‘Tis the season for Friendsgiving. Usually I like to save my turkey and dressing appetite for T-day, but when Channing Beumer reached out to me about her CNK + Bud Light Friendsgiving event, I knew it was a must not miss situation. I met Beumer two years ago, when I interviewed her right before the launch of CNKdaily.com. I knew then that it would take no time for people to flock to the Goddess of all things sneaks and Chickspiration. Fast forward to today, that’s exactly the case. From the site – which is filled with interviews and carefully curated women-friendly kicks, to interactive social media posts like ‘Cop or Can?’ -- all of her hard work and dedication led up to her big night with Bud Light.

And as a guest, here’s how it all went down:

When I arrived at the location given on the invitation, I was taken by shuttle to the AirBNB in downtown Dallas. Once inside, I took a moment to survey the blue lit room, which was decked out in Bud Light gear, and introduced myself to some of the other guests. The Bud Light décor continued upstairs, which is where we would later be seated for dinner. The table setting was simple, yet detailed. Each guest had an assigned seat, and a powder blue CNK Hoodie waiting for them.

I tried to get a sneak peek of what Chef Gabrielle McBay was preparing, but she told me she’d have the spread out at 8 p.m. Beumer assured me Chef McBay was making lobster and shrimp mac and cheese, and that’s all I needed to hear. So, we proceeded to a room that was quiet enough for me interview her.

SOAB: How did this Bud Light partnership come about?

CB: Bud Light reached out to me via email. To be honest with you, it was random and I didn’t expect it. But i’m a firm believer that when you work and you prepare, doors will open that you didn’t even knock on. So I linked with the team and we talked about ideas. What I really really wanted to do was, I wanted to celebrate friendship and I wanted to celebrate giving thanks, but also showcase women who are doing amazing things. I wanted to make sure women felt like they were heard. I wanted to make sure they felt like we were in a community. I also wanted to make sure they left better than they came. It was great to work with Bud Light because they worked with me. I know they have their aesthetic and I have mine, but it really came together as a really cool mutual partnership. I’m just very very thankful.

SOAB: The last time I interviewed you, the site wasn’t up. And now..

CB: And now..

SOAB: (laughs) And now… lets talk about all that’s happened since then. All the progress...

CB: Man. I can’t even say anything. I finally feel like I’m doing something that’s purposeful. I finally feel like I’m walking and my steps are ordered. And it’s just a blessing to be honest with you. I’m really at a place where CNK is my life, it’s my business, it’s the thing that I love to do. But I feel like it’s also doing something for other people, and that’s what really matters.

SOAB: The new year is right around corner, actually it’s basically here — what do you have in store for CNK Daily that you can talk about?

CB: Definitely more interviews. Next year I really want CNK to focus on a lot of original content because I think it’s time, so I’m gonna take that leap. It’s time to really really get our feet into video and join the YouTube-verse. Those are two really big things I’m wanting to do. Also, I want to find other ways to serve women. And slang these shoes, because you know I love ‘em (laughs)

SOAB: Speaking of, let’s talk about what you’re wearing tonight.

CB: Just a sweater, some jeans from H&M - you know I’m fine & frugal. I don’t like spending a whole bunch of money on clothes, but I’ll spend some money on shoes. I’m actually wearing the Nike + Off White Air Max 90’s, a special gift from my friends at Nike. I really appreciate them lacing me up for tonight. I’m excited to take some pics in these, because the Internet trolls are mad (laughs)

SOAB: Last, but not least, the menu. Any special requests or requirements, or did you let Chef Gabby just do her thing.

CB: I wanted it to feel like her menu. She’s artist, she’s a chef, and creative direction is super important. All i just said is I just really need that lobster and shrimp mac and cheese.

Note: The only requirement Chef McBay had was to make some of the dishes with Bud Light. Genius!

And from the dinner, to dessert on the rooftop where we spent time discussing what friendship means to us -- and everything in between -- I'm sure I can speak for everyone when I say that we left with full stomachs, and soles.