DSLB presents Inspired: A Dinner Series

“A friend is someone who understands your past, believes in your future, and accepts you just the way you are.” – Unknown

The phrase “a seat at the table” has always intrigued me. Especially as a minority woman, full of ambition and drive, with a passion for serving communities and empowering other women in the spaces of business, philanthropy, and motherhood. I understand that “the table” is a metaphorical representation of the different sectors of society-business, philanthropy, tech, government, etc., and that illustrious “seat” at that table-belong to the powers players that hold the relationships, connections, and influence to make decisions. Sadly, many women never step foot in the rooms where these conversations exist let alone hold a seat at these coveted tables.

In order to solve some of the world’s most pressing issues like access to equal opportunity, sexism, racism, gender inequality, glass ceilings, and many other patriarchal issues that the world throws at us; women need other powerful women. We need that positive and uplifting energy that exists when we unite. I believe there is a seat at the table for all women to win. And to further prove this point, I decided to create a perfectly decorated tablescape featuring a scrumptious meal prepared by a renowned chef and accompanied by delicious craft cocktails. And all to benefit the deserving women who are the movers and shakers in their fields of interest as well as my family’s philanthropic arm, the Sensabaugh Family Foundation.

Although I love to get dressed up, slay and eat amazing food over delicious cocktails, the DSLB Inspired Dinner Series “Friendsgiving Edition” was much more than that- it’s about feeding your soul, your dreams, your ambition. Enjoying elegance yet inspiring fellow queens to tap into the power of uniting as women. It’s about us coming together and truly reaching while we climb, and transparently showing our most authentic selves so we can mentor each other’s growth. This dinner series was everything because nothing is more fulfilling than encouraging and feeding off women that are power players and mission makers. We must clap for the women around us that are killing the game and making their dreams come to fruition. We must ENCOURAGE them and UPLIFT them because THEY DESERVE IT. As you reach your goals and doors of opportunity start to swing open for you, those same women will be right in your corner cheering you on. This is what it means to embrace #DSLBInspired.

The Logistics

Joy Davis, Creator, and CEO of The Firm Management is the Gayle to my Oprah. Her full-service management firm represents entrepreneurs, luxury retailers, franchisees, hospitality groups, investors and digital influencers. Joy and I have been dreaming about launching the DSLB dinner series for over two years. When I say dreaming- I really mean tirelessly working our butts off to curate an unforgettable event. Joy and I put hours and hours of sweat equity into brainstorming and planning the launch of the DSLB Inspired Dinner Series and we plan to take this exquisite evening to cities across the country including Charlotte, Miami, Los Angeles, New York, and Dallas. What started as a vision has manifested into a product and that is how empires are created, as Joy always tells me. There is nothing sexier than a team of powerful intelligent women creating a beautiful space for other female power players to engage. To assist with the day of execution, we recruited the expertise of Public Relations and Event specialist, Lauren Overton. Joy and Lauren perfectly executed a dining event that fed our souls and satisfied our hearts.

Welcome Home

What made this evening so special was that it was hosted in the gorgeous private estate of my dear friends, Bryan Smith and Ken Watford —a vital part of my Nashville production of Culture, Curators and Cuisine.

As a unit, these two are a powerhouse. Whether they are traveling the world to beautiful and exotic lands, collecting ancient artwork or hiking some of the nation’s most challenging and exhilarating nature trails, individually and collectively their energy is contagious. They reside in the Southern Oasis of Nashville, Tennessee in a beautiful home on Radnor Lake Nature conservatory. They are the first humanitarian couple that I have met, to open their stunning home, in all of its glory solely for the purpose in which it was created. It was designed specifically to host charitable events and philanthropic endeavors. They have committed one of their most personal and intimate spaces for others to use as a method of bringing individuals together to cultivate and create a powerful change-their home.

Meeting these two compelling leaders motivated me to not only step up my travel game and see more of this beautiful world but, they inspired me to evaluate how I can use all of my resources to serve others that are working for society and social change. My guest had a blast in their architectural haven.

Le Decor

Perfection! When working with Tiffany Elliott of Elliott Events, she knew immediately that this one of a kind DSLB Dinner Series needed to be an exquisite experience. We focused on weaving tiny details together to curate a breathtaking aesthetic. From beautiful lush florals, romantic candelabras, custom painted nameplates, delectable hand-painted cookies, and perfectly designed stationery- every element of the evening was unique. As a busy mom of two, my opportunities to get dressed up and spend time with my girls is cherished. One of my favorite aspects of decor (besides the florals) was the custom stationery. I believe that invitations set the tone for the event. Nothing spells “hello, let's have a phenomenal time” like receiving a beautifully designed invitation in the mail. Working with Dear Addie, Nashville's only custom design team located within its own full-service print shop committed to creating an exceptional design with the highest quality printing. Their team designed and printed the invitations, menu cards and other unique paper elements that gave the party an extra “oomph.”

Le Cuisine

I am a Southern Gem also known as a “Country Girl,”- so Thanksgiving has always been the holiday where we wear comfy clothes because two to three plates of food will be in the rotation. Although I traded my jeans for a beautiful sequin number, my appetite for that same delicious cuisine was evident. There was no better Chef to satisfy that desire and cater to this event than Nashville’s own, Chef Clevland Shearls of The Lost Spoon. He curated a menu that was equally as elegant to the eyes when it adorned the plate as it was delicious to the taste. There are a few things you must get right for a dinner party and that is definitely a delicious meal!

STARTER

Charcuterie Display

An assortment of imported meats and cheeses, jams, mustards, berries, and herbs accompanied by crispy bread and crackers.

MAIN

Bourbon Brine Turkey Smoked, Gouda Mac & Cheese, Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Streusel, Brown Butter Corn Pudding

An assortment of Yeast Rolls, Aged Smoked Cheddar Biscuits, Mini Jalapeno Cornbread

DESSERT

Le Petit Pies

Lemon Chess Pies, Candied Pecan Pies, Sweet Potato & Pumpkin Pies with Cinnamon Whipped Cream

Libations

The holidays are the best time to share laughter, love, and cheer over delicious cocktails. This DSLB Inspired Dinner Series was the perfect opportunity to officially kick off the holiday season of celebrations. My guest enjoyed crafted cocktails in abundance courtesy of Minerva Ave. Along with a selection of a decadent glass of red or white wine and champagne, the cocktail menu was as follows:

CRAFT COCKTAILS sponsored by Minerva Ave

— The Queen’s Crown
Cognac Manhattan, Hennessy, Dry Vermouth, Sweet Vermouth, Bitters

—-The Minerva Ave

Anejo Tequila, Cardamaro, Licor 43, Lemon, Bitters

—-The DSLB

Champagne, Sugar Cube, Bitters, Lemon Twist

Because the health nut in me loves to incorporate a fresh cold press juice into any meal, we also offered an Assortment of Cold Press Organic Juices from Blends Juicery into the menu. Delicious and refreshing was an understatement.

The Details

Behind the soulful sounds of DJ Crisis on the turntables was laughter and joy as we posed and showed off our outfits in front of the DSLB Inspired step and repeat-the ambiance and energy of this evening was perfect.

The Gifts

If you know me, you know I love to provide an amazing gift to my loved ones. The DSLB Inspired Dinner Series featured exceptional gifts from our sponsors.

Urban Skin RX—a woman can never have enough Urban Skin RX skincare. My dear friend and Founder, Rachel Roff loaded my guest down with some of her most coveted skincare products including the 2019 Allure Best of Beauty Cleansing Bar.

My Life Beauty Bag— My beautiful friend, Nicole Gilchrist flew in to launch her luxurious and exclusive product, an all-in-one beauty essentials bag. It is vegan leather lined with plush velvet and designed to hold the most beloved things that must come with you. I can guarantee you will find AND get so much purpose out of my favorite bag.

Blends Juicery—One of Nashville’s delicious organic, raw, cold-pressed gems. Blends Juicery does not use high-pressure processing (HPP), never pasteurized, always raw. It can be enjoyed as is or added to champagne, as we decided to do with our DSLB cocktail!

Clarke Byard and the Byard Family Legacy Fund Inc. provide individuals in need with opportunities that maximize their literacy, education, and emotional well-being. Clarke is a phenomenal mother and philanthropist making a dynamic impact in the community, and she provided our guests with beautiful shirts that remind us to have Grace in every area of our lives.

Thank you, Japhet Odigie of JAO Photography for capturing every stunning moment of this evening. Thank you, Jeffrey Hendrix, of Goliath Views, for capturing epic video and producing magic with The Firm. Your talents are incredible.

Baby Sense 2.0

Friendsgiving

CEOMOM

Energy

Big 3