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Tag: @shamika_sanders

  • Backstage with B2K: A Fan’s Dream Come True

    Remember the days of waiting for your favorite song to drop on ‘106 & Park’? For many of us, B2K was the soundtrack to our teenage years. HelloBeautiful’s Editorial Director, Shamika Sanders, recently had the chance to relive that magic, not just from the audience, but from backstage at the ‘Boys 4 Life’ Tour!

    From Fan to Front Row (and Backstage!)

    Shamika vividly recalls being 12 years old when B2K’s ‘Uh Huh’ first hit the airwaves. Like many fans, she and her friends had their favorite members – Boog was hers! The obsession involved countless hours making signs, attending concerts, and even customizing outfits. The band’s breakup felt like the end of an era, a sentiment many fans shared.

    Fast forward to today, Shamika is a successful media professional, but the love for B2K remains. When the ‘Boys 4 Life’ Tour was announced, it presented a unique opportunity – a chance to finally meet the band she grew up with. This wasn’t just about covering a concert; it was a full-circle moment, connecting her childhood dreams with her current career.

    An Unforgettable Backstage Experience

    The excitement was palpable when Shamika was approved to not only cover the show with front-row seats but also go backstage. Imagine the thrill of meeting Omarion, Boog, Lil’ Fizz, and Raz-B just moments before they hit the stage! It was a career-defining moment, filled with genuine connection.

    In the intimate backstage setting, Omarion was seen sipping tea to protect his voice, while Boog’s wife and daughter were present. The group gathered everyone for a heartfelt prayer, holding hands like a family. This profound experience is something Shamika says will stay with her forever, a testament to the enduring impact of B2K.

    • Reliving 2000s nostalgia
    • Meeting favorite artists backstage
    • Experiencing a moment of unity and prayer
    • Connecting childhood dreams with career achievements

    Did you catch the ‘Boys 4 Life’ Tour or have your own B2K fan memories? Share your stories and favorite B2K moments in the comments below!

  • Amazing Grace Decor: From ICU Nurse to Event Design Star

    Meet Olubukola Grace Adebayo, better known as Amazing Grace! By day, she’s a dedicated ICU nurse tending to critically ill patients. But when the scrubs come off, she transforms into a luxurious event designer and planner, bringing breathtaking visions to life for clients across Staten Island and the NYC area. It’s a demanding dual career, but for Grace, it’s all about balance and celebrating life.

    From Healing to Hosting: A Unique Balance

    Grace works three 12-hour night shifts as an RN, leaving her the other four days to dedicate to her thriving event decor business. This schedule, she explains, provides a unique sense of balance. “Monday through Wednesday I’m seeing people on the other side, and then on the weekend I’m see people on the other side,” she shared. “So to me it just makes my life more balanced.” Witnessing life’s fragility in the ICU fuels her passion for celebrating life’s joyous moments through her event designs.

    Her business, Amazing Grace Decor, is named with inspiration from her middle name and the positive feedback she receives. While she has a team that assists with planning, Grace’s true passion lies in the design aspect. She also recently launched a rental branch, recognizing that many clients enjoy a DIY approach and offering them the chance to rent statement pieces like chandeliers, chairs, and custom furniture.

    Building a Business with Family Support

    Grace emphasizes that building her business from the ground up over the past 12 years wouldn’t have been possible without the unwavering support of her family. As a mother of four and a wife, her husband, children, and mother-in-law have all played instrumental roles. “You need all the support you can get,” she stated. “So I’m fortunate to have an amazing husband. It’s the pillar behind this business.”

    She recalls the early days of building her inventory, working multiple jobs to save up and acquire pieces little by little. Her advice for aspiring entrepreneurs is simple yet profound: “You just have to put the work in. Work hard and then you start building little by little.” She encourages newcomers to ignore the social media noise and focus on their own path, assuring them that steady progress leads to success.

    DIY Decor Tips from the Expert

    For those who love a DIY approach to event styling, Grace offers valuable advice:

    • **Set A Budget:** Always start by determining your budget and prioritizing what’s most important for your event.
    • **Choose A Color Theme:** Selecting a cohesive color palette can make any event look great, regardless of the budget.
    • **Take Advice:** Listen to your decorator or planner; they often have insider tips and shortcuts for achieving a polished look.

    Grace’s business continues to grow, with an expanded showroom in a former funeral home turned luxury display space. This new setup allows clients to see, touch, and discuss their visions, fostering a collaborative and fun planning process. Her dedication to both her nursing career and her event design business is a testament to her strength, passion, and commitment to celebrating life’s moments.

    Have you used Amazing Grace Decor or have a favorite DIY event tip? Share your experiences and advice in the comments below!