More Than Just Shopping: The Sugar Mamas Movement
By-SHERIDAN C. WATKINS
Herstory is still being written as we advocate for equality and tangible recognition of the value women bring locally and beyond. It seems there can never be enough occasions to celebrate their power and importance. Even a day focused on shopping can be a catalyst to go beneath the surface and illuminate the importance of inclusion and appreciation.
That’s likely one reason the Sugar Mamas Shopping Experience was the talk of the town leading up to March 9, with founder Amy Jah spearheading the movement. As the idea turned into action, Jah wanted the community to know this event was about more than just a day of spending money.
“Our schedules can be so overwhelming, and [most women’s] tasks are usually focused on caring for somebody,” Jah said. The event even encouraged women to come without their children if possible so the spotlight is solely on their wants and needs for the day. Jah expressed that the Sugar Mamas Shopping Experience was also curated to foster opportunities for connection, networking, and catching up amid a busy life. ,
“[Most of us] are not going to shop at a mall and just start talking to women. So, we wanted to facilitate the energy of being with our friends and community and advertise the event in a way that made people feel welcomed. Miraculously, it happened,” Jah said.
To successfully build the structure of a great shopping experience, Jah personally reached out to women-owned businesses and invited the public to set up a booth space to display their unique items and services. Jah wanted to ensure the invited businesses had an excellent reputation and could provide the attendees with things that mattered most to them. From quality fashion and accessories to photographers and makeup artists who provided complimentary makeovers and headshots, Jah strived to make the shopping experience beneficial for business owners and customers. As a woman, she knew the experience was also in the aesthetics and favors so when customers arrived, they were greeted with fifty shades of pink, food, wine, swag bags, photo ops, a fashion show, and more. ,
Several speakers shared insights to help women with financial literacy, home ownership, body confidence, and other essential topics throughout the day. And if women simply wanted to relax and be pampered, they could also enjoy various med spa services.
Although Jah said she was nervous about pulling off a big event she’d never done before, she had the help of God, her team, and great supporters, including men.
A date isn’t set for the next Sugar Mamas Shopping Experience, but Jah isn’t slowing down. Women can join the Sugar Mamas membership by visiting http://www.sugarmamasmovement.com for information on more events and opportunities to network with other women while the community awaits what’s next for Sugar Mamas.
More about THE WRITER…
Sheridan C. Watkins is a journalist and the owner of Perennial Peaces, a jewelry and gifts brand focused on transcending self-worth to all women. Her true work began after climbing out of a dark place with the help of God and therapy, and her life mission is to provide tangible peace through her Divine gifts to help women heal and transform their lives. Follow the mission on Instagram and Facebook: @perennialpeace
