L-R: DJ Might Mouse, DJ Trayze, UniversalEm, The Cupcake Critic Marcus Dowling
On Tuesday, September 25th, I got the chance to sit down with UniversalEm and DJ Mighty Mouse for their Old Fashioned radio show on WLVS radio. DJ Trayze (the official DeeJay for the Washington Nationals) was also in attendance and mixing up sweet beats while I showed off my Black Street Awards and talked about cupcake treats. Old Fashioned treated me to my favorite libations (margaritas and moscato- not in that order) while discussing what's next for the Cupcake Critic and what's hot in these D.C. cupcake streets.
Mouse & Trayze wanted to wear their shades...and Em
wanted to hold the 'hardware'...Marcus only wanted peace.
Hey Cupcake Lovers! Coming off the high of winning two Black Street Awards for 'Best Blog' and 'Best Website', I am happy to announce that I am a nominee for 'Best Food Blog' in the Black Weblog Awards! When you have a moment please visit the link below and vote for The Cupcake Critic for 'Best Food Blog' To vote visit: http://www.blackweblogawards.com/vote-here/. Also, please support the Curvy CEO for 'Best Plus-Sized Fashion'. She is one of my cupcake contributors and an awesome blogger who deserves recognition. Thank you so much and I look forward to throwing another happy hour to celebrate! Check out this video mash-up from the DC to NYC Happy Hour!
Produced by BlackStreet.com,the Black Street Celebration Awards brings awareness and recognition to greatness within the African-American community. Helmed by BlackStreet.com founder and editor, Judith Jacques, the event was stellar from beginning to end.
The awards ceremony was packed from the floor to the rafters
The awards ceremony was held on Monday, September 17th at the Millesime in the Carlton Hotel in New York. The evening was filled with glamour, grace, and of course celebration. I was excited to have been nominated by BlackStreet.com's food editor, Nadege Williams, and even happier to represent D.C.
(L-R) Actor Isaiah Washington,
Jennifer Williams, Model & Host Bobby Roache'
Yummy bites served throughout the evening
The evening started with red carpet fanfare and press. Honorees and guests munched on hors d'oeuvres while enjoying the open bar. Hosts for the event were model Bobby Roache' and the 2010 Miss Black USA, Osas Ighodaro. Being surrounded by so many talented people I felt overwhelmed however the atmosphere was filled with love and celebration.
Isaiah Washington signing his new book:
A Man from Another Land
Actor Isaiah Washington and myself
Actor Isaiah Washington was presented with the 'Humanitarian' award for his work in the country of Sierra Leone. He also signed copies of his new book, 'A Man from Another Land' which were a part of the lovely gift bags.
Essence Magazine's Mikki Taylor
Fashion legend and Essence magazine's editor-at-large, Mikki Taylor, was honored with the 'Lifetime of Greatness' Award. I love Mikki Taylor and had to sneak a picture with her right after she won her award. Seated in the balcony with Mr. Washington, her 1000 watt smile and sheer radiance beamed across the room. Miss Taylor was introduced by Shandra Freeman, a personality and wife of DJ Fat Man Scoop.
Accessories provided by Shannon Burgwald of Stella & Dot
Other honored guests included entrepreneur Jean Alerte, owner of Julius Casimir Jewelry and Alerte, Carter & Associates; a public relations firm. Television producer, President of WEEN,and a former contestant on Survivor Season 24, Sabrina Thompson, was honored with the Empowerment award for her work with young women.
My first award of the night for 'Best Blog'
I walked into the hall for the awards ceremony and everything felt surreal. The blogger category was one of the first to be presented and when the envelope was opened, my name was called and my mouth dropped. I was so nervous that I walked on stage wearing my shoulder wrap and without logic or thought, I blurted out (in my best Tabbi Bonney voice) "I'm from D.C.! I never thought that I would be in New York and standing here with all of you...but I'm happy to be here!"
Steph Folling:
Two-time winner of the Black Street Awards
The last category of the night was best website. I'll be honest...in my mind I thought: what was the probability of lightening striking twice? Finalist Brandon Frame had already won an award in the education category and winning this award would make one of us a two-time winner; the only honorees to do so. Roache' signaled towards Frame as if to say he had it in the bag. I braced myself for my best Susan Lucci performance only to hear "Stephanie Folling" and I screamed!
(L-R) Brandon Frame (Education/Website),
Judith Mills (Non-Profit),
Jennifer LaRoche of NBC's Smash (Dance),
Stephanie Folling (Blogger/Website)
Orane
Williams (Finance)
Running up onto the stage I was prepared. I took off my shrug, pushed my shoulders back and said, "I gotta thank my Momma! And Jesus...and all of D.C." At that moment I recognized that I was representing for my city and I couldn't be happier. I took home 2 awards and was the only nominee to do so out of 25 categories ranging from law, government, politics, education, finance and philanthropy. We did it D.C.!!
Hey Cupcake Lovers! To quote Rakim and Timbaland: "It's been a long time...I shouldn't have left you...without a dope beat to step to" There's been soo much activity here at Critic HQ that I haven't kept everyone updated with my posts.
My Black Street Awards
First, I'm proud to announce that I am the winner of the Black Street Award for 'Best Blog' and 'Best Website'!!! The awards ceremony was held on Monday September 17th at the Millesime in New York. I am so excited (and exhausted) but still on my award-winning high. Thank you to all of my Cupcake Lovers, family, friends, and everyone who voted for me! Check out this video recap to see snippets of the awards show...
Speaking of awards, I am happy to announce that I am a nominee for 'Best Food Blog' for The Black Weblog awards! Let's keep the momentum going D.C. and show them what we're working with! Voting starts on September 15th and will end on October 3rd. To vote for the Cupcake Critic for 'Best Food Blog' click here....
Me hugging Nisi Bennett of the Susan G. Komen Walking team,
Forever-A-Pear; coordinator for Cupcake Challenge for a Cure
Thanks to your rousing support, I am a finalist for 'Best Blog' and 'Best Website'for The Black Street Awards! The black-tie award ceremony will take place on Monday, September 17th at the Carlton Hotel. Honored guests include Mikki Taylor of Essence Magazine, award-winning actor Isaiah Washington, and New York state Senator Kevin Parker.However, before I travel to NYC.... we have to celebrate in D.C.!
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