Aprille “The Creadive” Deus
Destiny Hall (Vaughan, Ontario) – The rain had no effect on the 3-phase itinerary. A pink carpet led me to the entrance, where I was welcomed with a vibrant grass wall for an immediate photo-op! Beautiful women – in all-pink pantsuits – opened the double glass doors to what was a stunning “pink, green, and diamond-studded event – Fit only for a lady boss.”
The air filled with melodies by the hands of Brigit O’Regan, an electric violinist, who plucked and played what would be the voice of Odunsi in his Afro-RnB hit Tipsy. Treasa Leigh Brown – the Founder of We Rise Brunch – graced the grounds with a purple and pink pantsuit. Surrounding her were the MC, Kéla Walker (7-time Emmy Nominee TV Host and Producer) and the 4 powerhouse panelists – WondaGurl (Platinum selling producer and 2018 #ForbesUnder30,) Janet Jackson (15 Year Hairstylist to A-Listers such as Rita Ora and Kreesha Turner, and Jou Jou Hair Studio Owner,) Samantha Clarke (lawyer turned international photographer, with work on the Obama campaign,) and Karen Civil (Social and digital media marketing maven, who has worked with the likes of Lil’ Wayne and Nipsey Hustle.)
As I settled into the first of 3 spaces, along with the rest of the guests, I could not help but notice the glass-accented, white chairs perfectly aligned side-by-side, a long pearl-white couch for the first-row seating VIPs, and massive floral arrangements with pink feathers in them. The “We Rise Brunch” branded microphones on each of the 5 chairs on stage were the cherries on top.
The conversation followed suit and was nothing short of breath-taking. Common words used to describe the panel, amongst the guests, were inspirational, motivational, and educational. This was a place for working women with real work and industry experience – at the highest levels. Whether you work in visual arts, music and entertainment, PR, or are a beginner entrepreneur, the conversations left everyone’s Notepad with pages of quotes, strategies and advice.
At the end of the panel discussion, guests made their way to ballroom #2 where they enjoyed a 3-course meal, a small thank-you speech from the CEO of Girls 20 Charity, and live music. The final phase of the event was definitely the best and left for last. Behind the white curtain was yet another space for all the guests to congregate. A lounge filled with more goodies, photobooth spaces, appetizers, and champagne.
Needless to say that the first-ever We Rise Brunch was truly an event worth going to. Who wouldn’t be down to attend an event where you learned, got fed, and networked with a room full of successful and motivated women?
