Sipping, Shopping, and Feeling Good

I was invited to this event. All opinions are mine.

When I decided on the word Create as my word of the year, I know I wanted to create time for friends, families, God, myself, but also I wanted to create opportunities for myself. And that was what I did when I accepted my friend, Essense, invitation to attend an event she was hosting at Belk in Crabtree Mall in Raleigh.

Let me first start off by saying that Essense is a personal shopper and she is going to help us wade through the decisions of bridesmaids and mother of the bride dresses for my oldest daughter’s upcoming wedding. So I was excited to see her and learn more about what she does.

The event was held from 11:30 am to 1:30. And since, we live about an hour away, that meant I had to get up early to get ready. But it was so worth it to support a friend, plus Mikaela, my middle daughter, was driving down to spend a few hours with us. So off we went.

First let me say, I did spend time doing my hair, but you know how one side always looks on point and the other not so much. Yep, that was me. I almost said screw it and put it up. But I am glad I didn’t you will see why later.

So we arrived not on time but a few minutes early and searched for Essense. She was set up by the first-floor entrance of Belk near the Carmen Carmen Prestige Salon e Spa. Isn’t she cute in her heart glasses?

We were sent over to the Dior counter for a quick lip makeover with their 999 Lipstick. I will admit that I am not a big fan of lipstick, but this might have just won me over. I mean just look at it.

Essense, then took us on a tour of the store. I was especially excited to see her office. It was so cute, and she has a red retail therapy couch. How cool is that? I also love the fact that the dressing room inside was spacious. This is a hidden gem, and it is all complimentary.

Next we were taken on a tour of the Carmen Carmen Prestige Salon e Spa at Belk. We met Harrison, the salon manager, and Natresha, one of the young artist aka hairstylist, at the salon. They gave us a tour of their salon and showed us some of the products they use. They are an Aveda salon.

Then we went out to see a demostration at their new dry bar. This is perfect for when you want a quick updo. They have several options to choose from and I loved that it was located in the makeup section. You can get a makeover and an updo for a special event all in one place. I watched three different models get their hair styled.

I was amazed by the look from start to finish. I almost had them do mine since I was riding the hot mess express, but decided against it at the moment.

After Essense reshowed us her office, I wanted my girls to see the space, I went back to the salon and told them I changed my mind. Natresha was still available so she took me immediately. I will have to say that I was impressed with the appearance of my hair after that. I honestly was shocked.

I mean seriously just look at the before and after pictures. There is something to be said about getting your hair done. Plus one of their treatments they give to every customer is their stress relief massage. It was so relaxing. I almost fell asleep. And just look at my hair, the pictures below were the that night and the next day.

If you are looking for makeup, hair and styling for an event, then you need to get in touch with Essense at the Belk in Crabtree Valley Mall and she will set you up.

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