Coming to the other side of a project or experience can be filled with so many mixed emotions. Do you remember when I shared details and reflections leading up to the first Burgundy event? Now, the debut edition of Burgundy is complete. The week after was filled with dismantling props, packing up decor, returning clothing and lights, and settling payments. Plus, receiving feedback from those who attended Burgundy. Two weeks after we were following up with payments and bills that others were dragging their feet with. Plus, receiving excuses from those who did not attend Burgundy.
Even though we tried to rest a little, our imaginations and commitments were still in full gear. Two weeks after the first event, we began coordinating the next Burgundy event, producing the behind-the-scenes documentary, and launching the official website to expand the brand.
It has continued to be an adventure. But, let’s breathe and indulge in the reflections and experiences.
Throughout all of this, I have been balancing my mixed emotions.
Overall, I am grateful for this experience. It feels so special to see ideas become a reality at this scale. Burgundy expanded my comfort zone and enhanced my belief in myself. I have been someone who prefers to only share things after they are complete. Even then, I might not mention everything if I feel it would not be valued in that environment. I also tend to stay in the background, while being more focused on showcasing others. The way things changed and pivoted leading up to the event caused me to evolve in my perspective on doing things.
As I mentioned previously, collaboration was an important focus for this event. This was supposed to be a platform that everyone involved could leverage for individual and collective opportunities and success. Funnily enough, not everyone understood the assignment.
A common thread I noticed among almost everyone we brought on board for Burgundy was the narrative about how they had been burned before in their industry. They did not feel appreciated or respected. Some would move and leave if they were given the opportunity. In contrast, during our discussions and preparations, the majority of them seemed excited and encouraged at the opportunity to be part of Burgundy.
However, that excitement and encouragement did not translate for everyone. On the day of the event, people who were supposed to support, perform, and deliver pulled out at the last minute. Leaving myself and my co-organizer, Nii, holding up most of the event on our own. But, as always, the show must go on.
This was when one of my philosophies kicked into full gear: “You gotta be ready, so you don’t have to get ready.”
For example, I led the fashion show. Initially, the plan was to curate other designers to style the fits to follow our Afrofuturism theme. This theme is from my fantasy sci-fi story and animation series. (Yes, books and animations are in our near future. I will be sharing more soon) Due to hesitancy (or lack of interest), we had to pivot to compensate. I brought out my Bandele Muse designs and mixed them with 3 other designers, this included Wear Ghana, Klinpero Styles, and Alt&Quint. To connect the theme, I introduced to the public, for the first time, the characters for the Bandele Muse story. These were things that were already created or drafted, but needed a push to polish them and put them out there.
So, if you are creating something that you feel no one is watching or valuing yet, do not be discouraged. Go as far as you can. The opportunity will come to bring it to life at a larger scale when you least expect it.
One more example, shall we? For the photo exhibition, we planned to use a certain portion of the venue that was upstairs. Construction on that side was still needed to set up lights, paint, and furniture. Initially, the owner assured us that work would be done in preparation for the event. Time passed. Excuses were made. Comments about us being too ambitious were shared. The work was not done. Again, we had to pivot. We had to switch to the garden portion of the venue. Thanks to brainstorming between us and one of our decor vendors, we used trusses in the garden to create a mini-museum for the photo exhibit. This ended up being a better option as it made it easier for our guests to enjoy the exhibition.
So, remember, the answer “no” can lead you to a more aligned option. Also, try your best to never settle.
Of course, the event was still fabulous. Our guests had the chance to indulge in the exhibition, enjoy the fashion show, live performances, and dance floor, plus participate in wholesome networking. For most of the time, I was focused on hosting and managing. I am grateful I did get a chance to sit or pause to observe our guests a few times. They had so much fun! Different generations and cultures come together to enjoy art, music, and conversations. It was beautiful to see.
(If you would like to see more photos and clips from this event, check out our Instagram page here: Burgundy Experience)
This variety of challenges and miracles got me thinking. My focus is no longer on placing collaboration as the priority. Audacity is the key.
Collaboration can start the conversation, but audacity will deliver results.
Collaboration can inspire ideas, but audacity will empower tangibles.
Collaboration can keep you looping in vibes, but audacity will take you to the next level of wisdom.
This is not to sound harsh, but some people are just not ready yet. And that is ok.
Instead of focusing on how people receive, focus more on your role and your lane. The challenges, experiments, and mysteries make your story more beautiful. Some of it can be hurtful, but there is still so much to learn from it all. This has helped me not to lose sight of the beauty, lessons, and divine guidance that are behind all of this.
The people who did show up made a big difference. From our media crew, to our MC, to our DJ, to our performers, to our vendors, to our supporters…I say a big thank you to all of you.
