SOIREE

Did someone say Soiree?  Well, my one year blog anniversary celebration was definitely the gathering to be at this past Saturday. I was in aah by the amount of love and support that filled the room at Charlot's Creole Cafe.  Entrepreneurs came out to not only celebrate, but to network and market their businesses. Host Kiara Walker from Nstyle Atlanta had a chance to interview some of Atlanta's most influential entrepreneurs and small business owners. My vision for this event was truly met, and I couldn't be more thrilled by its success.

Saturday June 25th was bigger than me.  This event was truly to highlight other entrepreneurs and people pursuing their passion.  Guest mingled and laughed, while enjoying chocolate covered bites by Dipped@LYLAS.  These mouthwatering berries were the talk of the night.  While sampling products, guest had an opportunity to meet its owners. I think it is truly important to put a face to your products.  It gives a personal touch and adds value to what you are selling.  One of my sponsors, Doug and Cathy Richardson, owner and operator of Chickfila at Memorial Drive truly exemplifies this concept.  I visit their restaurant at least three times a week, and one of them are always on the front line. Whether there taking orders, or greeting customers, they take pride in their business and value their customers.  Each guest received "swag bags" which included a gift card for a free breakfast sandwich from their restaurant.  How cool is that!  The swag bag also included samples from Cantu.  This natural hair company specializes in hair care and beauty products and provided samples of their amazing shampoo and conditioner that will have your curls speaking volumes! The swag bags was filled with so many other goodies from gift cards, discounts off hair services provided by my amazing hair stylist over at lylashairextensions, discounts off kids clothing provided by ARKADE, and unique jewelry from P3 Style.  These amazing gifts filled bags provided by Tesla Motors.

This night was all about the giveaways.  Tesla did not only raffle off a chance to win a Tesla Model S for 24hrs, but there were hair giveaways by Amayesinghair, a hair company that provides premium virgin hair, and also art paintings by Michael Johnson.  This event would not have been possible without my supporters. If you are ever in the Atlanta area, please check out Charlot's Creole Cafe.  This family based business, own and operated by two brothers serves the best food in town. The atmosphere is small and quaint and the food is to die food.  I had the fried green tomatoes and gumbo and was absolutely sold on this place. Guest danced all night to music by Dj Live.  He definitely set the tone for the venue and made the place very eventful. I'm glad I had a chance to highlight all of the talent that's out there, that is often overlooked. It is important that we support each other with our business ventures.  We work way too hard as people, and if we just come together more, our path to success will be much easier.  Again, I would like to thank everyone who took the time out to celebrate this night with me. The joy of knowing that you have people who support you and believe in your passion is remarkable. This event was for you and there will be more to come!

*Sponsors | Tesla | Lylas Hair | Cantu | Richard's Photography | Chick Fil A | DD Sewer Inspections | Charlot's | Lay Low Entertainment | NSTYLE Atlanta | Dipped@Lylas | Amayesing Hair | Michael Johnson | Mike Up Top Promotions | P3 Style | Nate's Security

*Contributors | Vivian Henson | Tane Henson | Ashley Henson | Portia Henson | Gifted Talents | ARKADE | Phipps Plaza | Leandria Nolton

Hair By Lylas Hair

Dress By: Pink Clove

Shoes: UrbanOG

The Amazing Host Kiara Waker

Tesla Giveaway

Cantu Samples

Each Guest Received a Gift Bag

Find These Amazing Treats Here Dipped@LYLAS

My Biggest Supporter: My Mommy

Brotherly Love

DJ Live

Crew Love

Business Owners

Great Minds Share Ideas 

Amazing Night; With Amazing People 

SHETHORO BIRTHDAY

WOW! My blog has finally turned ONE.  Time really do seem to fly by when you're having fun.  This year has been filled with nothing but joy.  Last year this time, I started blogging simply to share my stories through clothes and promote women entrepreneurs.  I didn't think women had much of an outlet to shine and be recognize, so I decided to create one. I never expected to reach over 10K people all over the country, create new relationships, and partner with some of my favorite companies.  All I can say is WOW!

I truly want to thank my supporters.  Not my fans, but my SUPPORTERS.  I'm not looking to be a celebrity or famous or conform to any other egotistical name out there.  My goal has and will always remain simple; to represent the BOLD and the SPIRITED women. Promoting women entrepreneurs and touching the lives of women who are struggling with confidence and finding their place in life. I get emails daily from readers who just want to know what heels to pair with a dress, or what to wear to a birthday party, or simply advice on how to pursue their passion.  Gaining the trust of others where they feel comfortable to even talk to you has been ONE of my biggest accomplishments this year.  So I celebrate SheThoro on this day, June 24th.  The day I made my mark on the world to not only blog about fashion or what I was wearing, but to truly make a difference in the lives of others.

The real celebration will take place tomorrow on June 25the at Charlot's (see previous post for details).  I'm a firm believer that we should not only celebrate big achievements, but small milestones as well.  So, I decided to throw a one year blog anniversary party.  This will be a red carpet event, with lots of giveaways.  Music will be provided by DJ Live of Lay Low Entertainment.  This will also be a networking event to give people the opportunity to really connect with other entrepreneurs, and also give me an opportunity to meet some of my biggest supporters; YOU. It's important that we connect as people and work as ONE.  We work way to hard in life. If we would all just come together and help each other, our road to success would be much faster and more productive.  So I encourage everyone to come out and lets celebrate life together.  Besides, we only have ONE right!

Dress: Chic & Curvy | Shoes: UrbanOG

Photography By: Hollywood Photos

Hair By: LYLAS Extension

ONE YEAR BLOGGER ANNIVERSARY SOIREE

 

The time has finally come. I will be celebrating my one year blog anniversary on Saturday June 25th.  I can't believe it has been a whole year. Last year this time I started writing with simply a vision to promote self confidence and highlight women entrepreneurs.  I never anticipated for things to turn out the way it has. I am truly thankful and can't wait to celebrate this night with you guys. Next week, I will have all of the highlights from the event. If you plan on attending, please RSVP.  Tickets are limited and it's a must to enter the venue. Please see flyer and link below.  Thank you for all the support this past year.  I promise to give you bigger and better in the years to follow.  See you Saturday! 

 

 

 

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/shethoro-presents-blogger-anniversary-soiree-tickets-26082837469

PLUSH BOUTIQUE

What better way to start of the week then by shopping and saving. I am super excited about my collaboration with Plush Boutique, a plus size store offering chic and sophisticated pieces. This boutique is truly special to me; I'll get to why that is in a second.  I appreciate how much time and effort goes into selecting pieces to sell at this store.  All of the clothes sold here are from indie designers; which makes for more unique pieces. I can go on and on about this place, but after I tell you my personal experience with this establishment; I'll let you be the judge.

This boutique was established in 2009 by owner and creative director Wendy. I had an opportunity to meet Wendy back in 2010 when I was looking for an all white dress for my 24th birthday party. She probably wouldn't remember this; it's been so long. I was over 250lbs back then and finding clothes to fit my shape was a complete nightmare.  My self esteem was always high surprisingly, it was just depressing when I would go shopping and couldn't find clothes that fit. Anyway, one day I googled "plus size boutique in ATL" and Plush Boutique popped up.  I had never shopped at a boutique before and didn't know what to expect.  I GPS the location and to the store I went.  When I walked into the boutique I was pleasantly surprised. It smelled so nice, candles were burning, and the atmosphere was so serene.  I thought I had walked into a spa for a second.  Wendy greeted me as if we were friends and hung out every weekend. She offered me a glass of champagne and water; I took both (I never turn down free stuff). I told her what I was looking for, and she picked five pieces and placed it in the fitting room.  She had the best fitting room in all of Atlanta.  The mirror and lighting was to die for. After taking a few selfies (back then it was just a picture of yourself), I tried on the dresses.  Some fit, some didn't, but she was right there to assist with different sizes and to answer any questions I had.  

One of the most memorable things I remembered about this boutique was that it was just me and her in the store. I felt like I had my own personal stylist and store all at the same time.  I felt important, entitled, and special.  Imagine shopping at Bloomingdale's, and it's just you and the sales person in the entire store.  How do you think you would feel?  That's how Plush Boutique made me feel that day.  Here I am, six years later, 40lbs lighter, and serving as Brand Ambassador for this amazing company. Surreal to say the least!  

Nonetheless, I am here to tell you guys about this amazing dress Wendy recently sent me to review.  The "PAYTON" dress is by far my favorite right now.  Remember when I blogged about flowers a month ago and told you how much I use to hate it.  Well, clothes that I typically stayed away from are things that I most gravitate to now.  Primarily because the only thing that is constant is change.  If we never try new things or confront things that we would usually shy away from; how would we ever grow? I picked this dress out of about four other pieces.  I also picked it because I thought it would be the most challenging. I'm glad I did! It was the total opposite of what I thought it would be. It was super light and comfortable. Initially, I thought the chest area would be too revealing and distasteful. The dress was very flattering and gave me a shape I didn't even know existed.  This is not a bodycon dress, but it held me in like one. The colors in the dress and the big flower print disguised my midsection, which is my heaviest.

Ladies I recommend you order this dress.  The colors in this dress screams MODERN and SEXY.  Wendy is offering 15% off your complete purchase and free shipping on orders of $50 or more.  Simply use code SHETHORO15 to receive this discount.  I need all my curvy followers to help me sell this item out.  I get absolutely no proceeds from the sell of this dress.  I'm just helping a woman who helped me six years ago. She has worked extremely hard to provide better options for plus size women; and to have a boutique opened for over seven years in two locations is a huge accomplishment. She also has a store in Jacksonville Florida, so if you are ever in the area check it out!  #SHETHORO15

The First Dress I Purchased @ Plush Boutique in 2010

The "Payton"

This post is sponsored by Plush Boutique. All words are my own*

Dress: Plush Boutique | Shoes: UrbanOG

Photography By: Richard Woumn

Hair By: LYLAS Extension

MODERN WOMEN: STREET STYLE

As I get closer to my one year blog anniversary on the 24th of this month, I reflect back to where it all started.  Last year this time I experienced some challenging moments in my life.  It suddenly clicked that I deserved and needed better so I made a few changes.  Not just for me, but for an amazing two year old by the name of Marlei. Your children have a way of creating binary lenses for you that ignites super powers.  I find myself doing things that I never thought I could do; breaking barriers that I never even thought existed. That is what depicts the Modern women; a true Thoroughbred that can take some of life toughest situations and turn them into new opportunities.

My first post that I ever wrote, I gave the definition of a Thoroughbred and what it stood for.  Here I am, a year later talking about the same thing.  Why?  Well, the answer is simple.  This is who I am and this is the message that I want to spread; the BOLD and FEARLESS woman.  How do we become that Toya? Well, that's simple too; YOU JUST DO.  Don't be fooled by the propaganda, the hype on social media, or these philanthropists that seem to have all the answers on how to be this self confident person.  There's no book in this world that can give you confidence or ways of being bold and fearless.  It literally has to come from within; and God of course.  I laughed when I hear of these quick fixes people try to sell or people who offer advice on healing.  I say that because it's something that takes time and everyone move at a different pace in life.  It literally took for me to realize my own self worth, on my own time, in my own space.

As women of the 21st century, we fill many shoes.  When we think about the theory of evolution, women today are stronger than ever.  The Modern women aren't just housewives anymore.  The Modern women are hustling harder than men now a day.  How many men you know work a nine to five, pursue their passion after the nine to five, take care of a child/children, go home and cook, workout to keep their body looking somewhat in shape, and wear heels and a smile while doing it?  Yeah, I didn't think so.  The Modern women is more then strong, but damn there HEROIC! You know, having characteristics of a hero; somewhat like an Iron Man.

Today as Modern women, I celebrate you!  Let us get away from society nonsensical rules and expectations and continue to be women with a purpose.  Modern women are women who embody grace and confidence; hustle and strength. I titled this post "Modern Women: Street Style" because that is what we are.  We are in these streets, putting in long hours to create better opportunities for our families and ourselves.  Isn't that what street hustlers do? So let's continue to be above average, never settling for mediocrity.  Let's continue to dream big in our already fast paced roles and look good while doing it.  Not because it is easy, but because it is a must. Because Modern women of today are setting new trends, and creating a different type of society.  Will you join me?

*This post is sponsored by Fashion To Figure. All words are my own*

Shirt & Jeans: Fashion To Figure | Shoes: UrbanOG

Photography By: Richard Woumn

Hair By: LYLAS HAIR