Speak

Hey everyone! 

I hope everyone’s safe and taking care of one another! Please don’t forget to take care of yourself too! I understand that with all that has been going on, we’re hurt and overwhelmed. So, continue to pace yourself and know when to unplug and take mental breaks. Then, stand up again, when you’re ready. 🙏🏽

I understand that many of us (such as myself, coming from a conservative, African home) grew up in passive cultures and told to never “talk back” or “use your voice” even when you’re right. In the past, I researched and learned that my ancestors from Madagascar, were on the slave ships that were taken to Georgia and parts of South America such as Brazil and Peru. We were specifically targeted due to our timid, docile and obedient nature, and so were considered best suited as “House slaves.” 😔 Once discovering that, I understood that this is still an ancestral and generational curse that we need to heal and work through. I love and appreciate my people for their big, compassionate hearts, even in the face of adversity. So, I’m doing my best to empathize with those that may have trouble being vocal, while also processing their emotions and dealing with many internal struggles. I’m also proud of those of us that are healing and reprogramming ourselves, as well as, encouraging the generation before us to stand and use their voice just as they’ve witnessed ours.

I’m not asking you to meet me where I am now on this journey (trust me, I’ve been there and I’m constantly evolving) but, rather work through meeting yourself where you are. We ALL have the power to make a difference, so make sure to nurture and know your role! I’ve taken the time to list below ways YOU TOO can do your part, so feel free to share! ⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️

Remember Me This Way

Hey everyone!

I hope you're all safe and staying in as much as possible. I just wanted to express the heaviness in my heart from the loss of a sweet and dear childhood friend of mine, earlier this morning. He passed away due to complications from the virus, as well as, other serious health issues. I cannot imagine the immense panic, worry and pain of losing a child, parent or other family member. And you can never expect that the last conversation with that person would be the very last... My heart truly goes out to his parents during this extremely difficult time. 😔

He always dreamed of true love and growing old with someone... It truly breaks my heart that he will never get to experience that in this lifetime. He was always so self-aware, willing to learn and understand all of the complexities of life and had such a big heart. That guy knew how to write... I would find myself sometimes, having to take my time and respond in sections due to the extensive content (they were like essays, guys!) But, I loved how he would always remind me to take as much time as I needed to respond and even if I didn't get to, he was grateful to have some sort of outlet to vent anything weighing on his heart. I'm really going to miss his child-like innocence, his patience, for always wanting the best for me and those he cared for.

My girls and I were reminding one another that from now on, once someone comes to mind, reach out! Life is way too short! We need each other more than ever, so please if you can find some time during your day to contact someone, please do! Whether it's a text, call, email, or an old-fashioned letter by mail, do it! You never know how much that ONE kind gesture can encourage someone on this journey. Be more loving. Be more kind. Be more patient and embrace your present. 💕

I'm quite emotional today and had a good cry in the shower, but I know that I'll get through this and that I can hold onto the goodness in this life. I cherish people like him in life and I hope he knew how loved he was. We need more gentle souls in this world. I love you, Kris! Rest well, my friend. 💔

With Love,
Sharon 💙


P.S. this song immediately came to mind today, so feel free to give it a listen when you can. I started singing it to myself and couldn't help, but break down into tears. My heart truly aches today, but I trust that one day I will see him on that great morning. 🙏🏼

RIP Kris 🌻

Remember Me This Way - Jordan Hill (Casper 1995)

"From This Moment..."

"How does a moment last forever? How does a story never die? It is love we must hold onto, never easy but we try..." 🌹

Ugh, that song never fails to tug at my heartstrings, especially the beautiful rendition Celine Dion did a couple years ago. I must warn you though, perhaps don't listen to it while on public transportation or else you could end up randomly bursting into tears. 😅

Hello my darlings! 🌸🌸🌸🌸

It's officially Spring and yet this NYC weather is still trifling... You never know whether to wear a hoodie, a denim jacket AND a scarf or a bubble coat and run the risk of dying from heatstroke by the afternoon. Anywho, I hope everyone's quarter has been peaceful, positive and productive so far and if not, I pray that things will settle down soon. 🙏

I wanted to express what's been on my heart and mind these last few days... Do any of you believe in "soulmates" or "twin flames"? What about "perfect timing" or the concept of "meant to be"? I'd like to believe that there is someone for everyone, but I do think that it really depends on not only who you choose to build with, where or when in your life you decide, but why? I'm a big believer in timing, yet also in the ability to change your fate. 🌟

Have you ever met someone and it just felt right? As if something just hits you out of the blue, whether through conversation, a look or a touch and it just "clicks." I don't really believe in "love at first sight" but I do believe in that "click." Everything just flows so effortlessly. Your mind is spinning and you don't even realize that you've been holding your breath... Their voice, their scent, their demeanor, their vibes are just illuminating. You're creating a moment from a spark. A memory. ✨

"Go on, go on leave me breathless..." When you dream of it and it somehow manifests into reality... It's like that saying of how you've always pictured it, but are never quite prepared for it... 😌

It's almost magical in a way, is it not? ✨🌟🌠🌙

I don't know about you, but I think we all deserve some magic in our lives... 🌠

With Love,
Sharon 🌙

I Learned The Truth At 17, Learning More Truth Entering 27...

Hello my darlings! I know that it's been ages since I've posted, so my sincerest apologies, but I figured it's time to get out of my head, pour out my heart/mind/soul and just start again... 😌

AND on that note... Guys, it's my 'Birthday Month!" 👸🏻 There are 3 days left until my birthday and I have quite mixed feelings about it... Am I nervous about transitioning into my late 20s? A bit. Am I scared? Not exactly. Am I a combination of anxious-rumbly-in-my-tumbly-excited and also, looking forward to what's ahead? Oh, absolutely! 👀😅

I recently had a discussion with one of my girls and we both acknowledged that within our close-circle, we've all been going through this trying season or going through a bit of a "funk". Like we're all trying to find our way with our goals, our dreams, our desires and our fickle plans. I know they say there's always time, but also the proverb that states: "Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring," comes to mind. The reality of the matter is, tomorrow really is not always promised. Think of all of the people that may have had plans for today, but did not make it... Think of those that may have wanted a different life for themselves, but the circumstances did not work in their favor. And that can happen due to an accident, peer pressure or by simply taking an alternative route... 💬

I think sometimes we may be hesitant to dwell in the present because the future seems so much more promising or sometimes we may want to drown in our present out of fear of the unknown, fear of what's to come... The fact that I've been a planner most of my life, it almost feels quite liberating in a way to release control over things that I cannot change. Practicing the concept of "letting go" is really difficult at times. I'm sure most of us would prefer everything done "our way" and on "our time-frame." But I guess that's the thing, huh? Life may not always be fair, but it sure finds a way of working out somehow. I do believe that everything has a purpose and that God does have a sense of humor. Most of us are just so wound up with our selfish, pity-parties that we sometimes fail to see it's all on His timing. I don't know about you, but I would much rather embrace the delays/the wait, if I know that God will never disappoint me the way I, other people or the world has. 🙏

Pardon the intense self reflection, but I needed to clear my mind and prepare for the new year. I must get ready for this next chapter in my life. I hope you all may find such peace. 💞

With Love,
Sharon 💖

A Sunday Kind of Love

Hey everyone!

I hope you all had a good week and enjoyed your weekend! I just made myself a nice, hot cup of English tea and decided it's about time to add a new post... ☕🙌

This past Wednesday evening, I attended my first makeup launch event for Sunday Riley. It was a wonderful experience and despite the crowd, everyone we encountered was so kind, bubbly and considerate. Primarily, it was for the launch of their foundation called, "The Influencer" | Clean, Long Wear Foundation. It's supposedly a "natural looking, long wear, lightweight feel, satin-matte finish and medium-to-full coverage" foundation and most, if not all of us, were able to get our hands on a variety of shades to suit each of us. Let me tell you that the process of knowing your shade was the easy part, but it was the getting a hold of the right foundation(s) that was a bit chaotic... I kid you not, but one of my best girlfriends and I, were astounded to see hoards of people by these boxes stocked with full-sized foundations and grabbing as many of their suitable shades as possible. We figure that guess it wouldn't hurt to grab our possible summer color too! Thankfully, I was able to grab a good enough amount for not only myself, but also to take for my mom. 💕

They had goodie bags as well, but those flew like hot cakes so I didn't get to grab one. Although, I was able to treat myself to a handful of skincare samples, such as: U.F.O.: Ultra-Clarifying Acne Treatment Face Oil, C.E.O.: 15% Vitamin C Rapid Flash Brightening Serum, Good Genes: All-In-One Lactic Acid Treatment, and Saturn: Sulfur Acne Treatment Mask, so all went well.

There were a number of fun inter-active things to do such as: a pink adult-sized slide (included with a landing bin filled with pink plastic balls,) a pink swing, a pink see-saw, a confetti booth, a walk-way with disco lights, a well-lit booth to take a quick 15-second video clip with a pro-videographer that you could then email to yourself, color-matching stations and of course, pretty-in-pink beverages! Did I also forget to mention that Sunday Riley seems to REALLY dig the color pink? 😍🍹📷👯💖

Overall, it was so incredible to see all of these young women (and men) with a passion for beauty, style and coming together in support of a brand that cares about their clients feedback. I look forward to trying out more of the brand's products, get to see what else they come up with next and perhaps attend even more events in the near future.

I'll include photos of the products I received, as well as, some of the what occurred at the event below.

Wishing you all a fabulous night and fan-tabulous new week! 💞

With Love,
Sharon 💋


P.S. please don't hesitate to leave me a comment below if you have any questions or suggestions for possible new content. Thanks so much! XO

The long line seemed quite intimidating, but we made it through... 👏

"Designed for you!" Loved that! 💝

"You mustn't be afraid to sparkle a little brighter, darling."

One of the "Color Match Stations" and got my match, Shade: 200.

"When I was a kid... no wait, I still do that." Yup, I had to take a turn on the pink, adult-sized slide. 😆

My Ride or Die, Mwenya. 💗

We got to write our IG handles on their massive, pink wall and include our shade number. 👌

My shades from natural to "summer tan" (left to right): 200, 210 and 220.

Shade 200: medium with honey-beige undertones.

Shade 210: medium with rich yellow undertones.

Shade 220: medium to tan with golden beige undertones. 

Ready for my close-up for sure! 💁

And lastly, skincare samples! (Listed from left to right.)

1) U.F.O. ultra-clarifying Acne Treatment Face Oil

2) C.E.O. 15% Vitamin C Rapid Flash Brightening Serum

3) Good Genes: All-In-One Lactic Acid Treatment

4) Saturn: Sulfur Acne Treatment Mask

Birthday Weekend

I'm so grateful for this past weekend! It was not only an emotionally and spiritually fulfilling weekend, but it also happened to be my birthday weekend. I'm officially 26! Yikes! 🙈 Haha!

Anywho, a group of my friends and I took a road trip to Leominster, MA for a young adult seminar known as, GodEncounters. It consisted of young adults between the ages of 18-35, all together looking for a close encounter/experience with Christ, perhaps see old friends, make some new friends (and possibly meet Mr./Mrs. Right, God-willingly. Haha! 🙏) This year's social media hashtags were #GodEncounters18 and #ExperienceHim18. We all came to the consensus that we may have preferred last year's format over this one, but overall there were still some note-worthy messages presented. Regardless, it was definitely worth it and we look forward to attending next year's. 🙌

And can I just say that I had the best roomies? They're some of the most wise, considerate, fun-loving and "clatchet" young women that I've been fortunate enough to call sisters. So, not only did we all gain spiritual rejuvenation, but we also formed much stronger bonds. I hope that more people can find and cherish friendships/sisterhoods such as ours because this life ain't easy (we all have our share of hardships and heartaches, trust me) and as the saying goes, "we all need somebody to lean on." 💞


Have a fabulous week everyone! 


With Love,
Sharon 💕




P.S. I've listed details below for any items that you may be interested in getting for yourself. If you have any more questions or suggestions for future content, please don't hesitate to leave me a comment and I will do my best to get back to you. Thanks darlings! 💋

Lola Shoetique | Easy On The Eyes - Mauve 

Similar Options

1. Essence of Femme - Blush | Essence of Femme

2. Socialite - Mauve | Socialite

3. Baby Grand - Mauve | Baby Grand

4. Worth The Wait - Mauve Satin |  Worth The Wait

 5. Glammed Up - Blush | Glammed Up

6. Bare Minimum - Blush | Bare Minimum

Zara | Charcoal Bodycon Dress - Size S

Similar Options

1. Tobi |  Morgan Charcoal Bodycon Dress

2. Tobi |  Takes Sides Grey Bodycon Dress

3. Tobi | Foolish Games Grey Ribbed Bodycon Dress

4. Lulus |  I Bet Charcoal Grey Bodycon Dress

5. Lulus | Like Minded Charcoal Grey Bodycon Dress

6. PLT |  Charcoal Grey Cap Sleeve Midi Dress

Makeup Routine 💋

1. Sephora - Naked Ultimate Basics Eyeshadow Palette | UD Naked Ultimate Basics Palette

2. Sephora - Sephora Collection Contour Palette | SC Contour Palette

3. Sephora - The Original Beauty Blender | Original Beauty Blender

4. Sephora - NARS All Day Luminous Weightless Foundation | All Day Luminous Weightless Foundation

5. Gerard Cosmetics - Peach Slay All Day Setting Spray - | Slay All Day Setting Spray

6. BH Cosmetics - Carli Bybel Deluxe Edition - 21 Eyeshadow & Highlighter Palette | Carli Bybel Deluxe Edition

Fashion Nova | Voted Most Popular Bodysuit - Black, Size S | Voted Most Popular Bodysuit

Similar Options

1. Fashion Nova | Carnaby Bodysuit

2. Fashion Nova | Running To You Long Sleeve Bodysuit

3. Fashion Nova |  Melanie Mock Neck Bodysuit

4. Fashion Nova | Button Up Babe Bodysuit

5. Fashion Nova | Shanaya Off Shoulder Bodysuit

6. Fashion Nova | You Don't Have To Call Bodysuit