VixReviews: Nu by Cyn Santana Empowerment Brunch & Fashion Show

A weekend in Miami is never dull! And the same was true for me August 15 where I had the pleasure of attending the NU by Cyn Santana Women’s Empowerment panel, brunch and fashion show! Everything is better in three’s and all three parts of this break out event for Love & Hip Hop New York’s former star and now esteemed business owner Cynthia Santana, left a remarkable impression on both me and my mommy who joined me in the front row VIP style at the luxurious EPIC hotel in Downtown Miami.

The Event began with a multitude of vendors showing their stuff and giving all the guest something to do while we waited for the show to begin, (which I must say is a fantastic idea) I even got myself some free henna in exchange for a Typical Party Girl hookah pen by the gorgeous Zoe Chiloy who is also a pro Make-Up artist. A few more vendors that stood out were Simply Jess Art who offers gorgeous wearable art and canvas prints as well as Artist Ava who had some very unique pieces on display and as apart of a raffle. Unlimited Mimosa’s were a plus provided by Veuve du Vernay.

The Brunch

What better way to hold a event in one of the most flavorful cities in the country than with latin food for brunch! The buffet style selection included yucca plantains which could be topped with chicken, beef or pork along with your choice of salsa, sour cream, and even guacamole.

As a known fan of Chipotle is no surprise that the choice included a southwest vibe, but what was even more pleasing were the table of goodies including carmel filled candies, cupcakes, cake pops and pretty pink gum balls.

The Empowerment

The opening of this portion of the event was inspiring to say the least. The Nest of Living Arts or NOLA theatrical dance group opened with an inspiring message of what it meant to be empowered from each individual dancer's stand point, and blessed us with a unique dance and spoken word showcase that left the audience and myself with warm hearts and lifted spirits.

Though the opening stole the show, it also stole what time was left to hear from the actual panel, which was hosted, by some amazing business owners and entrepreneurs.

Moderator Johanne Wilson of my new favorite PR company C.O.O.L. Creative did a fantastic job keeping the panel on track with the time that was left and allowed for two questions from the audience both of which were ironically men.

I would have like to see more focus put onto the panel providing their expertise in maintaining and or creating business, in the presence of adversity, since there was such big diversity in the group from news anchor Shayann Malon to life coach Brittany Gathand even two lawyers in the bunch, but it was an empowerment expo and not a businesses one, so I digress.

Each panelist did give great advice on being a more holistic and happy person overall and how they stay empowered in their fast pace lives. The most candid responsesin my opinion from Michael Hall of Digital Grass, who encouraged one audience member struggling in business to step out of his comfort zone of friends in order to advance his level of success in his business.

A quote I’ll carry with me forever came from an unlisted panelist (pictured on the far right) who said “God made you a female, you choose to be a women.”

The Fashion Show

Perhaps the most anticipated portion of the shindig was the fashion show unveiling Cyn’s partnership with the legendary Giorgio Armoni. And it was the perfect toping on the empowerment cake! The message behind the clothing line that all women of every size and skin color matter is one of the reasons I made the trip all the way from Tallahassee to Miami to be in the midst of this unveiling and was definatly on full display as the models showcased the beautiful pieces.

After the amazing show the beautiful Cyn ended with encouraging words and assured us that Miami was only the first stop on this Empowerment tour, with more cities across the country to come.

Extras

Local business owner of Finga Licking Miami and newly opened Finga Licking Miami Gardens, shared her touching and encouraging started from the bottom story in what was my mothers favorite portion of the show and was applauded and adorned with flowers by 99 Jamz Felisha Monet and Supa Cindy who also spilled some sauce of empowerment on the audience before it was all said and done.

Final Thoughts

So many former Reality Stars, Instagram Celebs and Around the way girls have discovered the magic of wholesale and popped out a boutique faster than a Ham & Cheese Hot pocket, but the time, grace and passion put into NU shines throughin every way. The brand which is powered by another PR company I admire Socially Loud is truly a golden feature among the Mohegan’s and really shows that when you are genuine and include care as apart of your company it will radiate success and you can do so much more!

Until next time vixens…Keep Confident, Classy and Conscious!

-@MsHaileyRay