On July 27th, I had the wonderful opportunity to attend a topnotch premier event, The Charlotte Tastemaker Summit, hosted by Black Southern Belle. It was a panel of creative professional women ranging from interior decorators/designers, event planners, publishers, entrepreneurs, DIY crafters, stylists and bloggers who joined forces for an inspiring display of influential women. Black Southern Belle/Black Southern Belle Collective was founded by Editor in Chief, Michiel Perry, who noticed while she was planning her wedding and decorating her home, women of color were not represented enough in the media, so she decided to create a platform to showcase the collective group of African-American women who are achieving their goals in this field.
I was so excited as I took the drive up to Charlotte, (aka Queen City) ready to meet the Belle behind the brand Black Southern Belle. The event took place in one of Charlotte’s upscale design showrooms called TUFT. Upon walking into Danielle’s beautifully eclectic designed boutique we were greeted with warm hugs, smiles and sweet treats and swag bags.
This was definitely my kind of welcoming station! Michiel and her staff not only planned one of the best events, but left no stone unturned as for creating style and grace. The simple mere use of all vintage glassware was the complete pièce de ré·sis·tance for me. The delectable sweet treats were the baked goods of Grey Ghost Bakery
The buffet table was equally appeasing with catered dishes from Gravy Waltz Catering Services
The bar cart was refreshingly stocked with Pure Leaf iced tea (looking just as sweet as she could be)
To start the program, Michiel presented her opening remarks on how she started BSB, her goals, objectives and along with her future vision.
Next were guest speakers talking to the attendees about their businesses, blogs, and designs. We all listened attentively as they spoke of testimonies on starting their businesses, the ups&downs, highs&lows and gratifications of being an entrepreneur and how it affects their lives and livelihoods.
All of the ladies were graciously answering any and all questions that were posed.
In addition, we also were shown demonstrations on tablescaping and along with how to create flower arrangements
And this lovely belle (along with some of the other photos) was photographed by Michelle Flowers
No classy event is complete without a swag gift bag…
Michiel and her staff created the most tasteful, elegant, and informative affair and I look forward to attending more. Learn more about Black Southern Belle/Black Southern Belle Collective and their chica-power upcoming Atlanta and Charleston events by clicking here.
The “A” list Vendors
Thanks to Michiel for creating this hub for women to connect and inspire one another. As always… until next time…happy hunting and continue thrifting your house into a home!
Smooches!!
Jamala, great recap on the Tastemakers Summit. I hope they will host one in my area so that I can attend. As a black female and blogger, I am overjoyed to see women come together to support one another in business and personal achievements. I understood this summit was open to all ethnicities. Michiel, the woman behind the BSB brand, chose a market sector based on her needs, experience,knowledge and passion. Kudos to her. I wish all women well. Being a woman is the one beautiful asset we all have in common. Thanks for sharing your experience .
My pleasure Marsha! I’m glad you enjoyed reading about it. I kindly appreciate your words
What a wonderful presentation of the event! I feel I missed out, but looking forward to attending another one. The lovely photos captured the beautiful details and appreciation of entertaining with vintage dinnerware.
I am not Black. I am not a blogger. I am not young. But….this looks like the kind of event I would love. Pretty everywhere. Smiles on faces. I know you learned a lot and had fun.
Hi Dianne! Thanks for that ice breaker smile.. I’m glad to hear that and yes it was all kinds of prettiness there..
I feel you on this, again it’s not to divide.. women is not a race, but black women simply aren’t given recognition as much. If you ever see a brides magazine, county living or any home decor magazine open it and see the disparity between black women and white women. This is why she created her venue, to showcase them. Terra, I truly appreciate your reading and feedback, but it’s really not meant to offend you or any if my readers. There were white women there who were on the panel and spoke freely about their business. We all had a wonderful time at the event. I’m sorry you feel this was divisive but it honestly was not meant to be. I hope I don’t lose you as a reader because of this because I enjoy our dialect when we have them. Wishing you all the best.
What a delightful event. Your post made me feel like I was there. My goodness, did they ever pull out the fabulous red carpet. Everything looks divine.
Hey Glenda! Yes it was magnificent.. the only thing missing was you ?
In these times, where such effort is being put forth to mend fences between races, I am disappointed in the “Black Southern Belle” label above.
If it were written as “White Southern Belle” I would be equally concerned.
Hi Terra.. I could understand your label concern, but it’s not meant to divide. There were women of different ethnic backgrounds who attended and on the panel. She created the label because as stated, there wasn’t much representation of black women. Please understand the desire and need to have a platform for equal presentation. We are all women looking for our voice to be heard. Thank you for reading and your feedback.. it truly was a beautiful event.
I understand your point. But, all wonen…have been discriminated against since the beginning of time. All women…
Instead of dividing ourselves via skin color – we should, at least, try to unite by gender.
“Women have been enslaved longer than any race on the entire planet.”
Men divide us, not our ethnic backgrounds.