I love attending brunches but I never know what to wear! This one was no different! Luckily for me, Mom saved the day.
The brunch was scheduled to begin at 11 AM but I was late thanks to the ever “reliable” public transport system. I guess it was my day though because the first speaker had not been introduced yet.
he Jamaica Pegasus served as the perfect venue for such an elegant gathering of powerful females. The decor was simplistic but still impeccable. The yellow & white theme from the Workshop continued with a splash of gold.
The first speaker was Kerry Ann Clarke, owner of Kerry manwomanhome. She shared her journey. She chose to follow her dreams rather than to settle in her family business.
It was invaluable to hear about the hard work that it took to become a maven of the local fashion industry.
The next speaker was Sara Stanford, C.E.O. of Bliss Bridal. Sara shared what it was like growing up with vitiligo.
Her turning point came at 8 years when her doctor gave her the courage to own her uniqueness.
During her presentation Sara shared a few words from Marianne Williamson.
Of course I had to find the full quote…
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, ‘Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?’ Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”
― Marianne Williamson, A Return to Love: Reflections on the Principles of “A Course in Miracles”
Sara is the true definition of beauty. See her inspiring presentation here.
The next speaker was the ever fabulous Novia McDonald-Whyte. She reminded us all to send the elevator down after we have made it to the top so that other women can make it there. Her presentation was candid and engaging.
Here are a few other lessons from NWM’s presentation:
- We learn from our mistakes
- Don’t think about the issues
- Make no apologies for who you are. Own the good & the bad traits!
Najah Peterkin’s presentation had me almost in tears. I could never imagine being 31 years old with breast cancer…
She overcame that battle and went on to become the Manager of Private Client Services at NCB Capital Markets Limited.
The final presenter for the day was Gladys Ellis, Superintendent of Police. She spoke about second chances.
I believe her life is the guide to second chances. She went from being a rejected child because of her skin colour, to being a teen mother, to being abused, to facing rejection from law school.
Despite all the negatives, she persevered & became a Superintendent of Police & Attorney-At-Law.
Here is what I learned from Mrs. Ellis’ presentation:
- Work with what you are given
- See negativity as a challenge. Our challenges should serve as an inspiration.
- Knockdown is NOT a knockout
- Get pass your past
- Don’t ask “Why Me?” but ask “Why not me?”
What stood out to me though, was what I considered her real second chance…her journey to death’s door & back.
I shared a Facebook Live recording of her courageous story in a previous post here.
The weekend was inspirational. My spirit needed the messages that were shared. I tend to be very hard on myself and that usually causes me to quit or give up.
I don’t think Cortia knew what she did for me by conceptualizing and executing this event. I am happy that I attended and I look forward to next year.
Until Next Post
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