This event is not just about the entertainment or the food.

It’s about reminding everyone of their value and worth.

Too often we spend so much time making sure everyone else is okay until we neglect ourselves.

That is not good.

How can we love others if we don’t first love ourselves?

Loving ourselves means embracing the essence of what God has blessed us with and walking in our purpose with confidence and sass.

ACUTE INFLECTIONS

“A velvety mix of Erykah Badu & Billie Holiday paired with the cool grooves of her 007 on bass” is how one reviewer described Acute Inflections. New York’s Jazzy R&B duo, led by a former Broadway singer, has been featured on HBO and Amazon. They can often be found entertaining their clients (United Nations, Mercedes-Benz, etc.) at high-end events across the country and abroad. They have shared the stage with Jennifer Hudson, Sting, DJ Jazzy Jeff, and other notable artists at some of these celebrations. Their albums are always favorites on the jazz charts, and their shows are both fun and enchanting. Just prepare yourself, because these sassy artists love engaging their audiences!

THE DUCHESS JUREESA MCBRIDE

The Duchess Jureesa takes a break from touring to serve a little soul at Love Begins With YOU.

This blueswoman sings like she knows a thing or two about love and life!

The Duchess Jureesa featuring The Dukes shows up and shows out, commanding the stage and her audience to have a good time. This young Blueswoman comes with a voice that is mesmerizing, powerful, bluesy, versatile, and soulful. Her stage presence is captivating and energetic. Her repertoire brings real-life stories alive through the BLUES. If you are left with any doubt or want a taste of Blues, then you must please yourself with a copy of her first Contemporary Blues album, My Time To Shine, recently released featuring Grammy guitarist and producer, Paul Nelson.

HEALTH AND FITNESS

We’re happy to announce our fitness panelists for this year are GR8Shape, LLC, Dionne Fisher , and Destinee King ! All three of these women are powerhouses in their industry and graciously sharing their knowledge with you.

Katrina Hills is the owner of GR8Shape, LLC where she helps individuals enhan ce their overall well-being through personalized fitness training, balanced nutrition guidance, and mindful movement practices. She is a certified personal trainer with specialities in Nutrition, Stretcy & Flexibility and Yoga. Facebook: @GR8Shape, LLC

Destinee King is a fitness professional, entrepreneur, and wellness advocate dedicated to helping women build confidence, strength, and sustainable lifestyles through fitness and nutrition. She is the owner of Elevated Athletic Club and Pure Press & Raw LLC. Instagram/TikTok @bodiedby_dess Facebook: Destinee King

Dionne Dent-Fisher is a wife and mother of three who leads boldly at the intersection of leadership, dance, and purpose. She is the founder of Arch and Pointe, an adult dance movement for women stepping fully into their power, and a claims specialist at a leading insurance company. Dionne is known for commanding presence, confidence-building, and unapologetic self-expression.

FASHION, BEAUTY AND STYLE

This dynamic panel consists of ladies who know what it takes to make others look and feel good from head to toe.

Natalie Burks of Glowe Apothecary empowers and beautifies her customers with her luxury brand of organic body butters, body soaps, oils and more. Read more about her journey here.

Carmen Myers is more than a hair stylist. She is a visionary who makes sure that each client that comes to Beaux Cheveux for service leaves feeling refreshed, renewed and revived.

Cora Christian makes beauty cool. She is the founder of the Beyond Beauty Ice Bar which has helped countless women achieve their body goals without invasive surgical procedures. Her goal is to help people look and feel their best. Read more about how she is making history here.

Karen “Glammother” Flaggs has been a mainstay on the fashion scene long enough to know what turns heads and makes a statement. From hair to clothing to overall image and vibe, she has a unique eye for attention-getting beauty and style.

LIVE LOVE LAUGH PANEL

Joie de Vivre is about savoring the moment and appreciating the small things in life. Don’t let our very polished Live-Laugh-Love panel fool you. These ladies and gents have experienced both highs and lows throughout their journeys of life and they have graciously agreed to be part of this important discussion about what it means to live life to the fullest. Your heart will be touched along with your funny bone as these colorful conversationalists share their testimonies and triumphs and give some food for thought.bout the Panelists

Jamaal Thomas is a Vicksburg, Mississippi native and former state champion turned semi-professional basketball player. He studied Computer Science and Kinesiology at Northwest Community College and Mississippi College after which building a dynamic career spanning business development, engineering, and award-winning leadership in the trucking and logistics industry. A devoted father of two daughters and host of the Table Talk podcast, Jamaal enjoys speaking and giving powerful insight on leadership, discipline, and self-growth.

Roderick Richardson is a serial entrepreneur who is known to many as “Rich.” As CEO of Rich Enterprises, he has transcended socio-economic, political, religious, educational, and business boundaries. This rising new-generation leader is a best-selling author, a media personality and a retired pastor.

Charlie Tubbs III aka GENTR3 stands as a true example of visionary leadership, integrity, and creative mastery. He is the founder and creative executive director of Actin’ Up! Entertainment, a full-service production company. His artistic talents have overlapped into the music, live stage and life coaching arenas as well. Tubbs’ debut book “Feel Your Voids” is set for release in Spring 2026.

Judge Gay Polk-Payton, who has been a practicing attorney for more than 26 years, also serves as a justice court judge and municipal court judge. She is a much-sought-after singer and speaker who uses her oratorical and musical gifts to bless audiences across the country. Polk-Payton is also a published author, a former radio show host and blogger.

Attorney Kimberly Walker Nailor has more than 20 years of experience as a practicing attorney. Her legal career has allowed her to wear many hats including judge, advocate, guardian ad litem, public defender, and city attorney for two municipalities. She devotes a great portion of her time to mentoring and uplifting youth in addition to being an avid volunteer for various groups.

Melanie Sanders helps her clients achieve maximum exposure through LuxeLife PR Firm, but she is no stranger to the spotlight herself. She has graced the national stage as a semi-finalist on American Idol (season one) and has also appeared on the big and small screen with roles on popular shows like “The Chi” and “Belle Collective.” Melanie is also a powerful singer, a model, and a popular host for events throughout the country and abroad.

CO-HOSTS

The co-hosts for Love Begins With YOU 2026 have each used their media training to share stories with the world through various forms of expression.

Gabrielle Terrett, aka Gabz, is a professional writer, editor, and digital marketing specialist with several years of experience as a news reporter, historian, and public speaker. She recently launched “The Depressed Journalist,” a blog which explores the oddities of life. Gabz routinely performs as a spoken word artist as well.

Raymond Banks is Mississippi-born fashion designer and creative visionary behind @Hoodvenchy. Rooted in his upbringing and inspired by legends like designer Patrick Kelly, Raymond blends culture, storytelling, and high fashion into experiences that move people. Honored with his own day in his hometown Vicksburg, Raymond continues to redefine Southern style through innovation, community impact, and purpose.