The Start of 2009 to Present! Update!

Okay! So I’ve been super behind in writing and I know it! 2009 has treated me so good thus far. This is not say there has not been some kinks in the road; nonetheless it’s a journey that I’m more than happy to travel.

I had closure to more than one thing in my life at the end of 2008. In the beginning it was a little overwhelming to say the least. Have you ever had something end before you ready to have it end? It happened to me and I was fighting to hold on and then one day it was over. Following that event, I realized I spent a whole lot of time talking and dwelling about it, when I could of spent that time moving forward. Looking back, it was exactly what needed to happen in my life. Recently, someone said to me “you have to go through the rain for you to blossom and grow.”

The year began fresh and new for me. I began the New Year with my girls “the Honey Collective.” We celebrated 2009 at the Blue Velvet Lounge in Downtown Los Angeles. We have over 130 dinner reservations and we hit capacity. It was an amazing turnout and I was with some of closest friends! Monica Payne was doing her thing on the mic, Dj Rashida was rockin’ the tables with our guest dj from the Specialists Agency Dj Scetch. Champagne was flowin’, people were sweatin’, and the music was super fresh. It was a great event and a fabulous way to start off the New Year!

I had the chance to roll out to celebrate one of my good friends Crazy Legs’ Birthday in the Bay Area. Dj Apollo, Franboogie and Legs were doing it up at another YES WE CAN CAN Food Drive. Legs throws these events annually in New York and this was the first one he threw in the Bay Area also known as “the Yay!” Don’t get it twisted. Him and his peoples raise tons of canned food and get some of the illest dj’s to lay it down on the tables. I’ve got much love for Legs! Such a good friend and good person! Happy Birthday!

The Honey Collective threw a Pre-Grammy event! The rain was crazy outside. Straight on some Hurricane Katrina Sh**! It was so bad that seriously, if it weren’t my event I’m not sure I would have made it out. When I arrived I was like “damn!’ I’ve got sooooo much love and appreciation for our Honey patrons. I couldn’t believe how many people put on their warmest jacket and scarf (of course-we must accessorize) threw on a hat and some warm boots and rolled out to our spot to party it out with us! That night so many people came through and gave us some pre Grammy love. Talib Kweli got on the turntables, Prince, Dj Questlove, Ms. Janelle Monae and her band, Solange, and J Davey had them some Honey Love! It was a great night overall and a blessing to have such talented people under the HONEY ROOF!

That night, all of us rolled out to Prince’s house and had the Prince pancakes that I’ve heard so much about. Believe the rumors because they’re true! The pancakes are off the hook. I had to choose “omelets or pancake.” What would you choose?Much love to Chuck Lightening and the WHOAAA TEAM! I’m glad we finally figured out how to get our order in. Go figure! LOL It was a great way to launch Grammy weekend!

I had the pleasure of attending Janelle Monae’s show at the Sky Bar. First of all, I’ve never seen the Sky Bar tented up and I was curious to see how they planned on protecting attendees from Hurricane Katrina outside. For those of you who don’t know, Sky Bar is almost completely outdoors. In my opinion it’s by far one of the best looking venues in the Hollywood. It’s elegant, beautiful and it has a timeless aesthetic. BUT back to Janelle’s show! This woman is off the hook. Previously, I had only seen her perform on television. SHE WAS KILLING THE GAME~ OFF THE HOOK! I looked around the room with a “Are you serious?” look on my face. Her energy is immeasurable, her style is like no other, and she jumped in the pool! Yes, that’s right! I said it! She jumped in the pool and climbed a tree and ended her set. You had to be there to understand how fresh this woman is! It was definitely an amazing night!

I threw a night called the Executive Suite that targeted a demographic consisting of individuals in business. Partners on this project included Wendy Rose of Social Butterfly Consulting, Brannon Scales from Warner Bros Music, Scetch from the Specialists Agency, Asya Shen from Fusicology.com and Jesse Flores from EMI Music. The event was off the hook to say the least and be prepared to experience more of these events in the coming months! The Executive Suite was held at Downtowns New Hot Spot REMEDY. They have an amazing restaurant next door called Provecho. It’s delicious and I definitely recommend the Kobe Beef Burgers and the Ceviche Bar…it may change your life. Consider yourself warned!

Other events that have been quite fun include: the Provecho Grand Opening, Kiss N’ Grind featuring a performance by Talib Kweli and Soul Food!

I’m so excited to go to the taping of MTV’s America’s Best Dance Crew and see my girls “the Beatfreaks” KILL it! Dj Rashida will be rockin’ the tables as usual and don’t forget to watch and vote on Thursday evening. Don’t miss it!

Shelleyoto.com
Don’t even trip! I’m updating my website this week with all new content, photographs etc! Stay tuned! Thanks for all the love and support!

Some of my upcoming events include:
March 14: The Honey Collective at the Blue Velvet Lounge!
March 5^th: Intimate Otopayne Inc. event at REMEDY in Downtown Los Angeles.
February 28^th: The Honey Collective presents the Official after party for the State of the Black Union.
February 25th: Sure Shot Featuring Dj Scetch, Mr. Best, Dj Spider, and Dj Steve 1der.