Sip N’ Slay NYC: A Celebration of Black Women, Power & Presence
There are certain rooms and conferences I make it a point to be in. Not because I’m chasing some divine revelation from the panelists, but because I know the power of proximity. Conferences like Sip & Slay—a premier summer summit created by Nana Agyemang (founder of the EveryStylishGirl platform, a visionary space uplifting Black and Brown women in media, fashion, and business) aren’t just about sitting front row waiting for a “Rhema word.” For me, they’re about networking across, being surrounded by women who are running their own races, building, creating, and climbing in the same ways that I am.
There’s something special about connecting with women who are on their own journeys, chasing goals similar to mine, and moving in alignment with where they’re called to go. That’s why I showed up in New York City last weekend, and from the moment I walked in, I knew I was exactly where I needed to be.
Walking into Sip N’ Slay, I felt that energy instantly. The vibe was unapologetically Black, beautiful, and BOLD. It was a reminder that influence isn’t just about numbers: it’s about presence, purpose, and showing up fully.
A Room Full of Power & Presence
There’s something indescribable about watching so many different Black women, each killing it in their careers, holding influence and power, while also looking absolutely stunning. It wasn’t just about business or taking cute pictures (but believe me, we did both), it felt like a day for US – for the girls who are doing it, and being unapologetic about.
The vibe was unmatched. One of my favorite activations was the Juvia’s Place installation, a bold, vibrant celebration of beauty that demanded to be experienced. There was also a place where you could ‘Ring The Bell’ for champagne, and Vaseline had a really cute activation as well where you could try out their Shimmering Body Oils.
Then there was Ciara. She spoke about alignment and faith, and how so much of what she’s receiving in her career now are things she prayed for early on. It wasn’t just a story of success, it was a reminder that timing, preparation, and faith have no choice but to come into alignment when you’re walking in your purpose.
There were multiple panels throughout the day, including a conversation led by My ShopMy (an affiliate platform), and a dynamic panel featuring influencers like Allyiah’s Face, Kirah Omonique, and The Corporate Baddie. They shared insights about their careers and how they see their roles within the influencer space.
And while I loved hearing their stories, I’ll be real: if you’re coming to a conference expecting one sentence from a panelist to change your life, you might be disappointed. That’s not what these spaces are for. You can learn so much just by following their journeys online, or better yet, by simply starting your own. That’s honestly my only hang-up with conferences like this: too many people expect so much from the panelists, when really the true success comes from putting in the work yourself. Sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is be present and take in the moment.
The Beauty of Connection
One of the most beautiful parts of Sip N’ Slay for me was simply seeing people: both familiar faces and brand-new connections, and reflecting on how life’s journey weaves us together over time. Running into people I’ve known from the past reminded me of how far I’ve come, how much we’ve all grown, and why it’s so important to give thanks for the chapters that have led us here.
I also made new connections, but two in particular really stood out to me. Both women live in New York, and the moment we met, there was this instant comfortability. We ended up sticking together for the rest of the conference, which is wild when you think about it, we had never known each other the day before, yet it felt so natural to lean into that newness. It reminded me of the saying: you haven’t met everyone who’s going to love you yet. When you let go of what isn’t right for you, the right people and opportunities always align in perfect timing.
And here’s the thing I really want to emphasize: influencers are your everyday girl. I know “influencing” often gets a bad rep—painted as unapproachable, materialistic, or even “mean.” Not to say those people don’t exist, but in my experience, most influencers I’ve met are the opposite: normal, approachable, and grounded. The truth is, influencers get placed on pedestals and people forget that we’re human beings: trying, learning, and figuring it out just like everyone else.
That’s why I encourage anyone reading this to attend conferences like Sip N’ Slay, spaces that are created for us. There’s no reason to be intimidated. Everyone in that room, whether she had ten followers or ten million, came with her own journey, her own story, and her own goals. Even hearing Ciara speak was a reminder of that. From the outside looking in, she’s “made it,” but she shared that she still has desires of her heart that only God knows of. That perspective made the whole room feel aligned—as if we were exactly where we needed to be: women, all trying, all desiring, all becoming.
Why I’ll Keep Showing Up
I left Sip N’ Slay reminded of why I show up for spaces like this. It’s not just about the panels or the brands—it’s about the energy, the connections, and the chance to see what’s possible when Black women come together in excellence. It’s about laughing with people you didn’t even know the day before, running into familiar faces from the past, and leaving with relationships and reminders you didn’t expect.
I left the conference not just inspired, but affirmed. This is why I’ll always invest in rooms like this: for the energy, for the alignment, and for the sisterhood that only grows stronger each time we show up.
Sip N’ Slay wasn’t just a conference, it was a celebration of influence, power, and alignment. And I’m grateful I got to be in the room.
