Women of different backgrounds came from all over New York to converse, promote and support one another during The Queen Sessions‘ Queen Support Queens Pop-Up Shop and Brunch in Brentwood. “Long Island, I found out doesn’t have spaces like this where women of color are connecting,” said Autumn Myers who is the founder of The Queen Sessions. “I moved here from the city and found everything was so segregated. Like, sis, let’s support each other and leave the barriers at the door.”
Myers is a creative marketing and social strategist. She has worked with brands such as BuzzFeed, NBC, Ad Council and more. She’s also the editor-in-chief of The Queen Sessions’ website. She wanted to use her experience to create a space where women could wear their crowns proudly and cheer each other on.
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Along with a team of fellow Queens, Myers brought the brunch and pop-up shop into existence featuring 10 vendors, two performances, a stylist, three models. A total of 50 attendees attended the event.
One of the vendors, Joleen Richards, came all the way from Brooklyn to showcase her line of jewelry, Joleen Creations.
“I just figured why not,” said Richards. “You just never know what opportunities are available. It was kind of far, but I’m happy I came.”
For Richards, it was refreshing to be in a diverse space doing what she loves.
“I’m realizing more that representation matters,” said Richards. “Even in the jewelry district (in NYC), there are not a lot of jewelers that look like me, so it’s great to be around other people like me doing similar things. It’s really encouraged me to keep going.”
Freeport resident and event attendee Channie Williams would probably agree.
“I think diversity is important because we all have different cultures and perspectives and can see something outside of ourselves with an open mind,” said Williams, a published poet who wrote collection of 25 poems to her 25-year-old self.
But, Williams modestly said the main reason she attended was to support her friend, Kew Gardens resident and owner of LVB Creations Kaye-Lani Brissett. Her products consist of handmade, hand stamped inspirational bracelets made with love. Brissett was nothing but thrilled and happy that Williams brought the event to her attention.
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“I really just hope that everyone stays connected and that Autumn brings us back,” said Brissett, who was determined to not shy away from her passion. “My friend reminded me of a story in the Bible. One individual buried his talent in the ground while others worked on it. That scripture inspired me. I don’t want to bury my talent.”
Another vendor who exemplified a can-do attitude was 11-year-old Nevaeh Flowers. She came from Queens to promote her one-year-old clothing line, Nolana Gardens, and let young girls know that the business world doesn’t have to be a boys club or a world strictly for adults.
“I was in fashion week about two years ago,” said Flowers. “I was grateful, but I said to myself, ‘I’m walking down this aisle for other people, but why can’t I have people walking down the aisle for my clothing line?’ I hope to let little girls on Long Island know they can do anything they put their mind to and it doesn’t matter how old they are.”
Autumn Myers
Myers says that the best way to support a Queen is to simply support.
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“Listen to their stories and remind them that their presence is needed,” said Myers. “You can do things at a small capacity and what may feel small to you may be a big moment for them.”
