Girls Night Out Gala

On the beautifully strange warm evening of March 15, 2014, I somewhat attended this amazing first annual Girls Night Out (GNO) Gala that was held at the America Center, located downtown St. Louis.  I say “somewhat” because working the event and attending the event are always two different experiences!  GNO is a benefit to support A Hero’s Impact Foundation, which is a non-profit organization that’s purpose is to mentor children and families from all walks of life; with special emphasis on families facing illness.

So let’s start from the beginning, this lovely Saturday was an interesting warm night.  I had on my black dress from Forever 21 and added a petticoat underneath from Johnnie Brocks to get a fluffy whimsical princess look J.  As I walked into the America Center, I instantly heard a Beyonce song and I followed the sound of the tunes all the way up to the second floor.  As I turned the corner, all I saw were vendors galore!! I must say it was the largest selection of vendors that I have seen at any fashion event.  As I walked through the vendor mall with my model-rolling suitcase, I seen vendors carrying all types of items from jewelry, candles, purses, adultish items, makeup, clothing and more.  I eventually came to a line of beautiful women from all walks of life waiting to enter the main showroom.  In the mean time, they were getting their Vogue on while taking photographs on the pink carpet.

I rushed over to the Honey’s Child Boutique (HCB) booth and made sure that all was good and ensured that all HCB models were aware of all necessary information as we would be gracing the runway of all plus size fabulous models and selections from HCB.  At this point I was filled with so much joy and pride that we were able to participate in such a wonderful event. 

**Picture of the HCB Owner and Models on the Pink Carpet**

During the evening:

·         They honored 20 special ladies that have overcome tremendous obstacles

·         Played all the women empowered jams

·         The Fish-Eye Booth was available for all to experience and take home some fabulously goofy photos

·         They had various food and drink stations

·         Held various raffle ticket drawings

·         Allowed for lots and lots of dancing

·         A fashion show featuring Honey’s Child Boutique

·         Shopping opportunities everywhere

·         And so much more

Everyone there looked so beautiful in their dress of choice that made them feel as good as they looked!  It is always so much fun to get dressed up and hang with your girlfriends every once in awhile! The models and I mingled around until it was close to show time and we hurried behind the stage to get ready.  We graced the runway to Pharrell’s – Happy Song while wearing garments from Monif C., Josephine Swimwear, Annette Lee, Haus of Sierra Moses, Rue 114, Miguel Torres, and more. 

For me, I always enter the Emotional Rollercoaster about 30 minutes till show time.  I start getting super duper nervous, feet start sweating, mouth gets dry, stomach starts turning and all that.  The first heel hits the runway and all the worries wash away by the Super Woman powers that have now taken over!  The adrenaline rush from being on the runway, in front of a large crowd, is truly indescribable.  Especially when there is a part of my mind that knows that women past a size 6 are not always welcomed on the runway! The Final Walk approaches and all the beautiful Plus Models of HCB walk out and grace the runway once again as we bring a spotlight to Letitia Young, the owner of HCB.  We all exit the runway and we are all pleased that it’s all over.  Now we have to deal with the model-clothing tornado that has hit the backstage in the midst of the quick model changes consisting of heels, under garments, dresses, tops, hair, hair accessories and jewelry.  You name it and it was probably back there, lol.

I gathered my items and hurried on out to meet some of my girlfriends that came out support and enjoy the night.  We danced, took goofy pictures, felt beautiful, and truly enjoyed all the women that were there to support such a great cause!  One of my favorite parts of the night was the soul train line that we started on the dance floor.  Seeing women with different disabilities, nationalities, shapes, and sizes, getting their soul train line on was absolutely marvelous.  I am eagerly awaiting next year’s event!

** Picture of me and my Girlfriends!!**