The M Lounge Launch in NYC Celebrates Mothers, Dreamers & Doers

By In Her Shoes Guest Contributor: Candace Montgomery of ChicBusyMoms

There is power when you set your mind to something and do the work to get it done. About a year ago, I had this idea to create an event where moms could gather, talk about their dreams for themselves, share what was on their minds and just lean on and into one another. I wanted to provide a safe place where we could speak freely, vibe off one another and make shit happen. I repeat that was a year ago. Fast forward to Mother’s Day weekend 2017 and the event was finally a reality. If you want to know how The M Lounge NYC was born, keep reading:

Find a Partner:  I was smart enough to know that I couldn’t do it by myself. I wanted to launch the M Lounge with a strategic partner and a friend. I reached out early on and had lunch with Renae Bluitt of In Her Shoes Blog. Renae and I have been friends for a decade now. We met and talked about a lot that day (1 year ago) but it was really up to me to narrow the focus and come up with an initial plan. I had to be accountable. 

Nail the Idea: February 2017 and a tinge of defeat set in when I began to see other mom related brands running with the concept Renae and I had brainstormed and I realized that nothing was going to happen unless I truly devoted some time to carving out what would be our niche. Renae and I finally landed on creating an event that would marry both of our expertise: Motherhood and Entrepreneurship. Woohoo a concept was born. Ladies I present The M Lounge. The ‘M’ stands alone and represents motherhood in all forms. The M Lounge celebrates her like the superhero she is with a conversation series around topics most affecting moms.

Set The Budget:And stick to it, that’s it.

Define Roles & Responsibilities: But wait, Renae was busy with her PR clients & blog and I was so slammed at work that I could barely even think about the endless details required to produce this event. WTF? I was this close man. Insert my fairy godsister Helen Nurse of Tracey Chambers Vintage (aka event angel). Over a very focused lunch one day about a month or so ago Helen pledged herself to help me with all the things I couldn’t do because of work commitments, so between her and Renae we got the ball rolling. Everyone had a part to play.

(L-R) Renae Bluitt, Lorraine West, Candace Montgomery, Kelli Coleman, Felicia Walker Benson

This event was the true embodiment of the power of sisterhood. Before you get into the photo recap below, here are my top 5 Takeaways from The M Lounge:

1. Forget about balance, seek harmony
2. It’s OK to be vulnerable
3. Align yourself with key people who can help expand your brand
4. If it doesn’t make sense for your brand don’t do it
5. Don’t be afraid to pivot if it’s not working

Lastly, in this photo recap you will see what happens when women support each other. The first M Lounge NYC was a success with awesome reviews from our guests. We featured a panel of mompreneurs speaking to an audience of mompreneurs, there was a lovely lunch with wine, hand massages and a DIY bouquet making station because it was Mother’s Day (obvi). Make sure you go all the way to the end to see the video (it’s sooo good).

Special thanks to our event partners: ESSENCE, EDEN BodyWorks, Barbara’s Flowers, and J&R Symposium.

Catering: Chic Peas NYC

Photos & video courtesy of: Phillip Shung/PIXOD

But wait there’s more! Watch the recap video HERE and if you’d like to get to know more moms who understand that #thejuggleisreal, follow us on IG @chicbusymoms!