Women's Innovation Brunch x Black Tech Week {Recap}

Despite what felt like a mini tropical storm, attendees still came out to the Women's Innovation Brunch! We all were able to break french toast, create some synergy, and uplift each other! 

Due to the weather, we had to make an impromptu change to the speakers program. Nevertheless, our special Guest Speakers Dawn Dickson, Eunice Cofie, and Jasmine Wheeler were still able to connect with attendees one-to-one. We definitely plan to curate a part 2 of the Women's Innovation Brunch via online. 

Its always an amazing feeling when I get the opportunity to gather talented women and connect them with others in South Florida. I look forward to doing it again!

Thank you to everyone for coming out to the Women's Innovation Brunch powered by Black Tech Week & Nubian Hair Oasis!! 

Check out all the pictures here!

THANK YOU to...!!!

Black Tech Week (and whole team)

Code Fever Miami (Felecia Hatcher and team)

Knight Foundation

Accelerate With Google

Dante D. Fillyau

Dawn Dickson | Flat Out Of Heels

Eunice Cofie | Nuekie

Jasmine Wheeler | Femme Noire International

The District Miami

Its all about Blogalicious #BeGreat6 this year!

Its exciting to work with Blogalicious #BeGreat6 this year. This year I'll be in San Antonio with the rest of the Blogalicious family. 

Check out the site and register using code "MillennialB6"

More details about the speakers and topics are coming up soon!

Email me if you have any questions.

Donnetxo

Event Registration Online for Blogalicious Weekend 2014 powered by Eventbrite

{Recap} 2014 SXSW Highlights...

I’ve been wanting to visit the Lone Star State for a while, so this month was the perfect opportunity to explore Austin. Not only did I visit Austin for the first time, but I had the opportunity to speak/host an event at SXSW.  What a memorable experience!!!

I curated an official meet-up for SXSW that took place at the Driskell Hotel on March 11th. Check out the recap on the discussion on Influence: The New Currency here. 

There were so many connections made with people from Austin, all over the US and globe. It interesting to see how people travel from places like India, Europe, etc., for SXSW.

I absolutely loved Austin and hope to visit soon! SXSW will definitely on my radar for 2015. 

I did noticed all the rumors about good food was definitely true in Austin. If your in Austin, here are a few places to check out:

• Gourdughs (OMG!!) My roomie and I stopped the driver to get these much anticipated donuts. They were soooooo delicious. I bit into The Carney so fast, I didn't get to take a picture. 
• Try out a BBQ restaurant or truck in Austin. I randomly ordered from one located on W Mary Street while I waiting on the bus. The Chicken Sausage Sandwich was just what I needed, while I fed my belly and waited for the bus. 
• P. Terry Burger Stand - take it from the French Fry Connoisseur (me)…this place is not only tasty but its also has countless organic options. 
• Hop Doddy Burger Bar - is known for their crafted all-natural burger, sushi, and lamb burgers. My choice was the the much needed Greek Lamb Burger!
• Austin's Pizza - one of the best pie slices I've had so far. The people behind the counter are great and friendly too.

Another highlight, was finally getting a chance to see Kendrick Lamar in concert. I can’t believe I waited for 3 hours to see him perform at iTunes Festival - but it was definitely worth it. That was the first and probably last time I’ll wait 3 hours to see an artist though. Let’s just say Kendrick Lamar fans almost started a riot when they found out they may not get in. Crazy!

Check out the pictures below:

Thank you to SXSW, Driskell Hotel, Jason Francis, and everyone that came out to the SoFlo Brunch Meet-up!!

Til next time, Austin!

xoxo

Donnet

SoFlo Brunch Takes SXSW!

The SoFlo Brunch Series Will Be In #SXSW next week!

YES….I will be hosting a meet-up at the SXSW Festival. I’m beyond excited to bring the series to the SXSW Music, Film, and Interactive Conference.

If you are heading to SXSW, let’s meet-up!!

Join us:

March 11th, 2014
11am-12:00pm

Driskill Hotel

Citadel Club Room
604 Brazos Street

Pass the flyer/email to anyone that will be there. I love connecting with new people.

Please Note- Credentials:
Music Badge, Film Badge, Interactive Badge, Gold Badge, Platinum Badge, Artist Wristband

Check out more details on the new blog post at: soflobrunch.blogspot.com

Email me at soflobrunchseries@gmail.com if you have any questions!

Cheers!!!

Donnet

Two Of My Favorite Things

I decided to change up the scene and get some work done at Lester's today. A latte, Macbook, unique magazines/books and meeting great folks made the drive worth it!

Check out their multifunctional cafe at: lestersmiami.com

This Happened...Blogalicious FIVE

Blogalicious 5 took place in Atlanta this year! Since attending/volunteering the first Blogalicious Conference, I've always loved how they empower women through discussions/events. This platform celebrates women in digital media and the blogosphere 24/7.  This Blogalicious was extra special because I got a chance to address the attendees during the Welcome Reception.  I also had an amazing time meeting new bloggers and connecting with peers I haven't seen in a while!

ANDDDDDD I met one of my favorite media icons, Tanika Ray!! I was super to connect with her, because she was on my vision board under women I wanted to meet this year! Don't you love when goals manifest itself in real life?!

Here are some my favorite moments at Blogalicious 5!

Here are some other ATL moments!!

Gearing up for the 2nd SoFlo Brunch Series…

The second SoFlo Brunch Series is September 14th, at The Morgans Restaurant in Midtown!

The #SoFloBrunch Series aims to empower and connect a dynamic group of professionals/entrepreneurs in various industries by sparking in-depth conversations.

Our special guest Michelle Madison of Miami Now    will touch on "Social Media Etiquette for Start-Ups Wanting Media" during our second brunch. You can also expect to meet and network with like-minded South Floridians!

RSVP at info@nuglomarketing.com

The event is powered by: nu | glo MARKETING, Morgan's Restaurant, Miami Now TV, Zabana Essentials, Blo Blow Dry Bar, and Taliah Waajid Natural Hair Care Products. So there will be some sponsored goodies!

See you there!

Mynd Your Business

I just discovered this cool calendar!!!

Mynd shows a complete image of your entire agenda and stats on how you spent the day. Weather updates, your next meeting, alerts when you need to leave, and traffic details are all displayed on one screen. If your running late, there is a function that sends a message to your contacts to let them know. It even syncs Evernote notes, dial into conference calls and learn your favorite locations.

Let me finish synching and plugging events in!

Check out more information at myndcalendar.com

Say Hello to AIO Wireless Miami!!

I was recently invited to the AIO (pronounced A-O) Social Mixer at LMNT in Miami. A group of bloggers, consumer influencers, and new AIO business owners, came together to talk about the new way to wireless!  I was able to take a sneak peak at the brand new wireless that launched in South Florida.  While DJ Leggo, Brooklyn Dawn, and Pase Rock span on the ones and twos- a mix of influencers, and tech lovers got a chance to speak to the President of Aio and scope out the new wireless service/devices. 

Haven't heard about Aio Wireless? Well...it's a new and inexpensive option that was created for today's value-conscious connected consumers who want it all.  Aio created a new class of service for individuals who expect a first class wireless service at a value price - one with no-annual contract, friendly service, uncomplicated plans and the mobile phones and tablets you love.  All of Aio's phone plans include unlimited talk, text and data, with taxes and fees included - the price you see is the price you pay. 

Launched May 9th in a few test markets, it is expanding in several areas throughout the United States. When I spoke to Aio President Jennifer Van Buskirk, she stated "we plan to eventually blanket the company across the US." Starting mid-September all U.S. customers will be able to purchase first-class, no-contract wireless from Aio online.

I had an amazing time and was even able to take home a pair of eskuche headphones, t-shirts, and memorable pictures. Check out the pics below! I'm definitely looking for a new option for wireless service, so I'll be at a local Aio store soon!

Check out www.aiowireless.com for more information or to find a retailer near you. 

Love, 

Donnet

The Next Generation of Travelers

So true! Increasing amount of millennials are setting trends in travel. The Millennial generation is tech-savvy and will not travel in the ways their parents once did. So many other factors will change traveling experience for millennials on a whole. The spending power of millennials is increasing and expected to start reaching its highest peak in a few years.

I can totally relate to this image, I rather splurge on destinations/expeditions than other things. It's all about those experiences! Time to plan the next vacay!!

Thoughts...

{Event Recap} The First-Ever SoFlO Brunch Series

Today I launched my newest project, the SoFlo Brunch Series! The inspiring brunch was held at the beautiful Morgan’s Family Restaurant in Miami. This restaurant was once a home that was converted to a restaurant. The decor and food is awesome, I love it there!

I created the SoFlo Brunch platform to gather dynamic professionals, entrepreneurs, and bloggers here in South Florida on a consistent basis. Its a time/place where a dynamic group come together to get advice, network, share their recent experiences, and meet new people all over great food. This month’s theme surrounded creative ways involving “Balancing Positivity While On The Move” in South Florida.

Takeyah Young of Core Connection Lifestyle was the first speaker of the series to share her amazing insight on how we can all maintain positivity while pursuing the projects we love. By the end of the brunch I was so inspired, encouraged, and motivated by all of the women that attended.

Check out the pictures from the brunch below and via http://statigr.am/tag/soflobrunch

Stay tuned for details on the next brunch series!

Love,

Donnet

Our guest Takeyah Young of Core Connection Lifestyle

The popular dish of the brunch!

Makeda, Rochelle, and I

Michelle Madison & I

Melky Jean & Sandra Alphonse

Solange Knowles Named The 2013 Brand Advocate For The Studio Africa Project

Diesel has recently partnered with Solange Knowles to be an advocate for the Studio Africa Clothing Project! As an advocate for Studio Africa, Solange will support the project’s commitment to promoting and celebrating African creativity throughout 2013.​

Studio Africa, is a celebration of the creativity of nine African artists featured in a campaign including fashion, film, music, literature and photography. The Studio Africa designers will all collaborate for the collection called Diesel+EDUN. Events surrounding the global series will take place in cities like London, Tokyo and much more. Check out the video and www.diesel.com for more details.

Love,

Donnet

{The Heart of Haiti Collection} My Treat & Contribution!

Happy LOVE Day!!!

I just wanted to share my treat and contribution for LOVE today.  I received my beautifully crafted frame. Most recently, I came across several gems at Macys.com including a medal picture frame I fell in love with and decided to add to my collection. I refer to it as a gem because the beautiful medal songbird frame was hand-made by artisans through the Macy's Heart of Haiti initiative! With each purchase, artisans receive half the wholesale price for each item in collection. I definitely can appreciate a purchase like this for its inspiring and empowering purposes.

Heart of Haiti Songbird Picture Frame

Certificate of Authenticity

Since the earthquake struck Haiti in 2010, it has been very challenging for people to make a living. Three years later and there is still issues with economic relief, so Macy’s created an opportunity to help artisans through the Heart of Haiti program.

Check out the entire Heart of Haiti collection at: www.macys.com/haiti OR you can get this specific frame on sale at: http://bit.ly/VhOvF7

Also take a glimpse into the Heart of Haiti video below and leave your thoughts!

I want to know- have you purchased any gems from this collection? If so, what are your favorite pieces?

Love,

Donnet

Miu Miu presents "The Door", by Ava DuVernay

Ava DuVernay recently released "The Door", the fifth Miu Miu Women's Tale. This silent and symbolic short depicts the embrace of feminine bonds and life changes surrounding the main character played by Gabrielle Union.  The short also features Alfre Woodard, Adepero Oduye, Emayatzy, and Goapele.

“In the film, characters arrive at the door of a friend in need, bringing something of themselves,” explains director DuVernay. “Eventually, we witness our heroine ready to walk through the door on her own. The door in the film represents a pathway to who we are. ~Ava DuVernay”

Clothing are apparent symbols of renewal. Each change of costume tracks the heroine’s emergence from a chrysalis of sadness. In the final scenes, she takes off her ring, pulls on long, black leather gloves, and walks, transformed by the emotive power of the clothing, through the door.

Check out the "The Door" as well as the other shorts on www.miumiu.com

Source: http://www.miumiu.com/en/women_tales/5/film?cc=US

Good Morning NY!

The Jameson Brand Attempts A New Avenue and Launches the "First Shot" Filmmaker Contest

Jameson is accomplishing more than its traditional and common Irish whiskey. The company is expanding interest to raw, talented, and influential filmmakers. 

Kevin Spacy and Trigger Street Productions have partnered up with Jameson to find amazing writer/directors to enter the 2013 "First Shot" competition. Up and coming filmmakers will have the opportunity to get that "first shot in the film industry by having their own short film produced by Trigger Street Productions and giving them a chance to direct Willem Dafoe in the leading role. Judges Spacey, Dafoe and Brunetti will be looking for ‘freshness, originality, good structure, good shots, good sound and above all, a great story’.

In order to enter you must be from South Africa, Russia or the US (but not California), be at least 25 years-old and write a script of no more than 7 pages based on one of three themes (‘Legendary’ OR ‘Humorous’ OR a ‘Very Tall Tale’).

Aspiring writers & directors can check out additional information here: http://www.jamesonfirstshot.com/about 

Absolut Tune in Miami

Solange Knowles and Charlotte Ronson hosted the Absolut Tune event in Miami. The brand chose to introduce Absolut Vodka's new vodka/white wine to the nightlife crowd here. What better person to host than Solange! Did I mention that I am a HUGE Solange fan?! The amazingly talented, Charlotte Ronson also graced the stage with her hits. The guests enjoyed sounds by the DJ, looked onto skilled synchronized swimmers, and sipped specially made concoctions courtesy of Absolut Tune.

It became an even more perfect evening when I was able to meet, speak, and snap a picture of Solange. I can finally check that off my vision board!

Check out the pictures below:

Travel Comfortably This Season With A Limited Edition Alfred Stradler Bag

I'm on the hunt for a durable bag where I can juggle my laptop as well as all the other personal goods I tote with me on a daily basis. I recently came across a line of bags that are ideal for work and travel.

In 2011, Alfred Stradler launched his own brand of products, which features bags, bowls, slippers and other objects handcrafted using traditional European techniques. This Fall he added a new set of items to the line—bags, belts and wallets made from his favorite materials including vegetable tanned leather, wool felt and stone-washed cotton.

According to Stadler, the collection's modern, Bauhaus-inspired designs are meant to accommodate the busy lifestyles of urban creatives, to help them tote their laptops or tablets from afternoon business meetings to evening art openings in style. The durable yet soft limited edition bags consist of slate and bark colors for the fall. 

Another favorite is the Naturi Large in electric blue!

You can check out additional bags, wallets, and belts at www.alfredstadler.com 

Via CoolHunting