There’s hardly a better way to show thankfulness for one’s own budding success than to use it to help others succeed as well. That’s what entrepreneur Tracy Bomani, founder of Bomani Jewels, feels, leading her to host a Beauty Showcase and Fashion Show in mid-August to highlight several other up and coming new vendors.
The event was held at The Venue ENY (718.649.2015), a charming little indoor/outdoor private catering space at 762 Schenk Ave. (corner of Linden Blvd). The Venue is often called East New York’s best kept secret because of its off-the-beaten-path location, but, as attendees at the event can attest, there’s nothing off about the “sophisticated soul food,” served up by owner Valerie Hunter.
After people had time to begin perusing the vendors’ diverse offerings, Bomani Jewel’s business manager, the extremely likable Cyril Silva, kicked off the fashion show and introduced Ms. Bomani. She thanked Elias Rivera, Bomani’s graphic artist, and him for their hard work, declaring, “Without these two men, I would not have been able to pull this off.”
Ms. Bomani then provided all the necessary information about each complete outfit as the models strutted their stuff on the runway.
The clothing was from Sophisticated Sister’s Boutique (718.884.9967), which made good its promise that woman of all shapes, curves and sizes from XS to 3XL can look fabulous in its eye-catching, beautiful apparel, offered at amazingly affordable prices.
The clothing was accessorized with unique and stylish jewelry from the Bomani Jewels collection, along with sleek, gorgeous handbags provided by independent Beijo fashion consultant, Sarah Hudson (718.757.6439). A young model also rocked one of Shamel’s Malay Hair ponytails (917.685.1060) while others looked stunning in make-up applied by Mary Kay cosmetics representative Ann Harkless, (718.909.3025).
Ms. Bomani herself styled each outfit, coordinating just the right dress, jewelry and handbag for a well put together trendy look, many of which elicited oohs and aahs when they hit the runway.
Along with all the products to enhance a woman’s outer beauty, there were vendors looking after a woman’s inner peace and beauty. Nutritionist and wellness coach, Beverly Sapphire Wilson (718.930.8841), an independent distributor for Soul Purpose, had products to promote harmony within all aspects of self – body, mind, and spirit – addressing a woman’s entire lifestyle. “Knowing the elements of wellness helps you take where you are in your life and go to the next level,” Ms. Wilson explained.
Perhaps the most imaginative products on sale were the “unique gel candles that mystify the eyes, tantalize the senses, and calm the soul.” These aromatherapy candles, fashioned to resemble enticing cocktails and mouthwatering ice cream sundaes, were the main product of Effervest Scents, founded by LaTisha Dyann Graham (947.998.6053). “Most people are astonished when they see these are actually candles,” Ms. Graham stated. “Their real purpose is to be lit, but some customers choose to just keep them for visual effect.”
Upon arrival, each person had been given a raffle ticket, and toward the end of the event the winner got to select an item from the Bomani Jewel display table. Then, all the vendors joined in and pulled six additional winning tickets so that six more shoppers walked away with free gifts. Bomani Jewels also provided a “thank you for coming” basket for everyone on their way out.
The event, which was totally packed by early evening, got so many hits on Facebook that The Venue asked Bomani Jewels to hold another one on September 8. For more information call Cyril Silva at (917) 755-4510, Bomani Jewels customer service at (347) 760-9431 or email bomanijewels@yahoo.com.
