas about them. I will say, " twenty eight years in the fashion game is a long time to be doing your business and still be relevant". Misa has evolved over the years not only as a stylist but has crafted other talents such as a Certified Life Coach, Lifestyle Architect & Globa Creative Partner for MCM. She has shown Girl Bosses everywhere that if she can do it so can you.
Beauty Icon, Innovator, Model and Entrepreneur Iman walked on stage and all we could do was enjoy her 6 feet tall stature and listen intently. Iman was one of the first Black models in the industry in the U.S. She became discovered in Sudan as a young girl and quickly arrived in the U.S to begin her modeling career. As a trailblazer behind Fashion Fair when it comes to creating foundations for women of color which includes African American, Latino, Asian you name it. Iman was quick to give homage to Rihanna the owner of Fenty Beauty. She also, spoke about how big brands like to jump on the band wagon when it comes to creating multiple colors of foundations for women. However, it's not about how many colors can you create but it's more about the quality of the product and how well it complements your specific skin type. Iman final words were nugget worthy as she shared with the audience that it's important to know your worth, if there is no room for you at the table that's okay bring your own chair and most of all you deserve to be included when business is the topic.
Next up was Ciara ,Wife, Mother, R&B Celebrity and Record Label Boss. On May 10, 2019 "Beauty Marks" will drop which is her new album under her independent label. The crowd went wild. Shout Out to Ciara!! Ciara has finally established herself as her own boss. She stressed the importance of God, Family and enjoying life by taking time to embrace your processes, practice patience and embrace your scars by acknowledging them as your beauty marks. She also talked about the challenges of being a single mom, fear in the music industry when it comes to producers with her music, vision and pregnancy. Everyday wondering if she could ever really be herself and accepted in the music industry. Some of my takeaways were to first love yourself, vulnerability and not to rely on the superficial in life is how you truly LEVEL UP.
Yandy Smith-Harris, Wife, Mother, Mogul, Hip Hop Reality Celebrity, Skin Care Brand and Social Activist. Yandy created "Yelle" with melanin women in mind. Knowing that they deserve more when it comes to skin care. This skin care line has been created for young girls, women and men. As a wife and mother Yandy knows how important it is to not only take care of your skin but your body is equally important. What you eat and how you treat your skin is vitally important and you can hear this in her message as she talks about "Yelle" Skin Care. To keep those coins flowing Yandy is a prime example and shows us that you must have multiple streams of income as an entrepreneur. She represents brands and will also take to the streets for the injustices of black men, women and children. Yandy just doesn't talk business she is about business. Yandy is indeed our "Shero".
The one and only Jackie Jackie Jackie I can hear that tune in my ears whenever she shows up. Jackie Aina former military brat and now YouTube and Social Influencer is passionate about make up when it comes to women of color. She has over 2 million followers by being her candid, authentic and humurous self. Jackie isn't afraid to call out brands when it comes to foundations, palettes, eye shadows, lipsticks, bronzers, glosses, setting powders, packaging, pricing and more. She travels and now has big brands, celebrities and influencers contacting her to represent their brand because they value her opinion. And so can you. Jackie never once thought that starting her own YouTube Channel years ago would afford her the life and platform she now has. Jackie aka MakeUpGameOnPoint we just love her.
This years experience at the Essence Beauty Carnival is one that I will not forget as I take home nuggets of knowledge and wisdom. I had opportunity to meet new Influencers, Photographers, Artist, Aunties, Entrepreneurs, NYC Neighbors and more. EBC until we meet again.
Be Inspired,
Miche
Follow me on IG and FB @skygrinderstylelounge
Pics: IG @EssenceBeautyCarnival, @YandySmith and @MisaHylton