the it Girl Rules blog

Thursday, August 16, 2012

An Evening with Campari - A Sisters' Sip

It Girl Fam,

You know alcohol has never been my thing. I may partake in a toast at a special occasion, but that's about it. If you enjoy a sip every now and then, it's all love. This blog post is for you. :-)

I regularly attend events sponsored by Wine & Spirits distributors and manufacturers because they are the best...hands down. No expensive is spared with the choice of venue, entertainment, food, and of course, there's an abundance of the featured beverage. They also attract local tastemakers - the influencers and trendsetters who others tend to watch and follow. Last, but not least, these events are FREE.

Campari America gets it. Last night, Campari partnered with The BOSS Network to sponsor a private Women & Whiskies event at the Hubbard Inn in Chicago. Approximately 30 women networked, enjoyed appetizers, and experienced their choice of Campari beverages. Randal Stewart, Campari's PR Manager, explained that she created this nationwide event to introduce women to whisky as it's considered a very masculine beverage. The BOSS partnership made sense since the membership attracts very driven & successful female entrepreneurs and professionals - not only in Chicago, but also across the US.

Cameka Smith, thanks for the invitation.

Below are some of the pix.

Enjoy!

Tamika
itgirlrules.com

Cameka Smith, Founder of The BOSS Network

Campari America PR Manager, Randal Stewart

Stephanie, Danielle, and Monica

Ms. Deida!!

With all the lovely ladies in the place, it was only a matter

of time before the dudes started to show up!

Nicoh, we see you!! LOL!

Nynese, Cameka, & Deida

Women & Whiskies Tasting Journal

A cute photo book with education of whiskey

Bowmore Islay Single Malt & Wild Turkey

were some of the featured beverages

The Hubbard Inn is very grown & sexy.

I've passed it a hundred times but this was my first time going in.

I'll be back.

Monday, August 6, 2012

Chicago Natural Beauty Hair Event...A Celebration and An Education

It Girl Fam,

On August 14th, I will be celebrating 6 years of chemical-free hair. Wow! Where did the time go?

I cut ALL my hair off after 2 years of serious consideration & introspection, so there was no transition for me. My reasons were simple - economics and time. I spent hours in the salon every 2 weeks, I wasn't working out because I didn't want to mess up my hair and I dropped off a duffle bag at every appointment. I just had enough. I took the leap and haven't looked back.

When I started my natural hair journey, there wasn't a nationwide movement or support system like there is today. Many African-American women sincerely want to be free of the creamy crack (aka relaxers), but don't know where to start and have fear about the transition process. Thank God for Rachel Odem as well as the national network of natural hair stylistas that are leading the movement and helping to educate woman on what to do and how to do it. Rachel founded the Chicago Natural Beauty Meetup, which hosts natural hair and beauty events throughout the year.

I absolutely loved the event on July 29th. There is something about being in a room of approximately 100 natural women with no airs and no pretense - just warmth, sharing, and sisterhood. We all embraced and celebrated our natural hair. It was great.

Below are some pix from the event.

Enjoy!

Tamika
itgirlrules.com

Ken Burkeen, founder of Huetiful (creator of Huetiful Hair Steamers)

& Rachel O, beauty expert & founder of Chicago Naturals

Sponsors included

Carol's Daughter, Curls Unleashed, & Koils by Nature

Meechy and Vaughn Monroe were the featured panelists.

They are a dynamic duo that blog and vlog about their natural hair

experiences, products, etc. and are national speakers in the space.

They were super sweet and gave us valuable info!

Ms. Vaughn is on my right & Meechy is on my left.

Aren't they beautiful?

Octavia Hooks is a subject matter expert and salon owner.

Octavia educated us on natural hair products, hair textures, and styles.

Her models are sisters.

It was a cool way to demonstrate how the same exact style

can look different depending on your hair texture.

Sista TV was the event's MC. Love Love Love your energy!

She made the program come to life.

In between education sessions & live demonstrations,

participants could network, chill out, or check out the vendors.

Some of the vendors... It was a bit quiet,

because I shot this while a session was in progress.

Sunday, August 5, 2012

Skyy Vodka Event featuring Artist Hebru Brantley

It Girl Fam,

I am not only a lover of fashion, but I also love contemporary art - especially pieces with powerful urban themes. A few weeks ago, Skyy Vodka sponsored an amazing music and art event featuring the extremely talented (and extremely handsome) Hebru Brantley. Not only were many of his works on exhibition, but he also blessed the crowd by creating an original piece while participants sipped, danced, and enjoyed the evening. It was really cool!

After the Skyy Vodka event, Hebru won the Red Bull Curates competition along with a handful of other artists. He receives a trip to Miami during Art Basel this December and will participate in the Red Bull Curates group by exhibiting his collection there. Congratulations Hebru!!

Thought I would share some of the event pix with you.

Enjoy!

Tamika
itgirlrules.com

Hebru creating a masterpiece