LOTS of celebrations were held within one week. Hours after stepping off the plane after my US tour, I attended the homegoing celebration for my friend, the late Denise Thompson.

We were friends for over 15 years. She was a phenomenal woman of integrity whom I admired. Denise was one of the founding members of the Guyana Fashion Week Committee and she made an invaluable contribution that will be remembered.
I met this beautiful woman years ago at Piarco Airport because of the outfit I was wearing (one of my designs) and she became a client instantly. We connected and the relationship developed into something special because we both have a heart for philanthropy.
As I listened to the eulogy I remembered Stephen Covey’s quote, “Begin with the end in mind” from the Seven Habits of Highly Effective People. What do you want your Eulogy to read?

She had a heart for people and it reflected in her eulogy.
“At the end of life, we will not be judged by how many diplomas we have received, how much money we have made, or how many great things we have done. We will be judged by ‘I was hungry, and you gave me something to eat, I was naked and you clothed me. I was homeless, and you took me in.’”- Mother Teresa
I strongly believe that we all can do something every day to add value to someone’s life.
The next day I attended the annual Emancipation Day celebration in the National Park. It is always a pleasure to see families in their Afrocentric outfits and investing quality time. I wore one of my designs and accessories created by Chey (my daughter’s Jewelry line). The craft displays and variety of foods were very impressive.

The cultural presentations on the main stage were wonderful and the rhythm coming from the African drummers made me want to dance. It was nice chatting with people I was meeting for the first time and others I am familiar with, including Ras Camo and Ras Leon. At these celebrations, a thought that constantly comes to the surface are the lyrics shared in the late Bob Marley song ‘Redemption Song’: “Emancipate yourself from mental slavery none but our selves can free our minds.”

I had less than one hour to change from African to Indian attire for my next function which was a pre-wedding celebration before the wedding at the Marriott. The ever-so-dapper Dr. Rosh Khan and his beautiful bride-to-be, Arifa, invited friends, colleagues and family for a pre-celebration before the big event at the Marriott.

I was seated behind the couple with Amanda Caudwell from the US Embassy on my left and Minister Gaskin to my right. It was an evening of elegance and display of culture. They are one of the most beautiful couples I have seen in a while. I have known Rosh for a while and he introduced me to Arifa a couple years ago. I instantly noticed what a magnificent couple they were and would always tease him about the wedding which is finally happening. I can see them intentionally growing into an even more powerful union and my best wishes are with them. Rosh is so cool that he even took a selfie with us. I can’t wait to see the gorgeous kids. Talking about kids and celebration, my younger daughter, Shonta, is celebrating her 22nd birthday today which makes her a lion like her mom. The most powerful Zodiac sign, if I may boast and I know President Obama, Jennifer Lynn Lopez, Madonna and other people will agree with me.

What are you CELEBRATING today? Send us an email to beyondtherunway1@gmail.com
Let’s continue to celebrate daily as we continue this beautiful journey called life BEYOND THE RUNWAY.