REFLECTIONS 2011 INTERNATIONAL FULLER WOMAN EXPO
by Cassy Jones-Mcbryde on Monday, September 19, 2011 at 11:20pm2011 Expo was more than I could have hoped for. The Detroit Historical Museum was a beautiful backdrop for this years event. We had a great mix of vendors that traveled far and wide to share their goods and services to our attendees.
For the first time in 3 years I took some time, stepped back and watched everything unfold. I often became emotional, realizing the journey from a dream to reality. It was bitter sweet at times, having to celebrate without some who we are used to seeing in attendance. We pushed forward and came together to bring another uplifting event to the Detroit area.
I am so grateful to be able continue to spread the message of self love and celebration of what makes us beautiful, unique and divine! We are women uninhibited by circumstance, society perceptions or prejudices. We are now connected in purpose and intent. We have learned the power of our voice and will make steps to change our part of the world. More importantly, we began to tell those that were not in attendance the power of their curves.
To our Expo committee:
My Stephanie- My z-twinn, my friend. I dont have enough thank yous on tap for you. We do most of our empowerment initiatives together. We move in uniyson, like ALL the time! Thank you for keeping me focused in the midst of it all. Love you!
The Catalyst Victoria- You are invaluable to our show and to me. Thank you for professionalism and your expertise. Love you!!
My Elonda- Despite all that you were going thru you came through, for us. I thank you so much, love you more!
Lachina-You have been with me from the beginning of this journey, thank you for being my friend!
Vernisha-Our VIP concierge! I was throughly grateful for you. You did an amazing job!
Jackie- You were my street team and Curvy Cafe staff!! Thanks so much to you and your beautiful daughters.
Avima Graphics and Design-Thank you for creating another stunning campaign.
Psquared Promotions-For coordinating the After Glow and the media campaign for the same. Thanks!
We brought to you plus fashion from all over beautifully worn by models from around the country that exemplified what it means to be a "fuller woman". Thank you for your professionalism and feirceness on the runway!
- Erica Watson-For bringing the house DOWN! You are truly wonderful, I am forever connected to you sista!! Love you...
- Elonda and Victoria for another amazing year, everyone appreciated the fluidity and professionalism you both displayed in coordinating the show.. thank you so much!
- LaChina- Of course your choreography was on point as always!!! I appreciate you!!
- Paul Mitchell School and Salon- All of our models hair and make up looked amazing! here's to a great partnership with you!
- (California) -Lead Sponsor-IGIGI by Yuliya Raquel more than a brand, a state of mind.Beauty uncompromised... Thank you!!
- (Michigan)Tania Monet Couture- I am so happy to see you back on the scene, making us remember what was missing
- (Canada) Ashaki Charles-It has been amazing to see your evolution. There are not many people who can go from accessories to runway fashions so effortlessly. I am elated everytime I see you both. Truly amazing women.
- (Canada) Pheline-I dont know what to say about your collection other than WOW, but I expect nothing less. Thank you for blessing us with it all!!
- (Michigan) Black Dress Boutique-What I love about you is you are consistently professional, having tailored pieces that fit our models like they were melted and poured in them. Thank you!
- (New York) B.G.U.- We have been eagerly awaiting your return to Detroit. Of course you did not disappoint! Just beautiful!
- (Georgia) SWH Apparel- Romantic, seductive peices that were SO well executed! we have to get your shoes on the runway next year.
- (Michigan) La Flava- The kids were adorable and the collection just too cute! Thanks for allowing my neice to rock your apparel. She had a great time!
- (Canada)-Black Rattle Designs- Loved your plus bridal designs, everyone did!
- Mia Amber Davis Tribute-Presentation created by Jonathon Jackson of Fiyar Unlimited. Thank you for creating such a beautiful tribute. Mia it was hard without you...To Cherina Tidwell who traveled so far to sing so beautifully.... thanks so much!
- Mia Amber Davis Award of Excellence Winner Valery Amador- who inspired so so many people to greatness.. Thank you for your words of wisdom and your remarkable spirit.
We had speakers who have dedicated their lives to the movement in their own positive, enlightened way.
Kim Coles-Beautiful, dynamic, engaging, authentically real!I am honored to be able to have an event where others had the opportunity to connect with you and so they could continue to share their G.I.F.T.S. with the world.
DeLores Pressely- Pioneer in the plus movement. We owe a great deal to you and your inspiring efforts to change the conversation. We all know now the power we have, thanks for showing us the way!
Jeannie Ferguson- To learn about the business of modeling from someone who has been so successful was a dream come true to a lot of women in attendance.Thanks for sharing your knowledge and wisdom and pulling through despite of the travel delays.
Our panel discussion Led by Erica Watson was incredible. We never have enough time to talk!! thanks to
- Dr. Cynthia Jones-for your ability to translate the complicated world of medicine to laymans terms!
- Princess Currence- for being so engaging and enlightening
- Valery Amador-for bringing your experience and diverse knowledge
- Tracy McCaskill-for always lighting up the room with your contagious personality. I love you!!!
- Amanda Levitt-for sharing your perspective to those in attendance
Special thanks to:
Sonsi-Thank you for being our sponsor for another year!! Your support means alot to us!
Bennets Boots-For gifting our attendees with gift certificates! Thank you for your partnership!!
Kiyonna- for dressing me in your beautiful convertable dress!! it was a pleasure to wear it!
Daily Venus Diva Magazine, Plus Model Magazine and Plus Model Radio-For being our lead media sponsors, your support over the years is invaluable to us. Thank you so so much!
Lucas Pictures and Tara Taylor-For being responsible for how amazing Mia looked in our 2011 campaign. You are amazing!
Elsie- My Nigerian Goddess!! thank you for connecting with me to help spread our work to Africa and beyond. I love you girl!!
Faces by Pureness-who was our VIP makeup artists! You were incredible as always, I still dont know what you did to my face but thank you for doing it!
Robert Estelle and the Ana Sites Group-For executing the Plus Biz Connect Contest model , which granted exposure to valid plus businesses, ran by powerful plus women. Thank you!!
Linda Scott and Marco Mays-Thank you for being so intune with me. I love you more than you know...
Natasha-Blonde Beauty!!- It was soo good to see you! thank you for just stepping in when we needed you! love u always!!
Denise Thackston-for your encouraging words when I needed them the most. so gracious, so amazing!!
Gwen DeVoe- for holding me up. Thank you sista!
Tisa Wigley, Steffy and Jemita-For helping in our street team efforts,Tisa- you rocked the runway too ma!
To the many bloggers, media sponsors, facebook friends and family, vendors and the hundreds of men and women who attended. Thank you for believing in what we do and entrusting your time and resources to our cause. For bringing your friends and family with you and pledging to further the movement. We did all of this for you!
Cassy
No comments:
Post a Comment