Earlier this month, I attended my first Black Ballad Weekender in London and wow — the energy was palpable. It was undoubtedly a smart event, with fantastic panels spanning a range of topics from sexual health to authorship to AI to skincare, activations including a knotless braids class, and various book signings. There was complimentary coffee (bless them) and delicious food options. But it was the room’s effortless vitality that took it to the next level.
I met two women who felt like aunties by the time we finished eating our jollof together. I now have a group chat with my friend who accompanied me and a new one: We named the WhatsApp group “Black Ballad,” a reminder of the event we have to thank for our budding friendship (and informal book club).
My coverage is loading (stay tuned!), but to tease the content, I’ll reveal that I asked multiple speakers, attendees, and Black Ballad’s very own co-founder what they do to stay in the groove (in true Stella fashion). I loved the answers.
My girl Remel London mentioned that her version of staying in the groove looks like switching her devices off and pulling out an adult coloring book. Another respondent was refreshingly honest: “I’m trying to figure that out right now,” she said. “I feel like I’ve been out of the groove for a bit and I’m trying different methods…”
These were reminders that staying in the groove—finding a rhythm, getting your mojo back, however you want to think of it—looks different for everyone. But every single one of these responses felt introspective. I loved that, even in a room full of incredibly inspiring, hard-working women, everyone’s answer touched on something they do for themselves.
Stella Podcast: Becoming Black Martha
Featuring Renee Blackman
Fittingly, embracing stillness is how Stella’s latest featured podcast guest, Renee Blackman, successfully completed her first cookbook, “Passion on the Cutting Board.” She shares more on this, as well as how, after years of being a private chef to celebrity clients, she’s grown to be more comfortable being in the spotlight herself. (You might have seen her on Netflix’s “Pressure Cooker” and/or Food Network's “Chopped” and “Kitchen Crash.”)
Plus, learn how Renee’s actively manifesting her career trajectory by calling herself “The Black Martha.” And for my lovely paid subscribers, stand by for a fun offering…
Stay In The Groove
Upcoming events for your calendar:
BaddieCon (August 21-23, New York City)
Invest Fest (August 22-24, Atlanta)
Sip N' Slay (August 23, New York City)
She Did That. x New York Liberty POWER PLAYS (August 26, Brooklyn)
Juiceee & Friends: DefendHer (August 28, London)
FoundHER Summit (August 28, New York City)
Ciara x J’na Jefferson x The GRAMMY Museum (September 5, Brooklyn)
RomanceCon (September 5-6, Milwaukee)
Pretty Girls Sweat Fest (September 20, Atlanta)
CultureCon (October 4-5, Brooklyn)
Roadmap To Billions Conference (October 6, Toronto)
AfroTech (October 27-31, Houston)
The Black Girls Tech Summit (November 13, Berlin)
Black Travel Summit (November 13-16, Rio de Janeiro)
Some job opportunities I’m seeing:
Audience Growth Manager - The 19th
Content Manager and Copywriter - Google Ink
Director, Social Media - Marriott Bonvoy
Operations & Events Associate - To Be Hosted
Project Manager - Apartment Therapy
Senior Social Media and Community Manager - Hey Jane
Vice President, Social - The Infatuation
Audience Editor - Dwell
Part-time Photo Researcher - BuzzFeed
Senior Editor - The Atlantic
Brand Manager - Partake
Corporate Communications Manager - Substack
Standout news:
Substack announced it has raised $100 million in Series C funding, which it allocate to building “better tools, broader reach, and deeper support for writers and creators.
Regina King launched a new orange wine with a beautiful backstory. I can’t wait to try it.
Till next time x
Bri