Feeling Like a Celebrity

Mother’s Day weekend was an unforgettable experience filled with beautiful weather, exciting anticipation, and a sense of celebrity status. We were eagerly looking forward to our brand photo shoot with Tamera Wharton, a renowned photographer and videographer based here in Charleston. Back in November, she had a special Black Friday deal that was simply too good to pass up. Although I initially considered postponing the shoot, I called Tiffany to get her opinion, and she enthusiastically agreed that we were more than ready.

From our first interaction with Tami (as she prefers to be called), her enthusiasm and helpfulness were palpable. We quickly decided on a spring shoot, knowing that the unpredictable Charleston weather would likely be pleasant. Downtown Charleston, with its picturesque scenery, seemed the perfect backdrop.

Our consultation with Tami was held over Zoom, where she introduced herself and shared her journey into photography. We had already sent her our Pinterest board with ideas, and she reviewed them, offering professional suggestions that truly enhanced our vision.

The big day arrived, but it didn’t start smoothly. We were delayed by a three-car accident, which left us feeling anxious and guilty about our tardiness. We updated Tami on our ETA, feeling extremely apologetic. By the time we arrived at the Pineapple Fountain, we were considerably late. However, Tami greeted us with warmth and understanding, more concerned with our safety than the delay.

And then, the magic began. From the moment Tami started clicking away, we felt like celebrities. She didn’t just take pictures; she managed every detail, ensuring our comfort and confidence. She positioned us in flattering angles, mindful of avoiding any unflattering shots. Her ability to capture our personalities through her lens was truly remarkable, showcasing a skill every photographer should aspire to.

After the Pineapple Fountain, we headed to the Vendue Hotel. The staff there were incredibly kind, allowing us to shoot in their stunning lobby. The hotel's decor, themed with a jungle vibe and vibrant pops of red, serendipitously led us to decide on our brand’s colors: Red, Gold, Black, and White. This was especially poignant since red was our grandmother’s favorite color—a detail that brought a smile to our faces as we remembered wearing red lipstick and nails at her funeral.

Despite our initial dislike for red lipstick, it became a beautiful symbol in our shoot, intertwined with the hotel’s aesthetic. It felt like a sign, a nod from our grandmother, that we were on the right path.

Throughout the entire experience, Tami made us feel like true superstars. Her professionalism, creativity, and personal touch turned a photo shoot into a day of pure joy and confidence. We left eagerly anticipating our next ‘celebrity’ photo shoot, filled with gratitude and excitement for the future.

To contact Tamera and see her work visit her website www.tamiphotography.mypixieset.com

The Great ShakeUp

Calling all cocktail enthusiasts and spirit aficionados! Two weeks ago, I had the pleasure of diving into the dynamic world of mixology at The Great ShakeUp, a pioneering bartending competition spotlighting the creativity and expertise of Black mixologists. Hosted by Latoya Vickers, the visionary behind The Festival Noir, this event surpassed my expectations and left a lasting impression.

About The Great ShakeUp

More than just a bartending competition, The Great ShakeUp is a vibrant celebration of diversity and talent within the spirits industry. This event proudly showcases Black-owned gins, whiskeys, and other spirits, highlighting the craftsmanship and innovation of these creators.

The statistics speak volumes—did you know that less than 6% of bartenders are Black? The Great ShakeUp aims to shine a light on this disparity and elevate the voices of Black bartenders, distillers, and spirit producers.

Held at The Coan in Ladson, South Carolina, the event was a feast for the senses, with delectable hors d'oeuvres, an open bar featuring Black-owned spirits, and music spun by DJ Scrib, all hosted by the charismatic Claudia Jordan.

The Competition

Judged by @thecocktailbandits and celebrity host Claudia Jordan, The Great ShakeUp brought together a lineup of talented mixologists from across the United States. Contestants were tasked with crafting innovative cocktails using premium Black-owned spirits, showcasing their artistry and creativity in each drink.

Competitors hailed from various corners of the country—Alvyia Cain from Indianapolis, Giovanni Lubin from New York, Sekani Akunyun from Charlotte, and Thomas Moore from Louisiana—each bringing a unique perspective and skill set to the mixology table.

Featured Spirits

The competition featured an impressive selection of Black-owned spirits, including offerings from Royalty Spirits, Ingenious Gin, Stone Crest Distillery, Siwani Spirits, and Uncle Nearest—each contributing to the diverse and flavorful array of libations.

The Winner

The suspense was palpable as the competition heated up, narrowing down to a thrilling finale between Alvyia and Giovanni. As a New Yorker, I admit to a bit of bias rooting for Giovanni. The crowd was on edge, eagerly awaiting the judges' decision. And the winner of the 2024 Great ShakeUp Cocktail Craftsman Competition was announced—Giovanni Lubin from New York! His cocktails were a delightful balance of creativity and flavor, reminiscent of the best drinks I've had in Manhattan.

Networking

Beyond the excitement of the competition, The Great ShakeUp provided an excellent opportunity for networking, especially for someone like me new to Charleston. The event was exceptionally organized, and the attendees were welcoming—a testament to Latoya Vickers' stellar event planning. I'm already looking forward to the next edition!

Stay Connected

For more updates, cocktail recipes, and to join the conversation, follow Latoya Vickers and The Festival Noir on Instagram @thefestivalnoir. Use #TheGreatShakeup to connect with fellow cocktail enthusiasts and support Black-owned businesses in the spirits industry.

Whether you're a seasoned cocktail enthusiast or simply curious about the art of mixology, The Great ShakeUp is a must-follow event that celebrates Black excellence in the spirits industry. Cheers to diversity, creativity, and unforgettable cocktails!

Prom Fair at Fort Dorchester High

This month marked an exciting milestone for the Gullah Business of Charleston as we had the pleasure of setting up our first-ever table at Fort Dorchester High’s Prom Fair. The warm reception from both staff and students created an atmosphere of community connection that left a lasting impression.

The event wasn’t just about showcasing our products but about understanding the needs of the community we serve. In the spirit of our mission, we connected with fellow vendors, establishing partnerships that go beyond the event itself.

As we immersed ourselves in the vibrant atmosphere, the realization of a goal became clear - the launch of our Prom Drive. This initiative is not just a standalone project but a reflection of our commitment to staying embedded in the community we value.

The Prom Drive is set to take place on Sunday, March 10, 2034, at 12 pm, hosted at The Aneris Collective, a venue that echoes the essence of community collaboration. Formerly known as The Creative Realm Space, it’s located at 2021b Reynolds’s Ave, North Charleston 29405.

We invite everyone to join us in this endeavor, contributing to the collective effort of making prom dreams a reality for the youth in our community. Together, we aim to create an amazing experience that goes beyond the surface, resonating with the very heartbeat of our Gullah heritage. Save the date and be part of a celebration that extends far beyond the walls of a high school prom – a celebration of unity, culture, and shared dreams.

Turning Page Bookshop needs our help 📚

A Journey through Generational Reading and Community Support”

Growing up, reading was a cherished activity in my household, a tradition passed down from my father. The image of him immersed in his favorite newspaper, devouring articles and conquering crossword puzzles, is etched in my memories. The daily routine of enjoying a meal while engrossed in the printed word created an indelible connection between food, family, and literature.

Last Saturday, as I wandered into Turning Page Bookstore in Goose Creek, South Carolina, I couldn’t help but reflect on the importance of such establishments and the impact they have on communities.

My father’s love for reading undoubtedly influenced my own passion for books. His dedication to the newspaper, an age-old medium, instilled in me the value of staying informed and engaged with the world. The ritual of reading together, though occasionally challenging with sticky pages from dining multitasking, became a cherished bonding experience. Now, as I type these words, I can almost hear the rustling of those pages and see my father lost in the printed world.

Last Saturday, my love for reading led me to Turning Page Bookstore in Goose Creek, South Carolina. The warm welcome from VaLinda Miller, the owner, instantly made me feel at home. As I browsed the shelves, I felt a profound appreciation for independent bookstores and their unique ability to curate a diverse collection that reflects the community it serves.

Turning Page Bookshop, a black-owned gem in Goose Creek, is facing financial challenges that threaten its existence. In an effort to secure its future and continue serving the community, VaLinda Miller has initiated a GoFundMe campaign. The funds raised will contribute to back rent, essential renovations, including new floors and bookshelves, and the purchase of 1,000 books to be given to children in need.

Independent bookstores like Turning Page play a vital role in fostering a love for reading within communities. They provide a space for diverse voices, perspectives, and stories to thrive. By supporting this campaign, we not only help preserve a cultural hub but also contribute to the education and enrichment of young minds.

As we navigate the digital age, let’s not forget the charm and significance of physical bookstores that serve as anchors in our communities. Turning Page Bookshop stands as a testament to the power of literature and community support. Let’s come together to ensure that this haven for book lovers continues to thrive, leaving a lasting impact on generations to come.

Crafts & Cocktails

Sometimes you need to unwind. The best way for me is with some good old crafts while enjoying a nice drink. I love crafts especially when it can be paired with some girl time. For me, that’s even better. To craft and discuss today's events with some juicy story times I live for those moments. Crafting in general is very therapeutic for me. It’s almost equivalent to getting a deep-tissue massage. I’ve enjoyed a lot of DIY or crafting events while living in the Charleston area. I’ve learned how to make a charcuterie board with charcuteriehappy.com. I learned how to make a rose made out of pepperoni slices. That event was held at Day Drink Brunch in Summerville, South Carolina(a black-owned brunch restaurant). I’ve also made fall decor for the front door of my house while enjoying cocktails and laughs. That event was hosted by Gabrielle VanCopland. Also, I made a vision board at an art studio in North Charleston called The Creative Realm Space. These businesses not only support their communities they are black-owned.

Charcuterie - www.charcuteriehappy.com

Crafts - www.gabriellevancopeland.com

Creative Realm Space - The Creative Realm Space, 2021B Reynolds Ave #101, North Charleston, SC 29405

Day Drink Brunch- 106 E Doty Ave, Summerville, SC 29483

Turning 40

Turning 40 is indeed a significant milestone for many men and women. It's a time when one realizes they are no longer as young as they once were, but not quite old either. This stage of life often brings reflection and introspection. You may start to consider the moments of grief, heartbreak, and changes in health that have marked your journey so far. Visits to the doctor might become more frequent, and the ticking of the biological clock becomes more noticeable. Such reflections can lead to questions about whether you've achieved your goals, sometimes leading to overthinking.

However, the truth is, surviving to this point is an achievement in itself. Life doesn't end at 40; it can just be the beginning of a new, fulfilling chapter. With 40 years of experience, you start to understand that the truly important things in life aren't monetary. You find joy in spending time with family, exploring new hobbies like cooking, or taking that long-awaited trip you had previously put off due to work commitments. The saying "Life is what you make it" resonates deeply, and you start truly living.

This August, I embraced this mindset by throwing a beautiful 40th birthday bash. It was a celebration that brought together both sides of my family, friends, and those who have become like family over the years. The event took place on August 5th in downtown Charleston at the Homewood Suites in their Magnolia Ballroom. Everything was perfect.

I ensured every detail was meticulously planned. I had my makeup done professionally by Tierra Nichole of Tierra Nichole Artistry in Charleston, SC. To capture the memories, I hired a photographer, videographer, and even added a photo 360 machine from Ninety 7 Frames. My fantastic DJ, Christy Wilder, whom I found on Facebook months in advance, kept the party lively. For an extra special touch, saxophonist Joshua Bryan (sax_5thavenue on Instagram) played while my guests enjoyed their meal.

It was a day I will never forget, filled with joy, love, and cherished moments.