The Net Dallas: 2017, The Year of Adjustment
How has your 2017 been so far? I have had both successes and losses in these first two months. One thing is for sure: This is the year of adjustment. I have seen so many changes within myself, and I saw it all coming together one awesome night, among friends and esteemed colleagues.
The Net set the tone for 2017, The Year of Adjustment....
During this event, there were several times where the theme of adjustment was apparent. Adjustments to different businesses, actions taken, mindset, even adjustment of one of Dallas' most sought out neighborhoods. Adjustment is good and it is necessary for growth.
Ruth's Chris Steakhouse is known for their red door, but this time the door had a tint of Christmas spirit with undertones of comfort and joy. It was Christmas, but my mind was already well into 2017.
Drove around a bit to take in the vibe of the Uptown neighborhood.
I do this often in Dallas, it's such a beautiful city!
My eyes feasted on beautiful lights, cars and people. Happy people. From the valet to the big red door of the restaurant, a lit path of Christmas lights wrapped around trees reminded me that it was indeed Christmas time, despite the warm Texas winter weather.
Inside, the hostess lead me to the angelic voice, heard singing with accompanying music.
On the way were strategically placed silverware inside high quality linens. Everything was white, signifying freshness and newness.
Inside the banquet room were people scattered at different tables, having what seemed like interesting conversations. Jasmine Brand and her partner in crime, her beautiful mother, were the greeters. They welcomed me with smiles and hugs as usual. Jasmin and her mom always have good energy and treat me like family. It makes me feel special.
Jasmin Brand is a branding mastermind. In addition to hosting this event, she is founder of The Net-Dallas, a business social club for entrepreneurs and creatives of color, President of Darby James, a marketing agency and think tank, and Editor-in-chief of The City Influencer, a magazine that celebrates Dallas culture.
The Net is much more than just a business social club. It is a family environment, a safe place for ideas, pitches and all who seek to be a part of something outside of themselves. A genuine place to get good information and meet like-minded individuals. To learn more about The Net-Dallas and how to become a member, please CLICK HERE.
Jasmin has experienced much success, yet she is very sweet and humble. So is her mom.
Sitting near the corner in its own space was the bar. There was a group gathered there holding the sponsored drink for the evening. The drink for the evening was Candy's Cocktails -Candy Cane. Candy told us her story of becoming a business owner. Similar to many of us in this room, she left what she knew and too a leap out on faith. The way she loved on Jasmin with her words was also a reflection of how sweet and funny Candy is.
Jasmin described the Candy Cane Cocktail as having peppermint white chocolate…. and it sounded amazing!....but I had to keep my weight loss goals in mind in mind from the Lose 20 in 40 days Challenge, and what a challenge it truly was that night.
“I am on a strict diet”, I said. It felt weird to be that “I'm-on-a-diet” person. It has definitely never been me before. An adjustment.
There was buffet of various veggies, cheeses and dried fruits, I headed straight for the zucchini. They were cooked then refrigerated and bathed in olive oil and spices. They were delicious! I nibbled on them as more people arrived.
Enjoying the sounds Dana Harper, featured on the hit TV show The Voice, while savoring the delicious veggies was one of the high points of my evening. She sang Christmas favorites like "Baby It's Cold Outside", "Let it Snow" and "All I Want for Christmas is You". Her voice was soothing and melodic. She sounded like Christmas back home sharing memories with the family over egg nog. It was beautiful!
Two women sat near me. I couldn't have chosen better table mates myself.
Sara, a friend of Mr. Nolan, the guest of honor, worked at the Institute for Urban Policy Research and also does work for Mothers Against Police Brutality.
She's an activist, a scholar, and a good friend. Despite her cold, she drug herself out of bed to attend. After cracking jokes about Nolan, she also had plenty of good things to say.
“Nolan will bring a new, fresh perspective to the Uptown Dallas area,” said Sarah. "He's not from here and can see things in a different way. I think he will be great for Uptown Dallas."
Ramona, my other table mate, is engagement manager for The Black Dance Theater. She's been a resident of Dallas over 20 years now, and is a subject-matter expert in Dallas history.
Impressive, right?
As an Arkansan, learning the backstory of Dallas was fascinating. Uptown Dallas is viewed as an area lacking diversity. Historically a black neighborhood, it had been gentrified, and the faces of the people in Uptown drastically changed.
These ladies discussed the lack of diversity in other areas of the city, segregation in the 20s and influential men such as Muhammad Ali, Thurgood Marshall and Dr. Martin Luther King visiting the then YMCA where The Black Dance Theater is now located.
Sitting at this table was like getting a crash course in Dallas history and quite interesting!
The Black Dance Theater is one of the most culturally rich and historic buildings in the city of Dallas. It was an expensive project. Back then, very few black people had the resources to complete such a venture, but when you are passionate about something, you make it happen.
Ramona got a bite of that hot Garlic Jasmin’s mom warned me about and had to step out.
Sara made a beeline for the buffet line. I chose to do what I do best….be social (that's why I'm The Social Secret)
A quick scan of the room revealed both familiar and unfamiliar faces. Everyone was nice and had interesting things to talk about. Some of the most influential Dallas professionals were in this very room. Secret & Co is a startup. These people were all much more experienced, making me the little dog in the room. Curiosity overcame the usual feelings of intimidation. A big adjustment.
#selfieswithsecret: Tiffany and Quanta.
Tiffany is a patent lawyer working in the engineering industry, and Quanta is a software engineer.
"This event is really nice," said Tiffany. "It's nice to be with new people, and I want to know more about The City Influencer."
Both Tiffany and Quanta are extremely talented and successful black women. STEM is a male-dominated field and these beautiful women have no qualms about working with them. After being asked about how she felt, being a black woman in such a homogeneous environment.
"It feels like we need more ladies in this field," said Quanta. "We try not to perpetuate the stereotype."
Tiffany and Quanta were very pleasant, answered questions about my son the architect, and even took part in #selfieswithsecr
Working my way around the room shaking hands and taking selfies, I learned about all the different cool things happening around Dallas. I am a social butterfly and enjoy conversations with like-minded individuals.
#selfieswithsecret with Nolan Marshall III
Then it happened: Mr. Nolan asked me for a selfie. He asked ME! I felt so humbled and excited! He will undoubtedly bring his honest, genuine spirit into what he plans to accomplish with Uptown Dallas. A New Orleans native, Nolan Marshall III was once an entrepreneur, himself. He created a business that became very successful but he didn't like what he was doing. In fact, he hated it so much that he felt hurricane Katrina was a blessing in disguise for him. Nolan felt released from the burden of this money-making nightmare, and this is where he began his journey of service.
He wanted to rebuild New Orleans and he did. This is a man of great wisdom, understanding and courage. Nolan was brave enough to confess his allegiance to the Saints in a room full of Cowboy's fans. That takes inner strength and courage. His plans for Uptown Dallas include celebrating diversity, preserving cultural history and keeping the neighborhood "wonderful and walk-able."
"Authentic neighborhoods are valuable" - Nolan Marshall III, President of Uptown Dallas.
The entire Uptown Dallas team was in attendance as well which made this event even more intimate. To know that they support and believe in Nolan after working with him for such a short time speaks volumes. They sang his praises and laughed at my goofy math jokes.
It shows character of the people living in Uptown Dallas and the public improvement district. It shows that Uptown sees room for improvement in the neighborhood and are taking steps to do so.
Plans for Uptown Dallas include a Public Art Plan, improved driving and walking experiences, and neighborhood cleanliness. For more information about Uptown Dallas, please visit www.uptowndallas.net.
Among the other attendees I was able to meet were Scottie Smith II, real estate extraordinaire, Porsche Williams of The Prototype, a lifestyle agency, Cheryl Polote-Williamson, Best-Selling Author and Radio Show Host, Larry Hankins of Interactive Exposure, Kristen O'Neal, financial adviser and E. Johnson IV Photography, the shooter for the evening.
This was the best way to end 2016. It couldn't have been better. There were several times throughout the night where I saw my alterations. My habits, my mindset, the way I approach people have all been revised. I have made great strides in 2016 and I look forward to these next 10 months of awesomeness.
If this event was confirmation of what's to come in 2017, then I am ready. Are you? What have you altered or plan to alter?