I was in Atlanta this past weekend attending, and keynoting, the Stiletto Women in Business Awards hosted by the brilliant Karlena Wallace. And, wow! I’m so glad that I was invited to be a part of the event because it was so, so special on so many levels.
It was intimate. After being at a 25,000 person event last weekend, it was delightful to be at an event where you can meet, speak with and hug everyone in the room. That’s so my speed – being able to connect with people and have meaningful conversations. Like the one I had on Friday night with Alisha of Enchanted Events and Kemya of Phisco Marketing – we talked about marketing strategies, homeschooling and how to properly value and price our services…all over mystery cocktails. During that reception, I also felt a kindred spirit vibe with Laurie, the eFlirt Expert as we chatted about all things SXSW to how get startups funded (she’s, ahem, way ahead of the game than I am on that).
It was fly. Just look at the design elements above, you guys. I knew it was going to be a top-notch event because in the weeks leading up to SWIBA, Karlena’s team was on point with the speaker coordination. I took notes. All I have to say is that each speaker was gifted a pair of stilettos. YES.
Clockwise, from left to right:
1) Me, snapping a pic in the mirror before heading downstairs to the event. At the very last minute I changed from my planned flowy brightly printed dress and red blazer to a more sleek and city look {skirt: Zara; sweater: Rock & Republic for Kohl’s; necklace: Kohl’s; bracelet: Malonda Richard-Sia; shoes, nude, patent, peep-toe stilettos – not pictured: Jessica Simpson}
2) The centerpiece at my table. Yes, those are actual stilettos. And a small clutch with flowers pouring out – so chic!
3) The awards program.
4) My handpainted name badge.
5) Stiletto cookie by Amusing Treats. It tasted as good as it looked.
It was inspirational. I thrive on hearing stories from amazing women who are doing amazing things. Every single person in that room was a boss. I especially enjoyed listening to serial entrepreneur, Jen Groover; Katrina Harrell, spiritual business and life strategist; and Jennifer Nelson, a health and pop culture writer; and Camille Allen, the Reinventionista.
Not only did I receive inspirational words by way of the speakers and award recipients, but I also left with a fabulous WHO?Bag that has embroidered on this inside:
YOU ARE POWERFUL BEYOND MEASURE.
Love.
Because I nurture Blogalicious to be a platform to support women in their business and blogging endeavors – to celebrate the community – I was completely elated to see that Stiletto Woman’s mission is very similar. There are so many stories of success and service — kudos to Karlena for giving recognition to these stars.
Stacey,
Thank you so much for joining us this year! It was such a pleasure having you as a keynote speaker. I can’t express my gratitude enough. You are an amazing woman and have established a great path in the event/conference space for many of us to follow.
Again, thank you for sharing your wisdom!
Justice Fergie,
Yes, I agree on all levels, the event this weekend ROCKED.
Stacey,
Thanks for this wonderful review of the Stiletto Women in Business Awards. The event details are impeccable and you did a great job at painting a portrait of your experience as a featured speaker. I hope I get a chance to spend some face time with you in the near future (perhaps Oct 3-5). Meanwhile, I’m enjoying (and re-tweeting) my reads chronicling your wonderful business and lifestyle experiences.
All the best,
Chalette
Stacey, I enjoyed your session so much! You inspire me to relax and know I CAN have it all…and that I am not ill because I think I can do anything…I actually CAN!
xo
Stacey, I completely agree. There’s nothing like being able to make meaningful connections in an intimate setting, and SWIBA is the perfect environment to do so. You’re one of the people I specifically wanted to meet so I’m stoked!
Your session was more than I could have anticipated. I appreciate your willingness to share the behind the scenes details of HOW you built the Be Blogalicious brand, sans the glamour. Hearing your story was not only enlightening, but I took away some valuable insights!
Stacey, what an excellent way to recap the weekend. I was excited to see you again and so inspired by your story. It was the first time that I heard about the “woman behind Blogalicious” which was a special treat for me because I have only seen you in production and “getting it done” mode during your amazing conference.
Thank you for sharing your story and providing a platform for women of color in social media to share their gifts with the world. I am looking forward to your 5th Anniversary!
So you’re my new “Real Simple Magazine type flow” go-to person now. I loved the post. And your talk. Thanks for the inspiration, sis!
It was great to meet you Stacey! I enjoyed your story and the fearlessness with which you stepped out despite not knowing what anything would look like! I’m also glad you are styling and profiling in your new WHO?Bag!
Great review Stace–was secretly hoping there’d be a video of your Keynote. . . but I’ll keep searching! So grateful beyond belief to call you one of my dearest friends. You are top-notch, numero uno, and a serious class act. Loving watching you soar this year and know it’s only the beginning. xoxo
I love the all black look!