Image is everything. While cliche, there is large truth in the saying. The perception of a particular subject can determine whether people are receptive to a cause or turned off by it, if they give it any attention at all. The International Bad Girls Club (IBGC) understands this, and have come together under the notion of being an 'event image enhancement' organization. Simply put, the ladies will offer an event or project consultation, promotion, and appearances in order to maximize its potential.
The idea of IBGC came from the Oxygen network's show, Bad Girls Club, yet these group of women are not following the format of reckless disregard for self or others and they are more than just occupants of VIP sections. "Yes, we are often the life of the party, but there is no Kat Stackery over here,"says Nadia Taylor, co-creator of IBGC. The ladies take pride in representing themselves properly and with distinction. Toni Cabrera, co-creator of IBGC, explains, "We're trying to show you can be a bad girl without being negative. A bad girl is someone in charge of herself, in charge of what's going on in her life, and who's trying to make it better for those coming after her." The ladies detail that the core values of the organization are leadership, empowerment, and sisterhood, complimented with confidence and class.
After being official for a little more than two months and having already hosted several parties (including the album release party of notable local artist SmCity) in addition to planning their first philanthropic event, Taylor, Cabrera, along with Ayrikah Nichole, an IBGC officer, sit back laughing in amazement. They are not amused at their accomplishments or even the positive reception they have received from artists in the DMV, but about their unanimous favorite aspect to the group...their connection. "In my life, I haven't had a tendency to get along with a lot of women, at one time, but we truly get along on so many levels. We work so well," reveals Taylor. Each of the ladies spoke from varied point of views but made the same declaration, they appreciated their bond. Nichole in describing how she being an only child makes her grateful for the IBGC adds, "We can discuss our next event, finish talking about our show and then vent about our boyfriends; it's the best feeling to have a group of women that I can talk to, to make business decisions and personal decisions." The usual retort for a woman when speaking about their relationships with other women is short and direct, they don't deal with many. Well, this is not the case for IBGC. In fact, they are the exact opposite, boasting to be an organization of several cultures of color sharing 25 friends/sisters. "This is how a group of girls can get along and do something great without the stereotypical [cat fights]," points out Cabrera.
The IBGC are making strides to being great, currently working on an event that brings several creative entities in the Washington Metropolitan Area on one accord. "Our show consists of people who have never worked together, and that's a big deal," comments Taylor, "it took those outside of the male-dominated industry to bring the males together. I'm proud of my girls for this." In a city where divisiveness is indoctrinated from the Capitol to the school board, it is a rarity to see a genuine connection of care and productivity. Yet, in the short time of official activity the ladies have more than managed both. And simultaneously are carrying the hopes of unifying the entertainment network of D.C. Here existing their latest and largest event, "A Night of 1000 Stars: A Showcase of DMV Stars in Music and Fashion." This is a fashion show that will highlight artists, designers and models from all over the DMV. It is sponsored by Mercedes Benz and Hennessey Black, where 50% of the proceeds are to be donated to Autism Speaks.
From making appearances to hosting parties to planning events of impact, the ladies of IBGC would be thought spread thin in the nightlife, but these are still dedicated mothers and motivated professionals with full-time jobs. Nichole says, "We all are strong-minded leaders--which can clash at times, but we understand the end all and be all. We're all working towards the same goal." The IBGC have their goals laid out clear, they plan on continuing with what they have begun within event managing, but they also plan to grow into a program of self-improvement for women. They are looking to set up the organization to where women can come to them for assistance with personal achievements from home ownership to public speaking. They have already expanded to the west coast, with the IBGC California chapter. The chapter has recently worked with Operation Homefront in their back to school drive, helping underprivileged kids obtain necessary supplies. "Us coming together is major. We accept each other and understand each other. Ayrikah's personality doesn't make me shy away from who I am. Each of our strengths makes us stronger...and that's what makes a bad girl," Cabrera says in summary of her overall view of IBGC.
To really be good...you have to be bad...
Via Shari Wright DC Urban Arts Examiner
No comments:
Post a Comment