On Thursday, August 9th, I excitedly attended the Strut in Her Shoes’ This is Our Story: Behind the Diagnosis event. Located in downtown Detroit, the event also doubled as a celebration for co-founder’s, Erikka Yvonne’s 28th birthday.
Strut in Her Shoes
Strut founders Erikka and Shawnta Bowie established this amazing organization as a community for sisterhood. The organization share their journey and personal stories through their blogging platform or in-person events. Strut’s goal is “encouraging the next woman to turn their mess into their message.
Shawnta, The Lovely Company, and Erikka. After the four years, this event became the first where Erikka and Shawnta were center and vulnerable directly to their loyal audience.
Now, for all my readers who haven’t attended a Strut event, just know that these events get REAL. When I say real, I mean deep, relatable, and emotional. You never know what someone is going through until they share it!
This is Our Story
The event opened with light refreshments, mingling, and an opening song selection before diving into the night’s theme.
Erikka and Shawnta in deep conversation about their diagnoses with Lili Sheree. Erikka and Shawnta started the discussion by sharing their medical diagnoses, insight information on what is, and how it affects them. Questions ranged from discovery to acceptance and self-care to maintaining a social life. The ladies’ transparency and vulnerability were quite frankly commendable and extremely brave. Erikka and Shawnta did not hold back sharing any information. They shared how their diagnoses truly affects their lives and how they continually press through it all.
Some of us knew their stories and diagnoses. But most of the audience didn’t, which made for a very interesting experience and an eye-opening perspective. When the discussion ended, most of the audience could relate their stories back to friends, family, or own personal issues. And this is what I love most about this organization. It brings meaning, perspective and allows for healing without any judgment.
The ladies also talked about their words for the year and how it has led them to create that event. Their answers stood out to me. Erikka prayed for elevation, and Shawnta prayed for discomfort which seamlessly worked together for their good and glory!
I’m so grateful for these two and the grace, strength, and moxie they embody every single day. Personally, I deal with uncomfortable health issues in my life. Their stories brought back into perspective for me that you have to take care of yourself mentally and physically. You don’t look like what you go through.
For More Information
Learn more about Strut in Her Shoes, visit their website!
xo and keep struttin’,
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