Cue: “You Got Me” by The Roots (the live version with Jill Scott).
This week has been so special.
Making an intentional lifestyle is hard as hell. Let’s be clear. Being an entrepreneur is one thing, but building a brand that embodies being intentional? That’s another level. Because you can’t just sell it — you have to live it. Sit with that for a second.
Dinner With My Hubby + Bestie
My hubby and my bestie came to town. Now, let me explain. My “hubby” is my best guy friend, the one I’ve loved since sophomore year at Alabama State. He’s always easy to get in the room.
But my bestie? Whew. Getting her to travel is like pulling teeth. So when she said she was coming, I stopped everything. Ran immediately. We’ve been friends since the day my Memphis nosiness got on her Detroit nerves — two city girls with different perspectives but the same soul.
To have them both in the same space, pouring into me in different ways, was magical. We fellowshipped in a way that fed me. Forget the food — it nourished my soul. Laughter from the belly, a little ratchet energy with God all over it. It slowed me down, reminded me of joy, and prepared me for the stillness I’ve been craving. (Of course, we didn’t take pictures while we were together, too deep into fellowship. SMH)
Stillness + Solo Travel
Being still has been on my spirit all year. If I’m honest, since last September. This time last year, I was living it up at the Blue Note Jazz Festival in Napa, soaking in every note. That experience fed me like nothing else.
But this year? I’ve been craving solo stillness. There’s something about traveling alone, about enjoying your own company. Yes, this month is about Gathered Goodness, but the truth is — gathering starts with self. If you don’t know how to sit with yourself, you’ll get lost at the table with others. Side-eye emoji.
Tracee Ellis Ross said it best on her solo travel show on Roku: sometimes you’ve got to take yourself out, be with yourself, love yourself. My solo travel journey started when I was 24 — a twelve-hour road trip from Knoxville to Charlotte to Atlanta. Running from heartbreak, driving through the Tennessee mountains in the dark. That trip changed me, and I’ve been solo traveling ever since.
I haven’t made it overseas yet (Italy was supposed to be my first, but then COVID hit). Nerves aside, I know I’ll get there. But until then, I’ll keep feeding myself with these solo moments. Because before you step to the grown folks’ table, you better know who you are when it’s just you.
Football Season Energy
And speaking of grown folks’ tables — football season is here. And baby, the table talk gets REAL.
Let me make it official: I am a Colorado Auntie now. One of the young aunties, and I’m rooting for Prime. Period. I know, I know — living in Atlanta you’d think I’d go for Georgia Tech. Nope.
But let me be clear — my heart is Memphis. Titans. Grizzlies. Tigers. Vols. And honorable mention: Carolina Panthers, Auburn Tigers, and all things Alabama State.
The best season to gather has begun, and I couldn’t be more excited.
The Story of Floral & Spice
If I’m being honest, Floral & Spice has been coming my whole life.
I’ve been a restaurant server for well over 20 years. Hotels for 10-plus years. Cocktail serving here and there — though let’s be clear, that was never my vibe. I’m a bougie girlie when it comes to service and food. My expectations are extremely high, off the charts. So, to see me step into Floral & Spice? Honestly, it feels expected.
I’ve done flowers for so many dinner parties it’s wild. For influencers. For event planners. You name it, I’ve probably touched the table. But here’s the difference — this time, I’m no longer the table hand. I’m not in the background, setting the scene for someone else. This is all God’s work, and I get to sit in the seat He prepared for me.
The closest I’ve ever come to hosting was through a former client turned friend, Madison James — also a native Tennessean and a brand all her own. Working with her gave me the bug. It opened my eyes to what it looks like to bring people together with intention, grace, and presence.
So here we are. Floral & Spice.
A dream that’s been simmering under the surface for years.
And now, it’s time to serve it hot.
The Invitation
This season of Gathered Goodness is just beginning. And what better way to celebrate than with the official launch of Floral & Spice?
✨ Not just a dinner. A fellowship. A gathering. A place to laugh, cry, eat, and be poured into. A safe table where every seat matters.
So pull up a chair. Follow along for details on the very first Floral & Spice supper club. The table is set, sis. And your seat is waiting.