COCKTAILS AND CONVERSATIONS
At the end of
last month I made from Brighton to Aldgate in London for Black Ballad’s
‘Cocktails and Conversation’ event. This was my first Black Ballad event I had attended despite
having followed their content for a while now. In the words of Black Ballad the
event was ‘An evening of celebrating the
talents, trials & triumphs of black British women, through honest
conversation with the women that are creating and shaping our history today.’ The night was
hosted by Ronke Lawal. Many influencers
including the keynote speaker, Jamelia took
part in the evening event with the theme of the night being ‘vitality’.
“The capacity for
survival or for the continuation of a meaningful and purposeful existence.”
I really enjoyed
the layout of both panel discussions, the first panel focused on the entrepreneurial
ventures of the food industry. This was lead by Great British Bake Off 2016 quarter
finalist Benjamina Ebuehi
and the Co-founder of The Nigerian Tapas Restaurant Chuku’s. Ifeyinwa Frederick.
Bejamina updated us all on her journey since
GBBO, being a food stylist and her future endeavors. As for Ifeyinwa, she was
brutally honest with the crowd, and although she is aware of her success and
achievements, she also knows the trials and tribulations she has faced along
the way. She is beautifully unapologetic
about it as she is explaining her journey so far. Which was interesting and
very humbling to hear. Reminding us that we are only human, the importance of self-care and not to be so
hard on yourself.
Before the second
panel was introduced, we got the chance to mingle amongst one another, meet
familiar and new faces. The event also featured the craft and businesses of Dorcas Creates and Onua Home Décor, not to forget Cocktail
Mania! They provided the tastiest cocktail mixes throughout the night. It is always
inspiring to see BOB doing well and to see the owners doing what they are truly
passionate about.
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| Aisha and I |
The second panel
was made out of three very experienced working professionals, who in my eyes
after hearing their stories have most definitely #madeit. Shelley Collins, the director of Just
Resources International told us of her experiences in the workplace and how it
is important to correct and educating others so they know better for next time.
Alongside Shelley was Karen Tippett-Lehane
who is the founder of TippettPR and Dr Nike Folayan,
the associate director of WSP, they both emphasized on the power of consistency.
Nike made a great point about striving onwards and upwards to each your
potential, not to stay where you are not growing.
The
singer/songwriter Jamelia was the last to grace the stage with a beautiful
message. Using her current state as a metaphor. She insisted on how we must all
take care and nurture out pregnancies. That pregnancy being something inside of
us, a dream, an idea we have that we must launch with courage. An inspirational
night it was to say the least. Evenings like this one always remind me of the
importance of representation. The representation of everyone in every
institution in order for younger generation to know anything can be
accomplished. Thank you to Black Ballad for bringing together such a brilliant
event!
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YASMIN TELLS