Category: Lifestyle

December in Ghana during the Year of Return

I think it is safe to say that everyone was in Ghana in December during the Year of Return. I attended a number of events during the holiday season, including Decemba2Rememba, Afrochella, The Black Gala, African Royalty Night, The Polo Beach Club, and Plantain Fest. In this video, I share my feedback on the events that stood out to me and give tips on how to leverage Beyond the Return.

So, let’s dive in deeper.

The CirqMixer is the first event I mention in the video. I was really excited about this event because it focused more on dialogue and connection. At the beginning of the event, they had a variety of icebreakers. First, they had a map of the world. We had to use three different color pins to show where we were born, where we studied or worked, and where we live now. Looking at the map, it was so cool to see how Africa’s diaspora almost represents every part of the world. The next icebreaker was bingo. We had to ask guests if they had certain skills or experiences to fill the bingo boxes. The type of traits listed included living abroad, speak 3 Ghanaian languages, drive in Ghana, etc. This activity lead to chatting with different people with interesting stories of what they are doing outside of vacationing in Ghana. The main activity was kind of like speed networking. Each guest had to choose three categories out of socializing, creativity, social impact, living in Ghana, and business in Ghana. There was a table for each category with a panel of individuals who spoke on the subject. We had 30 minutes at each table. Then everyone gathered in the middle space of the venue to discuss identity.

Like I said in the video, I really loved the concept of this event and hope they continue to expand with it. The biggest suggestion I would make is taking extra note on who to invite to be on panels or direct activities. I got the sense, in my experience and from other guests, that throughout the different directed conversations, guests did not really learn anything new. The conversations that started naturally during intermission as people mixed and mingled seemed more enjoyable.

Plantain Fest was delicious. I really enjoyed my food and the way the set up the event. In spite of the heat, they managed to create an enjoyable space. Make sure to watch the video above for more details and clips.

The Black Gala was nice and has a lot of potential. I loved the concept of having a high fashion event focused on Afrofuturism that also promotes local art. The venue was the Museum of Science and Technology. They set up a variety of photo booths as well as displayed artwork. They also had a silent disco with an awesome playlist by SoundHive. Seating include mini couches and stools to encourage mingling and moving around. Later they also hosted an art auction.

Like I said in the video, I was really looking forward to this event. I even got a dress made for the theme…because you know how much I love Afrofuturism. The main suggestion I would make is to put more effort on the activities and entertainment. Even though the decor was lovely and the displays were nice, I could walk through and admire them in less than 10 minutes. After that, what are your guests supposed to do? There was a bit of a wait until the event officially started. Guests really made an effort to dress up, and some left before the event started due to waiting too long. It was obvious guests wanted to have a reason to mingle more and interact. However, the music was too loud, acoustics were not pleasant, and there was no real ice breaker to get people moving. Also, the attempt to control the temperature in the museum was ineffective. This made it uncomfortable for guests who dressed up expecting to not sweat. There is also so much more that could have been done with the Afrofuturism theme. From entertainment, to artwork, to food, to activities. I do hope they host it again. It was one of the more elegant events for the December season.

Afrochella was the event everyone was talking about. My favorite part was standing in line and seeing all the celebration of blackness from all over the world. It was so colorful, fun, and empowering to see so many of us come together to support celebrating our culture. That was awesome. After getting in, I will admit I was disappointed. I’m not sure what I was expecting, but I felt like I had arrived when the first shift had closed and the second shift had yet to set up. The crowd around me seemed to have the same feeling. We waited for a while, first standing and later finding some seats, for the show to start. Finally, after seeing the MC’s and the back of Tina Knowles head, we left the stadium. So, I did not get to enjoy the concert.

I know a lot of effort was put into Afrochella and it really paid off. The main suggestion I would make is to have a real agenda and schedule for the event. Also, stick to the schedule. That stadium is not a place to hang out all day if there are no activities to keep you occupied outside of taking pictures. I am looking forward to more of the events they host outside of the main concert. I think I have come to prefer more intimate sized gatherings.

The Polo Beach Club for New Year’s Eve was the best event of the season. The decor was great, the mix was awesome, the customer service was on point, and the vibe was fabulous. It was the only event that really felt like a good party. The type where you can really dance. So, the day before the event I went to Labadi Beach Hotel to purchase a table. This is one thing I learned during the season of activities. Purchasing a regular ticket online for any event meant you get in, but won’t get a seat. Which is different from shows or events I am used to: regardless of your ticket type, you can enjoy the show.

Anyways, I met with the organizers who were setting up. They were very knowledgeable, polite, and helpful. I chose the location of my table and purchased it on the spot. They also had a proper website and social media presence illustrating all the information you needed. At the event, my table was ready, we had a dedicated server take our order, and one of the organizers checked on us periodically. They made you feel like you were really being taken care of. As if all you need to focus on is to have a good time. The guests were more of a mixture of Diasporans and Africans from outside of Ghana. They were all so generous of spirit. Dancing with strangers and hyping each other up while wishing each other a happy new year. It was really wholesome. I have not been to a party that fun in a long time. I was really impressed.

An African Royalty Night was beautiful. One of the more elegant events, it featured a round-table dinner and fabulous decor. The MC, Mawuli Gavor, did a nice job keeping the guests engaged. The DJ, Nana Kwabena, had the smoothest mix I heard in the entire December in Ghana holiday season. It was lovely. The main suggestion I would make is also to have a time schedule to stick to so that guests know what to expect.

Overall, I am really glad I took the time to experience December in Ghana during the Year of Return. The Diaspora really answered the call and showed up to celebrate. I really hope this increase in interest and exposure leads to even more benefits for Ghana and its Diaspora.

How did you spend your holiday season? Were you in Ghana? How did you spend your time? Let me know in the comments.

Also, remember to connect with me on Instagram and/or Twitter. I love hearing from you.

March 29, 2020
Why Does Technology Steal All My Time

In a world where immediate satisfaction is almost faster than the speed of light and privacy is a joke from a 1990s comedy, are our lives better with technology and social media? Or better yet, do you really think what you think? Or is it a product of what you are consuming?

Whenever another headline is published announcing a data leak, bulk password breach, or digital ownership rights, I always wonder if we are really using technology to the best of its ability. Don’t get me wrong, I am not about to advocate for banning smart phones and/or the internet. Rather, I want to discuss how we can use these powerful tools to further enhance our lives in a positive way.

Take for instance the film and book The Circle. I will admit I have only seen the movie, props to Tom Hanks and Emma Watson. That story is set in the not so distance future where your entire existence is attached to a cloud server for everyone to interact with. One of the messages the characters were debating was whether transparency is true democracy or just creepy. I feel that depends on what the information is being used for. Scrolling through someone’s feed cannot substitute active communication with the person when you are trying to get to know them. Neither is scrolling through meme’s and videos for hours at a time the most productive use of your time. So, how do we improve this?

Social media is a great tool to reach more people and ideas then you would without it. Take it as an introduction to the person or idea. As you consume information about people, events, culture, and news, take the time to develop what you think about what you are seeing. How do you feel after watching that clip? What do you already know about that topic? If you were having a discussion with that person or about that topic, what would you contribute? Make an effort to look beyond the sound bites and the viral comments.

Privacy and social media is also an interesting balance. The way things are going, it seems like we only have two choices: one, make every effort possible to remain off the grid by living in an underground laboratory, or, two, accept that every aspect of your life is accessible for entertainment and capitalism purposes. Not much of a balance, is it? I remember there was a time when my friends and I would freak out if we searched for our name on Google and there was one search result that showed some obscure web page from a newspaper or school post. Now, it is common for private information that the Yellow Pages never listed to be accessible with a click or small subscription. Is that a big deal? If we are not all members of a secret ninja society, should we care if this information is floating around? I still find it concerning.

What does this mean for networking and opportunities? Even if you do choose to make your social media accounts private or under alternative names, does the overload of private information help or hinder your prospects? Does it create more biases or openness? Ideally, it should give us space to be more inclusive. If you are building a team you want to be proud of, it could make sense to know what everyone’s opinions, struggles, passions, and dreams are to better understand how everyone will grow within what you are building. To better understand how to push it forward.

Ok, let’s get back to using social media as a positive tool. I love that Twitter now has a bookmark feature. It is better than messaging myself links to things I want to take the time to indulge in later. One of things I finally got a chance to see is Alex Wolf’s mini-documentary “Attention for Sale.” As she spoke about how advertising and technology continues to influence our attention span, rapid clips of various pop culture history flashed across the screen. I find it fascinating to take note of how social media continues to influence human and consumer behavior, which Alex did a wonderful job breaking down. If you have not seen it yet, you should definitely check it out. I love how she concluded with, “we are people of the heart living in a world made for the eyes.”

Do you notice how normal it has become to have everyone and everything pushing for your attention? How difficult it is to decipher between distractions? How naked and anxious you feel when you forget or lose your phone? This goes back to paying attention to how you feel. Maintain the autonomy of your opinions and emotions.

Now, time management. Why does it feel like we have less time in a day? That is because a lot of our time is unaccounted for. Can you honestly pinpoint what you did with your time in the hour before you started reading this post? What about this morning? What about yesterday between 2:15pm and 3:21pm? What about last week? When I hear people complain about time or ask for advice on how to better manage their time, I always respond asking them what is their relationship with time. Most would say they feel time slipping from them or imposing restraints on them.

When it comes to your relationship with time, I feel it is better to view it as something you flow with. As in, you are in control of what you choose to do. The timing of how things happen is what you need to trust. If you choose to use your time sitting instead of running, can you really say time is slipping from you? If everyone is supposed to focus on the speed of their race in their lane, what determines when you choose to sit and when you choose to sprint?

Among other things, technology can be part of it. Maybe you are comparing your chapter 3 to someone else’s chapter 34 on social media. Maybe binge watching certain shows encourages you to remain in your comfort zone. Maybe playing certain video games takes your mind off of boredom or loneliness. Maybe swiping through profiles tricks you into feeling you are making progress. Maybe participating in trolling debates convinces you that you think for yourself. How are you holding yourself accountable?

I feel the key is to stay grounded. Get clear on what you want to accomplish and where you want to go. Keep an open mind as you explore new perspectives and connect to new people. Direct your time. Feel free to use some of your time to rest, to sprint, to delegate, to give, to receive, and anything else you might need. Technology is not the enemy. It really should be the tool that pushes our evolution further and enhances our reality.

So, what is your relationship with technology and social media? How is it enhancing or hindering your time management and overall lifestyle? I would love to hear from you. Let me know in the comments.

Also, remember to connect with me on Instagram and Twitter. I would love to hear from you.

October 19, 2019
Black Panther and Wakanda: Let’s Talk

At the time I recorded this discussion, I had seen Black Panther twice. Now, celebrating the one year anniversary of vibranium excellence, I have seen it four times. I still feel so loved and empowered every time I see it.

I also find it amusing that a year after seeing Black Panther for the first time, I now find myself bringing Wakanda to life while living and working in the Royal Continent, but that is another story for another time.

It took me about three days to formalize in words how I felt after watching Black Panther. This was the result:

“I traveled to the Kingdom of Wakanda on February 17th. I now live in Wakanda. I will be getting married in Wakanda. Our children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren will be raised, spoiled, and celebrated in Wakanda. We will purchase all the black neighborhoods and property in America and the world to keep black families safe and prosperous within their communities. We will build schools, stores, hospitals, parks, museums, libraries, salons, farms, theaters, etc for the community. We will invest in knowledge, money, and family to strengthen the community. We will develop generational wealth and legacy for the community. We will bridge the gap between Africa and her stolen and lost children. All colonizers and gentrifiers are advised to stay out of the way, unless you understand the peripheral help you could provide. Wakanda might be a fantasy, but the mind set can be real.”

Instead of writing or recording a movie review on my own, I really wanted to have a conversation in a group discussion. I put a word out on social media for those who were interested and personally invited those I felt would contribute great insight. Scheduling and commitment were tricky, but in the end, I think it turned out to be a wonderful discussion. I am so grateful to Kamiliyah and Tamon for taking the time to share their presence, insight, and brilliance.

Here, me and my brilliant panel discuss the themes and nuances from the movie that resonated with us. There is still so much to unpack and further explore. Let’s continue the conversation. How would you answer some of the questions we discussed? Share in the comments below.

Also, remember to connect with me on Instagram. I would love to hear from you.

Top: HGC Apparel

February 24, 2019
To Morocco, With Love: Travel Guide

There is a certain freedom in being present while experiencing something new. Travel can do that to you. Like flying a magic carpet, it can feel unbelievable and simple at the same time. I spent New Year’s in Morocco. This was my first visit to the northern region of the Royal Continent and it was more magical than I could have ever imagined. There is so much to soak in that one really needs to stay for a couple of months. I spent 6 days based in Marrakech and took 2 day trips to Rabat and Ouarzazate. All three cities are unique and I hope this post helps to inspire you to visit.

Marrakech

A crisp morning in Marrakech starts at 10am, a wonderful time in my opinion. Along with the birds singing, you can hear the faint sound of Arabic and French spoken everywhere. Then there’s the sound of motors passing by, from old taxis and mopeds to shining new range rovers. The architecture in Marrakech is so picturesque. Between the old city and new city, European and African style is all blended with red bricks and walls. It is really beautiful.

Marrakech is a vibrant and artistic city. A paradise for photographers, foodies, history buffs, antique collectors, and of course…tourists. It is overwhelming and exciting at the same time. It is built in a way that makes it easy to walk around, which makes it even more fun to explore. We were lucky to have our stylish family friends show us around.

I stayed at the Movenpick Marrakech hotel. This place was gorgeous! Every corner of this hotel was breathtaking. The customer service was royal and the food was top-notch. Their buffet spread for breakfast was so elegant and had every choice you could think of. The rooms were comfortable and I really loved the details of the decor, from the marble architecture to the colorful furniture.

I also did a few photoshoots at this beautiful hotel. Stay tuned for those photos in my next post.

Rabat

Rabat is another beautiful city in Morocco. It is also unique. One part has the Parliament building and pretty avenues lined up with shops and cafés. Down a few blocks and closer to the shore are these blue mazes lined up with artisans and shops. We were so lucky to have connected with a lovely professor from Morocco. She gave us a wonderful tour.

The Hassan Tower was such a beautiful and somber place to visit. The guards on horseman at the entrance plus the tower and columns are very impressive. The call for prayer occurred while we were there and it was interesting to observe people come together to pray. Historically, the Hassan Tower is an incomplete mosque that was intended to be the largest minaret in the world. Construction began in 1195, but stopped in 1199 after the Sultan died. The tower stands 140 feet tall.

Kasbah des Oudaias is the blue maze in Rabat. Filled with artisans, shops, and cafés, it makes for a really beautiful walk. I could not get enough of all the ornate doors and fountains and tile details.

Ouarzazate

Driving up the Atlas Mountains really looked (and felt) like a secret agent movie. The road weaves around the mountains with sharp turns and steep cliffs. The views were absolutely breathtaking.

I also noticed something. Cats run (or protect?) the cities and dogs live solely in the mountains. I did not get a chance to ask whether this was done deliberately, but I think I might be on to something.

Atlas Corporation Studios is a film studio in Ouarzazate. Lawrence of Arabia, Cleopatra, Gladiator, Kingdom of Heaven and The Mummy (just to name a few Hollywood titles) were filmed there. The city is built like a movie world. There are film motifs adorned on every street intersection. Almost everyone who lives there has played an extra in a film. There is even a hotel named after Oscar (the award).

It is the largest film studio in the world, measured by acres, which is mostly desert and mountains. It also has a cinema museum that features more sets. I really loved the camera room. They had film cameras ranging back to Charlie Chaplin through to today. It was so cool!

As cool as this all was, it seemed bitter-sweet. It felt like everything was built and set up for an abundant industry, but the party never showed up. It felt more like a historical landmark, even though they are open for business. Apparently there is more competition for desert scenes…the recent Star Wars movie was filmed in Tunisia (not space). But it does not seem as if African filmmakers are using it much. I am not sure if this depends on politics or funding or a combination of both, but I felt like it is a beautiful studio with a lot of potential that is not being used to the fullest. Nonetheless, they have done very well to preserve the history of film here. I loved it.

Travel Tips

Now that you are convinced to visit to Morocco, let’s talk about some tips. I did a lot of research to prepare for my trip, from required travel documents to best places to take photos. In particular, I was looking for information about women traveling to Morocco. Even though Morocco is accepting of all religions, I understood it was a majority Muslim country and I wanted to respect the culture.

I chose to pack a wardrobe that was modest in accentuating my curves or skin. From what I could see, what women wear in Morocco ranges from traditional robes to modern jeans. However, those wearing mini skirts or crop tops tend to be expats. Everyone we interacted with, regardless of gender, were polite and respectful. Funnily enough, the only time someone called out to us was in the Souks in Marrakech, when a man called us The Obamas…which we all know is a compliment, so that was cool.

The posts I found helpful in preparing for travel, in terms of what to bring, were from Women on the Road, The Hostel Girl, and The World Pursuit.

Of course, I also used Instagram for research and inspiration. The posts I found helpful in planning my trip, in terms of what to see and do, were from Monroe Steele, Visiter L’Afrique, and Spirited Pursuit.

In Marrakech, you must also visit and experience Chez Ali. It is a dinner and fantasia show that is incredible. The food was delicious, the location is breathtaking, and the entertainment is delightful.

The souks in Marrakech are also fun and you will feel overwhelmed by all the beautiful craftsmanship. Due to traveling with a carry-on as my main case, I bought smaller things. However, there are some stores that offer shipping, which is very convenient.

Overall, I really enjoyed my trip. It was so exciting and refreshing to explore and observe such a beautiful country. There is so much I still would love to see, which is why I will most likely be back. I would highly recommend adding Morocco to your travel list.

Where have you traveled that you absolutely loved? Would you visit Morocco? Let me know in the comments.

Also, remember to connect with me on Twitter and Instagram. I would love to hear from you.

February 12, 2018
Finding My Glow with Ethical Style Journal

I believe people cross your path for a reason. To share an opportunity, a lesson, or a memory. There are no coincidences. Funnily enough, working with Katie Pruett and Ethical Style Journal was a combination of all three. An opportunity to be featured in a wonderful magazine, a lesson in healing myself, and an amazing experience that left a lasting memory. Sounds too good to be true, right? I had a lot of fun collaborating with them. Here is a peek at what it took to put this feature together, some exclusive photos, and where you can order your copy.

Earlier this year in April, Katie reached out to me on Instagram and via e-mail for an opportunity to be featured in the summer issues of her magazine Ethical Style Journal. Let me give you a tip on collaborating with fellow creatives and influencers because this is a prime example of how to do it right. Her e-mail was detailed and insightful. It was obvious that she had seen my work and photos, understood my message, and connected the dots that our brands would be perfect for each other. It was also apparent, in her first e-mail, that she had a substantial vision for what she wanted in this issue, the feature she wanted to produce, and how I could fit in all of that. The Instagram DM was just a heads up about the e-mail for a potential collaboration. After collaborating with a number of people and brands, I can say that regardless of what industry you’re in, how many followers you have, or what budget you’re working with, professionalism goes a long way and should never be cut short. I could tell Katie really believed in her magazine not only by what she told me but also from her previous work. That made me even more excited to contribute to the project.

The first part of this project was the personal essay I wrote, “Finding Comfort in Your Glow.” It is my reflections on the process I went through to embrace my beauty and advise on how others can do the same. Writing this piece was a fascinating experience because it made me re-live pain, healing, and triumphs in a way I did not realize I needed. Sometimes when we insist on moving on from things that hurt us or disappoint us, we tend to ignore it instead of heal it. I realized that growing into this space where I am comfortable in my own skin, I had avoided taking care of a few scars. That is what was so beautiful about writing this piece. I was actually practicing what I was preaching.

Here is an excerpt from the feature:

“This life pulls us through a unique journey. Most of us start out feeling pretty content with who we are and what we look like. Then, something changes. It might have started at home, or at a visit to the grocery store, or on your first day of school. Suddenly, you are bombarded with images, opinions, and expectations. Gradually, you find yourself criticizing every aspect of your existence. Next thing you know, you see the Grinch instead of your own reflection in the mirror. Ok, it possibly was more subtle than that, but at some point the downward spiral of self-hate makes you wonder, “How did I get here?”

Funny you ask that. Did you not bring yourself here? Or were you influenced by something else? Such as social media or mainstream standards? That is where I feel we start to examine the heart of this issue. How can we embrace our own beauty in an environment that thrives on making us feel inadequate? I want to share with you how I answered that question and how you can learn to embrace your own beauty.”

The second part of this project was the photoshoot. Katie and her friend Sharmon met me at Boheme. She brought a beautiful, bold dress by Reformation and a pair of really comfortable and chic sandals by Nicora. After shooting in different parts of the venue, we sat down and chatted about sustainable fashion, self publishing, lack of diverse representation in main and independent media, and so many other interesting topics. It was so nice to sit and chat with like-minded people sharing ideas and stories. We then went to the Menil Collection to take the remainder of the photos. Overall, it was a lovely photoshoot.

Now, I am sure you are anxious to know where you can find and how you can support this project. Not only does it feature my personal essay, but it also includes articles, fashion, and women that are all breaking boundaries and making a difference to protect the planet. The magazine is available in print and digital form. You can find out more about Ethical Style Journal and order you copy on their website.

Do you have any experience with sustainable fashion or opinion on the relationship between the fashion industry, consumerism, and the planet? Or would you just like to share what you think about this fabulous dress? Let me know in the comments!

Also, remember to connect with me on Twitter and Instagram. I would love to hear from you.

October 17, 2017
I Have a J.D. Now What?

Here we are. After three long years. Finally done. But, now what? I mean, I should be good now, right? I followed all the rules. I did what my parents told me to do. I stayed in school. Even when I felt frustrated, I stuck to it. Even when I felt like I did not belong, I showed up. Leading up to this very moment, where I can finally agree with all the elders that the “world is my oyster” and “all doors are now open to me.” I was really excited about this grande finale, until it ended. There were no oysters or open doors. It felt as if I was turning the page to the next chapter of a book, a real book, and found the next page blank. This was frightening at first, but I learned to recognize and appreciate my new freedom in this blank page.

As you may know, a J.D. can be used for a variety of jobs and landing a job is not easy. As much as everyone likes to advise fresh graduates that networking is the key to success, I feel luck plays a big part in that as well. Your luck only works in your favor if you are prepared for it. That preparation is what I had to take some time to work on. Initially, I figured working hard for grades, a resume, and some form of a network was enough, but it barely scratched the surface. I realized that I had to work on me. I had to believe in me. Crazy, right? How did I miss that? I know I cannot be the only one guilty of forgetting to take care of myself. Well, here are three ways to get back your peace at a turning point in your life.

Jump back and kiss yourself. Yes, I got that from James Brown. You need to be proud of yourself. It is so important to take the time to acknowledge how far you have come and what you achieved. When we are goal-oriented, and possibly humble, we tend to ignore celebrating ourselves. I was guilty of that. Once I master something I put my mind to, I tend to immediately move on to the next challenge. That is ok if you are always in motion. Once there is a pause or a gap, that mindset can lead to heavy doubt. So don’t leave room for doubt. Use that pause to celebrate yourself and be proud of what you accomplished.

Focus on your lane. Comparison is very tempting, especially when it seems everyone else is doing something better than you. Remember, we are all masters of filters and nothing is as it seems. Do not get lost in comparing your chapter 5 with another’s chapter 34. When we fall into comparisons, we miss the opportunity to celebrate others. That is what I continue to remind myself. Spreading love brings good karma in your direction. When I see my colleagues announcing their job placements before Bar exam results come out or engagement parties or moving to a new place, I cheer for them. I am genuinely happy for them and really hope it all works well in their lane. I truly want to see all of us succeed and I know my time in my lane is perfect.

Be optimistic about your new freedom, regardless of what your next step is. Freedom can be scary and exciting. Understand that mixture is ok. This was the biggest thing that had me feeling stuck. This new freedom frightened me because I was afraid of failure. With no guidelines to follow, or program to continue on to, or automatic job to slide in, what would keep me from falling? What would keep me from making mistakes? I realized that is what was so wonderful about this freedom. Do it afraid. Do it excited. I can design my destiny. I can be so in tune with my purpose, that I can trust I am being guided through this freedom.

That is what makes this time so beautiful. It can be transformative if you believe in yourself. Do you have any other tips for feeling stuck after a big accomplishment. Let me know in the comments!

Also, remember to connect with me on Twitter and Instagram. I would love to hear from you.

Photography: Fotos By Ben

Wearing: Kaela Kay dress; DSW heels

October 16, 2017