Happy Friday and cheers to the weekend. Today is going to be a hard one as the city comes together to remember Charisse. From her memorial as well as it being live streamed, I pray peace for the family. I will talk more about Charisse later in the blog. In addition to remembering Charisse there have been quite a few memorable media events this week. Before I start that let’s talk about a mental health check in.
Friday Word of the Day
This week one work kept coming back up and that word is ethic. From work ethic to life ethic that word has shown up in many ways. Let me explain. There is a way to handle your business while you grow, your business that shouldn’t be in any way called into question. This week I had to make sure to stand on business when it comes to my content. Many people like yourselves have access to my blogs. You could share them wherever you like. I love a good share but using them as if you wrote them, copying my blogs, or even padding your resume as if you were the one who did the work to find me is where I draw the line.
Content creators this is why having your own site to garner your content is key. These social media platforms are always doing the most. So, protect yourself and your brand. In addition, do your research. I found out that someone repping a brand was merely writing their media announcements and not actually repping the brand. In this business of smoke screens, you need to be equipped by learning the behind the scenes. I thank the Lord for SheMedia because they do the work for me and have meetings to go over these types of things.
Mental Health Check in
I must admit my headspace has been all over the place with the death of Charisse. Ever since I heard the news I have been in my feelings, eating less, crying more, and disinterested in the things that I love. Blessedly I went to the doctors for a checkup and my doctor gave me some tips to help through that along with my therapist. There are a few reasons including grief to go to therapy. Do not be afraid to admit that things have gotten out of control from the inside out. This is your best defense in getting that much better.
Craftsman Row Saloon Mardi Gras Celebration
If you love great food and drinks head over to Craftsman Row for their amazing Mardi Gras celebration. From head to toe purple, green, and gold to their curated cocktails there is something for everyone. I went with a few of my Foodie friends, and we had a blast. The food was a little more on point this time. They always have great food by the way, but it was like the chef put their foot in it. This is a good thing by the way for those not familiar with that saying. It means the food was super good.
Remembering Charisse McGill
Last week the city of Philadelphia lost a champion, entrepreneur, and an amazing vessel of what the city is all about. A mother and father lost their daughter, and a daughter lost their mother in Charisse. My heart goes out to her entire family including her French Toast Bites family who I know is taking this hard. I lost a friend. Charisse and I met through a media event. From our first conversation I knew what everyone else came to know she was a go-getter. Quitting her job and eventually opening French Toast Bites with her daughter, the city’s look at this amazing breakfast food wouldn’t be the same.
Friday Memorial
Charisse continued to do great work with many partnerships including Go Puff, and Yards Brewing with her French toast beer. On a personal level whenever I would see her, it was all smiles. She would always let people know I was her first vegan French Toast Bites customer.
Whenever I would come, she would try not to take my money. So, I would take what I should have paid, and gave it with a tip on tip of that so that it would go to the team. My kids loved her too. Every time they would ask are we going to see “French Toast Bae,” as she was called. Literal days before her passing, my husband and I spoke to her. We talked for over an hour about life, business, and our kids. She talked so proudly of Maddie and what she was accomplishing. Her last words are “when I am done with what she had to do, I will call you, so you don’t have to hear nothing online.”
Live each day as your last
My husband and her made plans to meet that Thursday for a business meeting. It was her not showing up that I knew something wasn’t right. Minutes later I saw the announcement and it broke my heart. Charisse’s name, tenacity, and love for all people will never die. One thing that stood out wasn’t just her business ethic but the way she treated everyone. It didn’t matter who you were she showed love and today we show her love right back. So, we honor her, make sure that if you are in the city to still visit her businesses as they will continue to operate under her daughter’s Maddie amazing rule.
Conversations with Toi Friday podcast drop
Season 10 of the podcast is back. This week on the new episode is Amanda of Phillyfoodandbarrs. We talk content creation and the highs and lows of it all. Even if you aren’t a Content Creator but have dreams of doing something that makes you step out of your element, this is for you. As always support in three ways: listen, share, and review. All of which are free. I also discuss mental health in the form of SAD or Seasonal Depression. Thank you for your support always.
I look forward to resting this weekend, running my Sunday run, having some down time with the family. Please find one activity that you love that is for you. Everyone should have a great weekend even if you have a lot of responsibilities or not.
