What The Ween Awards Taught Me About Connecting With Peers And Women In Power Positions As An Introvert
When the date for the 6th Annual WEEN (Women In Entertainment Empowerment Network) Awards was announced, I couldn’t have been more excited. The event, held in New York City, is an awards show dedicated to honoring women who are leaders in entertainment, social justice, and entrepreneurship.
This year it would be no different – eight trailblazing women including Yara Shahidi, Dia Simms, Music Executive Ethiopia Habtemariam, Sandra Bland's mother and activist Geneva Reed-Veal, Meagan Good, Lil’ Kim, Teyana Taylor, and Teen Vogue EIC Elaine Welteroth were hand-picked for their commitment to empowering women, and for having overcome adversity to thrive in their respective fields.
Beyond my sheer excitement at hearing what these inspirational women had to say, I was also just as eager to network with my peers and top female executives, entrepreneurs, and entertainers who all share a passion for media, the arts, and female empowerment. However, with that excitement, came fear.
As an introvert, over-thinker, “Type A” personality, making meaningful connections at networking events has never been easy for me. In fact, at times it has been terribly, and sometimes embarrassingly, hard.
I never feel like I know the right thing to say, I get easily discouraged if my “hello” isn’t met with the same enthusiasm, I become sheepish about expressing my aspirations—the list goes on. But after moving to a new city where I knew only a handful of people, I was forced to confront my fear of networking in order to meet new friends and peers in the music and arts community.
Ween co-founder Valeisha Butterfield, Lil Kim and Entertainment attorney Londell McMillan
“Nobody can do what you can do, the way that you can do it. All that you have to do is be the best version of you.”
– Meagan Good, Actress
Over time, I have learned by trial and error what helps me to feel comfortable and confident in any room whether an intimate happy hour, or a high-profile event like the WEEN Awards:
Stylist June Ambrose with Teen Vogue Editor Elaine Welteroth and Apple Music Exec Bozoma Saint John
Practice your elevator pitch.
Whenever someone previously suggested fine-tuning my “elevator pitch”, it always took everything in me not to roll my eyes. Surprise, they were right. When interacting at networking events, you often encounter the same questions – what do you do, what do you want to do, and how can we help each other. Sit down and really think through the answers to those questions – it will lead to more productive and meaningful conversations.
Make sure your website and social media profiles are up to date.
It is always good to have business cards on hand, but I have found often when I mention my blog or my music, people go right to their phones to check out the site or follow me on social media. Don’t blow that opportunity to impress your future boss or collaborative partner by having a defunct website or inappropriate content on your social profiles. Take pride in your brand!
Do your research before approaching an industry titan.
If you see someone on the event bill that you are interested in connecting with, make sure you review their web presence. You may have a very brief window to catch their attention, so why not try to make the most of that opportunity by having some topic points in mind – you may find they are working on a new project, and you have the perfect tools to add to their team.
Scope out the event space and arrive early.
If you’re like me, particularly before larger events, you will have some (or a lot) of nervous energy. Don’t add to it by lacking a plan to travel to the event, or underestimating the number of people in attendance. Give yourself plenty of time to adjust to the energy of the event space, that way as the event is underway you are calm, cool, and collected.
Be prepared to be uncomfortable.
I always try to anticipate those first few moments when you arrive at an event and make eye contact with another person standing alone. Everything tells you to quickly turn away, but that is precisely the moment to engage. Take a deep breath, hold your head high, and lead with a smile —you can’t go wrong.
Teen Vogue EIC Elaine Welteroth and Blackish actress Yara Shahidi
[Tweet ""What a time to be alive. To be black. To be female...And to be empowered." - @ElaineWelteroth"]
Watch an exclusive recap of the WEEN Awards below:
Janay is a UPENN grad navigating her mid 20s. By day, a communications and marketing consultant, by night inspired creative — recording music, writing blog posts at ayminor.com and promoting her collection of short stories, Climbing Vines. You can follow her on Instagram and Twitter at @ayminor.
ItGirl 100 Honors Black Women Who Create Culture & Put On For Their Cities
As they say, create the change you want to see in this world, besties. That’s why xoNecole linked up with Hyundai for the inaugural ItGirl 100 List, a celebration of 100 Genzennial women who aren’t afraid to pull up their own seats to the table. Across regions and industries, these women embody the essence of discovering self-value through purpose, honey! They're fierce, they’re ultra-creative, and we know they make their cities proud.
VIEW THE FULL ITGIRL 100 LIST HERE.
Don’t forget to also check out the ItGirl Directory, featuring 50 Black-woman-owned marketing and branding agencies, photographers and videographers, publicists, and more.
THE ITGIRL MEMO
I. An ItGirl puts on for her city and masters her self-worth through purpose.
II. An ItGirl celebrates all the things that make her unique.
III. An ItGirl empowers others to become the best versions of themselves.
IV. An ItGirl leads by example, inspiring others through her actions and integrity.
V. An ItGirl paves the way for authenticity and diversity in all aspects of life.
VI. An ItGirl uses the power of her voice to advocate for positive change in the world.
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Curate The Vibes With These Black-Owned Candles For Every Mood
Black women of the 90s and early 2000s had incense, and Black women of today are fully embracing our luxury candle era. Candles have become just as important as our perfume selections, and as a luxury candle connoisseur, I keep all of my favorites in stock in my storage closet.
Whether you’re moving out for the first time and want to try new scents or looking to set the mood for a self-care day or sexy evening, consider these Black-owned candle brands to curate the vibe you’re looking for.
If You’re Feeling Bad & Bougie
The Original Candle
If you’re the bougie friend of the group, this candle is for you. Hanifa has become a staple luxury brand; with celebs like Tracee Ellis Ross, Jennifer Hudson, Naomi Campbell, and Danielle Brooks seen in her designs, they have become everyone's favorite brand. They recently launched their first candle, The Original. The candle is infused with notes of mandarin, orange blossom, caramel, sandalwood, jasmine sambac, and vanilla.
When Wash Day Comes...
"Wash Day" Candle
Cavo
Need some inspiration to get up and section that hair so you can get to washing? Not to worry. This pineapple, mango coconut milk, and sugar candle will have your house smelling as good as your favorite conditioner.
Wellness Girl Necessity
Sunday in Brooklyn Candle
If you’re a girl who loves clean scents that clear the energy in your home and feel like the best Sunday you ever had, you need this candle. Infused with wild basil and lemongrass, it’s guaranteed to help you find your zen.
For Sunday Brunch If You’re Hosting
Champagne Showers
Champagne Showers is the perfect candle for a birthday celebration, Sunday brunch night in, or toast to your next big win! The candle includes a blend of bright bergamot, peach fizz, and creamy woods. It’s a bubbly fragrance that’s as sophisticated as our girl, Jackie Aina.
After You Listen To SZA
"After A Good Cry" Candle
Cavo
Let the tears flow, and let the healing begin. This rainwater, lavender, vanilla, and bean and bourbon candle is just what the doctor ordered if you’re getting over a breakup. But once you’re done crying, just remember you're worthy of much more, okay?
For The Lover Girl Era
"Love" Luxury Candle
If you’re done crying and have found the one you’ve been waiting for, let this candle burn as warm as your love for your new boo. Harlem Candle Co.'s "Love" fragrance represents a dramatic, romantic theme with both masculine and feminine accords melding beautifully together, infused with crisp apple and watery green notes.
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Featured image by Maskot/Getty Images