Empowered Women Wednesday: 4 Blogger Babes Share Their New Year’s Eve Outfits–and How They’re Changing the Influencer Game

Shay Sweeney:  Nikki and I met at a blogger event in Austin, and Meghan and Nikki met at an influencer event in Houston. Nikki, Meghan, and I were all in a private blogger Instagram group and decided to meet up for a late lunch one day since we all lived in Houston. We chatted and even did a mini photoshoot the first time we met–it was like we had been knowing each other forever.

Nikki and Brandy had known each other for a while from hosting an event together, and Nikki asked if she could bring Brandy to meet us one day and of course, we said yes! That dinner over Pho was the beginning of Influencing in Color. We saw an empty space in the blogger/marketing space where there was a representation void, and wanted to not only speak up but be the change we wanted to see. We decided that collaboration and working together for change was needed to make a difference. We always say we are four women brought together by chance to facilitate change.

Lulus: We love that! What does this account mean to each of you and what do you hope to achieve with it?

Brandy Gueary: The importance of this account goes beyond words and what we can achieve is limitless. We hope to continue what we have already been able to accomplish: seeing four truly diverse women of color be the face of brands that we love and believe in. So many times in the influencer space, and in marketing, one woman of color is “selected.” We know that many more women need to be represented and see themselves.

Lulus: You guys are kind of the embodiment of how women are stronger together! How do you build each other up?

BG: What’s so special about us is that we are not just getting together to take pictures–we are real friends in real life! We help each other get things done in life and in business. We listen to each other with the intent to understand, have hard conversations when necessary, and it always comes from a place of compassion and love. We check our egos at the door!

Lulus: Yes! Four opinions must mean disagreements every so often, though: How do you work through that as a team?

SS: Communication is (the) key to success in everything that we do. That doesn’t mean that we don’t disagree but we all work towards the same common goal, which makes working together easier. We honestly are still working on a communication strategy as our team grows, and are excited for the IIC team to grow in the future. We all have different personalities. I think knowing how each of us responds and reacts to certain things helps us, as well.

Lulus: Are there any empowered women outside of IIC that you get inspiration from?

Nikki Gamble: So many women in my life are inspirational and they are inspiring at different stages of my life. My sister who single-handily runs her own company. Oprah, because she’s Oprah. Michelle Obama because she exhibits a grace that I can only wish I had. And I know this may be controversial, but Kim Kardashian for her epic sense of business! Women, in general, are just inspiring!

Lulus: Amen! What are your New Year’s resolutions or what are you all hoping to manifest in 2020?

SS: The IIC vision for 2020 is to grow our brand, continue to service the community and grow our outreach, make a stand, and create a positive influence in marketing for women of all colors.

Lulus: *Claps* So tell us how you chose your New Year’s Eve outfits for 2019!

NG: I’m a bit more whimsical and boho, so as soon as I saw the ruffles and fabric I was sold. I chose my clutch because I plan for 2020 to be out of this world!

BG: I love to show the perfect amount of skin. The subtle sequins with the slit and thin straps practically called my name!

SS: My dress is regal and makes me feel like royalty. That just how you should feel entering the new year!

Have a question for these empowered ladies? Ask in the comments, then shop their looks below, and find even more gorgeous New Year’s Eve outfits for 2019 here!