Stylish women coming together to empower, motivate and inspire? Sign me up! Yesterday I attended Tajuan Givens‘ 2nd Annual Tea Soirée: The Ladies Life Class, a fun event that not only focuses on empowering women, but also designed to be a (stylish) space where like-minded women can also network and engage with each other. “Empowerment” has been a buzz word for the last few years, with most events only having surface level discussions and interactions, but when the right women come together, the authenticity that’s needed in order for events like this to actually be successful will show up and its true purpose can be served.
This year’s event took place at The Atrium Memphis, a beautiful, natural light filled venue in Overton Square, and was styled with classic, chic decor (I was obsessed with the couch) and we were treated to some delicious sips + bites.
Moderated by Santa Patton, this year’s panel of women covered both corporate and creative backgrounds (Cynthia Daniels (Chief Event Specialist; Top 40 Under 40 Urban Elite Professional) , Author Dr. Cierrah Perrien (Woman to Woman: Straight to the Point), & Karleen Roy (The Vanity Group)) and what I loved about this panel was the honesty that was discussed about how we can better interact with each other (especially as black women), and also the different perspectives regarding entrepreneurialship.
Social Media’s impact on our day to day lives can either help or hinder your individual progress, so leaving the fakeness at home and truly connecting with your audience, peers and supporters are more important than ever, and it was a topic that touched so many women during the discussion. Learning to give each other grace to not be perfect 24/7 (and not be so judgmental) while also figuring out how we can support each other in our endeavors so that we establish better networks are key to real growth in our communities, and Dr. Perrien shared a few tips on how to work on this daily.
Cynthia + Karleen’s discussion focused moreso on walking in your purpose, and not allowing fear to stop you from pursuing your passion. No one’s walk is the same (Cynthia’s journey was a little more structured while Karleen took more risks to create the life and company that she wanted), but they’re both proponents of trusting your gut and not allowing other’s ideals for your life to dictate the moves that you want to make.
After the panel discussion and Q & A section, we mingled and networked-and not that fake “here’s my card I’ll call you someday never” type networking. Women actually talked, laughed, took pictures and connected with each other beyond their normal social circles, which was truly nice to see. And of course I had to capture a little city style!
The energy in the room was light and inspiring, so it made it easier for women to let their guards down and talk to someone new, which is what events like this are all about.
It’s been 2 years since Tajuan’s last Tea Soirée and it was definitely worth the wait. I can’t wait to see what she does next!
cynthia daniels Dr. Cierrah Perrien fashion events karleen roy tea soiree womens empowerment