Chafeeza

At the beginning of 2024, I wrote out my goals for the year and one of them was to immerse myself in more creative spaces and seven months later I’m still on track. Special Thanks to Stephanie for sending me the event Adobe Create Now via Insta. Without you, I wouldn’t feel as inspired as I do right now.

Let me tell you about the event – it was held at the legendary Filmore in Miami Beach. Honestly, the venue was stunning, and it felt so spacious and welcoming. After a brief security check, I walked in, and received this really cool tote bag designed by one of the speakers.

There were these amazing appetizers, an open bar, and the best part – a whole bunch of delicious flatbreads. Give me prosecco and pizza and I am good! There was a name tag station and a bingo card to encourage networking. I honestly didn’t chat with many creatives before the event. Like the introvert that I am, I was just trying to absorb the vibes and scope the scene.

The doors opened and I ran to the front… I forgot my glasses and sitting in the back wasn’t an option! Shout out to Paul Trani, Cyn Lagos,Nick Longo, Tobi Shinobi. They didn’t just show the latest Beta updates on Firefly, share their opinions on the power of artificial intelligence, they shared their journeys which was super inspirational. Tobi left a career in law to follow his passion and honestly its so relatable. So many days I’ve claimed my 5 to 9 will be my full time. It was such a cool experience. The whole vibe was a great atmosphere overall.

The most impactful speaker of the night was Cyn Lagos, a Miami native who picked up a camera and evolved from a graphic designer to photographer. It was her photo that is featured on our tote bag. Cyn delivered her first speech that evening and we all were captivated. It felt like a TED talk. Her overall message was pushing through your fears, where there is fear that means that your life is going to change. We had a brief moment to chat (her fav color is orange btw) and snap a pic. She elaborated that anytime she’s felt scared in her comfort zone she pushed through to an amazing place. I received that message.

“Shake off your imposter syndrome” – Cyn Lagos

At the end of the presentations, the stage opened, and attendees were invited up. They rolled out the high tables, the appetizers and the open bar returned. The atmosphere to network was buzzing again. After about an hour of chatting with a few creatives, I connected with 5-7 individuals in the photography, graphic design, marketing, and consulting space. All of whom were Brown and Black phenomenal women in the South Florida area. It was so organic, we each considered ourselves to be introverts pushing our fears behind to become extroverts for the night. I connected with a photographer who does amazing maternity and commercial work. She told me she was proud of me and encouraged to go bigger and go harder – it was divine alignment and connection. How do you meet someone, dressed in the same bright color as you, and within ten minutes of meeting you’re quoting the Bible ? It was next level.

I’m so happy that I attended. I use Lightroom to edit photos and dabble a little in photoshop from time to time. Who knows maybe I will go back to a few images and start using ai to put people in outer space.

Cheers to more creative spaces.