Coterie Retreat Bahamas: Day 3 Recap!

Welcome to the Coterie Retreat, MunaLuchi’s annual three-day conference for wedding and event professionals servicing the multicultural market. Launched in 2014, the Coterie Retreat connects vendors with giants of the industry, to continue mastering the best practices of their craft. More than just your average conference, the Coterie Retreat is a complete experience, championing inclusion, diversity, and community within the multicultural wedding and events industry.
Following a highly successful 2018 Coterie Retreat in Bermuda, the 2019 Retreat was hosted in the beautiful Bahamas, at the stunning Baha Mar in Nassau. Set along miles of pristine beaches, with over 40 dining and nightlife options, full casino, golf course, racquet club, spas, nature sanctuary, and more – this luxurious Caribbean resort was the perfect destination for three days of networking, professional presentations, and fun-in-the-sun.
View the 2019 Coterie Retreat Bahamas, Day 2 recap here.

The third and final day of the MunaLuchi Coterie Retreat 2019: Bahamas, began with some opening remarks from author, speaker, all-around influencer, and event moderator Karli Harvey Raymond, before her fireside chat with Chef Kwame Onwauchi. Chef Kwame is an award-winning chef, entrepreneur, owner of multiple restaurants including Washington DC’s Kith & Kin and Philly Wing Fry, TV personality and author of a memoir titled Notes From a Young Black Chef. Karli and Chef Kwame discussed his journey to becoming who he is today, the moments that shaped his life, and the lessons learned in pursuing his career.

MunaLuchi Co-Founder, CEO, and Editor-in-Chief of publications, Jacqueline Nwobu, moderated a fireside chat with business extraordinaire and philanthropist Sheila C. Johnson. Showcasing an endless list of impressive credentials and accomplishments, Sheila Johnson is the co-founder of Black Entertainment Television (BET), CEO of Salamander Hotels & Resorts, and the owner of three professional sports franchises (Washington Capitals (NHL), Washington Wizards (NBA), and the Washington Mystics (WNBA)) to name a few of those accomplishments. In an inspiring and informative discussion, Sheila opened up about her journey as a rising businesswoman of African-American descent and the hurdles and hardships she navigated along the way, before moving to a Q & A with a captivated audience of retreat attendees.

MunaLuchi Coterie Ambassador, events Photographer, Lawyer, and all-around business professional, Nana Annan gave a presentation on “How to Level Up: the Coterie Edition.” With a focus on how “network determines your net worth,” Nana unpacked the Coterie toolbox – demonstrating the unending value of MunaLuchi Coterie membership, and how, when fully utilized, your network and business practices can only become more successful.

MunaLuchi Co-Founder and President, Chike Nwobu moderated a professionals panel on “Sustainability in the Wedding Industry.” The panel featured discussion and Q & A with wedding and event planners Kawania Wooten of Howerton + Wooten Events and Tamuel Cowart of RW Events, and Professional Photographer Keith Cephus. Attendees received a wealth of veteran tips & trade secrets on conquering your luxury events, as well as an emotional speech by Keith Cephus on overcoming the adversity before him on his journey to becoming the person he is today. Chike Nwobu closed the day’s sessions and the conference with some inspiring words on MunaLuchi, the Coterie, the 2019 retreat, and a wish of abundance to all in their professional pursuits.

Following the day’s sessions, Retreat attendees were treated to a luxurious beach-chic luncheon and warmest of welcomes by the team at Atlantis on their premiere “Ocean’s Edge” setting. Exquisite cuisine, breathtaking views, and warm sun with a cool breeze was the perfect way to end the business of the day – along with the relaxing sounds of local Bahamas’ favorite band, the Falcons.

The final event of the 2019 MunaLuchi Coterie Retreat is the always much anticipated Gala. In an experience fit for royalty, Retreat attendees were treated to an evening of the finest of dining, signature drinks, and dancing – hosted within the ballroom of the Grand Hyatt Baha Mar, luxuriously decorated with a gorgeous rose floral theme. The evening’s guest of honor was legendary event designer Preston Bailey, who was presented with the Vanguard Lifetime Achievement Award, beautifully presented by Sheila Johnson. Award winners of the evening also included Oniki Hardtman of Oniki Occasion for Collaborator, Yemi Osunkoya of Kosibah for Valor, Photographer Nana Annan for Mentor of the Year, and Tristan Barrocks of Felicity Moments for Jetsetter. Retreat attendees danced late into the evening, enjoying delicious food, great company, and looking forward to the abundance of 2020!

Stay tuned to MunaLuchi social media for news and updates about the 2020 MunaLuchi Coterie Retreat. Click here for information on becoming a Coterie member. View the Summer 2019 Issue of MunaLuchi Bride magazine here!

Acknowledgments:

General Sessions:

Conference Coordinator: Tiffany Chalk Events
Stage Flowers: Wildflowers Events & Occasions
Linens: Wildflowers Events & Occasions
Venue: Grand Hyatt Baha Mar
Photography/Videography Team: Felicity Moments, Lyndah Wells Photography, Braxton Gardiner Photography, Trene Forbes Photography
In Partnership with Visit the Bahamas