Mel & Ash Buti Brunch

On February 10th, 2019 I attended a Buti Brunch hosted by Mel & Ash Beauty. This event was everything!

Mel & Ash is a lifestyle and beauty brand dedicated to the empowerment of women in memory of M.A.D. a.k.a. Melanie Ashley Dunn. M.A.D is the sister of Mel & Ash's, CEO Dawn McMahan. Melanie passed away in 2011 a victim of domestic violence. Their story on how they came together really hit home for me. I grew up in a home with domestic violence. I thank God every day that my mother and our family were able to make it. I know the pain behind losing a sibling and I know the pain and trauma of domestic violence. It hurt to hear that Dawn's sister passed away due to domestic violence.

I never met Melanie but I know that she was one amazing woman. Look at all of the love she left with these women. It's amazing to see Dawn McMahan, Travonna Carter, Naiya DeLisle, Niki Cassero, Lloren Cook and Regina Dunn all come together out of love for her. To see them carrying on her legacy and changing the lives of many women.

The women of Mel & Ash beauty. Photo https://www.instagram.com/melnashbeauty/

I first met the awesome women of Mel & Ash back in December at Prestigious Events EmpowHer dinner. We all promised to support one another throughout the year. We showed up and out!

The Buti Brunch hosted at Fit Evolution on Piedmont AVE in Oakland Ca. Featured wellness vendors such as Soapy Faith, Sheeapparel, the Black Market, and Bundts and Crumpets Tea. There was a buti yoga class put on by @stephluva22. Buti yoga is a unique practice, known for its cardio-intensive bursts of tribal dance, primal movement, and conditioning. This was my first time taking a buti yoga class and I definitely got a workout.

After yoga, there was a bottomless mimosa brunch with bomb food catered by Roux and Vine. No, seriously the food was everything! I woke up the next day wishing I had some more. I ate brunch with an amazing group of ladies. We had so much fun. Our table was filled with laughter, support, encouragement, and understanding.

Unfortunately, we weren't able to stay after brunch for the empowerment session hosted by Livanthropy. An amazing 11-year-old committed to giving back to her peers and her community. After brunch, we headed over to a town-hall meeting held in downtown Oakland.

Overall, I had a great day. The Buti Brunch was everything they said it would be and more. A true celebration of self-love, self-respect, and self-confidence. I look forward to creating many more memories with these beautiful women.