A Brooklyn Glow: Community & Connection

There’s just something about fall in Brooklyn. The air carries a softness that makes you want to slow down and take it all in, the people, the culture, the rhythm of the city. This year, it's feeling a little different. It was amplified as I participated in the 50th Annual Atlantic Antic, with temperatures in the 80's. Brooklyn’s largest and longest-running street festival was on fire, well at least it felt that way.

The day was unexpectedly warm, one of those rare October days where the sun kissed the city just right. The weather couldn’t have been more perfect, so perfect that hundreds of thousands of people filled Atlantic Avenue from end to end, celebrating life, community, and the beauty of Brooklyn.

For me, it was more than a festival, it was another full-circle moment. I grew up attending the Antic as a little girl, wandering through the crowd with wide eyes, soaking up the energy of the borough that raised me. To now return as a vendor, sharing Renata Del Carmen, designed to help others reimagine their lives from the inside out, was nothing short of divine alignment.

This year, I debuted a few new favorites, and the response was incredible. People fell in love with our Golden Hour Body Oil, a luxe, radiant blend that captures that late-afternoon glow and leaves your skin silky and hydrated. And our Brooklyn Bucket Hat, became an instant hit. Both are now available on renatadelcarmen.com for anyone ready to bring a little brilliance into their everyday life.

But beyond the sales and smiles, one moment stood out above the rest. Erika Alexander, known and loved as Maxine Shaw from the iconic 90s sitcom Living Single, stopped by our booth.

Her energy was magnetic, warm, grounded, and deeply authentic. Not only did she show love for the brand, but she also purchased two of everything and took photos with me and my team. For a woman whose artistry and advocacy have inspired generations to show up boldly and unapologetically, that moment was pure confirmation that when you lead with purpose, the right people find you.

As the day ended and the crowd slowly thinned, I couldn’t help but feel grateful. The Atlantic Antic reminded me that this journey, entrepreneurship, creativity, faith, and community is about connection. It’s about sharing light, reminding people that caring for yourself isn’t selfish, it’s sacred.

So as we lean deeper into this fall season and prepare for what’s next, may we all continue to take our soft minutes. To pause. To breathe. To ground ourselves in gratitude and grace.