NoLa Divine: The Feel Good Inktress: My Name is Chicago Fashion

"You can say that again!"

"Pursue the things you love doing, and do them so well that people can't take their eyes off you. All other tangible rewards will come as a result."

*Dr. Maya Angelou "we're so frustrated with the way we're represented as black folk in the mainstream, blah blah...is soljah boy louis armstrong? is zane toni morrison? nah, but thank god for all of them...our energy is better spent doing our work than complaining about how much crap there is out there. crap will always be with us... [but] so will really well done, beautifully crafted art. lets do our work." *Chantal James

"Show me a person not full of herself, and I'll show you a hungry person." *Nikki Giovanni

"I can't believe impossible things." said Alice. "I daresay you haven't had much practice," said the Queen. "When I was your age, I always did it for half-an-hour a day. Why, sometimes I've believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast." *Lewis Carroll, "Alice in Wonderland"

It is a VERY snowy day here in Chicago, but I woke up feeling refreshed, excited and still high from last night's My Name is Chicago Fashion Speed Networking event! My first time speed networking and I didn't quite know what to expect...but I had a blast and met some amazing people! No better way to kick off the New Year than with great connections!

Located at the jazzy but intimate Salud Tequila Lounge, the evening began with pre-networking and a reception. Half-off all appetizers and amazing cocktails like the Salud Mojito...yum! I was ready for the night to begin. The host called for everyone's attention before delivering the speed networking instructions: we were to meet someone new and share whatever we could about ourselves, our businesses in just 5 minutes - when the bell rang - you were on to the next person! What a rush! Who came up this? Lol. I'll have to research the history of speed socializing - But if anyone else was a first timer like me, you couldn't tell. People quickly jumped into talking and getting to know one another! In fact, after a couple of rounds, I really don't think the bell even mattered anymore. Either you were too into this new person to care, or you were ready for the next introduction! Despite the extra tight-squeeze of the venue (note: i said the lounge was "intimate" Translate = small LOL ) things were moving and shaking! High-five to L'Shanell, Robert and the rest of their crew for a great event!

With that said, I want to send a special shout out to all the fabulous people I met and mingled with last night :

Danielle Riley, Miss Black Illinois USA 2010

Philip Tarver, Talent Manager, Follow him on Twitter!

Barry Peterson, Chicago Perspectives Photography

Karthik Sudhir, Aperture Studios Photography, Portraits|Editorials|Events

Amanda Jay Williams, Web Designer

Tasha Nesha, Runway Model

Viktoria, Viktoria's Closet, Passion for Fashion!

Fred King, King Vision Photography, Chicago's Hottest Urban Fashion Photographer

Tatianah Green, Model/Fashion Show Coordinator

Brian Jarreau, Brian Jarreau Photography, Portraits|Headshots|Events|Fashion|Weddings

Shari Hill, Compass Representative

Jacque, Fashion Consultant/Designer

Chasity Cooper, Marketing/PR Guru

David Crawford, AT&T

Candyce Jones, Hair Care Products (attn: natural sistahs!)

Racine, Hip-Hop, R&B and Soul Singer

Style Admirer Chicago

*This is also a shameless plug for their businesses :) If you are interested in connecting with any these people, and I have not linked to a website, just let me know and I'll be happy to introduce you.

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