Whose Shoes Book 5th Anniversary Event Recap
Hey Cuties,
On May 23rd I had the honor and the pleasure of celebrating the 5th Anniversary of the Whose Shoes Book Are You Wearing?. This is a book by Ugandan sisters Christine St. Vil and Julian B. Kiganda. They set out to inspire, empower and equip women (and men) to walk in their purpose and “do it afraid”. Y’all they did just that and more.
It was an incredible evening to celebrate Christine and Julian, our ancestry, the Whose Shoes Book and good company. There was such a dope vibe in the room and you could feel it.
The Venue
The event took place at the Signal Financial Federal Credit Union, in the City Center of DC. This place is the dopest Financial Institution I have ever visited. They are all about community and I love that about them. I’m honored that they hosted us in such grand fashion. I swear by Credit Unions and you should too, consider them for your financial needs. They also teach kids about money which is really dope. Talk about purpose!
The Host
Your Emcee for the evening was yours truly, Mimi Robinson. Aye! I was also their Project Manager/Event Planner for this event. It was such an honor working with Christine and Julian. They are amazing clients, I read their book back in 2014 when I met them for the first time. I always struggled to find my purpose. In January of 2019 while on furlough from my government job I figured Whose Shoes I was supposed to be wearing. That is when I launched Mimi’s Virtual Assistance. (Update: I’ve moved to social media management which is so me.)
The Reveal
The big reveal of the night came from Co-founder of AfricanAncestry.com, Gina Paige. She delivered an incredible DNA reveal for Emmy-award-winning TV host, Markette Smith Sheppard. Our eyes were totally sweating. At the same time, I was thinking “Damn, I need to know who my people are and where they reside.”
If that wasn’t enough we raffled off some dope products from incredible brands.
Yup! Custom Kicks by Mimi gave away a free custom pair of kicks to a lucky winner.
After a full evening filled with interviews, singing, networking, and prizes. Christine and Julian shook hands and kissed babies. Okay, so really they signed books and took pictures.
Kali Holloway, of Kali Kuisine, provided the grub for the evening. They crushed her food so you know it was delicious.
I met V Helena Yancey for the first time. She has such a great personality. She did interviews during the event. You can catch them on her broadcast on Writer’s Haven Show with V. Helena!
Shoutout to Charlotte Avery, she is an author and Family Strategist. Ramunda Lark Young is the co-owner of Mahagony Books. Not pictured is Tanya Barnett, Co-founder of The Vet Space. They held down the registration table all night long. They are the real MVPs.
Soul songstress, Temika Moore kept the party going with an upbeat motivational jam.
We had the cutest shoe-shaped cookies and cake by Marneda Richards See they were quite delicious. I punished the Red Velvet cupcake I had when I got home.
The Squad
It takes a village and this picture includes some of the Whose Shoes Book Ambassadors. As dope as this picture is it is by no means the sum totals of all the people that helped behind the scenes.
You can check out the Whose Shoes merchandise here, include the shirts the ladies are rocking. bit.ly/shopwhoseshoes
Have you figured out Whose Shoes You Are Wearing? [Your purpose.] Chat with me in the comment below or FB, IG or Twitter.
Amazing event. I have never heard of this. Also did not know there was a such thing as Africanancestry.com, going to look that up now. I love how you highlighted everyone and their talent/businesses.
Thanks, Monique. African Ancestry is what it is all about. They have the legit details on who we are and where we are from.
I have to check out this book. This sounds like an awesome event, too. I would have killed the red velvet cupcake too lol.
Wait, did you all plan to wear African print skirts?
The book is amazing, it will help you find perspective for sure. I tore that dag on cupcake up, it didn’t stand a chance. We didn’t plan to wear African print skirts, but since the girls are African our inner ESP kicked in.
This looked like a lot of fun, and those skirts are gorgeous btw.
Thanks! I love the way all of our looks came together nicely.
What an amazing event! I loved everyone’s skirts! And congratulations for starting your virtual assistant business!!
Thanks! Girl, everyone came to slay. The prints and colors were beautiful.
Mimi, you’re life looks so dope! You do so many awesome things and it is truly inspiring. I can’t wait until I can attend events such as the ones you’ve mentioned. Thanks for sharing your life with us in your blogs.
Thanks! I try to show all aspects of my life. I am honored to dope things, which is why I also show when things are less than perfect. The balance of realness is important to me.
Omg what a beautiful event with people coming from all over to support! The shoe shaped food got me. I love shoes on anything.
XOXO
CarnationDreams.com
The shoe theme was all over the place. It came together nicely.
I’m on the right path but still trying to find the right fit. These pics are gorgeous and y’all did that all that melanin.
Thanks! The melanin drip was heavy girl!
Looked like a great anniversary event. I am not familiar with this book so it is on my reading list !
Please do, the book is incredible. You will not be disappointed at all.
Looks like an awesome event. I’ll have to check out the book. Thanks for sharing.
You should, the book is life changing for real.
Such a fun event with TWO of my favourite things – shoes and books. That cake is adorable too! You go to such fun events.
The cake was so freaking cute. You can’t go wrong with shoes and books. hahaha
What an honor you got to Emcee this event. I met Christine on a press trip she is kind and I love all of the good energy on this post!
Thanks, I love a good party. Christine is the absolute best, she and her sister Julian have the best energy.
What an awesome event! I remember when the book first came out. I still haven’t read it but should put it on my must read list.
You totally should, it is an excellent read.
Loving all the African inspired skirts. You guys look great!
Thanks, we had an amazing time.
Hey Mimi!
Why am I just seeing this post? Better late than never! You were so instrumental to the success of this event and Christine and I will forever be grateful. Great post. Great memories. Such a fun event!
Thank you for being part of our journey 🙂
Big hugs,
Juju
That is too funny. You ladies were amazing, I will always be available for whatever yall need.