{"id":4709,"date":"2025-06-16T14:51:59","date_gmt":"2025-06-16T18:51:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/accesslauren.com\/?p=4709"},"modified":"2025-06-21T15:41:55","modified_gmt":"2025-06-21T19:41:55","slug":"my-first-rodeo-hosting-the-2025-midwest-invitational-rodeo-fashion-show","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/accesslauren.com\/index.php\/2025\/06\/16\/my-first-rodeo-hosting-the-2025-midwest-invitational-rodeo-fashion-show\/","title":{"rendered":"My First Rodeo: Hosting the 2025 Midwest Invitational Rodeo Fashion Show"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

On Saturday, June 14, 2025, I had the absolute pleasure of hosting the Midwest Invitational Rodeo Fashion Show<\/a><\/strong> at the Genesee County Fairgrounds in Flint, MI \u2014 and let me tell you, it was one for the books.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This wasn\u2019t just a fashion show. It was a full cultural immersion<\/em> \u2014 a celebration of African American cowboy heritage that beautifully blended fashion, community, and culture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

From line dancing and live music to vibrant vendors and delicious sips (shoutout to Crown Royal<\/a> and the Bulleit Bourbon<\/a> & Honey cocktail that had everyone talking), the energy was undeniable all day long.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Photo By: Misha Ramsey<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Fashion Show: Where Rodeo Meets the Runway<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

We featured four standout designers representing Flint and Detroit, and our local models lit up the runway in true rodeo style. Here’s how the fashion unfolded:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stephanie \u201cThe Bag Lady\u201d Bedell<\/a><\/strong> kicked things off with her signature thrifted and upcycled curvy looks. Her runway moment was a bold reminder that sustainability is stylish and that fashion has no size limits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

High Rezz<\/a><\/strong> brought the heat with bold, textural streetwear that pushed the envelope. As a Detroit-born designer, his work makes a loud, proud statement\u2014unapologetically creative and raw.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Olisa Marie Designs<\/a><\/strong> followed with a stunning blend of vintage glam and luxury streetwear. Known for her tailored silhouettes and striking color palettes, her collection brought elegance and edge to the runway.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One Eleven<\/strong> made a surprise appearance with a premium leather collection. This Flint-based designer creates high-quality, handmade bags with incredible attention to detail and craftsmanship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Eboni of GRLY RYDR<\/a><\/strong> closed out the show with designs made for the modern Black rodeo woman. Her fusion of cowgirl grit and high-fashion streetwear was the perfect finale\u2014strong, stylish, and unforgettable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Flowers While They Can Still Be Smelled<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

One of the most heartfelt moments of the show was when GRLY RYDR was honored for her years of dedication to the fashion show\u2014particularly her work in hair design. She has been a participant since the beginning, and this well-deserved recognition reminded us all how important it is to give people their flowers while they\u2019re here to receive them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Winner\u2019s Circle<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Congratulations to Cody Brianna<\/a><\/strong>, the winner of the Access Lauren: Rodeo Edition Giveaway<\/strong>. Cody is a creative, life coach, and the owner of Serenity\u2019s Dream Luxury Day Spa. As a licensed esthetician and massage therapist, she brings healing and beauty to the community. It was such a joy to connect with her and see her enjoying the rodeo experience.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Honoring the Production Team<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This show was a true team effort, and I\u2019m so grateful for the amazing individuals who brought it to life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Marlisha Bentley<\/a><\/strong>, Executive Producer and founder of Royal Privilege, LLC, is the visionary behind it all. She created a powerful moment by fusing Flint and Detroit fashion with rodeo culture. This show was her idea, her baby\u2014and what a moment it became.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sabrina Athena<\/a><\/strong>, Co-Producer and founder of the Goddess Werkshop, brought structure, polish, and next-level organization to the production. She\u2019s the kind of person who doesn\u2019t just make things happen\u2014she makes them happen seamlessly<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Calvin<\/a><\/strong> oversaw production like a seasoned pro. From multitasking behind the scenes to stepping in wherever needed, he kept the operation running like clockwork.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tyree<\/a><\/strong> brought clarity and excitement through marketing and communications. From start to finish, his energy made the experience even more enjoyable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sonni<\/a><\/strong>, your hustle did not go unnoticed. You worked nonstop and your creative fingerprints were on everything. Thank you for your drive and commitment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fancy<\/a><\/strong>, your hair artistry was flawless. The custom color, the braids\u2014every detail was executed with care and skill. I\u2019m so grateful for your talent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Photo By: Misha Ramsey<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Full Circle Moments<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

After the show, I opened my email and saw a message thanking me for my contribution. Then came the personal texts, the kind words, the energy of appreciation\u2014and that\u2019s when it hit me. This is why I do what I do. These full-circle moments keep the fire lit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To the entire production team, thank you for welcoming me with so much grace. If I didn\u2019t mention your name, please know that I still saw you, and I\u2019m thankful for you. It was an honor to be part of something so meaningful, so bold, and so beautifully Black.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let\u2019s keep creating. Let\u2019s keep building. Let\u2019s keep showing the world what collaboration, culture, and creativity look like when we come together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And of course, shoutout to @divabeats who always captures the heat\u2014and don\u2019t miss the full photo album, compliments of Misha Ramsey, linked below<\/p>\n\n\n\nngg_shortcode_0_placeholder\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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