Rather Unique

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Rather Unique

Throwback to Essence Fest 2018

June 27, 2019 Rather Unique

Hey guys! Since the Essence Fest is right around the corner I thought I would share my past experience with you guys. First off, I had an amazing time at the festival. It’s hard to put into context the vibe that was in New Orleans that weekend. I saw so many melanated beauties of all shapes, sizes, and ages living their best lives. So many different hairstyles, bold jewelry and vibrant color schemes from makeup to the outfits, etc. Oh, and I can’t forget about the amazing food! I had authentic Gumbo and Jambalaya for the first time and… BEIGNETS which were absolutely amazing! We stayed at the Ace Hotel which I would highly recommend. They had celebrities staying there. They also have a club, a cafe, and a restaurant. Did I mention the Prince room? Yes, they have a room decorated with nothing but Prince décor which was amazing. -Okay, so enough of all of that let’s dive right into what you can expect there: -Expect a lot of walking - I suggest wearing some cute, but comfortable flats or if you insist on wearing heels make sure you pack some sandals tin your purse to change into. -t’s an unreal type of heat in New Orleans - It is extremely humid. Maxi dresses, rompers, and light clothing will be your best friend. Make sure you bring an all-white outfit. There will most definitely be an all-white party to attend. Also, bring black clothes…there was an all-black party as well. -Do not expect to see every single show, or private screening for television shows, or visit every single booth at the Convention Center - It just won’t happen. Try to pick what events and booths that have your favorite celebrity that you really want to see and go from there. The same goes for the shows at the Super Dome. There will be shows going on the Main Stage at the exact same time as another one of your favorite singers. Choose wisely lol. We missed some surprise guest performers because we were in the Super Lounge instead trying to see Idris Elba DJ. However, I got to see Janet Jackson, Missy Elliot, Snoop Dog, Mary J Blige, Fantasia, Queen Latifah, Erykah Badu, Brandy, Xscape, Ashanti, and Jill Scott to name a few. So, I was content. - Don’t buy any food at the Convention Center - It is way too overpriced. If you drive there keep a cooler in your car and pack your food. -Room Booking Tip - Try to book a hotel that is within walking distance from the Super Dome. -Be careful where you stand or sit - Don’t make the mistake I did by being in the front row during those meet and greets and interview panels. I almost got seriously injured when the cast of “Power” came out and Dre and Tommy were handing out goodie bags. (I got my video with them though) The bag busted open because of the Stampede of women trying to take pictures with them. Listen, those women are ruthless out there do you hear me? Lol. -Buy a quality portable charger - The only wall plugins were out in the hallway at the Convention Center. The same for the Superdome. There were some, but not many. You don’t want to be stuck to a wall and miss any shows. So definitely try to splurge on TWO if you can especially if you have an iPhone. We all know what the battery life is like on those. -Download the Essence App – This will help you know about the exact time of an interview panel or show you would like to see. You will also get alerts about different activities which is really helpful. -Eateries you must visit - Be sure to visit Cafe Du Monde and Morrows. And last but not least have fun and enjoy the experience.

Hey guys! Since the Essence Fest is right around the corner I thought I would share my past experience with you guys. First off, I had an amazing time at the festival. It’s hard to put into context the vibe that was in New Orleans that weekend. I saw so many melanated beauties of all shapes, sizes, and ages living their best lives. So many different hairstyles, bold jewelry and vibrant color schemes from makeup to the outfits, etc. Oh, and I can’t forget about the amazing food! I had authentic Gumbo and Jambalaya for the first time and… BEIGNETS which were absolutely amazing!

We stayed at the Ace Hotel which I would highly recommend. They had celebrities staying there. They also have a club, a cafe, and a restaurant. Did I mention the Prince room? Yes, they have a room decorated with nothing but Prince décor which was amazing.

-Okay, so enough of all of that let’s dive right into what you can expect there:

-Expect a lot of walking - I suggest wearing some cute, but comfortable flats or if you insist on wearing heels make sure you pack some sandals tin your purse to change into.

-t’s an unreal type of heat in New Orleans - It is extremely humid. Maxi dresses, rompers, and light clothing will be your best friend. Make sure you bring an all-white outfit. There will most definitely be an all-white party to attend. Also, bring black clothes…there was an all-black party as well.

-Do not expect to see every single show, or private screening for television shows, or visit every single booth at the Convention Center - It just won’t happen. Try to pick what events and booths that have your favorite celebrity that you really want to see and go from there. The same goes for the shows at the Super Dome. There will be shows going on the Main Stage at the exact same time as another one of your favorite singers. Choose wisely lol. We missed some surprise guest performers because we were in the Super Lounge instead trying to see Idris Elba DJ. However, I got to see Janet Jackson, Missy Elliot, Snoop Dog, Mary J Blige, Fantasia, Queen Latifah, Erykah Badu, Brandy, Xscape, Ashanti, and Jill Scott to name a few. So, I was content.

-Don’t buy any food at the Convention Center - It is way too overpriced. If you drive there keep a cooler in your car and pack your food.

-Room Booking Tip - Try to book a hotel that is within walking distance from the Super Dome.

-Be careful where you stand or sit - Don’t make the mistake I did by being in the front row during those meet and greets and interview panels. I almost got seriously injured when the cast of “Power” came out and Dre and Tommy were handing out goodie bags. (I got my video with them though) The bag busted open because of the Stampede of women trying to take pictures with them. Listen, those women are ruthless out there do you hear me? Lol.

-Buy a quality portable charger - The only wall plugins were out in the hallway at the Convention Center. The same for the Superdome. There were some, but not many. You don’t want to be stuck to a wall and miss any shows. So definitely try to splurge on TWO if you can especially if you have an iPhone. We all know what the battery life is like on those.

-Download the Essence App – This will help you know about the exact time of an interview panel or show you would like to see. You will also get alerts about different activities which is really helpful.

-Eateries you must visit - Be sure to visit Cafe Du Monde and Morrows.

And last but not least have fun and enjoy the experience.

Hanging out on Bourbon Street. This snake freaked me out, but I had to fake a smile for the camera. The guy behind me goes “here, hold him for me I have to go to the restroom.” Then he walked off lol. Totally freaking me out.

Hanging out on Bourbon Street. This snake freaked me out, but I had to fake a smile for the camera. The guy behind me goes “here, hold him for me I have to go to the restroom.” Then he walked off lol. Totally freaking me out.

Ace Hotel (In the Prince room)

Ace Hotel (In the Prince room)

Mercedes-Benz Superdome

Mercedes-Benz Superdome

I met Anthony Mackie at Morrow’s. A lot of celebs eat here , so if you want to run into one check out this place. I saw Misa Hylton, Toya Wright and her daughter, Essence Atkins (below) , and the comedian Rel.

I met Anthony Mackie at Morrow’s. A lot of celebs eat here , so if you want to run into one check out this place. I saw Misa Hylton, Toya Wright and her daughter, Essence Atkins (below) , and the comedian Rel.

Make sure you go to Cafe Du Monde and order the Beignets. Heaven on Earth I swear.

Make sure you go to Cafe Du Monde and order the Beignets. Heaven on Earth I swear.

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Nicole Ari Parker waved at me…her hubby Boris Kodje was right behind her and that is when the stampede happened lol. I almost got ran over smh.

Private Screening for the television show “Claws” and Niecy Nash did a Wakanda pose for us.

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Here are some more pics of the “Power” cast, Vivica A. Fox, Marsha Ambrosius, Brandy, Regina Hall, Mary J. Blige, Erykah Badu and some pictures of Bourbon Street and the Superdome. I have over 500 videos from the concerts, but the files were too large to put on here. Sorry.

I bought this shirt and cute mug from a vendor at the Convention Center.

I bought this shirt and cute mug from a vendor at the Convention Center.

We were only functioning on two-four hours of sleep each night. If that much (It wasn’t intentional, and no I do not recommend it lol. ) However, this sums up my trip after surviving on coffee and Red Bulls for an entire week. They snapped this photo before we drove off from the hotel on our way back to Austin. Smh. They got me good. I slept for several days afterwards…I have no regrets. Ha. I hope you guys have fun and please be safe.

We were only functioning on two-four hours of sleep each night. If that much (It wasn’t intentional, and no I do not recommend it lol. ) However, this sums up my trip after surviving on coffee and Red Bulls for an entire week. They snapped this photo before we drove off from the hotel on our way back to Austin. Smh. They got me good. I slept for several days afterwards…I have no regrets. Ha.

I hope you guys have fun and please be safe.