Memories & Moments
We did it!! The Take Up Space Experience in the ATL is done.
It’s impossible to capture a 4-dimensional experience in 2-dimensional words and photos, but we are gonna do our best to share just a few of the highlights from the Take Up Space in ATL experience with you.
The experience was pure magic! There was so much healing, liberation, and connection in the room. As you will hear from the testimonials, it’s definitely something that you had to be there to for. If you missed this one, be sure that you don’t miss out again. Sign up for our mailing list so that you can stay on top of all the other magical moments we have coming your way.
All photography and video provided by our media team, “Myxxfly”.
The Setting
It’s all in the details…
We put lots of intention into creating an environment for the Atlanta Take Up Space Experience. We wanted every woman in the room to know that she was welcomed and important. So, our team ensured that the room was full of good energy as well as aesthetically pleasing, sexy, and beautiful.
The family-style table setting created the perfect space for conversation and connections during our “Chat & Chew” lunch.
Every element in the setting was touched with Love and sisterhood.
The Art
DC native, Whiskey Girl, opened up our day with words of inspiration, empowerment, and even a little humor. Her spoken word performance has been a part of the Fat Women of Color™ Take Up Space Experience for two years now. She’s just so good that we have to keep bringing her back!
The Chat
Our “SistaChat” was an interactive panel discussion designed to stimulate learning and conversation among the attendees. Our panel (L-R Alicia P. Young, Leuryck Valentin, Rashida KhanBey Miller hosted by Ellise Smith) led the dialogue by sharing their own stories, experiences, and feelings. This year we focused on “The Power of Okay” where talked about three levels of self-preservation and self-care that apply to Black and Brown women of size:
1. “Okay Is Enough” – releasing perfectionism and embracing self-acceptance through compassion
2. “It’s Okay To Not Be Okay” – honoring emotional and mental challenges that we all face
3. “Sis, Are YOU Okay?” – supporting our sisters as they navigate life by respecting their right to not be okay
This portion of the day called for vulnerability, authenticity, and radical self-expression while presenting the opportunity for the women to show up for each other with loving supportive energy.
The Circle
Movement heals…
…especially when it’s paired with music. Rashida KhanBey Miller (Rashi), founder of “Reclaiming Sexy” facilitated a healing activity centered in body movement during our “Sista Circle”. Every woman in the room joined in a circle as Rashi invited us to connect with our bodies while tapping into the healing power of music and movement. This was a powerful moment of sacred sensuality, divine energy, and mindful embodiment. The women were able to release fear and judgment as they let themselves be free to practice expression.
The After Party
One of the most valuable parts of the Fat Women of Color™ Take Up Space Experience is the connections made. We say that you “arrive as strangers and leave as sister-friends”. After all the sharing, learning, breaking bread, and moving it’s almost impossible to leave without making a new friend. Thanks to our plus-size, female dj, DJ Queen, we had the perfect musical backdrop for our day and our after party.
We love the relationships that are built in our spaces because it’s important for Black and Brown women of size to know that they are not alone!
“Arrive as strangers. Leave as sister-friends.”
The Vendors
We believe in the power of women supporting women. That’s why we love our vendors so much! All of them were women of color entrepreneurs and carefully chosen because they have good and services that provide self-care and body acceptance tools for the women of our community. Not only were they vendors, but they were also a part of the experience with us. The sisterhood was extended to everyone!
Featured Vendors: Awakened Soul Apothecary, Waistbeads by Fatou, Apothecary by Kelsey Pearle
We are thankful for every one who joined us for the Take Up Space Experience in Atlanta this year! Everyone who attended enjoyed the experience. You can hear a few of their feelings and testimonials here. For those of you who missed it, be sure you are on our mailing list so you don’t miss our future offerings in the future. We are excited about what’s to come and we want you to join us as we continue to provide sisterhood, support, and sanctuary for Black and Brown women of size.