Her Journey To Now...A Blog: April 2015

Wednesday, April 29, 2015

Rock Out With Me Atlanta

Loved. Empowered. Motivated. Amazed. Are just a few words I can use to describe last weekend. Today is Wednesday and the effects are still lingering...that's a great thing when it comes to me!! Ok Peeps, I'll fill you in...

I had the honor to attend/photograph April Daniels' & Ebony's Rock Out with Me event. For those of you that may have been in a comma for the last few years and don't know who April Daniels is, let me help you out. April Daniels is the co-star and bestie of Tamar Braxton on WE TVs Tamar & Vince Show. Oh her...you say...well let me crack your face with this. She's not only the wife of songwriter extraordinaire LaShawn Daniels and mother of 3 boys, this superwoman is a Philanthropist, entrepreneur, and fashionista (yes and she didn't disappoint either)!! So there... pick up your face, apologize, and let's move on, shall we! Love you, mean it!

Anywho, April partnered with Ebony Magazine to host her Rock Out With Me campaign here in Atlanta. April created the campaign to restore unity amongst women. We all know there is some discord within our gender, and thanks to social media, reality tv, and other media outlets, it "seems" to be more prevalent within the African American community.

The event started on Friday on the campus of Clark Atlanta University with a celebrity panel discussing topics such as the perception of women on reality tv. It was a hot topic that Wendy Williams could appreciate. The panel included: April Daniels, Christina Johnson (ATL Exes), Brely Evans (Dream Girls, Being Mary Jane), Treiva Williams (TV producer, Mary Mary, R&B Diva), Catherine Brewton (BMI Vice President), Princess Banton-Lofters (Creator of Real Housewives of Atlanta), LaRonda Sutton (Director, Mayor's office of Film & Entertainment for the City of Atlanta), & Monique Rodriguez (Owner of Meille Organics). It was moderated my Ebony's Director of Entertainment, Tia Brown. An additional treat, whom was not on the panel but did speak, was Leah Daniels-Butler, Casting Director of Fox's hit show "Empire".

The discussions were done by a credible panel of women that know the ins and outs of the entertainment business. They not only discussed the perception of women on reality shows, they also discussed life goals and what some of them had to and still are doing to achieve them. The audience of students both female & male was attentive and had real questions to asked during Q&A. I didn't feel as if the panelist was giving just blanket statements, they was giving this crowd the real deal truth. It was a great turnout. So much so, that it garnered a few statements from a surprised audience member...Peter Thomas, yes the very husband of Cynthia Bailey from RHOA. He was there showing his support to the show's creator. He came in mighty smooth because I worked the red carpet and he wasn't on it. However, I spotted the chocolate man with the gray beard while I was setting up to record the discussions, asked if I could take his pictured and he graciously complied. Thanks Peter!!

The campaign wrapped with a brunch that included shopping & pampering at 103 West Paces Ferry. It was kept secret from the public for obvious reasons. The attendees were the only ones privy to the address. The atmosphere was of girlfriends getting together for some food, talk, shopping, & pampering on a gorgeous summer day. They had various venders such as PZI Jeans & Haircandy. Ten minute massages were given, along with mini manis. The food looked delicious and the sister to sister discussion they had was amazing. Many tears flowed as the "girlfriends" shared their various stories. Joining the "girlfriend" group for the day was Tameka Foster (formerly Raymond) Fashionista & creator of Kyles World. Who also opened up about the perception others had of her because of her marriage to Usher Raymond. What I learned from that day is that Ms Foster is really funny. The perception from others about her, to me, is way off. Which is why I'm grateful that April had this campaign to snatch off the blinders amongst women and to allow us to embrace each other and allow each other to be who we are without judgement.

All in all peeps, it was an event I will never forget and one I am determined to build on. I agree with what Brely Evans says during one of her red carpet interviews, "This is an opportunity to go beyond just speaking about supporting one another, but to do something, past today." She's right! I plan to take what I've learned and the connections I've made to continue to help strengthen the bond amongst women. If we all embrace each other we can and will change the world. So I salute you April Daniels for your bold move to change the world!

If you would like to learn more about the Rock Out With Me campaign and for partnership opportunities please visit, www.rockoutwithme.com

Don't worry peeps I do have some pics for you to see from my weekend below! You can also view the Rock Out With Me gallery in it's entirety on my website www.untamedroyalty.com under Clients' Gallery!! Be Blessed!! Smooches!! L

April Daniels, creator of
Rock Out With Me

Wright Productions, produced the event

Monique Rodriguez, Mielle Organics

Wright Productions w/

April Daniels

Trevia Williams

Red Carpet Interviews

Princes Banton Lofters

Brely Evans

Arm Candy from April Daniels

Catherine Brewton

Tia Brown

LaRonda Sutton

Christina Johnson

Leah Daniels Butler

Peter Thomas

Atlanta's own, Talking with Tami

Tameka Foster

Wednesday, April 15, 2015

ATL LIVE ON THE PARK

ATL LIVE SEASON 6

Hi Peeps! You've been missed. I know it's only been a week, however, so much has happened! Initially, I was hoping to post my monthly fitness video, but due to technical difficulties....oh well, it'll be posted soon!!!!

Anywho...Last night I got to shoot ATL Live. To be honest, I don't know where I've been, because I had never heard of it until recently. It was brought to my attention via my good friend Dione, she's such a sweetheart & great supporter!! Hi Dione! Sending Love & Light your way!!! My apologies, I digress...So yea about last night...AMAZING!!!! I mean seriously! From the ambiance to the crowd to the talent, and the venue itself is beautiful! If you've never been to the Park Tavern at Piedmont Park on 10th st in Midtown, you need to go! The food looked delicious (I was busy "flashing" people, no time to eat)!

Really back to ATL Live...It has a supper club feel with a twist! I was surprised to see so many A-listers there. Last night's A-listers consisted of, Keshia Knight Pulliam (who was celebrating her birthday), Monyetta Shaw (Atlanta Exes), Tameka Foster (Atlanta Exes), Lyfe Jennings (artist), Bobby Valentino (artist), & the cast of 'For Better or Worse'. Yes ladies, Michael Jai White was there!!! Along with Tasha Smith's sister Sidra, whose vibe is so incredible!

The entire event was a don't miss! I enjoyed seeing everyone mix & mingle without restriction. Celebrities taking selfies with fans and themselves. The DJs were all great. I finally got to meet DJ LV, whom I was first made aware of when I saw his video Daddy, last year, which was inspired by Pharrell's song 'Happy'. If you haven't seen it you really should, it's inspiring & cute! Here's a link to it: https://youtu.be/kK7hez6F_X4 Enjoy! Don't go yet I have more about ATL Live!!!!

So here's a quick rundown of the entire evening from my point of view. First, there is plenty of parking and it's only $3 can't beat that! (well maybe you can, I parked free across the street beside the building...ONLY because I didn't want to have to fight my way out the parking lot afterwards) #nojudgement LOL!! Secondly, the venue is large and beautiful AND not smoky like most clubs! Thirdly, the entertainment is a crowd pleasure. You never know who will drop through and if the unknown artist will one day be your favorite mainstream artist! I hear Miguel was discovered at ATL Live!

Last night's features were Australian artist Olivia Escuyos, who was on NBC's The Voice, and one of my favorite's Virgin Islands' very own, Rock City! Both acts did an exceptional job! Olivia did covers by Beyonce & Alicia Keyes as well as an original song. She keep the crowd captivated by her sultry voice. So be on the look out for her!

The event was set afire when Rock City took the stage accompanied by Akon's DJ Benny D (who's outfit I could not take my eyes off of, unique & bold). Rock City, natives of St Thomas, is a powerhouse, consisting of brothers A.I & Uptown A.P., they are high energy and will give you a show. If you've never heard of Rock City, you have heard them...I'm sure of it!!! The brothers have written songs for Rihanna (Pour it Up, Man Down), Usher (I Don't Mind), Ciara (I Bet, I'm Out), Kelly Rowland (Kisses Down Low), and many others. And as they put it, "We don't plan to stop anytime soon". I so hope not! If I didn't have my camera I would have been bouncing with the crowd!!

Needless to say, you need to attend ATL Live's next show! Lyfe Jennings is set to perform there in June! Visit there website for event dates atlliveonthepark.com and follow them on Instagram @atllive_music.

Here is some of the fun I captured last night...