Inspiration, Macaroni and Rotimi

On September 25, 2016 I attended #thePowerLunchDC, a networking event created by @FamousDave87 and @TheGspotDC. The event featured vendors, networking, good eating, and an inspirational panel. The panel consisted of; singer, songwriter and radio personality Lil Mo, singer and actor Rotimi, best known for his role on Starz’s Power, Charrisse Jordan of Real Housewives of Potomac, the Crab Boss, an entrepreneur known for his strong social media following and amazing seafood, and Tyann Hodges the 25 year old hair guru with over 65K followers.

I’m such a supporter of entrepreneurship. It was cool to see vendors with such great products and personalities. I brought my friend Erica with me, and she literally couldn’t stop shopping! One of the things I liked most was the way everyone supported each other. Everyone just had a “let’s all be great” mentality, which as we know is not always the case. After networking and vendors there was a full course meal that consisted of fish, chicken, desserts, and much more. Honestly, I didn’t have too much but what I tasted was great! The mac and cheese was definitely my fave.

OF course the biggest part of the day was the panel. It was inspiring and hilarious at the same time. Lil Mo is officially my friend in my mind. Currently, she works as a radio personality at WKYS in DC and lives in Philly. “It’s better to be tired than broke,” she said. Lil Mo stars in TV One’s RnB Divas, works as a radio personality, is an entrepreneur and a wife and mother. Suddenly, my life didn’t seem so hectic. She spoke about the power of having talent and not using sexuality to “make it.”  Lil Mo is Muslim and therefore believes highly in covering her body.” No one can take away your talent,” she said. Also, Rotimi spoke about his Nigerian upbringing and how important it is to work hard and stay humble. He’s been singing for years but acting is new. However, when the opportunity presented itself he worked hard and has been very successful. He jokingly explained one of his “mama I made moments” as the day a girl asked him if she could “just watch him go to the bathroom.” Charrisse spoke about how important it is to respect and support US and even paid homage to everyone on-stage. While the Crabb Boss spoke about the power of using social media to cultivate your brand and following. “I humanize myself and let people see what my days are really like,” he said. Tyann also spoke about the joys of gaining a following and how important it is to engage with them and utilize the power of connecting with people.

I drove about three hours there and back to this event. I never want to miss an opportunity to be inspired or share inspiration with my readers. The vendors had some really nice stuff. There are a few photos and plugs below. Also, since I’m currently obsessed with Power seeing Rotimi was a treat too. He’s actually even cuter in person for anyone who was wondering. But, what really touched me was seeing the youth engage with the panel and audience members. There were entrepreneurs in their TEENS with great questions and getting ideas! I know millennials get a lot of slack, but we’re taking over! You know I don’t promote anything unless I truly enjoyed it. IF you guys are ever in ever in the DMV I’d definitely try to make #thePowerLunchDC. Take a look at the pictures and IG plugs below. Support Us. Tweet/IG/Comment me any feedback.

• <33 @askKirbyCarroll

Creators: @FamousDave87 & @GspotDC

Panelist: @thelilmoshow @rotimimusic @crabboss00 @1charrisse & @allulreandmore

Food:@konsciouskaterers

Sponsors: Pretty Penni Events & Prissy Sweet Cake Treats

Check out the photos here.  Feel free to tag yourselves.

Review: Love Jones the Musical

Tuesday, September 20th I attended Love Jones the Musical in Norfolk, VA. The show was created in honor of the 20th anniversary of the  classic film, Love Jones. I had a really nice time, and give it a strong B. The singing was great and if you're a lover of RnB you will definitely enjoy and respect the talent onstage. Chrisette Michele did very well and looked amazing onstage. There were also performances from Raheem Devaughn, Musiq Soulchild, Marsha Ambrosious and more. Although this show was based around the movie, it was definitely not identical. While the storyline was similar there were a few differences. I really enjoyed how they modernized it. This version included emoji references, Rihanna songs, and online dating stories. Still, there was a very mixed age crowd and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves.

We did start a few minutes late, it made the show feel a little too long for me. I also wasn't a fan of the ending, it seemed pretty abrupt. I'm pretty sure anyone who has seen it would agree with this statement.

However, if the worse thing I can say about a show is that it felt long that's pretty good. Plus it could be a personal thing. I don't care for long shows or movies, except Batman and Django. Don't judge me. I felt the judgment.

Anyway, I definitely recommend this show for individuals who love theatre, soul music and the arts. I suggest being open minded and not a stickler for the original. I've had friends who went in other cities and they feel the same way. Let me know your thoughts. Do you agree or disagree with my review? Tweet me or comment below.

<3 - @AskKirbyCarroll

What Does Your Favorite Show Say About You

Call me lame but one of my all time favorite things to do is cuddle up with a bottle of wine and find a binge worthy TV show on my laptop. Literally, I'm an introvert trapped in an extrovert personality. My all time favorite shows are a lot like my personality, completely random. I honestly think one's favorite show, album, or novel says something about their personality. I've listed my all-time favorite shows below, and how it relates to me. What are some of yours and what do you think it says about you? 

1. The Wire 

I believe in never judging a book by it's cover. People are complex and grey. No one is all good or all bad but uncovering the truth is still important. Also it showed me, I'm obsessed with a good story. In my opinion, the writing in the Wire is second to none. 

-- > HBO GO

2. The Vampire Diaries 

I want passionate and unconventional love. I believe in taking risks and chances. Also, it's okay to have different interests. Let's be honest most of my friends are 20 something African americans so TVD isn't really their cup of tea. But, I couldn't live without it.  

-- > CW, Netflix 

3. Scandal 

I like the idea of being a woman in power. The fast pace way Olivia owns her business with the support of her Gladiators is so #GOALS. I don't care whats going on with her love life or B613. She gets through it. I believe if your work ethic matches your passion no one can stop you. 

4. The Game

Let's be honest, the idea of the fancy life and fancy friends just seems pretty lit. But, it's cooler to be in that lifestyle and still have genuine people around you. I also love the characters in this show. I see my actual friends in so many of the characters. Sidebar, my friends say I'm the Kelly. 

-- > DVD's available online 

5. Fresh Prince of Bel Air 

Fresh Prince will always make the cut! I believe it's okay to laugh and have fun sometime. Family is always the most important thing ever and as long as you got them you're good. 

-- > BET, TBS 

-- <33 @askKirbyCarroll 

Being a Boss and Dating in 2016

As some of you may know I am an ambassador and senior editor for Black Girls Do. Black Girls Do is a social group dedicated to destroying the negative perception of black women by celebrating them in action. They host fun and engaging events and community service projects on the East coast.

The creator asked me to write an article on being a boss and dating in 2016. I told her I wasn't in a relationship and still building my business, but she persisted. So, I gave it my best try. Check it out here. 💜


Plugs:
FB: Black Girls Do
IG: @blackgirlsdo
Website: Blackgirlsdoseries.com


- @askKirbyCarroll

Twenty-Six

So, my birthday is tomorrow. I'll be twenty six years old. When I was seventeen I just knew I'd have my whole life together by 25. Then, 25 happened. I'm pretty sure on midnight of my 25th birthday I was walking around DC intoxicated eating a quesadilla. Anyway the point is, it wasn't all together. I had just finished graduate school and was moving back to my hometown to start the job hunt. It was a hard time. Someone very close to me was sick, I had gained weight, and I kept getting that email. You know the email. "While your resume was very competitive, we regret to inform you." You get it, please don't make me finish it. But soon enough I was offered a job. It was in television, and just forty minutes away from home. Was it my dream job? Heck no, but it definitely paid the bills and it was media related, like I wanted. However, that's not what made me the happiest. The happiest was my family. I've lived out of state pretty much since I turned eighteen and I'd forgotten how being at home makes me feel. I can unapologetically say laying on my parents bed talking about my plans for the future and/or explaining the dynamics of the Kardashians and Blacc Chyna makes me beyond happy. Not to mention, this was the first summer in years that I got to spend with my sister. We talked about our goals, relationships, and love for chipotle. She also was with me every time I filmed Ask Now and always gave me feedback on scripts. I'm not the girl who wants to be away from her family. I'm the one who wants to be wrapped around them.


But then August hit. I looked at "Family Book" aka Facebook. All I saw were weddings and babies being born. I looked at Instagram and saw so many of my peers living in places like LA or NY and living their dreams, and that familiar feeling came back. Why am I still single? Am I not doing enough professionally?  People who really know me are aware that I can't turn off my mind. Like literally, when I sleep my dreams are even super vivid. There are so many stories inside of me that I'd like to share and create. The closer 26 came the more I realized I'm not telling them all.

Then, I realized something. Life is short, and I forced that moment to pass. I lost two people close to me this year. While it hurts that I will never see their face again. I feel their spirit. I'm learning to make myself follow rules, not only for me but for others who love me. Be unapologetic. Be you. Spend time with people you love. Be happy. Take risks. Trust the Creator's timing. Believe in love. Be creative not combative.

God will allow everything to work out if you live every day like this, with purpose. So that's what I'm gonna try to do this year. There may be days I need wine, a netflix binge day, or a hug.

But, I will give it all my all. I owe it to myself and the people who love me.

So 26, be lit. 

--- <3 @askKirbyCarroll 

Ask Now Show Hampton Roads: Top Rope Zeus

This season, when I asked readers what topics they'd like to discuss, the bulk of them revolved around dating, relationships, and sex. I also had a few questions specifically about online dating, and the effect of social media on relationships. I really wanted to talk about all of these topics. So I combined them into one episode. Will swiping right lead you to Mr. Right? 

However, I'm single, a girl, and dating confuses me lol. So I wanted to give y'all a different point of view. That brings me to @TopRopeZeus. He's a very talented actor and creator of popular Youtube series, Hump Day Romance. By the way, if you haven't seen it, check it out and thank me later. On this episode, we have a very open and honest discussion about a lot of things like online dating, having friends of the opposite sex and so much more.

I'm sure you guys are gonna laugh and have a lot to say about this episode. It got very REAL. I can't wait to hear your thoughts. Check it out
here.  

Keep up with Top Rope Zeus on social media at @TopRopeZeus and subscribe to his Youtube channel here. 

--- > <33 @askKirbyCarroll