There are times when you get the chance to host something really fantastic. This was one of those nights. When given the opportunity to host a private event, as well as promote happiness with your own non-profit organization, I would assume that anyone would be rallying up to organize and plan this eventful evening. This was most certainly the case for me.
So, last Sunday, I hosted an event with o9 Solutions, The Happiness Assembly and Version 2 at Rose Bar at The Gramercy Park Hotel in New York City for the kick-off National Retail Federation's big conference, NRF. Our goal was to help inspire our guests to promote happiness in their workplaces. Guests were treated to a complimentary ticket, which included an open-bar with delightfully shaken cocktails of any liquor of your choosing, four different types of crafted h'or dourves, an intimate live performance by Grace Weber and her band, a keynote from Sanjiv Sidhu and a special unveiling DJ-performance by moi, wearing Lanvin and my AIAIAI headphones and spinning tunes from Grease. In many ways, I find myself wondering how I get to be involved in such incredible things all the time; it's certainly very humbling.
Rose Bar, if you've never been, is an iconic New York hotspot that's both romantic and mysterious. The lighting is dim, the curtains are velvet and the quality of people, both that attend and work, are top of the line. It's one of those places that never goes out of style and you always have an excellent time when you end up there for the evening, whether it be on a Sunday night to shoot some pool, a Tuesday night to listen to Jazz or a Saturday night at 2am for some late night swaying.
I've always had the intention of creating a world on Coco Zaza that represents me to the best of my capabilities- a world that is filled with adventure, positivity, humor, aspiration and passion, but one that also supports the causes that are near to my heart. Retail is one of the largest sectors for jobs in the United States and there is no doubt how many people that work in this industry are incredibly unhappy. I believe that happiness in the workplace starts around being empowered. Empowerment happens when people see what they are doing is making a difference in the world. When there is teamwork, collaboration, and empowering people enough so that they can see the outcomes of all their effort and hard work. People are empowered when they have the collateral and support that they need to take action. It all starts with empowerment.
So this is what brought me to Rose Bar- a little bit of start-up fun, a little bit of happiness in the workplace, and a little bit of Lanvin. Thank you for all that attended. It will be a night in which I will cherish and remember forever. Retail is a major industry for jobs in America and it's our responsibility to take note of that and to start integrating actions on increasing morale, well-being and overall happiness in the workplace.
Coco of New York is wearing a Lanvin Silk Leaf Dress, Wolford Tights, Christian Louboutin Simple 100's, Charriol Diamond Ring, Valentino Rockstud Flap Crossbody.
Photography by Dana Rose from Wire Street Studio