LBDC Has Arrived In Metropolitan Detroit!

The Little Black Dress Club is rapidly growing across the US. With chapters in California, Nashville, Chicago, Columbus, Alabama and more, our national club is getting noticed! We are so happy to introduce Michelle Barrett from Detroit, Michigan to our family of LBDC Directors.

Energetic and very enthusiastic, we think Michelle is going to do a terrific job in bringing our women’s social club to the Metropolitan Detroit area.  In her spare time Michelle enjoys reading, comedy shows, shopping, funny movies, getting pampered, just about anything near big body of water, learning new things, her family and cats!

Michelle believes in working hard so she can play hard and laugh until it hurts! Read on to learn more about Michelle, learn what she has in store for her new chapter and then take time to welcome her!

~Shay Ashcraft

National Director, LBDC

 

I heard about LBDC from one of my best friends, Bridget Flowers.  She grew up in the Detroit area, but relocated to Nashville where she learned about and joined the Little Black Dress Club.  Bridget knows that I enjoy being around fun loving, positive and purposeful women and thought it would be a good thing for me to look into.  She shared a lot of information about the Nashville chapter and what she knew about the organization and I really liked what I heard.  We knew there wasn’t an active chapter in the Detroit area, so after many lengthy conversations & hours on the national website I decided to pursue becoming a director.

I decided to become a LBDC director because I am surrounded by amazing women.  I know some of the women from my children’s school activities, from work, from my neighborhood, church, etc.  One of the common threads we all share is the fact that there are very few of us who feel as though we have enough time for ourselves; we certainly do not take time for ourselves on a regular basis.  I find it interesting that this seems to be a common thread amongst many of us whether we are married with children or single with or without children, and so on.  With that being said, becoming a LBDC director was a good way for me to take a more proactive approach to finding time for myself, while encouraging other women to do the same.  Sometimes a simple happy hour with friends is just what we need to relax & unwind in order to be at our best when we get home.

Our first event will likely be a happy hour in either Ferndale or Royal Oak since those cities are pretty central and accessible from major highways & freeways.  We are in the process of planning the first event now.

Our goal is to have at least two activities each month.  One would take place during the week (i.e. a Happy Hour) and one on the weekend (i.e. brunch, or something cultural like going to the Detroit Institute of Arts).

Some of the other ideas I have for us are:

·       High Tea at The Townsend Hotel

·       Dinner & a movie

·       Wine Tastings

·       Cooking Class

·       Something fitness oriented like a Self Defense Class, a Zumba Class or walking along Detroit’s beautiful riverfront.

I love the people here.  I am originally from Cleveland, Ohio and also lived in Oak Park, IL and miss both of those areas.  I have lived here for almost 13 years and can honestly say I have met some truly amazing people here.  Living in the Midwest part of the country is great because we get to truly experience each of the four seasons!  With that in mind, I hope to plan activities that are season appropriate.  The Detroit area has a ton of rich & cultural history like Motown, all things automotive and architectural.   As a result, the options for us to play and learn are numerous!

I survived a very serious and scary car accident in December 2012 that changed a lot of my perceptions about myself and my life.  I came across this quote shortly after the accident “Happiness cannot be traveled to, owned, earned, worn or consumed. Happiness is the spiritual experience of living every minute with love, grace, and gratitude.” ~Denis Waitley  I love this quote because it is a reminder that we should live in and appreciate each moment.  The past moments are over, and future moments have not presented themselves.  Life these days is often filled with a variety of actions that require multi-tasking.  Doing what we can to be consciously aware of each moment is essential to being a happy and grounded individual.

I think women have the amazing ability to be supportive and protective of one another.  We see this all of the time when a woman is expecting a baby.  I recently read an article in Prevention Magazine that discusses the eight (8) different friendships that every woman should have.  Here they are:

1.     A Childhood  Friend

2.     A New Friend

3.     A Work Out Friend

4.     A Younger Friend

5.     Your partner’s Friend

6.     Your Mom

7.     Your Self

8.     A Spiritual Friend

 

It is my hope that the Detroit Metro Area Chapter of LBDC will be a great tool to help our members establish and nurture at least one of these eight types of friendships! Click here to email me for more information on joining our club!

~Michelle Barrett

Metro Detroit Director, LBDC

 

Little Black Dress Club Welcomes Kimberly Beal!

The Little Black Dress Club is growing more and more each day with 14 chapters across the US. We are so happy to announce our latest edition in Sevierville, TN.

Kimberly Beal was searching online for a social group in her area when she stumbled across LBDC. After eleven years in Sevierville, Kimberly is excited about the challenge of getting out and about and sharing all that her town, and the Little Black Dress Club, has to offer as the new director of our Sevierville chapter.

“I want to plan events that include area attractions, dinner shows, community volunteer work and more, says Kimberly.” With an upcoming Meet & Greet event on May 17^th at a local restaurant, Kimberly has an evening full of networking and fun planned with hopes of attracting more women interested in socializing and spending one or two evenings a month with a group of girlfriends, a cocktail or two and a little black dress...

“The cities of Sevierville, Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg have always appealed to me; their exciting attractions, entertaining events and the sense of southern hospitality are a few of my favorite things,” says Kimberly. “Living here encourages me to take each day and make it one to remember.”

Kimberly believes that every woman should have a best friend to call anytime of the day to confide in, a girlfriend she can rely on when things get tough or to share joyful life events with. Someone to argue and disagree with but who will still love you no matter what. She says, “I want my LBDC Chapter to be full of inspiring women of all walks of life. I would like to see LBDC Sevierville grow each year with members that are interested in making a difference in others’ lives while having fun doing it.  I am dedicated, organized and ready to hit the ground running!” Sounds like you are off to a great start, Kimberly!

Aside from directing her new LBDC chapter, Kimberly spends a lot of time with her 4 year old daughter Sienna and her 6 year old son, Jake. When she’s not acting as team mom or going back and forth between cheerleading and football practices, Kimberly is also an enthusiastic race fan, cheering on her husband while he races his late model stock car every Saturday night.  

It sounds like Kimberly has the enthusiasm, will power and excitement to be a great Little Black Dress Club director. We are glad to have her on our team!

For information about joining the new Sevierville chapter, email Kimberly by clicking here or visit the LBDC Sevierville Facebook page here.

 

~Shay Ashcraft

National Director, LBDC

 

The Little Black Dress Club Has Arrived in East Bay, California!

 

After meeting Tracy, CA director, Melanie Dunniway at a Ladies Night Out event, Gwen Brady decided the LBDC needed to be in East Bay, CA as well. “Step out onto a limb…that’s where the fruit is” she said.

“I thought about this for almost a year after meeting Melanie, I kept running across her business card and remembering how fun she was”, said Gwen. “I checked her out online and read up on LBDC.  It seemed like she was always doing something fun.  I absolutely LOVE people and socializing and I couldn’t find enough positive, fun, unique things to do in my area…many of my friends (married & single) were having the same problem so…I researched LBDC more and felt like it was exactly what I was supposed to do…not just for myself but for all the ladies in our area who work hard in and outside of the home.  Once I decided to do it, I was HOOKED on the idea, on the possibilities and it just took me over like some adrenaline fueled networking addiction.  I want to impact the local social community like a tidal wave of synergy.”

Jumping in headfirst, Gwen has already recruited several new members and is quickly filling up the calendar with fun events. Coming up soon for the East Bay ladies will be a visit to see the WORLD RENOWNED “Alvin Ailey” dancers on Sunday, April 28 at the UC Berkley Campus Theater. Using all her social connections, girlfriends and event planning ideas, Gwen and the ladies of East Bay are planning lots of fabulous mixers, comedy shows, billiards, theater and movie nights, red carpet events, and benefits. The possibilities are endless. Staying in tune with the mission of the LBDC to always give back to their community, LBDC East Bay is working on a volunteer opportunity at the local battered women's shelters and a few local 10K marathons. Being close to Napa Valley, I hear a limo ride to a wine tasting is soon to be in store as well!

Only an hour away from the State Capital, San Francisco, Berkley, and Oakland, Gwen says her city is such a diverse and central location, perfect for a new LBDC chapter. They are far enough  away to enjoy suburbia, yet close enough to slip into a LBD and hit the town!

A huge fan of Marianne Williamson, Gwen sometimes uses her quote “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.” Gwen relates to Marianne feeling that it is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us.  "We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be", asks Gwen.

Gwen feels that true friendship between women incorporates appreciating what is beautiful about other women and embracing that beauty vs. being envious of it.  We all have something beautiful about us…when we recognize and appreciate that, we are able to build stronger, deeper connections amongst each other, which is important for all of us as women.   

In her spare time, Gwen enjoys jogging with her girlfriends and running her small home-based accessory business. She is mom to JR, a former US Marine and finds her deepest joy in spending time with her 4 year old grandson, Kaiden. Having served for 4 years in the US Navy and having been in law enforcement for the last 16 years, Gwen loves volunteering and mentoring the youth in her community.  But on the occasional lazy Sunday, Gwen often finds herself watching LMN with her friends and several bottles of great wine!

Sounds like East Bay, California is going to be a great new home for the Little Black Dress Club! If you would like more information on this chapter, have an event idea to suggest to Gwen or would like more information on joining the club, Gwen would love to hear from you all! Email her here and make sure to stop in and say hello on the East Bay Facebook page.

~Shay Ashcraft
National Director, LBDC

LBDC Welcomes Rhonda Watson!

Once again the word about LBDC has started to spread. After hearing all about the exciting and fun events that were going on in our Chicago chapter from a girlfriend, Rhonda Watson has decided to join our team of Directors and relaunch the Washington, DC chapter.

Rhonda expressed interest in wanting to become the Director for DC because she loves
exploring the area as well as meeting new friends. Rhonda believes that this role will provide her with the opportunity to build her social connections and have fun at the same time. With a
heightened passion for bringing others together and wanting to help them grow personally, professionally, and socially, Rhonda says “Women have a special bond and are able to relate on so many topics. We empower each other and appreciate each other when no one else will. With our women friends, we can talk about all kinds of personal things; PMS, families, our daily experiences, our personal growth journeys, our relationships, and just the meaning of life. Sometimes, we just need to vent to a loving ear, and in the process, we arrive at our own insights and decisions.” Who doesn’t feel better after discussing these things with a girlfriend?

In her spare time Rhonda enjoys arts and crafts, cooking, traveling, wine tasting, learning about tea as well as attending Afternoon Tea, and of course spending time with friends and family.
Not wanting to waste any time with her new members, Rhonda already has two events on the calendar for this month. First is a Happy Hour at Zengo at 6PM on February 8th. Rhonda is excited to introduce herself to the DC chapter, get to know the members, and make new friends! For the next event, Rhonda will be hosting the DC Chapter at Chef Geoff’s in Rockville for Sunday brunch on February 24th at 11:30AM. Weekend brunch events are always a big hit with LBDC members!

Rhonda’s goal for her chapter is to schedule events in DC, Maryland, and northern Virginia
so that members can participate close to where they may live or work. She is very excited to give her members a chance to patronize establishments that they may have never heard of.

After moving to the area about 12 years ago, Rhonda says she is still amazed that
she can find new places to explore. “This area is so rich in culture and history. I love everything from visiting new exhibits to trying new ethnic foods. Every activity can be a learning experience” she says.

She says her philosophy is to just try and love life.“I believe this world has so much to offer. Every area has been created beautifully and I want to experience as much of it as possible! I love having new experiences and I do that by always finding something new to learn; new food, new activity, and new culture” said Rhonda. She is so excited to share this passion and enthusiasm with the members of the Little Black Dress Club.

Rhonda mentioned that her favorite quote is one by Judy Garland; “Always be a first-rate version of yourself,instead of a second-rate version of somebody else.” Sounds like you are off to a great start in DC, Rhonda. Good luck with your chapter and welcome to our team!

For more information on the DC chapter, their events, or information on becoming a DC member, please email Rhonda here.

~Shay Ashcraft
National Director, LBDC

LBDC Is Coming to Dallas, TX!

I first became acquainted with the Little Black Dress Club, while doing research on the internet for social organizations that were geared toward women and philanthropy.  I was contemplating starting a business/organization using the same concept and was thrilled when I learned that LBDC and I shared the same vision and I inquired about becoming a Director. My thought process was “Why reinvent the wheel?” and the fact that there were already established chapters would make it so much easier to “pitch” the organization to women in my community.

I wanted to become a Director because I am all about empowering women!  I am always encouraging friends, family, coworkers, and even strangers that I can come in contact with to “GET OUT AND LIVE” (GOAL).   I am a “Serial Volunteer” and my experience in assisting numerous organizations in the areas of planning and hosting events has enabled me to develop strong interpersonal skills and I do believe that the Dallas chapter will be successful  and an asset to the LBDC organization.

I am in the planning stages of hosting our Launch and Membership Party!   A simple, yet stylish, chic brunch or cocktail party will be the theme.  I am very detail-oriented, so the perfect venue, ambiance, great food, and of course and always, a signature cocktail for the occasion!

Although I am a Louisiana native, I do love Dallas. Dallas is a large city that is very versatile and provides an atmosphere for everyone.  Whatever your mood dictates, you can find it here.  The shopping is absolutely unbelievable and holds true to the saying, “Everything’s Bigger in Texas!”

I have so many favorite quotes, but if I have to select one it would be, “Be yourself.  Everyone else is taken.”  I love individualism. Unfortunately, the media and television has depicted the friendships of women in such a negative light.  While I do believe these images are a sad existence and some are sensationalized, this has not been my reality, thankfully.   As women, we have so many commonalities and of course, many differences.   We have to learn to love ourselves and accept all that we are, and make changes where we can and accept those that we cannot.

I am a yoga and wine enthusiast who enjoys traveling, music, reading, writing, hosting and entertaining, all things eclectic and vintage. I am excited to be the Director for the new Dallas Chapter.  I am looking forward to networking with all of the Directors and sharing ideas to make LBDC even more phenomenal!

Cheers!

PJ Barnes
LBDC Director, Dallas

LBDC Welcomes Shantell Malachi!

The LBDC has recently relaunched their chapter in Richmond, Virginia. Having had a great member base for quite awhile, all the chapter needed was an exciting and enthusiastic new leader. Shantell Malachi has stepped up to the plate.

Shantell grew up in Richmond and, although she’s lived in other big cities, she says she is always drawn back to Richmond. “It has rich history, beautiful landscape, and lots of hidden treasures” she says. Wanting to get out more and wishing she could meet some new and like minded women in her area, Shantell was super excited when a friend referred her to the Richmond Meetup Page.

Hearing on Facebook that this chapter was already formed but waiting for a new director, Shantell jumped at the chance. “I love the concept and felt compelled to take the lead in making sure that women in this area continue to have an awesome resource for socializing” says Shantell.

First on her agenda is to get the ball rolling with events. After quickly reaching out, making introductions and announcing her role as the new Richmond Director, Shantell has been incredibly swift at getting events on the calendar for the next few weeks. With a 2013 goal of 2 events per month, Shantell’s first event will be what she considers a “soft launch” of her chapter, partnering with a local women’s entrepreneurship for “Little Black Dress Night: Ladies Night Out with a Networking Twist.” Shantell is excited that this event will be a great opportunity for her members to come by and enjoy a relaxing atmosphere while learning more about LBDC and what she has in store for her chapter.

Shantell believes in the mission of the Little Black Dress Club because she believes that keeping strong, positive connections with other women is important to our emotional, physical and even spiritual health.
She wants to ensure that as we grow older, we don’t lose sight of the importance of having girlfriends, and she thinks the LBDC is a great way to start.

In her spare time, Shantell also runs a local nonprofit, coaches entrepreneurs, and writes. Her idea of a good time is a trip to the spa, wandering through her local mall, or heading out to a local winery or museum. She tries to live her life by the quote “be the change you want to see in the world.” Her philosophy on life comes from her personal favorite style icon the late, great Coco Chanel and that is “A girl should be two things: classy and fabulous.”  If you live by those words you can’t go wrong!

We happen to agree with you there, Shantell. Welcome to the team and good luck with the Richmond chapter!

Shay Ashcraft
Social Media Director, LBDC

LBDC Welcomes Marcie Sinagra!

I heard about the Little Black Dress Club from my friend Tina. She was looking for a women's group to become involved in and had asked me if I knew of any. At the time I was only aware of 1 or 2 that were business oriented. She told me about this club she found called Little Black Dress Club and asked if I thought we could get a chapter started in the Pittsburgh area.

I decided to work with Tina to start a chapter because there is definitely a need in our area (and I think in many areas) for a group that fosters a sisterhood in women.

Our initial Meet and Greet is a Halloween themed cocktail hour scheduled for Wednesday, October 24. We also have on the calendar a Floral Design Class where we will create a Thanksgiving centerpiece. In the discussion phase of planning is a Spa Day, Yoga Class and a Cocktail Hour. The possibilities are endless!

I love the friendliness of our town. And I love that within 30 minutes I can be skiing in the mountains or having dinner in the city!

I actually have two philosophies in life ... both are quotes that speak to me. One is "Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass ... It's learning to dance in the rain" This one helps me maintain my positive attitude. The second one is from Maya Angelou and says "I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."

Tina and I met through my working for the Norwin Chamber of Commerce as Member Relations Coordinator. Tina is one of my members under her travel business. I have a great deal of respect and admiration for Tina. She is focused, organized, ambitious, kind and overall a great person that I am privileged to have become friends with!

I have adopted my favorite quotes as my philosophies on life. I have started via my work Facebook what has become known as "Motivational Monday". This week's post which I found moving was "to be inspired is great, to inspire is incredible".

I think there are too few strong lifelong friendships between women. To have great friendships we must first be great friends. We must give before we get, listen before we speak, etc.

I don't have much downtime, but when I do I like to read a good book or get in the kitchen and cook! I adore spending time with my kids ... when they'll have me HAHA! My fiance and I enjoy visiting wineries, going on motorcycle rides and in general just spending time together.

The Little Black Dress Club is just what we need in this day and age of moving at the speed of light!

~Marcie Sinagra

Co Director, Pittsburgh

LBDC Welcomes Tina McHugh!

The Little Black Dress Club has recently launched a chapter in Pittsburgh, PA. Tina McHugh, along with her friend Marcie Sinagra have joined forces to make Pittsburgh the latest and greatest when it comes to socializing for women.

Tina went to high school with LBDC Co-founder Jenny Holzer. A few years later, Tina was shocked when she came across Little Black Dress Club on Facebook and recognized Jenny!

Tina had been looking for a women’s social club in the Pittsburgh area for a while. “In looking in our area, I discovered that there weren’t any such clubs. I recalled LBDC and thought we really need a social club for women, one that would allow women to get out and make friends, have fun and do creative activities which happened to be what I was looking for myself, so it was a great opportunity to bring LBDC to our community,” she says.

The Pittsburgh chapter is currently busy planning a Halloween themed cocktail hour, a Floral Design Class, Spa Day, Fashion Shows, a Favorite Things Event and Movie Nights! The first cocktail hour will be October 24 followed by a Floral Design class on November 18.

Tina says, “I love that in 30 minutes you could find yourself in the heart of the city going one direction and taking another direction you are in the beauty of the mountains.” Tina’s philosophy  on life is that you should always live a life that is full of laughter, kindness, grace and honesty. She often refers to a quote by Walt Disney, “All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.”

When it comes to friendship among women, Tina feels that a good friendship is a sisterhood, is trusting, is open, honest and will last a lifetime.

In her spare time, Tina enjoys spending time with her husband and daughter, going to the gym, hanging out with her extended family and friends, shopping, traveling and sitting down with a really good book. Adding to that list, Tina is really looking forward to LBDC in Pittsburgh, meeting great women in the area and meeting other LBDC members and Directors from other chapters.

~Shay Ashcraft

Social Media Director, LBDC

   

Welcome, LBDC Chicago Southlands and Richelle Schneider!

The Little Black Dress Club has recently recruited Richelle Schneider to Direct the Chicago Southlands chapter of LBDC! Richelle has been an official LBDC member since 2010. She originally heard about the organization via meetup.

Richelle decided to reach out to our founder, Christine Zellers, about directing the Chicago chapter because she felt a strong need for women to have a way to connect with each other in her area. She wanted to help supply a fun and sophisticated way for women in the Chicago Southlands to socialize and make new friends.

Richelle loves that Chicago offers some of the most amazing restaurants, shopping, culture, music, festivals and sports - go Cubbies! - in the area. There is always something exciting taking place or a new hot spot to try. You can easily find something fun to do. What better way to find and try all these exciting places than with your girlfriends on a Saturday night! Richelle’s philosophy on life is that each new day is a gift, so try to live life to the fullest! She says “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”

Richelle made a great point when she said “True friendships are definitely a gift and can
help shape who we are and who we are yet to be. Having a good group of friends who you can rely on for advice, support, encouragement or just a fun night out is a must for every woman!” There is no better place in the Chicago Southlands to find true friendships than the LBDC.

In her spare time, Richelle enjoys traveling, shopping, trying new restaurants, biking, hiking, golfing, listening to live music, dancing, and sharing a good glass of wine with friends! She also enjoys adding a little adventure to her life every now and then by trying skydiving, white water rafting, surfing, hiking Chimney Tops in the smoky Mountains and riding in a Nascar at a speed of 150 miles per hour. We can only imagine the fun events that Richelle is going to be planning for her chapter!

Overall, Richelle is very excited to be part of the Little Black Dress Club and is committed to planning fun events and helping the club evolve in the South Suburbs of Chicago.

Welcome to the team, Richelle!

- Shay Ashcraft

Social Media Director, LBDC