Glamazons,
I love the events Essence throws surrounding the Grammys and Oscars! I’ve been to Essence Black Women in Hollywood (read all about my experience here and here) and it’s one of the highlights of my year…every year. If I had to pick what I loved most about it, believe it or not, I wouldn’t even say the star sightings (and Oprah was there!). Black Women in Hollywood rolls out the red carpet, but it’s less about the celebs you encounter and more about the connections you make with the women you meet.
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I love to soak up the energy from the people around me and I leave with a renewed passion for pursuing my dreams. In fact, I’m glad that both Essence Black Women in Music and Hollywood are in February because they set a positive tone for the rest of the year for me. Yes, the events are that amazing! This is my first time attending Black Women in Music so here’s what I’m looking forward to:
1. The Performances
I’m excited for live performances from Chaka Khan (!!) and Brandy! Chaka is Queen (I almost teared up when I met her here) and the tone of Brandy‘s voice is so beautiful I’d listen to her sing the ABCs. Lianne La Havas and MC Lyte will also perform (if Brandy and MC Lyte even drop the first few seconds of “I Wanna Be Down (Remix),” the ’90s girl in me is getting her whole life). And all the performers are being honored, alongside Jill Scott.
2. Fashion
My colorful dress and pumps for Essence Women in Hollywood
People get dressed for Black Women in Music, Glamazons. One year, Kelly Rowland looked breathtaking in an Alberta Ferretti orange one-shoulder gown and another, Kelis came in a red shaggy fur coat an entire year ahead of the trend. Inspired by them, I’m going for a festive look: sequins and a fun clutch I scored from Aldo. I can’t wait to see what everyone wears!
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3. Being in LA
Spending quality time with my adorable little cousin Viv in LA (her mom blogs at Better Than Dreams)
I don’t know if it’s “Girfriend’s Guide to Divorce” (do you guys watch that show?) but I’ve been missing LA recently. I’m due for another dose of LA’s sunshine and palm trees, carefree attitude, slower pace and more. And I have so many friends and family members that live in LA now, I can never see them all in one visit. It’ll be great to get lost in lala land again.
4. Arriving in Style
I’m attending the event as a guest of Lincoln Motor Company which means I get to ride up in one of their gorgeous luxury cars. I’ve already decided that the car I need to make it through 2015 is the sleek Lincoln MKC (with the MyLincoln app I told you about that can find where you parked!). But I suspect we’ll be introduced to the Lincoln MKX, the brand’s new midsize premium utility vehicle.
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5. The Positive Energy
Lupita’s brave and honest speech at Essence Black Women in Hollywood set the tone for the event
As I said before, I feed off the energy at Essence Black Women in Hollywood, and I’m sure the music event will be the same. There’s nothing that motivates you to accomplish a goal like being surrounded by excellence. And celebrating other women who are realizing their dreams always inspires me to work toward mine. Plus there’s this incredible feeling of sisterhood at both events! Everyone’s happy, and sharing positive words, and just enjoying each other’s company. I always leave feeling more inspired and uplifted than I was before I came.
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Can you tell I’m excited for this trip?! I’ll be sharing every moment on Instagram and Twitter and of course, I’ll be blogging so stay tuned. You can follow the entire conversation on social using the hashtags #MusicSelfie, #LincolnMKX and #LincolnMotorCo.
In the meantime, have any of you been to Essence Women in Music? What should I expect? And by the way, I’m on the plane now (and starving) so if you have any restaurant suggestions (near Hollywood), would love if you could share them!
Kisses,
Glamazon Jessica
