BSL I also noticed that you are an event planner. What sparked your interest in such a
demanding field and tell me about some of the events you have coordinated.
CHARNA I started planning weddings with my Mother (who designs floral arrangements)
when I was 18. I used to help her with favors and anything else she could get me to sit still
and make. After returning home from college, I executed my first Fashion Show starring the
children in the church to raise money for the youth program. Since then, I’ve done several
Fashion Shows.. My favorite being the Black History Month Fashion Show I coordinated for
JCPenney at the Cherry Hill Mall in NJ. (They said it couldn’t be done!), I’ve also organized
several Mother’s Day Brunches to raise awareness for Sickle Cell Disease as well as the
Sista Girl Retreat Series on Martha’s Vineyard. I’ve also worked with KING of the DC2NC
Music Group (formally Royalty Entertainment) over the past 4 years doing events for various
occasions and show-casing local talent. Our most recent event being the 1st Annual
DC2NC Music Festival which celebrated the Independent Artist & raised awareness for
Sickle Cell Disease.
BSL What I enjoy about your company is that you also tie a very important issue into it and
that through MAJESTIQUE, you increase awareness about Sickle Cell. What spun your
interest in this often ignored health condition?
CHARNA My daughter was born with SCD. Like most people… until you are sitting in the
middle of the storm, you don’t really understand what it’s really about. My biggest issue with
dealing with Sickle Cell Disease is the lack of support and education we have as a
community about the disease. For instance... You would be surprised how many people
actually believe that you can “grow” out of this disease. Unfortunately, it’s a life long, life
threatening illness that affects about 1 out of every 400 African Americans. When my
daughter was born, I quit my job and made every sacrifice to be at home with her in hopes to
providing a healthier environment for her early years. In 2001, she was hospitalized 6 times
for various reasons. With all the drama of being a first time Mom, and adding the hurt of a
watching your child go through all of this pain then mix in a clump non-supportive people and
their ignorant comments and attitude, it becomes too much to deal with. So, instead of
getting angry I made it my business to talk to people, educate them or tell them where they
can get educated about SCD.
Don’t get me wrong.. My daughter is very blessed because she does not have a lot of issues
and crisis with her SCD (Thank GOD), BUT, it doesn’t mean that the next child does not.
Sickle Cell Disease affects each person in a different way! And for the Mother or Father or
Grandparent taking care of that child with SCD who does not have the opportunity to speak
to a room full of educators or their peers… I’ll gladly step up and do it for them. So, every
chance I get, I speak about it… or answer questions. I’m not a Doctor or nor do I profess to
know all of the answers or medical terms. I can only share my experiences and what I’ve
learned.
One incident stands out… and I will always remember it. It was at my 1st Mother’s Day
Brunch for Sickle Cell Disease. The band’s sound man approached me after the show and
shared with me that he’d just been called by the band to fill in at the last minute so he had no
idea what the event was about… turns out his sister had passed from SCD the previous
year. He told me he didn’t think people really new or cared about SCD and was SO happy
that he was able to witness that event. THAT…. Was my confirmation… along with God..
telling me, no matter what… I’d ALWAYS include the education about SCD in whatever I did
with Majestique.
Also be on the look out for my non-profit… Majestique Cares!
BSL Where can we see Majestique five years from now?
CHARNA In a cute little brick walled boutique! I have a few other plans for Majestique that I
can’t reveal yet!!! But, it will come to pass! I know it sounds crazy to some people… but I
don’t ever want my company to get to the point where it loses that intimacy. That’s one of the
things that make Majestique special…. That personal touch. A lot of people gage their
success on how big their bank accounts are or what kind of car they are driving… Success
to me is doing what I love doing and taking care of and being there for my family!!!
BSL And for anyone who wants to know more about you and your company, where can
he/she look?
CHARNA They are more than welcome to visit us on the web, www.MajestiqueEvents.com
Be sure to sign up for the newsletter… there’s always something new brewing at Majestique!
BSL Thank you Charna for allowing me to shine THE BLACK SPOTLIGHT on you and
Majestique!!! I wish you much continued success!
CHARNA THANK YOU for the opportunity to SHINE on the THE BLACK SPOTLIGHT!!!
Happy growth and continued success to you as well!
demanding field and tell me about some of the events you have coordinated.
CHARNA I started planning weddings with my Mother (who designs floral arrangements)
when I was 18. I used to help her with favors and anything else she could get me to sit still
and make. After returning home from college, I executed my first Fashion Show starring the
children in the church to raise money for the youth program. Since then, I’ve done several
Fashion Shows.. My favorite being the Black History Month Fashion Show I coordinated for
JCPenney at the Cherry Hill Mall in NJ. (They said it couldn’t be done!), I’ve also organized
several Mother’s Day Brunches to raise awareness for Sickle Cell Disease as well as the
Sista Girl Retreat Series on Martha’s Vineyard. I’ve also worked with KING of the DC2NC
Music Group (formally Royalty Entertainment) over the past 4 years doing events for various
occasions and show-casing local talent. Our most recent event being the 1st Annual
DC2NC Music Festival which celebrated the Independent Artist & raised awareness for
Sickle Cell Disease.
BSL What I enjoy about your company is that you also tie a very important issue into it and
that through MAJESTIQUE, you increase awareness about Sickle Cell. What spun your
interest in this often ignored health condition?
CHARNA My daughter was born with SCD. Like most people… until you are sitting in the
middle of the storm, you don’t really understand what it’s really about. My biggest issue with
dealing with Sickle Cell Disease is the lack of support and education we have as a
community about the disease. For instance... You would be surprised how many people
actually believe that you can “grow” out of this disease. Unfortunately, it’s a life long, life
threatening illness that affects about 1 out of every 400 African Americans. When my
daughter was born, I quit my job and made every sacrifice to be at home with her in hopes to
providing a healthier environment for her early years. In 2001, she was hospitalized 6 times
for various reasons. With all the drama of being a first time Mom, and adding the hurt of a
watching your child go through all of this pain then mix in a clump non-supportive people and
their ignorant comments and attitude, it becomes too much to deal with. So, instead of
getting angry I made it my business to talk to people, educate them or tell them where they
can get educated about SCD.
Don’t get me wrong.. My daughter is very blessed because she does not have a lot of issues
and crisis with her SCD (Thank GOD), BUT, it doesn’t mean that the next child does not.
Sickle Cell Disease affects each person in a different way! And for the Mother or Father or
Grandparent taking care of that child with SCD who does not have the opportunity to speak
to a room full of educators or their peers… I’ll gladly step up and do it for them. So, every
chance I get, I speak about it… or answer questions. I’m not a Doctor or nor do I profess to
know all of the answers or medical terms. I can only share my experiences and what I’ve
learned.
One incident stands out… and I will always remember it. It was at my 1st Mother’s Day
Brunch for Sickle Cell Disease. The band’s sound man approached me after the show and
shared with me that he’d just been called by the band to fill in at the last minute so he had no
idea what the event was about… turns out his sister had passed from SCD the previous
year. He told me he didn’t think people really new or cared about SCD and was SO happy
that he was able to witness that event. THAT…. Was my confirmation… along with God..
telling me, no matter what… I’d ALWAYS include the education about SCD in whatever I did
with Majestique.
Also be on the look out for my non-profit… Majestique Cares!
BSL Where can we see Majestique five years from now?
CHARNA In a cute little brick walled boutique! I have a few other plans for Majestique that I
can’t reveal yet!!! But, it will come to pass! I know it sounds crazy to some people… but I
don’t ever want my company to get to the point where it loses that intimacy. That’s one of the
things that make Majestique special…. That personal touch. A lot of people gage their
success on how big their bank accounts are or what kind of car they are driving… Success
to me is doing what I love doing and taking care of and being there for my family!!!
BSL And for anyone who wants to know more about you and your company, where can
he/she look?
CHARNA They are more than welcome to visit us on the web, www.MajestiqueEvents.com
Be sure to sign up for the newsletter… there’s always something new brewing at Majestique!
BSL Thank you Charna for allowing me to shine THE BLACK SPOTLIGHT on you and
Majestique!!! I wish you much continued success!
CHARNA THANK YOU for the opportunity to SHINE on the THE BLACK SPOTLIGHT!!!
Happy growth and continued success to you as well!
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THE BLACK SPOTLIGHT
Shining A Light on African American Entertainment & Culture
INTERVIEW: CHARNA LITTLE cont...
