Best-selling andaward-winning author Lyah Beth Leflore recently celebrated her birthday with friends in Los Angeles at the home of Ira Dewitt, who hosted the most fabulous luncheon for her and over 20 of LeFlore’s closest friends.
Ira Dewitt of Notifi Records may be known by many as the wife of Cardinals President Bill Dewitt, but the PhD recipient is one of the best party-planning chefs I know. With Chef Ira in the kitchen alongside Chef Tony, the guests included Grammy Award-winning singer Brandy Norwood and it was an event for the books. Lyah – who penned “Wildflowers: A Novel” and co-authored books with Shirley Strawberry and Eddie and Gerald Levert – is busy working on some upcoming biographies with some well-known names. Looking forward to see what the St. Louis native brings us next.
Brunch with a Vision. Brandy Butler served up visions and a new way to network with her Vision Board Brunch at Soho. The event was the perfect way to bring in the New Year and get focused.
Anytime your first time event sells out before doors are open, I call that a success. Sinita Wells, who I just met a few months ago and is one to watch, was one of the guest speakers, along with Naretha Hopson, Lakesha Brown and Angela Lewis. I don’t think one can have a complaint about a Vision Board party, but next year she just may have to go to a larger space with more room for the ladies. When you do great things, people recognize and more want to take part. Congratulations to Brandy for setting the bar for 2015.
Going Red. Tracie Berry-McGhee is one of the most humble ladies in the Lou. But, she has every right to go stand on the table and scream, “I am great” because this woman keeps me amazed.
If raising three children with two in college wasn’t enough, Berry-McGhee opened up her second office for Imani Therapy, all while writing and publishing her newest book, “The RED BOOK: Reaching the Essence of Development Teen Girls.” It’s the go-to guide for young girls who enter that next stage of their lives. Alex Stallings is a guest contributor in the book, which can be purchased from Barnes & Noble online.
Berry-McGhee also was recently announced as the keynote speaker for the Nationals Stop the Girl Bullying and Girl Empowerment Conference in Las Vegas this summer.
Tea & Crumpets. Oprah had the protestors feeling some sort of way by saying she was looking for leaders to rise out of Ferguson. I’m going to let your auntie have that moment to herself, but I am looking forward to seeing who will take the lead in their field for 2015.
Personally I’m keeping my eye on three St. Louisans who are doing something new, creative and taking their brand to another level. Barber Rance John is becoming a name I can’t go a week without hearing. Ellicia Qualls, director of Urban Sprouts Child Development Center (which already has two locations), just secured a new contract that is expected to silence the competition. And B. Marcell Williams has to be one of the busiest women I know! Wife to former NFL player Brandon Williams and mother to four children, she is taking her organization Jewel to another to diamond status.
Now for a little tea: the year was rounded-off with more engagements around St. Louis. I will sit back and watch to see who actually makes it to the altar. My plan is to sip while they dress shop.
If you have some tea for me, be sure to connect on Instagram @theSTLsuite.
