There was a radiant energy in the air on August 9th as Detroit showed up and showed out for Marshalls Good Stuff Social Club, a full-day experience curated with purpose, passion, and Black women at the center. Hosted at BasBlue and led by Amber Lewis, founder of Social N The City, the event moved with intention from the very start, offering sessions that spoke to the mind, body, bank account, and creative spirit.
The day opened with a powerful session from Vivian Tu, the financial educator and content creator behind Your Rich BFF. Vivian broke down the path to financial recovery in a way that felt deeply compassionate and easy to digest. She spent time explaining two key strategies for tackling debt: the snowball method and the avalanche method, both of which sparked lightbulb moments for attendees. With the snowball method, she explained, you focus on paying off your smallest debts first, regardless of interest rate. This creates momentum and builds confidence, making it easier to stay motivated. The avalanche method, on the other hand, tackles debt with the highest interest rate first, helping to save money in the long run. Vivian emphasized that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach—what matters is choosing the method that aligns with your personality and staying consistent. She offered practical examples, budget hacks, and even talked about how to navigate financial conversations with loved ones. It wasn’t just about dollars; it was about dignity, discipline, and doing what works for you.
While I wasn’t able to catch the full “Building a Business from Your Art” panel firsthand, the buzz in the hallway afterward said it all. Attendees were visibly inspired by the stories shared, particularly from artist and entrepreneur Destinee Rose. From what was overheard, Destinee’s authenticity and clarity resonated deeply. She reportedly spoke about her path to creative entrepreneurship as one of honoring her own identity first, and how doing so helped her connect with the right audiences and collaborators. Several folks mentioned that her reflections on navigating self-doubt and creating boundaries in business were especially impactful. Bo Shepherd and Rachelle Baker also brought the heat, sharing insights on scaling your passion sustainably and the power of leaning into your community as a resource, not just for sales but for support and alignment.
The Speed Networking session took a lively turn with BasBlue’s Liza Gordon guiding us through dynamic prompts while DJ Rimarkable kept the energy high with a perfectly curated set. It was networking without the stiffness. People danced, laughed, swapped stories, and exchanged info like it was second nature. The vibe was pure Detroit: warm, vibrant, and full of promise.
Later in the afternoon, “A Portrait of Confidence” offered space to slow down and turn inward. With paper, scissors, and soul-baring prompts, creative coaches Lauren Hom and Rachael Renae helped attendees build self-portraits that reflected not only how we see ourselves but how we feel ourselves. The joy, the softness, the boldness—it was all there in color and shape.
Between personalized color analysis sessions, fresh and seasonal bites from a women-led culinary team, and gift bags complete with Marshalls treats, the entire day felt like a love letter to self-worth. And Detroit received it, sealed with care. To learn more about Marshall’s Good Stuff Social Club CLICK HERE
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