(EDITOR’S NOTE: After reading this, I was compelled to repost it. I am very proud of the author, Hadassah Deleveaux, one of the young reporters who worked with me when I was Managing Editor of the Nassau Guardian. At the time, she was also a gangling, graceful aspiring model known as Hadassah Hall. Clearly, as she has done with previous articles, she again demonstrates in this article that she has developed into an excellent writer.)
By HADASSAH DELEVEAUX
NASSAU, Bahamas — It was a chic event for a tribe of creatives, a tribe of girl and guy bosses. I was sandwiched between a woman who specializes in guava duff and a woman who will be a certified doula (birth companion/coach) in three months. A few seats to my left was a superb cake artist (you should see the cakes she has baked!) and not far from her was a no-holds-barred writer turned author. Two seats to my right was a brilliant, talented multi-media sensation, and across from him sat a popular entertainer. Next to her was one of the most sought after makeup artists in New Providence. The room was teeming with impressive talent!
Kudos to television host, blogger and social media influencer, Ianthia Ferguson, for a well-executed event that made for great networking, lots of inspiration and fun. I’m employed, but working my blog on my own, so I decided to attend from I received the invitation. I was headed to a holiday office party for solopreneurs and entrepreneurs!
Held at Wild Thyme Restaurant, East Bay Street, I walked into the room and was greeted by the aroma of a pumpkin spice candle burning in the corner and the soft sounds of classical music – which later changed to Christmas tunes.
I was warmly greeted by the mastermind behind the event, Ianthia. As a result of being busy all morning, I did not iron before the electricity went off, so I had to squeeze into some jeans (I must do something about that!) and a top that needed no ironing, only to see Ianthia in a run-way, white stylish dress! When I saw her sister Ivanka walk in with jeans and then other women started filing in – also in jeans – being under-dressed was no longer a thought. I felt comfortable, but what made it easier was the fact that everyone was so sociable.
By the way, Ivanka did an excellent job with the eggnog (leaded and unleaded) and pumpkin nog (leaded) along with those maple glazed donuts topped with apple crumbs. Not long after tasting those treats, I received my welcome drink dubbed a berry mule. Well, after a few sips, I let wisdom kick in and placed that drink to the side. I don’t drink alcohol and didn’t know it was leaded and so strong at that (well, for me), so a couple sips and I quickly realized – stay in ya lane and stick with the unleaded eggnog!
Besides the opportunity to network, there were chances to win gifts! I was the first gift recipient, having won a gift card for Target! Yes, it could be used online. But what I have really been wanting to share with you is the food! Look here, I have NEVER been to a restaurant where the meat was so hot that after a bite, steam escaped. Man, those succulent, sweet wings were delectable! I didn’t bother looking around, but I knew there was some finger licking going on! I also enjoyed the conch fritters. Hats off to Wild Thyme! It is the ONLY restaurant, besides Athena Café down town, that has served me conchy, tasty conch fritters and NOT bread fritters! Wow! Someone FINALLY got conch fritters right!
Overall, the event was certainly a success and based on photos and videos I saw from last year, it has grown! Congrats Ianthia! You were able to get a room of creatives together (including people like Pia T. Glover Tuesday White and Keshelle Davis, who I haven’t seen in years) in a fun-filled, interactive setting.
