Dining With Bevy Life With ViSion
Dining With Bevy Life With ViSion
Bevy Smith was walking towards me and introduced herself . A bit flustered I responded , “ Hello , I ’ m FashionFwdLette ”. “ That ’ s not what your mother named you ”, she responded . I said , “ Let ’ s try this again ”. This time I was settled and responded , “ Hello , I ’ m Paulette Edwards and it ’ s a pleasure to meet you .”
Back in August last year a great friend of mine , Teneka Steed , mentioned that the legendary Bevy Smith was coming to Charlotte , NC that month for a networking event that was invite only via e -‐ mailing your resume . Only 50 people would be chosen and attendees must pay a $ 100 entry fee . Within 24 hours of submitting my resume I received a follow -‐ up e -‐ mail inviting me to be one of the elite members to attend .
If you are a bit wet behind the ears and unaware who Bevy Smith is , let me tell you . Bevy Smith is an entrepreneur from Harlem . She is a high -‐ powered fashion executive at Rolling Stone , fashion editor -‐ at -‐ large for VIBE , TV personality and now Social Media Maven . She is also the creator of Dinner with Bevy , a dinner party series in which Bevy brings together influential people from across entertainment , fashion and media . She launched her Dining with Bevy : Life with Vision two months ago in New York City . Visit dinnerwithbevy . com for details . She doesn ’ t care for titles but I would consider her a guru . Bevy ’ s spirit is very welcoming and the smile on her face puts you at ease .
I woke up the day of the event on fire and ready to learn new things while networking with a room of individuals married to their passion . Immediately upon arriving I felt I was entering into a room full of energy . The power of networking and creating everlasting impression allows limitless possibilities .
I was seated at the first table and wanted to soak up all the information she had to give like a sponge . ” I want people to walk away knowing that they connected with people , learned , shared , fellowshipped and now they have the tools to move forward ” said Smith . She was sure to give us the uncut version of her experiences in the industry . Her topics of discussion were : Intentions , Fellowship , Focus , Do the Work and Truest Desires .
Smith said to know your well -‐ wishers , people that wish you well and will do anything in their power to help you reach your goal . Knowing your intentions along with the person ’ s who is reaching out for opportunities are important . Smith mentioned it ’ s okay to turn some things down , which simply means be mindful of what you are associated with because you are your brand .
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Fellowship is pretty clear : open up doorways that build your future . Don ’ t be afraid to meet other people that aren ’ t like you . You never know what opportunities will present itself after the initial contact is made . It ’ s true that the first impression is the most important because it has an everlasting imprint . Introduce yourself with a smile and a firm grip .
Focus . Most times we have so many ideas flowing in our heads at a time . I know I ’ m guilty of this one moment I ’ m thinking about starting a magazine , the next about my blog , then about my children ’ s boutique and Hugs from Paulette . I find myself getting overwhelmed because I ’ m so driven to succeed and not fail . Smith made it clear that it ’ s okay to have several goals yet only focus on 1.5 at a time and nail it . When you are working on many things at a time one area will go lacking .
Do the Work . That is straight to the point . Be willing to do the work regardless of who ’ s looking . It ’ s simple , you are your resume ! Never feel that you ’ ve arrived , invest in your future . Investing can be anything from reading , taking classes , attending events and interning .