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Best Moments of 2014!

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I truly left behind 2013 in every way imaginable. I started this year with new hope and an expectation of something great and great new beginnings, new opportunities and new blessings is what I received. I am reminded of how powerful our words are for we speak our futures into existence every day with every conversation we have both with others and ourselves. No, I did not achieve all of my goals or reach the insurmountable height I sought after but my decisions, risks and courage did move me forward in my journey. I’ve been professionally challenged from the growth that was necessary to get me through this year. I have lost loved ones and beautiful souls that have transitioned on to the next life, leaving me with great memories but an emptiness that I’m not sure will ever dissipate. I’ve witnessed joy, excitement, elation, defeat, sorrow, pain, humility and devastation but these are the emotions that make up a life well lived and I would not have it any other way. As I look to 2015, I am relentlessly optimistic as I know I have sowed good seeds and I’m looking for my God to grow them and send the harvest but first I must continue my ‘own’ tradition of looking back on some of the greatest moments of 2014. Come along for the ride!

Evelyn Lozada's Diamonds & Diapers Baby Shower!

Evelyn Lozada’s Diamonds & Diapers Baby Shower!

After experiencing quite a bit of pain, my dear friend and client Evelyn Lozada was ready to celebrate the impending birth of her son. The DVLW team put together a “Diamonds & Diapers Baby Shower to help her celebrate her newest achievement while Evelyn proved that joy really does come in the morning! All photos by Josh Madson.

Diann Valentine Photo Shoot - All Images by the talented Robert Ector

Diann Valentine Photo Shoot – All Images by the talented Robert Ector

Shedding all of the pain of 2013 left me depleted and I need to breathe new life into the Diann Valentine brand and defy every image and stereotype that others had placed on me so I started with a photo shoot. Jason Sky creative directed every look, while Robert Rooks came up with about 10 hair and make-up looks on the fly so that Robert Ector could beautifully capture all of it. This shoot allowed me to defy every image and stereotype that others had placed on me so I could be reminded that all I need to be is myself!

50 & Fabulous!  All images by the talented Christine Bentley

50 & Fabulous! All images by the talented Christine Bentley

One of our clients called on us to design an intimate 50th birthday party for his wife. He allowed me 100% creative control as long as I infused her love of color and Jamaican roots. The smallest parties are often the most meaningful – not really sure why that is but it is one of the reasons I enjoy these creative expressions the most. All photos by the talented Christine Bentley.

Nike World Basketball Festival

Nike World Basketball Festival

I then headed into my biggest project of the year as the Lead Producer for the Nike World Basketball Festival in Chicago. I am definitely a better producer, leader and visionary because of this experience and I will be forever grateful to them for it.

The Summertime Wedding Bliss Tour!

The Summertime Wedding Bliss Tour!

After a long assignment in Chicago, I had no time to catch my breath as I headed right into a 5-city tour for a pre-launch of the Valentine Cuff. I didn’t want Bridal Market to be the first time anyone had heard of a bridal cuff so there was much work to be done, which could not have been achieved without my incredible team at Jumbalaya Media.  Many thanks to Panache Bridal in Beverly Hills, The Left Bank & Bridal Finery in Chicago, La Maison de la Bridal in Atlanta and Bridal Reflections in NYC!

DV Falls In Love With an International Audience!

DV Falls In Love With an International Audience!

In the midst of all of my projects this year, a 5-city tour and prepping for Bridal Market, I had also secured several International speaking engagements that took me to Cancun, Mexico City, Athens, Greece, Toronto, Canada, Moscow, Russia and Istanbul, Turkey. Love allowed me to connect with men and women all over the world through this universal language that breaks down all ethnic, racial, cultural and language barriers because love is the same no matter where you are from. I’ve prayed so long for a global brand and I never dreamed my gateway to this would be through my ‘Gift To Gab’.

New Year's Brunch for Ebony Magazine - All images by the talented Christine Bentley

New Year’s Brunch for Ebony Magazine – All images by the talented Christine Bentley

In between my international travel, I hosted a New Year’s Brunch for some of my closest friends while making several new ones that was featured in the December issue of Ebony Magazine. Here is a glimpse of this afternoon in Miami and I will share all of the juicy details and talent behind this magical day next week. All images by the talented Christine Bentley.

 

Introducing The Valentine Cuff!

Introducing The Valentine Cuff!

In October, I officially launched the Valentine Cuff at International Bridal Market in NYC by taking private appointments only at The London. Three days of meetings with buyers, the wedding media, attending a few shows, a photo shoot and lots of prayer got me through. However, I could not have done any of it without the help of my incredible team at Jumbalaya Media, CLD Public Relations, Syed Yaqeen, Jackie Nwobu, Elizabeth Alvarez, my brother Leo Eley, Monica Granillo and the amazing Donna Wisdom who all worked tirelessly to make sure we had a successful launch. The Valentine Cuff can now be found in 8 bridal retailers around the country…all glory be to God! Please visit shop.diannvalentine.com for more information or a retailer near you.

 

Coming Home...

Coming Home…

My last speaking engagement of the year was the opening session at The Coterie Retreat for Munaluchi Bridal. I have spoken all over the world and treasure each opportunity on the mic as if it is the first and last time I will ever speak and I have been blessed with warm receptions and reviews around the globe. However, speaking at The Coterie Retreat to a room of predominantly people that looked like me was a different kind of experience. It felt like I was coming home…

#UnitedForJustice

#UnitedForJustice

I ended this year with philanthropy. After witnessing the dehumanizing death of Eric Garner at the hands of law enforcement, I knew I had to do something. So I called on a few of my best girlfriends – Sheree Fletcher, April Daniels, Sandra Campbell and Treiva Williams and we hosted a fundraiser to benefit the widow of Eric Garner. I knew there were many causes we could have selected and countless worthy organizations that deserve attention but the thought of another black woman left to raise her children and enjoy her grandchildren alone after the brutal manner in which their matriarch died while living with the ability to watch the life choked out of him again and again called me to respond and respond we did…

So once again looking back gives me great hope for this new year. My mother recently told me that we are heading into seven years of surplus and favor and I believe her.  There are undoubtedly more challenges and likely greater changes on the horizon but with each new day I am better equipped to handle all that is before me because the last time I checked, God was still in the business of miracles!

 

Join the Diann Valentine family and inspire us by sharing some of your greatest moments of 2014!

 

Until next year,

DV Black_White Script Logo 10_07


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