where soft living, cultural shift, and global sisterhood unfold around the table.
A small circle of phenomenal women filled my dining room that night.
To my left was Nicole, my childhood friend who is more like a cousin. A fellow Trini, she has built an extraordinary career leading one of the few women-run organizations trusted by both the U.S. government and private sector. Eight months ago, she survived a major stroke. That night, she didn’t need to say a word about resilience, it was in the way she moved, redefining what it means to heal with dignity and strength. Motivating all that she inspires.
Annemarie and Lorna flanked the other side, my ride or dies for over a decade. Annemarie, with her sexy magnetism, an actress and filmmaker who can make you feel something with a single glance. Lorna, an English powerhouse, a force in real estate and in life, who radiates class and strength.
Latham Thomas, Glow Maven herself, brought her blend of brilliance, softness, and unapologetic power. As a doula, founder, and fierce advocate for sacred Black womanhood, she reminded us that care is not passive, it’s an embodied act of strength and intention.
Then there was Zewditu Jewel, who built Cloudy Donuts into more than a business , it’s a gathering place disguised as a bakery, sweetness and community braided together. She listened as much as she spoke, anchoring the conversation.
My beautiful niece Demi sat across from me, luminous in that way only youth can be, holding her own among women decades older. And Joel, a young occupational therapist, brought his fresh perspective, asking questions that made us remember what we once thought we knew.
I had decided to cook everything myself , I wanted the food to be as intentional as the guest list. Chicken Scarpariello was the star, a dish I had never made before but wanted to try. A bold choice for a crowd like this. I paired it with wines and champagne I handpicked. . The kitchen smelled of fennel , lemon, and garlic; the laughter and conversations started long before we sat down.
The night moved easily from champagne hour to the dinner table. We spoke about entrepreneurship and healthcare for Black and brown women. About menopause and what it asks of us. About the tension between motherhood and ambition — the hunger for more while holding the heart of a family.
We lingered. No one rushed. In a world obsessed with moving faster, we stayed still together. Building community is my love language.
This is what my channel Naima is about.
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Naima