Black Lives Matter Panel Discussion
Inspired by the recent voice, protests and discussions of racism and police violence, we want to help educate and change the wedding industry’s lack of diversity in wedding media.
This cannot continue. The industry must do better.
But you cannot fix a problem that you do not know you have. And if “ignorance is bliss”, in this case, bliss has caused bondage and pain for others.
If you’re afraid of angering clients, afraid of backlash from family, afraid of confrontation, guess what?
You have options.
But to make a change and work towards a solution, we’re going to have to get out of our comfort zone and perhaps have some uncomfortable conversations. That’s because we are asking questions, and we WANT to KNOW……
——- HOW can we do better? ———
——- WHAT will it take for things to CHANGE? ———
——--WHO can HELP us KEEP moving forward, 1, 5, 10 years from now? ———
——- WHERE can we seek guidance to support this movement?———
On Thursday 6.11.2020 we hosted a heartfelt discussion FOR wedding pros BY wedding pros featuring a panel of four female wedding business owners who are kicking ass at what they do, worldwide…..and are sharing with the wedding and event world their stories and support systems we can adopt to ensure that we are all, as wedding professionals, using our creativity, diversity, entrepreneurship, and philanthropy to help support our industry collectively. #BlackLivesMatter
Watch the video of our conversation regarding this awakening below. The speaker panel details are listed below the video and some resources discussed listed below the panel.
Join the conversation anytime!
MEET THE PANEL
- Owner/Photographer Alyssa Armstrong, Los Angeles, CA
With a camera in hand since she she was 5, Alyssa has successfully pursued (and continues to explore) a variety of artistic and creative forms of expression in weddings. She is passionate about and has been advocating and educating how the wedding industry can help to take a stand against racism.
Founder/Owner Pura Luna Women's Apothecary Santa Barbara, CA
An herbalist, reiki practitioner, red tent facilitator, yoga teacher, practitioner of Shamanism and Peri-steam Hydrotherapist. She has built an extraordinary community in support of mind, body, and spirit locally via her sacred space for women, and her ultimate goal is to help heal the world!
Naomi Wilson - Owner, At First Blush & Co. Events, Atlanta, GA
A native New Yorker, who has created timeless experiences for her clients for the last 10 years. Her passion is creating intimate and storied weddings for couples in Southern California, the greater Atlanta area and worldwide, and she is a world traveler currently writing her book.
Nyachia Knight - Founder/Creative Director at NKT Events, Niece, FRA
An East Coast bred American who has worn several hats during the course of her career making her one of the most discerning wedding planners in Europe. From the catwalks of New York City Fashion Week to the azure blue shores of the French Riviera, Nyachia curates events in style with a fashion flair that stimulates the senses all while having fun!
BLACK LIVES MATTER RESOURCES:
Hello Gorgeous Models of Diversity for Photo Shoots
White Privilege: Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack by Peggy McIntosh
what we can do as wedding pros?
take action on this awakening
be an ally
speak up
own it
HOW can we support in santa barbara?
Here’s a List of Santa Barbara’s Black-Owned Businesses from The Indepentent, a local editorial