by Yolonda D. ColemanMay 9, 2007
What could be better than a kicking back at a beach side reception in sunny Orlando, Florida? I couldn't think of another way to spend the 2nd Wednesday in May as General Motors helped Black Enterprise Magazine welcome attendees with a tropical feast to the 4th Annual Black Enterprise Entrepreneurs Conference and Expo at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort.
My sponsors, Ken and Sheila Johnson of Eagle Enterprises, spoke for months of my necessity to attend. "Yolonda, you'll love it. It's a perfect venue for you!" Ken remarked.
What could be better than a kicking back at a beach side reception in sunny Orlando, Florida? I couldn't think of another way to spend the 2nd Wednesday in May as General Motors helped Black Enterprise Magazine welcome attendees with a tropical feast to the 4th Annual Black Enterprise Entrepreneurs Conference and Expo at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort.
My sponsors, Ken and Sheila Johnson of Eagle Enterprises, spoke for months of my necessity to attend. "Yolonda, you'll love it. It's a perfect venue for you!" Ken remarked.
Teaching full-time, I didn't think it would be a great idea for me to leave my students for three days at the end of the school year. However, when I realized my "Follow your dream" speech was getting stale as it has been two years since I aggressively pursued mine, I figured it was about time to jump back on the saddle. And away I galloped!
Aside from the delicious spread at the welcome reception, I was delighted to see some familiar faces: Robert Freeman of Freeman's Barber Shop (http://www.freemansbarbershop.com/). This was a pleasant surprise as Mr. Freeman was the first to invest in the Coffeedreamz mission to spread love. I had my first book signing in his barbershop and this opened the door for future opportunities.
Aside from the delicious spread at the welcome reception, I was delighted to see some familiar faces: Robert Freeman of Freeman's Barber Shop (http://www.freemansbarbershop.com/). This was a pleasant surprise as Mr. Freeman was the first to invest in the Coffeedreamz mission to spread love. I had my first book signing in his barbershop and this opened the door for future opportunities.
Next, Tyese Dantzler of UBS sent me a text message as I nibbled on a crab cake. "Are you in Florida?" I called her back immediately to hear her say, I'm looking at you right now. My Delta line sister of 10 years rushed toward me as I had my arms extended liked a giraffe's neck. I was home.
Fresh rain began to pour on the participants, but it did not dampen our spirits. Fitness instructor Michelle Bernard and her Mom, Ms. Carol joined me, Lisa and Rod under the beach umbrella as we spoke of our futures as entrepreneurs. Laughter ensued and just as the sparkles gleamed in our eyes, the rain stopped but our dreams of being the next BE 100, didn't.
Tyese called and asked for a ride back to her hotel. Without haste, I obliged to assist my sorority sister. While promoting A Sip of Coffeedreamz radio show and my book, Sugar Rush: Love's Liberation in the lobby of the Dolphin resort, I was tapped on the shoulder and asked, "Where'd you get your conference bag?" I turned like an oscillating fan and I checked with my memory to be sure my eyes didn't deceive me. The first thing that came to mind was, "Watch out deh now!" It was J. Anthony Brown (double click to enlarge the picture above).
I had a moment to think of something clever to cover up the "OH MY GOSH," energy inside. He's been one of my favorite comedians introduced to me by Mom. I came up with, "Well, you have to be on the A list of the Black Enterprise Conference to receive one of these," I responded in my best British accent and chuckle. The ice was broken and as fans do, we asked for a few photos and J. Anthony was kind enough to honor our requests. This was a great way to end the night. Even with all the fan fair, elbow rubbing and conference workshop anticipation, the greatest moment of that evening was a phone call from My Pharoah (See the entry for "Having My Cake...).
"I have a surprise for you,"
"What is it honey?"
"I read your book from cover to cover."
"And?"
"And I'm very impressed. You have skills."
If I wasn't confident in my walk as a future best selling author, he pushed me to the waters edge. The most macho of macho men loved my tale of ambition, romance and the freedom to love. Say Word! May 10, 2007 was the day I would jump off and let the wings of God carry me. I had a choice to sink or swim? Since I was tired of living at the bottom, it was time I flap my fins and act as a dolphin and be graceful like a swan. Are you ready for Coffeedreamz? Check out Day 2 to find out.
Tyese called and asked for a ride back to her hotel. Without haste, I obliged to assist my sorority sister. While promoting A Sip of Coffeedreamz radio show and my book, Sugar Rush: Love's Liberation in the lobby of the Dolphin resort, I was tapped on the shoulder and asked, "Where'd you get your conference bag?" I turned like an oscillating fan and I checked with my memory to be sure my eyes didn't deceive me. The first thing that came to mind was, "Watch out deh now!" It was J. Anthony Brown (double click to enlarge the picture above).
I had a moment to think of something clever to cover up the "OH MY GOSH," energy inside. He's been one of my favorite comedians introduced to me by Mom. I came up with, "Well, you have to be on the A list of the Black Enterprise Conference to receive one of these," I responded in my best British accent and chuckle. The ice was broken and as fans do, we asked for a few photos and J. Anthony was kind enough to honor our requests. This was a great way to end the night. Even with all the fan fair, elbow rubbing and conference workshop anticipation, the greatest moment of that evening was a phone call from My Pharoah (See the entry for "Having My Cake...).
"I have a surprise for you,"
"What is it honey?"
"I read your book from cover to cover."
"And?"
"And I'm very impressed. You have skills."
If I wasn't confident in my walk as a future best selling author, he pushed me to the waters edge. The most macho of macho men loved my tale of ambition, romance and the freedom to love. Say Word! May 10, 2007 was the day I would jump off and let the wings of God carry me. I had a choice to sink or swim? Since I was tired of living at the bottom, it was time I flap my fins and act as a dolphin and be graceful like a swan. Are you ready for Coffeedreamz? Check out Day 2 to find out.
A. Brown Girl
For more pictures from the Black Enterprise Conference, visit the link below.
