Find Your Light Summer Series Vol. 1

On Saturday June 9th, I had the pleasure of attending the “Find Your Light Summer Series,” an enlightening and informative brand mastery workshop for entrepreneurs and creatives, hosted by Tamera Darden (@tamera.darden), Creative Director and Founder of Darden Creative (@dardencreative).

That morning, I was almost certain that I wouldn’t make it, due to a preceding engagement.  But I did and when I entered the doors of Common Room Studio in Alexandria, VA, it felt so welcoming.

Up first, was Marva Goss, Branding + Sales Strategist to coaches + creatives (@marvagoss), who shared her amazing insight on mastering your personal message as well implementing strategies to develop and strengthen your brand.  She was sharp, knowledgeable, precise, candid and very encouraging.

Marva took us through a series of inquiries to look at our approach to branding and marketing ourselves. We asked questions and conversed about our struggles in business and brand development, and she jumped right in to educate and advance our knowledge. The information I gained inspired me to really to hone in on what I hope to achieve through my brand. I was so grateful for the opportunity to meet her in person and to learn from her own experiences and growth as an entrepreneur.  She is the truth.

Be sure to check her out at www.marvagoss.com or on Instagram to connect with her and schedule a consultation.  Plus you download her brand builder workbook freebie!

 

And then there was Tamera Darden …

Tamera is the Creative Director & Founder of Darden Creative well as a DC and NYC photographer.  A former wardrobe stylist, she took a leap of faith into the world product styling and has slain her craft ever since.  She currently produces lifestyle content for brands including but not limited to The Laundress, Macy’s Inc. and Harper’s Bazaar, and is the Founder of the Find Your Light Creative Conference.

During her segment, she engaged us in an interactive discussion on visual content for branding and some tidbits on mobile photography and flat lay styling.

The flatlay styling segment was my absolute favorite!

As an accessory stylist with a successful and reputable direct sales company for about four years, flat lay pictures were a huge selling tool for me on my social media platforms.  Network marketing and social selling is a huge asset for many companies today.  But aside from the business of selling, I always enjoyed the creative aspect of building and curating content that my clients could relate to (versus just saying, “hey guess what’s on sale or guess what just arrived on boutique site?”).  I realized that I loved styling that tells a story … and so this workshop reaffirmed that revelation all over again.

From lighting to angles to layout, Tamera took us through a fun and informative hands-on workshop on creating digital content from our own perspectives.  It was truly an investment for my social media branding.

I sat in awe and excited about all that one can do with just a cell phone.  She was so awesome!  Every technique and cool tip she shared was beneficial to a few projects I have worked on; and I could not have imagined that I was going to walk away with so much inspiration and knowledge for improving my brand content.

And then there was an assignment … yikes!

Tamera asked us to go around the room(s) and take pics of the space using the mobile photography techniques that she shared.  I was too excited to begin!  The space was just gorgeous and so perfectly out together.  Cool props everywhere, beautiful details and lots of white space with complimentary shades of pinks.

I mean just look at this place.  How can you not enjoy shooting photos here?

 

Simply gorgeous!  Bohemian vibes for sure.

I could lay on the navy blue couch all day… and read books I have yet to open, write some overdue blog posts that have danced around in my mind … and catch up on all of my Netflix shows.  Add some wine.  Heaven!

Our group photography practice came to an end and then there were professional headshots …

Do you see where this is going?  This event got more and more amazing!

Hey girl hey!  Looking like my mama …

One by one, each attendee gleamed on the other side of Tamera’s lens for their VIP headshots.  The energy was fabulous and we were all having a ball — and then the party began.  Well, not an actual party, but the cocktails darling … the cocktails.

Just keep scrolling …

Next, came the lovely Earlecia Richelle (@ladybleusips), Cultural Curator and Ambassador for Grey Goose Vodka, who introduced us to the concept “Vive La Vodka” and how to take summer hosting and espresso martinis to the next level.  A private bartender babe made the cocktails and we were invited to take part in a special #vivelavodka challenge, again employing our brand development strategies learned during the workshop.  What a time!

Here are a few pics I snapped during the fun.  Check out more @faithlovelifeandstyle …

All in all, it was an awesome experience and one of the best investments I made in myself as a lifestyle blogger.  I made some new and genuine connections with other women entrepreneurs, who also see the value in continuously investing in themselves and in their businesses, through networking opportunities like the Find Your Light Conference.

 

I walked away, feeling inspired, empowered and enlightened.  I found my light!

The day after …

I went home and committed to implementing the skills I learned, just in time for “National Rosé Day.”  Lol!  Great shot … if I do say so, myself.

Special thanks to Tamer Darden and the Find Your Light panelist for a truly amazing learning experience.  I can’t wait for the next stop on this outstanding series … and I hope you are able to join us!

Message: Invest in yourself daily, make connections, find your tribe, collaborate and support, do the work and pursue your dreams. | “You need to get out, get up and get something …” – Outkast 🙂

Thanks for visiting my blog!  – Rú

 

Links to My Look: 

Kimono: http://www.stitchfix.com | V-neck tee: here | Jeans: here | Pink Mules: here

Photos:

Olot Photography + Tamera Darden + Faith, Love, Life & Style

© 2018 Faith, Love, Life & Style . All rights reserved.