A couple of really great singers, after mentioning something about believing the children are the future and giving them a sense of pride, also said that learning to love yourself is the greatest love of all.
Well, there was a lot of learning and loving going on at the annual “Love Yourself Event,” held Feb. 8 in Germantown. There was plenty of dancing and singing too. Massages, facials, good laughter and good times were all on display at the event, hosted by entrepreneur and speaker Summer Owens.
“This event is not designed for you to sit down,” said Owens in her opening remarks. “It’s time to love yourself. It’s crucial for us to learn to take care of ourselves. So, we have incorporated all that into this event.”
The Love Yourself event exposed attendees to unique experiences through interaction with new and old businesses. Chair massages were provided by award-winning massage therapists Seidel Shipp, Derrick Pointer and Lewinfred Shack. Shack, who also owns Touch Therapy, also provided tips on physical health and dealing with grief.
Meanwhile, CARE Aesthetics offered facials and skin appraisals. DJ Ari and vocalist Karen Brown kept the crowd up and dancing. Comedian Mzzz. Kecia kept the crowd laughing.
Kenneth Burnett of HotWorx Gym and Fitness Center in Collierville offered fitness tips. Ms. Black Tennessee Tamra Simmons spoke on mental health. Sonja Jackson of The Bridal Insider offered styling tips.
There was a 360-degree photo station hosted by Shabrenda Mitchell of iSEEu Photo Booth Entertainment. Sha’quille Fuller with Kre8ions Event Photography captured photos for the night, and artist Timothy Brunson provided hand-drawn portraits.
In addition to signature cocktails and wine, four different caterers offered a variety of menu items. T & T Catering, Lil Miracles Food Truck, Chat’s Perfections, and Beautiful Designs by Lexi all had unique items for guests to enjoy (The collard green souffle? More please!)
Event vendors included long-time supporters like Margaret Rhodes with Pampered Chef and Vickie Riley, who offered paparazzi accessories. Also on the scene were Angela Price of Rich Lyfe Boutique and April Ghueder of Amplify Purpose! Planner.
Now in its seventh year, the benefit Owens’ S.O. What Foundation, was well-attended by folks not only from the Memphis area but also from her native Jackson, Tenn. Guests came from as far away as Houston, Texas and Charlotte, North Carolina.
The fun-filled evening, coordinated by event planner Staci Franklin of It’s Your Day Weddings and Events, was chaired by foundation board members Bilicia Hill and Tammy Hart.
For attendees, “Love Yourself” was an opportunity to make new friends and to celebrate with other friends not seen since the COVID pandemic.
Summer Owens called the 2024 event, “A powerful pre-Valentine’s Day event focused on self-love and designed to help participants “Feel Good. Look Good. Do Good.”
In addition to being the founder and president of the S.O. What! organization, Owens is a leadership speaker, success coach, and author. The purpose of S.O. What! is to empower youth and young adults in overcoming obstacles to individual and family success.
A former marketing specialist advisor for FedEx who also served as marketing manager for the Memphis Grizzlies and ServiceMaster, Summer Owens is a graduate of Jackson Central-Merry High School in Jackson (Tenn.).
She holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from The University of Memphis. She is a former Ms. University of Memphis, a past president of the National Alumni Board, and a winner of the U of M Distinguished Alumni Award. She also holds an MBA from Belhaven University.
For more information, visit The S.O. What! website at https://www.thesowhatfoundation.org or https://www.summerowens.com.
