10/31 Erica's Table of 20

My weekends are often jam packed with events & this past one was no different. After leaving a client in Columbus, I made my way to Buckhead for Erica's Table of 20. I had the distinct pleasure of being invited this event hosted by Erica Dias (@Tableof20). This private gathering was set in the Neiman Marcus Café located on the lower level of the Neiman Marcus Store. When I got to the café I was immediately drawn in by the bright myriad of colors on the walls. Upon entering the dining area, the beautiful table settings by Suite 14A (@Suite14A) greeted everyone. The decor was very elegant yet inviting.

This was my first visit to the Neiman Marcus Café & I must say that I was very impressed. The ambiance of the entire restaurant was upscale, the staff was friendly and the food was scrumptious! First they brought out the cutest little tea cups on a saucer filled with broth. It was good and helped warm me up. Then they brought us these giant rolls. I mean GIANT! I managed to cut off a corner of it just for a taste. I'm a vegetarian so I'm always seeking veggie options. I asked for a steamed veggie medley with mash potatoes as my entree. I'm not a big fan of mashed potatoes but I loved it!

Our first speaker was someone I immediately recognized. It was publicist, journalist & media personality BJ Coleman (@aBJcoleman). This gentleman started off in the industry at the tender age of 15 on the set of Teen Summit. This show was a very popular BET program that many celebrities such as LL Cool J, Method Man and even Hillary Clinton were featured. After Teen Summit, BJ found himself on the fast track to success. And he was still in high school! He worked with CNN, The Maury Povich Show and later with Queen Latifah. BJ would soon find himself being the personal assistant to the fabulous Kimora Lee Simmons. Kimora was the creative director of a new brand named Baby Phat. And BJ was there to watch the making of history. He has been blessed with so much experience in the industry that he decided that I was time to create his legacy. He is the president of Coleman Entertainment Group, an image & communications agency in NYC. What I admire the most about him is that he was given privilege very early on but never once abused it. He's remained humble & that is why he is at the top of his game right now. He left us with something that really stuck. He said there's three things you keep private: your love life, your income & your next move. He has a book in the works so look out for it in the new year.

Our second speaker had over 20+ years of experience as a Food & Prop Stylist. The beautiful Annette Joseph (@AnnetteJosephStyle) is also the author of Picture Perfect Parties. She shared with us about when she began this journey, she really didn't have a title. People did not call it styling & it was difficult to describe it to people. She is a pioneer in this field & has watched this industry change significantly. She currently lives in Italy so I am so glad that things worked out for her to speak with us. She told us about her experiences on live television. Her first time on the Today Show was the funniest! She did not realize all the behind the scenes work that happens. She was very nervous about leaving her exhibits with their stylist. She was used to styling her own set! But she followed protocol & left everything with them. When it was time to get on set, she said their arrangements were perfect! That goes to show that a little faith can go a long way. She has brushed elbows with some big name celebs as well including Al Roker, Kathy Lee & her favorite Actress Gwyneth Paltrow. She gushed about her experience styling the A-list actress's house in 10 days.

I enjoyed this event tremendously. It definitely helped motivate me & encourage my journey. All attendees left with an exclusive VIP Gift Bag with all kinds of goodies! Special shout to the sponsors Suite 14A (@Suite14A), my girl Jae Nash for Foot Kandy (@FootKandy), Dermalogica (@dermalogica), Sprinkles Cupcakes (@SprinklesCupcakes), Kendra Scott (@KendraScott), Sophia Naturals (SophiaNaturals.com), Paper Studio by Tre C (@paperstudiobytrec) and TK Cake Pops (@TKCakePops)

~Ash Said It