Introducing The Birmingham Jane

“What will do you do to help others rediscover the magic of Birmingham?” That was the question posed to attendees of the March 1 TEDxBirmingham conference. We were each given a commitment form to fill out answering that question and invited to share our plans on the TEDxBirmingham commitment wall. I sat for hours pondering what I would do. I sat holding my commitment form in my hand, crumpling it to the point that I had to ask for another one.
But as the conference continued I began to notice a clear theme: the power of storytelling. Though the topics of the talks ran the gamut — from cyber crime and medical research to improving education and supporting the arts — each speaker was inspiring me to make a difference because of their captivating stories. And in some cases they had even made a difference and brought about significant change simply by telling stories.
And so I knew what I would do. I would start The Birmingham Jane project — a See Jane Write series of profiles on women in Birmingham who are making a difference in our city. My hope is that by sharing their stories I will inspire readers to strive to make a positive impact in their spheres of influence as well.
I launched this series last Monday at See Jane Write Magazine. I felt it was only right to begin this series with a woman who not only spoke at TEDxBirmingham but has been a cheerleader and champion for Birmingham for years: Laura Kate Whitney. You can read her profile here.
If you know of a woman who is making a difference in Birmingham please send your nominations to javacia@seejanewritebham.com. And don’t be ashamed to nominate yourself!

Bloggers Who Brunch Roll Call

Thanks to everyone who came out to today’s Bloggers Who Brunch event at the Egg & I in Vestavia. We didn’t have a formal program. I just wanted to give local ladies who blog and write an opportunity to nosh and network. We had a blast (and so did that adorable little boy you see in the picture).

Here’s a list of who attended:

Javacia Harris Bowser (that’s me!)
In addition to this website, I also blog at WriteousBabe.com.

Chanda Temple
chandatemplewrites.com

Bertha Hidalgo
ChicInAcademia.com

Vanessa Culpepper
BuddingFashionista.com

Lissa Peterson
LissaP.wordpress.com

Jane Bussey
awritersmuses.blogspot.com

Shella Sylla
SisterGolf.com

Abiola Sholanke

Mandy Shunnarah
offthebeatenshelf.tumblr.com

Cathy Porterfield
golministries.com

Media White
medawhite.com

Wade Kwon
YallConnect.com

During brunch I enlisted a few ladies to help me with a fabulous event I’m planning for the summer. Details coming soon!

If you’d like to be informed about future events, email me at javacia@seejanewritebham.com.

Join Us for Bloggers Who Brunch



You’ve heard of ladies who lunch, but the women of See Jane Write are bloggers who brunch!

Let’s get together on Sunday, April 13 for a casual brunch to discuss blogging and any other writing matters on your mind. There will be no formal presentations. This will just be a good opportunity for you to network with other women who write. This event is open to all; you’ll just need to cover the cost of your meal. (Guys are welcome to come, too.)

We’ll meet from noon to 2 p.m. at the Egg & I in Vestavia Hills, located at 700 Montgomery Highway. 

So if you’re a church-going gal, go to an early service and then come join me for good food and good fun. 

And don’t forget to bring your business cards!

PLEASE RSVP BY FRIDAY, APRIL 11 via Facebook or in the comments section of this post.


See you Sunday! 


The Blogger’s Guide to Birmingham Fashion Week 2014



Calling all fashion bloggers! 

Birmingham Fashion Week 2014 kicks off Saturday, April 19. If you’d like to apply for a media pass to cover this year’s events, you’d better hurry. The deadline for media registration is April 1. 

Don’t be daunted by the word “media.” You don’t need to be a reporter for a major magazine or newspaper to be considered. The organizers of BFW show plenty of love to independent fashion bloggers too. They’re looking for blogging who consistently post relevant and timely fashion stories and bloggers who are very active on social media.Bloggers who provide pre-event coverage and those who provided significant coverage of last year’s event will be given priority. 

If you don’t snag a media pass you can still cover Birmingham Fashion Week without breaking the bank. Simply attend the event(s) best suited to the theme of your blog. If your blog focuses on local style then you don’t want to miss Grassroots: A Local Fashion Evolution. This event, set for Tuesday, April 22, will feature local emerging designers vying for the title as emerging designer of the year. This event will also include designs by Elizabeth Singleton, last year’s emerging designer winner. The local vintage lifestyle brand Harold & MOD will be featured as well. 

If your blog covers both fashion and fitness then Lifestyle: Mind, Body, and Soul is the event for you. Set for Wednesday, April 23, this event will feature fashions from Pure Barre, Mountain High Outfitters, and lululemon athletica. 

For a complete schedule of events visit BhamFashionWeek.com.