This weekend was a full “I manifested this” moment because I got flown out to New Orleans for my first real all-expenses-paid brand trip with smartwater—and I got to bring my mom as my plus one. Before we even touched down, I was literally doing press-on nails fighting against time, thanking y’all because we’re about to be 8,000 strong, and reminding myself to just live in the moment. NOLA was a city I’ve always wanted to see (yes, I believe in the folklore, so I came protected and minded my business), and I was so excited to experience it with my mom—she’s become one of my top supporters and it made everything feel extra special. I take you through check-in at the Intercontinental, getting ready for day one, and running around Essence Fest—from the convention center to the smartwater booth where I randomly learned how to double dutch in under a minute (and shocked myself). We did quick little mall moments at Riverwalk, I redid my edges, and I found a travel-friendly hair invention that honestly felt made for Black women on the go. Then it was concerts, late-night editing for the brand, and squeezing in sightseeing on Bourbon Street before the weather started doing the most with thunder and lightning. My biggest takeaway: pack comfortable shoes, stay ready so you don’t have to get ready, and say yes to the moments that remind you how far you’ve come.