Whew, chile! I can’t believe it’s been one whole year since I hosted my first “I work for my d*mn self” Christmas party for freelancers, solopreneurs, girl bosses and boy bosses, like me, who go through the work year all alone!

This year, I came ready! With a flyer, a new location, more guests, more time to prep and plan; this year’s “office party” for those without an office was a huge success!

It’s amazing how fast the time flies! I’m so proud that I recently hosted the, get this…2ND ANNUAL EVENT! Last year’s party literally happened on the fly, but even with two days to plan I managed to pull off a great event, meet some awesome people and realized that this thing has legs and could definitely be an annual shindig!

Check out this blog from the first event!

This year I rented out a private room at one of my favorite places, Wild Thyme Restaurant. The airy room opens up to a balcony with beautiful views of the surrounding areas.

I decorated the space with Christmas lights, mini Christmas trees and shiny ornaments. My Bath and Body Works “Pumpkin Waffle” candle burned silently in the corner as my holiday playlist eased through the speakers. There was even personalised decor in the space, made by yours truly!

I had a “nog station” set up with a choice of spiked or unspiked egg nog or pumpkin nog (which was a hit!), with shakers of cinnamaon and nutmeg for that extra flavor. We had glazed, maple and brown sugar and apple crumble flavored donuts and the most delicious menu prepared for us by the restaurant’s host.

So many connections were made, some heartfelt and even funny stories were shared, but more importantly everyone felt that they were a part of something!

This time, I even got the support of some local sponsors who partnered with me for gift giveaways! From a dazzling dress, to gift cards to clothing boutiques, travel certificates, Walmart and Target cards courtesy of Going Places Travel, arcade passes from Polley’s Playhouse and a branding photoshoot with F.Dot Photograhy, this event was the gift that kept on giving!

Check out this glowing review from one of the attendees and my friend and fellow blogger Hadassah Deleveaux! Check out her blog here!

It was a chic event for a tribe of creatives, a tribe of girl and guy bosses. I was sandwiched between a woman who specializes in guava duff and a woman who will be a certified doula (birth companion/coach) in three months. A few seats to my left was a superb cake artist (you should see the cakes she has baked!) and not far from her was a no holds barred writer turned author. Two seats to my right was a brilliant, talented multi-media sensation and across from him sat a popular entertainer. Next to her was one of the most sought after makeup artists in New Providence. The room was teeming with impressive talent! Kudos to television host, blogger and social media influencer, Ianthia Ferguson for a well-executed event that made for great networking, lots of inspiration and fun. I’m employed, but working my blog on my own, so I decided to attend from I received the invitation. I was headed to a holiday office party for solopreneurs and entrepreneurs! Held at Wild Thyme Restaurant, East Bay Street, I walked into the room and was greeted by the aroma of a pumpkin spice candle burning in the corner and the soft sounds of classical music – which later changed to Christmas tunes. I was warmly greeted by the mastermind behind the event, Ianthia. As a result of being busy all morning, I did not iron before the electricity went off, so I had to squeeze into some jeans (I must do something about that!) and a top that needed no ironing, only to see Ianthia in a run-way, white stylish dress! When I saw her sister Ivanka walk in with jeans and then other women started filing in – also in jeans – being under-dressed was no longer a thought. I felt comfortable, but what made it easier was the fact that everyone was so sociable. By the way, Ivana did an excellent job with the eggnog (leaded and unleaded) and pumpkin nog (leaded) along with those maple glazed donuts topped with apple crumbs. Not long after tasting those treats, I received my welcome drink dubbed a berry mule. Well, after a few sips, I let wisdom kick in and placed that drink to the side. I don’t drink alcohol and didn’t know it was leaded and so strong at that (well, for me), so a couple sips and I quickly realized – stay in ya lane and stick with the unleaded eggnog! Besides the opportunity to network, there were chances to win gifts! I was the first gift recipient, having won a gift card for Target! Yes, it could be used online. But what I have really been wanting to share with you is the food! Look here, I have NEVER been to a restaurant where the meat was so hot that after a bite, steam escaped. Man, those succulent, sweet wings were delectable! I didn’t bother looking around, but I knew there was some finger licking going on! I also enjoyed the conch fritters. Hats off to Wild Thyme! It is the ONLY restaurant, besides Athena Café down town, that has served me conchy, tasty conch fritters and NOT bread fritters! Wow! Someone FINALLY got conch fritters right! Overall, the event was certainly a success and based on photos and videos I saw from last year, it has grown! Congrats Ianthia! You were able to get a room of creatives together (including people like Pia T. GloverTuesday White and Keshelle Davis, who I haven’t seen in years) in a fun-filled, interactive setting.

I’ve found a new community, new friends and new “co-workers!”