As we count down to ESSENCE Festival 2016 on June 30-July 3, we’re showing love to dope vendors who showcase everything from their superb culinary skills to unique hand-crafted jewelry. Of course the weekend will be lit with concerts, empowerment panels and beauty expos. But in addition, check out some of the Festival’s creative vendors. This week we’re shining a light on jewelrymaker, Abe Lavalais, who specializes in making earspears. His jewlery has been purchased and worn by soul singer Erykah Badu. Read Lavalais’ ESSENCE Festival success story below!
My Festival success story is:
Found in the great relationships I’ve built at Essence Festival with women of color.
My favorite Essence Fest moment is:
When Erykah Badu walked in to my booth and purchased jewelry by Bamboozle, and then she wore the jewelry to her Essence Fest performance.
Providing a service to my community helps me:
To appreciate and respect the work of other artists.
What I hope happens at this year’s Essence Fest is:
To reunite with old friends and make new friends.
The best business advice I ever received was:
To pay yourself first.
Running my own business is:
The best job in the world.
The people of New Orleans are:
Full of spirit and show an abundance of kindness.
After a visit to my booth:
Essence Fest fans should feel like you can’t wait to wear Bamboozle original inspirations.
During Essence Fest I was able to:
Meet people who inspired my creativity.
The secret to my success is:
That I love what I do.
People trust my brand because:
I care about artistry and integrity.
In business you should:
Never be afraid to zig when others zag.
I measure my success at Essence Fest by:
The relationships I build.
Anyone who wants to follow in my footsteps should:
Do what they love and be true to who they are. The rest will take care of itself.
Buy your ESSENCE Festival tickets now!