‘Let’s Share’ Conference Spotlights How Friends Can Be ‘The Glory In Your Story’

There is a popular meme circulating that says, “Instead of baby showers, let’s host business showers. When a friend starts a business, we all come together, congratulate them and bring resources for their business.”

Well that’s exactly what Self∙ish Beauty Spa owners Janeen Simon, Keisha McClain and Kelley Dailey did for their friend and fellow entrepreneur & Mielle Organics Founder Monique Rodriguez on her recent book tour stop for “The Glory In Your Story” in Baltimore, Maryland. Although Mielle Organics was launched over a decade ago and their products can be found in over 100,000 stores in 87 countries, this new journey as an author is a first for the Beauty founder.

What was supposed to be a quick tour stop in their Baltimore hometown ended up expanding to The Let’s Share Conference hosted at Morgan State University. Janeen, Kelley and Keisha could have simply shared their friend Monique’s book announcement on their social media channels or purchased a few copies to give away.

“However, we don’t do anything mediocre,” Janeen said during the event.

The inaugural event was centered around the theme, “The Glory in Your Story,” celebrating the power of perseverance, success, and self-discovery.

“Writing this book allowed me to be very free, a healing process and was cathartic,” Monique said. “I was able to release what I had been holding onto. People see the glory and success but they don’t know what it takes to build something so successful. People tend to only see the highlight reels. I want everyone to know there is power in our stories and sharing our own narrative.”

The conference was emceed by best-selling author and veteran magazine editor Mitzi Miller and offered something for everyone. The State of Blk Women, Entreprene-her-ship, The Business of Beauty, Making It Look Easy panels brought heavy-hitter speakers such as the First Lady of Baltimore Mrs. Hana Scott, The Lip Bar CEO Melissa Butler, Black Girls Vote Founder Nykidra Robinson, Celebrity Makeup Artist Kym Lee, “Real Housewives of Potomac” cast member & beauty founder Kiearna Stewart and Femly Founder Arion Long to the stage along with many more to share “the glory” in their own personal stories. The audience also got to hear from 16 year-old Devyn Simon during the “Teen Spotlight” and a friendly turntable battle with local favorites Ty Alexander and DJ Shay.

During a discussion, entrepreneur and mom of three Hana Scott candidly shared during the event what it’s like being married to a public figure, the 52nd Mayor of Baltimore Brandon M. Scott, at times and “how as black women we’re often made to feel invisible and we do not exist until it’s time to clean something up.”

One of the highlights of the conference was the live recording of The•Ish Podcast episode with special guest Monique Rodriguez. The conversation, led by Janeen and Keisha, explored her journey to success, her accomplishments, beauty regimen, challenges she’s faced, how she starts her day, how she’s learned to set  boundaries in her business operations and the lessons she’s learned along the way as an entrepreneur and wife.

“[Do] not be afraid and to be authentic,” Monique said. “No one can beat you at being you because there is something that is so powerful within you. Reading ‘The Glory In Your Story’ will transform your life, your thinking and your mindset.”

Before the recording ended, the co-hosts and her friends surprised Monique live onstage with encouraging words from her mentor and fellow beauty founder Germaine Leftridge. The Ubiquitous Women’s Expo Founder shared that from the beginning her fellow Mielle Organics right hand and husband Melvin always said, “the story must be told.”