On Sunday, June 11, 2017, my trek to Odunde had a few hiccups.  I walk allover the city of Philadelphia which means in an instant my plans change, arrival times vary, and I refuse to be frustrated because things will work out. As I approached 31st & Wharton two beautifully designed and maintained classic cars ride down the street.  Seeing these cars were just like finding a penny to me; it sets the tone that my day will be filled with joy.

Once at Odunde I bumped into my first cousin Michael while walking to meeting up with Lil/Big Sis and the children. The last time we saw Michael was over three years ago.  Odunde created the perfect opportunity for a Monroe Family Usie!

After a brief chat with the family we parted ways, I gorged on funnel cake with extra powder, and then it was time to start the vending adventure.

A Little Background: Normally I am an Odunde attendee. I get to see merchandise and haggle with the vendors. I am from a family of street vendors; however, most of them stopped in the 1990s. So each year I look forward to opportunities to assist vendors. Doing this brightens my day, brings back feelings of nostalgia, and increases their sales. 

In 2016, I had an insatiable need to fold so I offered to assist vendor Naturally Chic Fashion (NCF) with folding and packing merchandise at the end of the event. I enjoyed the 2016 experience so must that at the end of the event I offered my services for 2017. In May 2017, I emailed NCF to remind them of my offer and to confirm their attendance.

When I heard from Kevin, on Odunde Sunday,  I did not fully grasp that my 2017 experience would be predominantly as a vendor.  This year Naturally Chic Fashion had three booths. Kevin and I would be working the 21st & South Street booth together. 

It was fast pace, chaotic, fun, lucrative, and the best vending experience I’ve had in a long time. We had so many people attempting to make purchases that our team of two became three; my girl P.Battle jumped in to assist.

From A Vendors Prosceptive: We still got to experience the sights and sounds of Odunde. We partook in the delectable cuisine of the Caribbean Pot, friends/acquaintances/partners came to booth for hugs, we felt the reverberation of live drumming, and heard the faint sound of Whodini performing.

After a hard days work I was gifted NCF 2017 Statement Shirt Collection.  To see all the available statement shirts for purchase click on the my collection picture. 

My NCF 2017 Statement Shirt Collection

Thank you NCF Crew for the experience and to P.Battle for your participation. Follow me on Instagram as I tour the City of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection rockin my MD gear!

What was your Odunde experience? Let me know in the comments.