Pop Shop Dine. Now, I do believe those three words ought to raise some curiosity. Let me go a bit more into detail about this. You definitely are in for a treat!
In all honesty, I am quite corny with puns if you caught my previous sentence and the picture associated. (LOL) But, any who Happy Monday! I do hope it is magnificent as it is the beginning of the work week. Remember to keep pushing and remain positive in all that you do. Now, let’s get to reading shall we?
First of all, I would like to give you all a little backstory as to how I met the beauty behind this Pop Shop Dine event. Also, at the end I’ll reveal the hilarious events leading up to my arrival. Sit back and enjoy!
Everyone, I would like you to meet Ebony Monique from “Monique Shoe Studio.” This is the brilliant mind behind the gorgeous shoes. I loved the picture above taken by another photographer that I had to insert it into this post! I love Monique’s personality that is coupled with her creativity so I believe this picture is perfect! But, I digress. Here is a little about how we met!
I met this beauty covering the “She Writes” brunch by Lillie Mae. It was absolutely amazing how we both met honestly. At the conclusion of “She Writes”, Monique and I encountered each other as she was going around the room passing out her business card. With a sudden glance of her work, I immediately established a relationship with her. We began talking more in detail as I learned about her shoe line and I was absolutely fascinated. This woman is truly talented.
She began a luxury shoe line both for men and women. She is a small business making a huge impact. And two, she is a successful minority stamping her name in the fashion industry. After speaking, we exchanged our information and remained in touch. I told her if she ever came back to Atlanta, I would love to cover her event! Low and behold, she took my offer and granted me an amazing opportunity.
All of Monique’s shoes are handmade and custom designed. They are classically designed with a trendy and edgy approach.
Due to the ambitious drive Monique possesses, she has been featured on a variety of fashion shows and NBC. Most noteworthy is the amazing collaboration she landed with the upcoming Atlanta Ultimate Women’s Expo! You will see her shoes featured at this event and as a bonus, you get free tickets on her! Simply visit www.atlantawomensexpo.com/exhibitorcomp
Check out this awesome ‘About Me’ from her website
“Ebony Monique grew up like most little girls, playing in her mother’s closet. Her love for shoes can be traced back to when she was two-years-old while most toddlers are busy getting into everything, Ebony was busy playing with her mother’s shoes, trying them on, falling in them and modeling them for anyone who would give her their attention.
Her love for shoes started her on a long journey to find stylish and affordable shoes. Each time a lovely pair of shoes caught her eye, she did what most shoe-crazed women do – Buy them! At one time, this led to Ebony seeking an extra bedroom just for shoes.
Ebony truly respects great shoe designers, but she has often wanted a shoe to have that special something to make it truly perfect.
Determined to locate that perfect shoe, she launched a shoe boutique in 2013. She never found it. Soon, she decided to fashion her own shoe line and bring her vision to life. She started describing her ideal shoe in detail to sketch artists and began working with a manufacturer to fabricate affordable and quality shoes.
Her obsession for shoes has helped her create shoes with personality that all women and men will love. Ebony’s journey to becoming a shoe designer has truly been a labor of love. She has designed her shoe collection all while being a loving wife to her husband and proud and energetic mother of three, a toddler and twin infants.
Ebony holds a bachelor’s degree in communications, a master’s degree in communications management and is working toward her PhD in leadership and management with a focus on organizational change.
Monique’s Shoe Studio features an Ebony Monique Collection. Luxury styles are all hand-made and designed specifically for the every day woman or man who appreciate quality footwear. Ebony Monique’s approach is to combine classic designs with a trendy and edgy approach. Ebony Monique’s Men’s Footwear is just as fashionable and well thought out.
Be sure to use #ebonymonique when posting to your social media sites.”
In addition to such a successful event, I cannot continue on without highlighting another powerful woman Monique partnered with to make this experience worth the while.
Stacia of “Soul2Sole Boutique” also brought her touch of fashion and they are definitely a dynamic duo with the products they have to offer. Stacia is based out of Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. She specializes in ladies apparel, handbags/clutches, shoes, hats and accessories.
Ya’ll this event was so great, there were some women peeping through the glass trying to see the commotion. I saw them walk away and thought to myself “let me go get them before they miss this opportunity.” Well, they came in, enjoyed themselves so much and made a purchase or two! Again, SUCCESS is the key word for these businesses.
(Note to Stacia and Monique: I have my eyes on the Sequin Lips Dress,, Obama Tote, and the Gem Shoes!)
Another note!
The Pop Shop Dine event was held at the cutest popcorn shop called Indulge Popcorn. It is located on 177 Peters St. SW Suite B, Atlanta, Georgia 30313. The owner Amy was so sweet and informative about the process they go through to flavor their popcorn and boy was it detailed. She had flavors ranging from Pumpkin Pie Popcorn to Garlic Parmesan. This popcorn is no joke! I even ate a caramel chocolate pecan popcorn that melted so softly in my mouth. If you are ever in search of a quick sweet treat, this is the place to go! All products are 100% organic with non-GMO ingredients keeping the flavor true to it’s name.
Lastly, let me fill you in about the adventure trying getting to the event. Boy was it a riot!
Have you ever had everything go wrong in one day on one of the most IMPORTANT days?! Well, that happened. My car battery died, I needed an oil change and this all happened directly before the time I needed to leave. In addition, my battery didn’t die once, it died twice! The second time I promise my car became lifelike and did everything EXCEPT what I needed it to do. As a result, my keys were stuck in the ignition, wipers were going crazy and my window was stuck down.
Oh, and do not think for a second it stopped there! My car started ticking and ALL of my gear lights were going off like a siren. Ya’ll, I was ready to ball out like a baby. But, after all of those moments transpired, my husband asked our neighbor for help a second time. She came to the rescue, my car was up and running and to my surprise my husband accompanied me to this event. Needless to say, I pushed and conquered and I am so thankful I made it to this event. It is a blessing to do what I do!
My mother always taught me to pray for a ram in the bush and favor was definitely working on my end. Though it may seem a bit trivial to speak about, I needed all of the prayer and encouragement because there was no reason for this to happen. Special thanks to my mom, aunt Janet and my dear best friend Makala reminding me where to seek my help. I was ready to give up and call it quits on this event with a sour heart but in the end God prevailed!
In conclusion, thank you so much for hanging around and checking out Pop Shop Dine along with these awesome business owners! Make sure you go support these businesses! Below you will find all links to social media and websites for purchase. Enjoy the gallery of Monique Shoe Studio Pop and Shop! Philippians 4:13
Ebony Monique:
Stacia Mcneil:
Oh real quick! I met a personal trainer too. Check her out if you are looking to be summer time fine for 2018
Nicole H. :
