And the award for best planning and execution of an event goes to Debbie Fleming, St. Louis Chapter president of National Sales Network. The NSN 8th Annual State Organization Jazz Brunch was a success beyond words. The sold-out event hosted close to 150 members and guests at Moulin Vin De Set. Not only did they celebrate accomplishments of 2014 and forecast chapter vision and goals of 2015, but their corporate sponsors were on hand to collect resumes and share job opportunities.
Keith Willis (the man behind Who’s Who in St. Louis) was named member of the year. Cedric Cobb, CEO of Best Square Holder, was in the building along with Debbie Njai, a popular fashion and entertainment blogger. Tiffany Hamilton of Hamilton Realty was all smiles as she soaked up information. If you’re in the market for a new home, be sure to attend one of her new many home-buying sessions. LaJoyce Brent looked absolutely stunning in her black and gold pleated dress ready for high tea. And of course, Larry Blue set the tone for the fellas with his perfectly toned gray suit.
Speaking of Blue, he and his partners may have closed Lola but they’re now serving up spice at Troy’s Jazz Gallery. While not everybody is as outgoing as Larry, I’m hoping his presence in the building will make others more friendly because I had great time stopping through Troy’s on Saturday. It was a beautiful atmosphere, and Will Robinson is one to watch with his subtle swag.
Invest In ART.2222 South Jefferson – that’s TWO TWO TWO TWO – is now home to an art studio for Cbabi Bayoc, who made headlines across the nation with his “365 Days with Dad” series. He is making news again by having gallery space away from SweetArt – where many of his designs can still be found. Cbabi’s new series is entitled “Young Cornrows of America.” Every piece was dynamic. If you don’t own an original from this local artist, I advise everyone to make an investment in one of his powerful pieces.
Anthony and Kim Franks, who happen to have one the most beautiful families, were there to support and their three boys served as the unofficial welcoming committee. Former state Senator Maida Coleman was there with her son John Harrington (front man for Midwest Avengers) and his fiancée Annaliese Stoever. Anybody who is somebody in today’s thriving art scene was there – including nationally acclaimed artist Peat “Eyez” Wollaeger and Matthew Curran.
I was so grateful and excited to purchase an original piece of art from Dubelyoo. He resides in Atlanta but was in town for the show and for Art, Beats + Lyrics. To catch a glimpse of what I purchased, be sure to connect with us on Instagram @theSTLsuite It was great seeing artist Brooklyn, Cheeraz Gorman and our own Lawrence Bryant there to support the various artists.
Headed to the altar. Congratulations are in order for Dotti Pennington, manager of the City of St. Louis’Department of Public Safety Citizens’ Service Bureau, on her recent engagement to Earl McDowell Jr. McDowell proposed to his bride-to-be in a private dining room at Paulo’s at the Mansion and presented her with a beautiful ring wrapped in a pink and green box, of course. McDowell, who is principal of GeoGraph, LLC, kneeled on one knee and Dotti said yes. The wedding date has not been set, but I know the bride’s parents, Joseph V. Pennington and the uber-classy Gwendolyn Pennington, are more than happy about the upcoming nuptials.
Tea & Crumpets
Encourage your cousins to invest in something as they get overly excited about those tax returns. This year I do NOT want to see new cars with expired temp tags, new tennis for the kids if they really need a tutor, and please, if you’ve had to use a payday loan in the past do your community a favor and save some for your future.
