• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Afrobella

Natural Hair, Beauty, Fashion and Makeup Blog

  • Hair
  • Beauty
    • Makeup
  • Reviews
  • Pop Culture
  • Style
  • About
    • Awards and Acclaim
    • FAQs
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy

Inside My #AfrobellaORS Event — So Grateful For This Special Evening!

by afrobella

In many ways, 2017 was a challenging year for me. I know I’m far from alone in that fact but now that I can truly look back on the year that was, I realize the levels of trials and tribulations that surrounded me. Too often in 2017, I let tough times to pull me under. I allowed fear to control the narrative. I started to believe some of the negative self-talk in my own mind. I could feel myself withdrawing. I found myself experiencing real moments of doubt in my voice, in my purpose, in myself. I needed a boost. I needed perspective. I needed a reminder of my journey and my purpose. And almost out of nowhere, internationally respected haircare brand ORS asked if they could throw a very special anniversary dinner in my honor. Wanna hear something crazy? I almost turned the opportunity down. That’s the kind of negative self-talk I’m trying to fight off. That, and behind the scenes I’ve been weighed down by worries. It turned out that the #AfrobellaORS dinner was exactly what I needed on a few levels. Come with me inside the experience to see why! All these photos are by Tarji Michelle Photography — she captured the evening to perfection!

The venue was absolutely perfect. The Blanc Gallery is an elegant space that is currently showing Farewell 44, an Artist’s Tribute to Barack Obama. Our event was hosted in this gorgeous room, adorned with portraits of President Barack Obama. It all felt quite auspicious.

 

The room was adorned with bouquets by Alicia Wright of Avents by August — watching her in action was amazing, she made miracles for our dinner! If you’re in Chicago and seeking event planning or bouquets for an event, definitely check her out!

Chef Cliff Rome of Rome’s Joy Catering created an elegant and delicious menu.

The table was beautiful. The food was delicious. The company was everything I needed. And there was live music by Gifted Keys and a violinist.  DJ MJ The Beautiful Beat kept the music bumpin’ before and after that! Seriously, we were body rolling throughout the meal — I’d go to any event  DJ MJ The Beautiful Beat was DJing!

 

Even though it’s been 11 years of Afrobella, I STILL don’t love talking about myself. Neither does CEO of Namaste Laboratories, Shawn Tollerson. So we were perfectly matched! We had a brief discussion about the beauty industry, sisterhood, and the importance of supporting each other. I felt myself becoming more reflective as the conversation went on. The ORS team gave me flowers and I was so grateful for the whole experience, this moment, the people gathered. The significance. Words escape me.

 

 

I got in my feelings during part of the discussion. I mentioned earlier that I’ve been dealing with some behind the scenes feelings, and literally even going to this celebratory event was tough. My mom was in the hospital during the duration of this event, and right before arriving I found out about a procedure she needs to have to extend her life and improve her health. During the event I asked for the room of women gathered to join me in prayer for my mom. And then I shed a few tears — I tried not to but I couldn’t help it in that moment. The response truly touched my heart so much and helped to carry me through. My dear friend Tia Dantzler led us in prayer, and the room came together and prayed with us. It was one of the most important moments and I am so grateful. It is what my soul and spirit needed, truly.

 

SO many friends came out to show love and support. The room was overflowing and I got to see some old friends, meet some new ones and connect with people I love who I haven’t seen in a while. Needed ALL of that!

Like my friend Karli Butler of Burned Beauty, who I hadn’t gotten to see in a while!

And Erica Douglas AKA Sister Scientist! And the beautiful Ms. Vaughn, love her!

And YAY  the homies Luvvie and Tori of Glasses N Glitter came through!

Who else came? So so many other people I love, who have helped me grow and step into my purpose over the past decade, who have supported me or just been super genuine and sweet. Friends like Donedo and Erica Watson and Dr. Renee and Arella of Sweetheart Swan. Thank you for coming out.

Thank you ORS for putting all of this together!

Thanks for the GREAT recaps on this event, The Fat Girl of Fashion and Black Doctor!

At the dinner, ORS revealed a new look at their repackaged products. And everyone got a gift bag!

Thank you to ORS and amazing powerhouse PR Dionne Williams for one of the best nights of my last year!

This event was sponsored by ORS but the opinions here are 100% my own.

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...

Filed Under: Beauty, Events, Issues, Life Tagged With: Absolutely Afrobella, Afrobella Events, ORS, ORS Haircare, Sponsored Post

« New Year, New Wardrobe – Taking the Best Care of My New Threads
I Helped to Judge the Indie Business Network’s Artisan Product of the Year Awards – Discover My Faves! »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. SweetHeartSwan

    at

    I truly enjoyed this dinner and to honor all you have accomplished, Thank you again for having me and sharing your truth, It’s hard dealing with your own personal battle because no one else gets it. I was soooo honored to be in the room and enjoyed every minute of learning, praying and celebrating with you!

  2. Pets

    at

    You are deserving and one can realize from these pictures just how your blog, your personality and your character has garnered all of these plaudits.

    Congrats to you and thanks to ORS for recognizing your Excellence.

  3. maya

    at

    I love your blog?

  4. Patrick Henry Grell

    at

    You are truly spectacular and your entire family in Trinidad and beyond are extremely proud of you.
    I wish to say a special thank you to all who prayed with you for your beautiful mom, my dear wife, whose surgery is scheduled for tomorrow. Thanks for sharing and continue to live your life to the fullest.
    We love you dearly.

  5. Noh Pass

    at

    The most special night! You are very beautiful!

  6. pam

    at

    I haven’t been here in awhile and this just warmed my heart. So classy and so good to see community show up for you. You are really deserving of this and more. I pray for your mom as well.
    Happy new year.
    and you look amazing!

Primary Sidebar


Visit Afrobella Store

Popular Posts

  • January 2025
  • December 2024
  • November 2024
  • October 2024
  • May 2024
  • October 2023
  • September 2023
  • August 2023
  • July 2023
  • May 2023
  • April 2023
  • March 2023
  • November 2022
  • September 2022
  • June 2022
  • September 2021
  • August 2021
  • June 2021
  • May 2021
  • January 2021
  • December 2020
  • October 2020
  • September 2020
  • April 2020
  • March 2020
  • February 2020
  • January 2020
  • December 2019
  • November 2019
  • October 2019
  • September 2019
  • August 2019
  • July 2019
  • June 2019
  • May 2019
  • April 2019
  • February 2019
  • January 2019
  • November 2018
  • October 2018
  • September 2018
  • August 2018
  • July 2018
  • June 2018
  • May 2018
  • April 2018
  • March 2018
  • February 2018
  • January 2018
  • December 2017
  • November 2017
  • October 2017
  • August 2017
  • July 2017
  • June 2017
  • April 2017
  • March 2017
  • February 2017
  • January 2017
  • December 2016
  • November 2016
  • October 2016
  • September 2016
  • August 2016
  • July 2016
  • June 2016
  • May 2016
  • April 2016
  • March 2016
  • February 2016
  • January 2016
  • December 2015
  • November 2015
  • October 2015
  • September 2015
  • August 2015
  • July 2015
  • June 2015
  • May 2015
  • April 2015
  • March 2015
  • February 2015
  • January 2015
  • December 2014
  • November 2014
  • October 2014
  • September 2014
  • August 2014
  • July 2014
  • June 2014
  • May 2014
  • April 2014
  • March 2014
  • February 2014
  • January 2014
  • December 2013
  • November 2013
  • October 2013
  • September 2013
  • August 2013
  • July 2013
  • June 2013
  • May 2013
  • April 2013
  • March 2013
  • February 2013
  • January 2013
  • December 2012
  • November 2012
  • October 2012
  • September 2012
  • August 2012
  • July 2012
  • June 2012
  • May 2012
  • April 2012
  • March 2012
  • February 2012
  • January 2012
  • December 2011
  • November 2011
  • October 2011
  • September 2011
  • August 2011
  • July 2011
  • June 2011
  • May 2011
  • April 2011
  • March 2011
  • February 2011
  • January 2011
  • December 2010
  • November 2010
  • October 2010
  • September 2010
  • August 2010
  • July 2010
  • June 2010
  • May 2010
  • April 2010
  • March 2010
  • February 2010
  • January 2010
  • December 2009
  • November 2009
  • October 2009
  • September 2009
  • August 2009
  • July 2009
  • June 2009
  • May 2009
  • April 2009
  • March 2009
  • February 2009
  • January 2009
  • December 2008
  • November 2008
  • October 2008
  • September 2008
  • August 2008
  • July 2008
  • June 2008
  • May 2008
  • April 2008
  • March 2008
  • February 2008
  • January 2008
  • December 2007
  • November 2007
  • October 2007
  • September 2007
  • August 2007
  • July 2007
  • June 2007
  • May 2007
  • April 2007
  • March 2007
  • February 2007
  • January 2007
  • December 2006
  • November 2006
  • October 2006
  • September 2006
  • August 2006

Footer

  • Afrobella Radio
  • Ask Afrobella
  • Beauty
  • Body
  • Books
  • Events
  • Featured
  • Food
  • Hair
  • Health and Wellness
  • Issues
  • Jams
  • Life
  • Makeup
  • Monday Manicure
  • Pop Culture
  • Popular
  • Randomness
  • Reviews
  • Skin
  • Style
  • Travel

Copyright © 2025 · Foodie Pro & The Genesis Framework