The Refining Life

The Refining Life It is our mission to provide experiences for you to have your mindset shifted so you can lead a more positive and productive life.

Smiles can uplift or annoy. Laughter can relieve and hurt. Happiness is fleeting and conditional. But, joy is unmistakab...
08/31/2026

Smiles can uplift or annoy. Laughter can relieve and hurt. Happiness is fleeting and conditional. But, joy is unmistakable and relentless.

Chanda Branch has a smile that is a part of her trademark and a sign of her strength. We are so excited to have her as one of our speakers for Refining the Mind 2026. She has insight to share that will shift us into gear towards a more positive and productive life!

Join us on September 26th
Hayti Heritage Center
Durham, NC
9 am - 3 pm
givebutter.com/RTMWC26

A little more about Chanda...
Chanda Branch is a dynamic force in the arts, a passionate advocate for cultural empowerment, and a celebrated leader in her community. As the founder of Living Kwanzaa, a transformative platform dedicated to helping individuals, families, and organizations embrace the principles of Kwanzaa year-round, Chanda is on a mission to uplift and inspire through the arts.

A gifted actor, Chanda has graced the stage for years, bringing powerful performances to a variety of audiences. But her impact extends beyond the theater. As a former Ms. Black USA, she has used her platform to speak out on the importance of cultural pride, community building, and supporting African American arts. Her reign as Ms. Black USA is a testament to her commitment to advocacy and representation, using her visibility to create lasting change.

Through Living Kwanzaa, Chanda has built a thriving space where people can connect, learn, and grow together. The organization’s mission is to empower individuals through the seven principles of Kwanzaa: Unity, Self-Determination, Collective Work and Responsibility, Cooperative Economics, Purpose, Creativity, and Faith. Chanda’s multimedia content aims to engage and inspire, helping to create stronger families, communities, and futures.

In addition to her work with Living Kwanzaa, Chanda is the founder of Modern Black Mommy, an empowering platform that curates information and experiences to energize Black women throughout their motherhood journeys.

Refinement is better when you do it together. We are offing a special right now for you to come and enjoy Refining the M...
08/27/2026

Refinement is better when you do it together.

We are offing a special right now for you to come and enjoy Refining the Mind 2026 with one of your favorite people.

Enjoy a day full of empowerment, revival, food, entertainment, accountability, and connections. You'll start the day with your person and leave connected to your people.

This special is for a limited time and limited availability so jump on it. Take this journey with someone else who ready to journey, too.

08/27/2026

30 days away from a tradition. 29 days away from something new.

I am so excited and you should be, too!

🎬 Friday, September 25th - Inaugural Refined Vision Film Festival

⏰️ Saturday, September 26th - 12th Annual Refining the Mind: Women's Conference

📍Hayti Heritage Center - Durham, NC

🎟: givebutter.com/RTMWC26

08/25/2026

The Inaugrual Refined Vision Film Festival is coming!

Four Fabulous Films
Talkbacks with Filmmakers and Stars
An atmosphere full of fun, freedom, and family

🗓 Septmeber 26th
⏰️ 6 pm
📍 Hayti Heritage Center, Durham NC
💵 $35

Reserve your seat TODAY! You want to be amongst the FIRST!

She's been a part of The Refining Life since the beginning. She started speaking and performing at the conference in 201...
08/23/2026

She's been a part of The Refining Life since the beginning. She started speaking and performing at the conference in 2019. We can't wait to see what Refined Expression Ambassador, Reign Selah, has to say and what she'll perform this year.

Come and be amazed by her words and talent on at Refining the Mind 2026 - Saturday, September 26th at the Hayti Heritage Center in Durham, NC.

She'll also be speaking during talkbacks during our inaugural Refined Vision Film Festival on Friday, September 25th.

Join us for A Weekend of Refinement: givebutter.com/RTMWC26

A little more about Reign...

Reign Selah is living her dreams outloud through the arts. Her love for the arts started when she was 2 and took her first dance class. She is now a member of THE POINTE! Elite Company. She has been featured in local and national dance and drama shows and three productions at the National Black Theater Festival. She participated in dance intensives around the country with prestigious organizations including Dance Theater of Harlem and Joffrey Ballet School. She has also been featured in 2 movies as a supporting actress - Colored River (2025 - Short) and Underground King (2025 - Feature). She got her first leading role in the short film, Faith That Reaches (2026).

Reign Selah has been nationally recognized and awarded the Gold Presidential Volunteer Service Award four times. She serves as an ambassador for both Brown Girls Do Ballet and Refined Expression, a division of The Refining Life, Inc. since 2023. She also is pursuing her interest in writing. Reign is the author of The Glow Up Journal: For The Girls Growing More Into Themselves.

Her aspiration is to be a Broadway and Screen Star. She thanks God for all of her gifts and talents and does everything for His glory.

There are special people who always lend an ear, but few who know how to listen and respond in a way that can help you b...
08/21/2026

There are special people who always lend an ear, but few who know how to listen and respond in a way that can help you become more positive and productive. We often find them in offices with couches but also in salons with dryers. It is rare that the same person occupies both places.

Shayla King-Drumwright is that and more. She will join us for a Beauty Shop Conversation at Refining the Mind 2026 in Durham, NC at the Hayti Heritage Center.

Join us for the conference and a full Weekend of Refinement: givebutter.com/RTMWC26

A little more about Shayla:

Shayla King‑Drumwright, LCSWA, is a mental health therapist with experience supporting clients across diverse settings and backgrounds. She holds a BSW from NC A&T State University and an MSW from UNCG. Shayla specializes in anxiety, depression, body image concerns, confidence, life transitions, grief, and trauma. She uses a relational, collaborative, and holistic approach to help individuals overcome challenges and recognize their own expertise in their healing journey.

Body, mind, and spirit. They are all connected and they all affect our health. On Saturday, September 26th, Coach Victor...
08/19/2026

Body, mind, and spirit. They are all connected and they all affect our health. On Saturday, September 26th, Coach Victoria Williams is coming to guide us to a life that has positively enhanced levels of them all.

Make sure you secure your seat at Refining the Mind 2026 so that you can experience this phenomenal woman and start your next level of reshaping and refining.

🎟: givebutter.com/RTMWC26

More about Victoria...

“Coach V”ictoria is a holistic personal trainer and integrative coach who works with adults who desire to live a healthier lifestyle and move more confidently in their bodies to continue to keep up with the quality of life that they want as they continue to age. By leveraging skills in personal training, nutrition education, and mindset matters, she helps clients reach their fitness goals and develop the habits to sustain those results.

Coach V is originally from Asheville, NC. After meeting her now husband (Chris) at NC State University, they moved to Greensboro, NC and have called this city their home for the last 22 years. Victoria has been in her field for 6 years now. Prior to that, she was a preschool teacher, owning and operating her own home preschool for 8 years until COVID. In addition to enlightening others, Victoria also homeschools her daughter and makes jewelry. Her specialty is waist beads.

Victoria has personally experienced the struggles of weight gain/loss, lack of motivation/self-discipline, and extreme dieting/workout regimens, so she is passionate about providing the support and sharing the knowledge that will help other women adopt and stick to a healthier lifestyle, once and for all.

Being a cancer survivor has given Victoria an opportunity to see life differently. Learning invaluable lessons about grace, faith, gratitude, and walking with God, she is openly grateful for that experience. She is now more equipped to support others as they go through similar life lessons, and the mental health struggles that come along with them, while on their fitness journeys.

08/18/2026

This voice actor is our welcome speaker at this year's Refining the Mind!
As you can see...she is in high demand 😉

Come hear what she has to say on Saturday, September 26th: givebutter.com/RTMWC26

Meet our Floral Designer for Refining the Mind 2026! CJ is her name and plants are her game. She is known as the "Plant ...
08/18/2026

Meet our Floral Designer for Refining the Mind 2026! CJ is her name and plants are her game. She is known as the "Plant Handler" and she will be providing us with an nature rich experience like we've never had before! CJ doesn't just design it...she grows it. We are so grateful to have her join The Refining Life Family and take our event to the next level. Here we see her with our Founder, Dr. Renita, after she shares her fabulous vision.

Experience with us on Saturday, September 26th at the Hayti Heritage Center in Durham, NC!
givebutter.com/RTMWC26



We are still accepting sponsorships and vendors for our Weekend of Refinement.

Email: [email protected] to learn more.

08/14/2026

We have our first Refined Expression High School Graduate!

Kennedy Rose is now heading off to UNCSA where she will continue to utilize the arts to keep her mind refined. She became an ambassador back in 2023 and still represents well.

We are so proud of her!

You can meet our Refined Expression Ambassadors at this year's Refining the Mind on Saturday, September 26th.

Want to support more youth in their mental health and refinement? Support Refined Expression TODAY!

(🎟 and Support 🔗 in Profile)

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Elon, NC
27244

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+13369010107

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