"I believe that everything happens for a reason. People change so that you can learn to let go, things go wrong so that you appreciate them when they're right, you believe lies so you eventually learn to trust no one but yourself, and sometimes good things fall apart so better things can fall together."
~ Marilyn Monroe
I wasn't sure where to begin with this blog post given that it's been so long since I last posted, but I got inspired this morning by a Dr's appt of all things and thought it was best I start there. I know I usually talk about my quest to start my own clothing line and while this post may still tie that in somehow, I figured I make this post a little more personal and hopefully someone out there can relate in regards to my life for the past seven months.
My last post was four days before I found out that I was a Type II Diabetic. I had been prediabetic for a few years and while I wasn't enjoying that status, I was hoping to either stay in that role for as long as possible or possibly reverse it completely. But given my genetics, my body couldn't fight the inevitable on its own. So there I sat in my Dr's office in tears after hearing her tell me that I'm offically a Diabetic and would now not only be on medicine, but could possibly be on it for the rest of my life. She let me have my pity party for one for a litte bit before she began to tell me what my plan of action should be. The same effort and energy I put into making sure my boys were healthy, would now have to be shifted to me.
Dieting was not an option. If I was going to control my diabetes, it would have to be a lifestyle change. The word can't could no longer be a part of my vocabulary. It's not that I can't have sugar, I can only have it in limited quantities and have to be mindful of when I have it. It's not that I can't find time to exercise, I can make time to exercise or the diabetes will find time to take over my body. The only person who could help me set realistic goals and find ways to achieve them was me. I think that was the hardest part. Learning to put me first and sticking to the plan that I came up with. It's second nature for me to put myself last, but in doing that, I'm no good to anyone and that's not an option for me.
So I shifted my focus from beating myself up about what I was and wasn't doing when it came to fashion and instead focused on what I was and wasn't doing to become healthy. Oddly enough, learning not to beat myself up when I made a mistake when it came to my diabetes, made me realize how hard I was on myself in other areas of my life. The saying that "things happen for a reason" started to make sense to me instead of annoy me. Instead of staying in the belief of woe is me, I started believing that in order for me to achieve certain things in my life, I need to be fit both mentally and physically. Watching what I eat and making sure I fit in exercise has made me realize the importance of me.
I'm important. Taking care of my boys, working, paying bills, etc, are important, but so am I. I think a lot of Moms forget that and sometimes life finds a way of reminding you. My reminder came in the form of diabetes, but it can come in other forms as well. While becoming a diabetic hasn't been a walk in the park, the milestones I've reached along the way, have made it a little bit easier. Losing 20lbs and keeping it off has been something that I have learned to pat myself on the back for. Lowering my A1C levels within a normal range was something that made me high-five my Dr. this morning.
So while I still hope to achieve milestones when it comes to fashion, I'm learning to applaud myself for other things that I've achieved. I'm learning to pat myself on the back more often and dust myself off when I struggle. I'm realizing that when bad things happen, it's not because life had nothing better to do and decided to rain on my parade. Maybe it's because something good is waiting around the corner, but I won't know how to appreciate it without tackling an obstacle or two.
Sincerely,
Ebony
(Conquering the world, one stylish and healthy step at a time)
Showing posts with label fashion. Show all posts
Showing posts with label fashion. Show all posts
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Health Matters: Weight and Wellness in the World of Fashion
"People often say that 'beauty is in the eye of the beholder,' and I say that the most liberating thing about beauty is realizing that you are the beholder. This empowers us to find beauty in places where others have not dared to look, including inside ourselves."
~ Salma Hayek
On Monday, March 22nd, I attended the forum entitled "Health Matters: Weight and Wellness in the World of Fashion" by the Harris Center at Harvard University. I was excited to go given that it would give me the chance to say that I was in the same room with American Fashion Designer Michael Kors, Vogue Editor-In-Chief Anna Wintour and Russian Model Natalia Vodianova. Not a bad way to start the week in my book.
The forum started with an introduction by David B. Herzog, M.D., founder and director of the Harris Center for Education and Advocacy in Eating Disorders at Massachusetts General Hospital. He gave an overview of what the panel would be discussing as well as a recap of a recent health initiative event by the Council of Fashion Designers, where he also served as moderator. After a reference to the movie, "The Devil Wears Prada", he introduced the first speaker, Anna Wintour.
Dressed in a champagne-colored capelet jacket with black-heeled boots and a necklace that seemed to catch every light in the room, Ms. Wintour gave us insight into the world of fashion and how the usual standards of hiring models that are extremely thin, has changed given that their health is now at risk. She stated that Vogue is now making more of an effort to ensure that all models are of a healthy weight and mind before allowing them to be photographed and placed in the magazine. Ms. Wintour said that part of the problem in the past has been that designers, in an effort to keep the same aesthetic from the runway to the magazines, have sent them sample sizes that have been as low as a size 0. If you are a model that is not naturally a size 0, you can imagine the pressure they face in order to get to that size with the hopes of being in Vogue. Vogue has made a commitment to be the leader in ensuring that going forward, that designers are more flexible in terms of what sizes they send.
After a brief video that was sponsored by Michael Kors, he then took the stage and gave us his perspective on the current state of fashion and the eating disorders that have so long plagued some models. He gave a heartfelt speech which included him stating that "real women are back". One of the most memorable moments of the night involved him recalling an encounter with a young model who barely spoke English. She was young, beautiful and the perfect designer size. While she wore the outfit he chose for her perfectly, he could tell that something was wrong. He said that he took her aside and in broken English, stood listening to this young girl who summoned up the courage to say that while she was happy to be in the show, she was uncomfortable being an outfit in which her nipples would be showing. He gave her a more age appropriate outfit and said that the smile she gave when she walked out that door is still burned in his memory. He still uses her in his current shows and always remembers that day where he as a designer had to make sure the model felt good, not just looked good. With the end of that story, he also pledged that he no longer books models under the age of 16 given that they are still developing their sense of self and need more time to know who they are before being put in the spotlight and expected to perform.
Next up was model Natalia Vodianova, who was also featured in the video. She gave a heartfelt perspective of how the pressures of being a model at a young age had caused her to have a an eating disorder. She echoed the same sentiment as Michael Kors in that no model under the age of 16 should be booked. She also stated that when a designer notes that a model appears to be unhealthy and ultimately decides not to use her for the show, that they should also follow-up with the model's agency and alert them as to why so that they can get the model the proper help that she needs. With the help of therapy, Natalia was able to reconcile within herself the issues that caused her to have an eating disorder. She is now making it her mission to ensure that other models are given the help that they need and that models of all sizes are given a chance to participate in runway shows. While well spoken, there were moments within her speech, where you couldn't help but feel that you were watching an innocent child forced to grow up before her time.
Once the panelists had given their speeches, there was a brief Q&A, where we as participants were given the opportunity to submit questions in advance that hopefully will be asked during the session. One couldn't help but notice that all questions seemed to have come from high school students. One such question was for Natalia and referred to her other women perceive her given that she is tall, beautiful and despite having children, model thin. I loved Natalia's response where she stated that while she may be all of those things, she still has her own issues in which she struggles to deal with on a regular basis and that young girls and women need to find happiness within themselves. I couldn't agree more.
As I start to enter the world of modeling, I am often reminded of my own struggle with my weight. As a young girl, I was barely over 100 lbs despite eating anything and everything in site. I was often asked if I was anorexic, which I thought odd that even complete strangers felt the need to know. It got to the point that I wanted to carry a certified Dr's note stating that the only thing I suffered from, was having a high metabolism. After having two children, I found myself at weight that was more acceptable to those around me, but left me feeling uncomfortable. I began the process of finding a healthy balance of a weight that was both physically appealing to me and healthy. I now find myself in the position of hearing close friends and family saying that I shouldn't lose anymore weight since I don't want to look like I did before. The only problem I have with that is that I never had an issue with my previous weight. I think as a society, we are so quick to put our own fears and insecurities on someone else and expect them to carry that burden. We need to instead help those that are struggling and embrace those who have embraced themselves.
Sincerely,
Ebony
(Conquering the world, one stylish step at a time)
~ Salma Hayek
On Monday, March 22nd, I attended the forum entitled "Health Matters: Weight and Wellness in the World of Fashion" by the Harris Center at Harvard University. I was excited to go given that it would give me the chance to say that I was in the same room with American Fashion Designer Michael Kors, Vogue Editor-In-Chief Anna Wintour and Russian Model Natalia Vodianova. Not a bad way to start the week in my book.
The forum started with an introduction by David B. Herzog, M.D., founder and director of the Harris Center for Education and Advocacy in Eating Disorders at Massachusetts General Hospital. He gave an overview of what the panel would be discussing as well as a recap of a recent health initiative event by the Council of Fashion Designers, where he also served as moderator. After a reference to the movie, "The Devil Wears Prada", he introduced the first speaker, Anna Wintour.
Dressed in a champagne-colored capelet jacket with black-heeled boots and a necklace that seemed to catch every light in the room, Ms. Wintour gave us insight into the world of fashion and how the usual standards of hiring models that are extremely thin, has changed given that their health is now at risk. She stated that Vogue is now making more of an effort to ensure that all models are of a healthy weight and mind before allowing them to be photographed and placed in the magazine. Ms. Wintour said that part of the problem in the past has been that designers, in an effort to keep the same aesthetic from the runway to the magazines, have sent them sample sizes that have been as low as a size 0. If you are a model that is not naturally a size 0, you can imagine the pressure they face in order to get to that size with the hopes of being in Vogue. Vogue has made a commitment to be the leader in ensuring that going forward, that designers are more flexible in terms of what sizes they send.
After a brief video that was sponsored by Michael Kors, he then took the stage and gave us his perspective on the current state of fashion and the eating disorders that have so long plagued some models. He gave a heartfelt speech which included him stating that "real women are back". One of the most memorable moments of the night involved him recalling an encounter with a young model who barely spoke English. She was young, beautiful and the perfect designer size. While she wore the outfit he chose for her perfectly, he could tell that something was wrong. He said that he took her aside and in broken English, stood listening to this young girl who summoned up the courage to say that while she was happy to be in the show, she was uncomfortable being an outfit in which her nipples would be showing. He gave her a more age appropriate outfit and said that the smile she gave when she walked out that door is still burned in his memory. He still uses her in his current shows and always remembers that day where he as a designer had to make sure the model felt good, not just looked good. With the end of that story, he also pledged that he no longer books models under the age of 16 given that they are still developing their sense of self and need more time to know who they are before being put in the spotlight and expected to perform.
Next up was model Natalia Vodianova, who was also featured in the video. She gave a heartfelt perspective of how the pressures of being a model at a young age had caused her to have a an eating disorder. She echoed the same sentiment as Michael Kors in that no model under the age of 16 should be booked. She also stated that when a designer notes that a model appears to be unhealthy and ultimately decides not to use her for the show, that they should also follow-up with the model's agency and alert them as to why so that they can get the model the proper help that she needs. With the help of therapy, Natalia was able to reconcile within herself the issues that caused her to have an eating disorder. She is now making it her mission to ensure that other models are given the help that they need and that models of all sizes are given a chance to participate in runway shows. While well spoken, there were moments within her speech, where you couldn't help but feel that you were watching an innocent child forced to grow up before her time.
Once the panelists had given their speeches, there was a brief Q&A, where we as participants were given the opportunity to submit questions in advance that hopefully will be asked during the session. One couldn't help but notice that all questions seemed to have come from high school students. One such question was for Natalia and referred to her other women perceive her given that she is tall, beautiful and despite having children, model thin. I loved Natalia's response where she stated that while she may be all of those things, she still has her own issues in which she struggles to deal with on a regular basis and that young girls and women need to find happiness within themselves. I couldn't agree more.
As I start to enter the world of modeling, I am often reminded of my own struggle with my weight. As a young girl, I was barely over 100 lbs despite eating anything and everything in site. I was often asked if I was anorexic, which I thought odd that even complete strangers felt the need to know. It got to the point that I wanted to carry a certified Dr's note stating that the only thing I suffered from, was having a high metabolism. After having two children, I found myself at weight that was more acceptable to those around me, but left me feeling uncomfortable. I began the process of finding a healthy balance of a weight that was both physically appealing to me and healthy. I now find myself in the position of hearing close friends and family saying that I shouldn't lose anymore weight since I don't want to look like I did before. The only problem I have with that is that I never had an issue with my previous weight. I think as a society, we are so quick to put our own fears and insecurities on someone else and expect them to carry that burden. We need to instead help those that are struggling and embrace those who have embraced themselves.
Sincerely,
Ebony
(Conquering the world, one stylish step at a time)
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Evolution O.V.E.R.D.O.S.E.
"In the End, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends."
~Martin Luther King Jr.
On Friday, February 26th, 2010, I attended the 4th annual Evolution O.V.E.R.D.O.S.E. (formerly Sensory Overload), presented by the Black Student Union of Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. The event, held at Massachusett's College of Art"s Pozen Center, was a celebration of music, dance, and of course, fashion.
The evening began with a pre-shower mixer that included a live band. While guests were eating and mingling, artwork of notable African-Americans hung on the walls helping to remind us all of those who came before us to make this event possible. Guests whose attire ranged from "college campus chic" to "I'm dressed for the after party", were then ushered into the main seating area to vie for one of the more desirable seats. We were all then treated to a live vocal performance of the National Black Anthem by Soul4yoSystem. After an introduction of Andrew Kuforiji who would be serving as our MC for the night, the show began.
Designer Sparkle Thames opened the show with her collection of swimwear and red, white and blue themed ready-to-wear.
The collection was then followed by poetry which included "I Rise" by Maya Angelou while Michael Jackson's "What About Us" played in the background and a poetic explanation behind the meaning of Evolution O.V.E.R.D.O.S.E.
For the final designer of the night, the audience was wowed by an opening featuring a man voguing in a tutu. His performance set the tone for the Prajje Couture collection, which appeared to be a crowd favorite. Prajje's skill in selecting the right fabric and fabricating the right cut, is a formula that always adds up to a great collection that has everyone asking where they can purchase his clothing. He is definitely on my list of designers to watch.
~Martin Luther King Jr.
On Friday, February 26th, 2010, I attended the 4th annual Evolution O.V.E.R.D.O.S.E. (formerly Sensory Overload), presented by the Black Student Union of Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. The event, held at Massachusett's College of Art"s Pozen Center, was a celebration of music, dance, and of course, fashion.
The evening began with a pre-shower mixer that included a live band. While guests were eating and mingling, artwork of notable African-Americans hung on the walls helping to remind us all of those who came before us to make this event possible. Guests whose attire ranged from "college campus chic" to "I'm dressed for the after party", were then ushered into the main seating area to vie for one of the more desirable seats. We were all then treated to a live vocal performance of the National Black Anthem by Soul4yoSystem. After an introduction of Andrew Kuforiji who would be serving as our MC for the night, the show began.
The collection was then followed by poetry which included "I Rise" by Maya Angelou while Michael Jackson's "What About Us" played in the background and a poetic explanation behind the meaning of Evolution O.V.E.R.D.O.S.E.
After a ballet performance, designer Perpetual Anastasia was next with her collection of handmade jewelry. With Maxwell's "Butterflies setting the tone, models hit the catwalk with black leotards and buttefly wings on their backs. Unfortunately, this didn't play well in terms of letting you see the actual jewelry The use of a larger screen that focused in on the jewelry as the models were walking would have made it easier for everyone to know that the collection was for jewelry and not for a repeat of black leotards in varying sizes and styles.
We were then given a history of R&B starting with Earth, Wind & Fire and including artists such as Alicia Keys and Angie Stone. After a piano solo, a student from Berklee College sang "Redemption Song" which seems to have become the staple piece for shows in which proceeds are donated to Haitain Relief efforts. There was a bit of confusion as to whether or not we were in intermission when a few minutes had gone by and there was no activity on the runway. Guests had begun to make the usual run for the restrooms when our MC for the night appeared to introduce a guitar duet with songs inspired by Haiti.
After intermission, designer Ty Scott opened his show with a model carrying a sign with the word "justice". The collection was well-received and was followed by a presentation on the History of Rap, which included a live rap performance followed by a step performance.
For the final designer of the night, the audience was wowed by an opening featuring a man voguing in a tutu. His performance set the tone for the Prajje Couture collection, which appeared to be a crowd favorite. Prajje's skill in selecting the right fabric and fabricating the right cut, is a formula that always adds up to a great collection that has everyone asking where they can purchase his clothing. He is definitely on my list of designers to watch.The show was a success as evidenced by the the filled to capacity seating that then became standing room only. It is always nice to see people who are not only following their passions, but are coming together to help spotlight each other while sending a positive message that coming together and showing support for one another will always be more powerful than tearing each other down and not giving back. The Evolution of the human spirit was on full display at this event and I look forward to attending the next one.
Sincerely,
Ebony
"Conquering the world, one stylish step at a time"
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Imagine That
"We always attract into our lives whatever we think about most, believe most strongly, expect on the deepest level, and imagine most vividly"
-Shakti Gawain
As far back as I can remember, one of the things that I use to think about most was growing up to become a fashion designer. I believed it to be true with every fiber of my being and expected to be successful. What I didn't imagine, was that life would somehow find a way to intervene and put obstacles in my way. What I believed to be obstacles at the time, I now view as things that happened to prepare me for the skills it would take to not only dream, but to be able to take action.
Not too long ago, I put together a vision board. I had been hearing the term for quite some time and thought it would be fun to try. It's amazing what you go through trying to figure out what truly matters to you most and what makes you happy. My vision board included both pictures and words to describe what makes me move, have passion and take pause. Completing the vision board allowed me to say out loud who I am now and where I want to be in the future. I have left some open space on the board since I know that I am always finding new things that excite me and would like to add them to the board.
One of the first things that came to fruition after completing the board, was the purchase of my first home. The home I have on the board was of my dream home, which while it may not look like the house I'm in now, it is the beginning of what is to come. I can look at the board every day and know that if I continue to work hard and stay focused, that someday, the house on the board, will be the house that I build. The board also gave me the freedom to say that no matter how hard people say it's going to be or how scared I get, that I have to follow my dream of becoming a fashion designer and to someday own my own boutique. I know that life will find a way to intervene, but I will find a way to overcome.
I've started attending fashion events and making connections that help to invigorate me and find my way back to the creativity I pushed aside. I now eagerly await the arrival of every fashion magazine that I've subscribed to so that I can flip through the pages and marvel at what fashion is truly all about. To me, fashion is about expressing yourself through the use of fabric formed together to create pieces that are a reflection of what art is to you. It's a way of letting your creative ideas wander around like like walking pieces of art.
My passion lies in designing dresses. While I can draw other things, my hand naturally wants to create a stunning masterpiece that wows the crowd. I've tried to fight it telling myself that dresses are too hard of a market, but I can't deny that it's where my natural talent lies. So intead of working against it, I will find a way to work with it. If there are no events that warrant someone to wear my dresses, then I will create an event. No longer will I tell myself no when I haven't fully exhausted all other options.
I feel like I did when I was younger. Letting my imagination run wild and not setting limits has opened up the floodgates of creativity for me and the sheer excitement alone is enough to have me floating on a cloud. The thought of being able to draw and sew has made the days more joyful than they already were. My sons love to watch as I take a blank piece of paper and add life to it. I love to see their eyes sparkle with admiration to see their Mother doing something that she loves. It's an indescribable feeling.
In order to attract what I want, I now think it, believe it, expect it and imagine it as often as I want and need to. Imagine that!
Sincerely,
Ebony
(Conquering the world, one stylish step at a time)
-Shakti Gawain
As far back as I can remember, one of the things that I use to think about most was growing up to become a fashion designer. I believed it to be true with every fiber of my being and expected to be successful. What I didn't imagine, was that life would somehow find a way to intervene and put obstacles in my way. What I believed to be obstacles at the time, I now view as things that happened to prepare me for the skills it would take to not only dream, but to be able to take action.
Not too long ago, I put together a vision board. I had been hearing the term for quite some time and thought it would be fun to try. It's amazing what you go through trying to figure out what truly matters to you most and what makes you happy. My vision board included both pictures and words to describe what makes me move, have passion and take pause. Completing the vision board allowed me to say out loud who I am now and where I want to be in the future. I have left some open space on the board since I know that I am always finding new things that excite me and would like to add them to the board.
One of the first things that came to fruition after completing the board, was the purchase of my first home. The home I have on the board was of my dream home, which while it may not look like the house I'm in now, it is the beginning of what is to come. I can look at the board every day and know that if I continue to work hard and stay focused, that someday, the house on the board, will be the house that I build. The board also gave me the freedom to say that no matter how hard people say it's going to be or how scared I get, that I have to follow my dream of becoming a fashion designer and to someday own my own boutique. I know that life will find a way to intervene, but I will find a way to overcome.
I've started attending fashion events and making connections that help to invigorate me and find my way back to the creativity I pushed aside. I now eagerly await the arrival of every fashion magazine that I've subscribed to so that I can flip through the pages and marvel at what fashion is truly all about. To me, fashion is about expressing yourself through the use of fabric formed together to create pieces that are a reflection of what art is to you. It's a way of letting your creative ideas wander around like like walking pieces of art.
My passion lies in designing dresses. While I can draw other things, my hand naturally wants to create a stunning masterpiece that wows the crowd. I've tried to fight it telling myself that dresses are too hard of a market, but I can't deny that it's where my natural talent lies. So intead of working against it, I will find a way to work with it. If there are no events that warrant someone to wear my dresses, then I will create an event. No longer will I tell myself no when I haven't fully exhausted all other options.
I feel like I did when I was younger. Letting my imagination run wild and not setting limits has opened up the floodgates of creativity for me and the sheer excitement alone is enough to have me floating on a cloud. The thought of being able to draw and sew has made the days more joyful than they already were. My sons love to watch as I take a blank piece of paper and add life to it. I love to see their eyes sparkle with admiration to see their Mother doing something that she loves. It's an indescribable feeling.
In order to attract what I want, I now think it, believe it, expect it and imagine it as often as I want and need to. Imagine that!
Sincerely,
Ebony
(Conquering the world, one stylish step at a time)
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Fabrics, Buttons and Thread, Oh My!
"The sad truth is that opportunity doesn't knock twice. You can put things off until tomorrow but tomorrow may never come. Where will you be a few years down the line. Will it be everything you dreamed of. We seal our fate with the choices we take, but don't give a second thought to the chances we take".
~ Gloria Estefan
This past Saturday, I had the pleasure of doing something I haven't done in awhile. I not only went to a fabric store, but I also purchased two bolts of fabric that were so full of color and life, that they inspired me to draw again. I forgot how fun it is to try to recreate fabric through the use of markers. I got so involved with trying to match the fabric perfectly, they I went past my goal of spending a hour in my sewing studio. Luckily I have a great supporter in my boyfriend who cooked dinner while I designed.
Here is a draft of the sketch that I just couldn't walk away from:
One thing that allowed me to just draw was the fact that I didn't beat myself up for not making sure my hands, feet and face were perfect on the figure. I can remember being in my Fashion Illustration class and getting frustrated by the details of everything other than the design that I was trying to transfer from my head to the paper. I recently came across some Fashion Croquis that I will use to make sure my portfolio looks more professional, but the design itself will be what most of my focus is on.
It's amazing the feeling you get when you allow yourself to do what you do best and find resources to help you with those things that aren't within your skill set. I had been putting off going into my sewing studio because I felt like I wasn't ready. I felt like I had to know how to sew like an expert and draw like an experienced artist. Once I let go of my own limitations and realized that what I know today will help me know more tomorrow, I was able to just do what felt natural.
I know that I'm a little rusty since I haven't given Fashion Design the same attention as I do everything else, but I also know that my passion and desire to succeed are so deeply embedded in me, that I have to just do something. There will never be a perfect time, just the time that I dedicate to it.
This is my time to take a chance and create my own moment of Aha!
Sincerely,
Ebony
(Conquering the world, one stylish step at a time)
~ Gloria Estefan
This past Saturday, I had the pleasure of doing something I haven't done in awhile. I not only went to a fabric store, but I also purchased two bolts of fabric that were so full of color and life, that they inspired me to draw again. I forgot how fun it is to try to recreate fabric through the use of markers. I got so involved with trying to match the fabric perfectly, they I went past my goal of spending a hour in my sewing studio. Luckily I have a great supporter in my boyfriend who cooked dinner while I designed.
Here is a draft of the sketch that I just couldn't walk away from:
One thing that allowed me to just draw was the fact that I didn't beat myself up for not making sure my hands, feet and face were perfect on the figure. I can remember being in my Fashion Illustration class and getting frustrated by the details of everything other than the design that I was trying to transfer from my head to the paper. I recently came across some Fashion Croquis that I will use to make sure my portfolio looks more professional, but the design itself will be what most of my focus is on.
It's amazing the feeling you get when you allow yourself to do what you do best and find resources to help you with those things that aren't within your skill set. I had been putting off going into my sewing studio because I felt like I wasn't ready. I felt like I had to know how to sew like an expert and draw like an experienced artist. Once I let go of my own limitations and realized that what I know today will help me know more tomorrow, I was able to just do what felt natural.
I know that I'm a little rusty since I haven't given Fashion Design the same attention as I do everything else, but I also know that my passion and desire to succeed are so deeply embedded in me, that I have to just do something. There will never be a perfect time, just the time that I dedicate to it.
This is my time to take a chance and create my own moment of Aha!
Sincerely,
Ebony
(Conquering the world, one stylish step at a time)
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Me vs. the Machine
"Formal education will make you a living; self-education will make you a fortune".
-- Jim Rohn: Entrepreneur, author, and motivational speaker
I was recently sent this quote and could not shake the feeling that it came to me at just the right time. It's funny how you find ways to find the meaning behind even the simplest things when you're searching for answers.
I have been battling for some time with the struggle of going to school for Business while actively pursuing my goal of becoming an established Fashion Designer. It's a hard blow when you finally do the math and realize that they really aren't enough hours in the day for you to accomplish all that you want without something else being sacrificed. That something that feels like its being sacrificed is more quality time with my boys.
I always find time to do the routine things with them such as being chauffeur, chef, and fixer of all things at the last minute, but those things don't bond us, so much as they are what needs to be done. It's the moments of sitting on the couch and watching a movie together or going to the park that brings us closer. Those unexpected moments of hugs and "I love you" that you didn't have to initiate. I not only cherish those, but need to make more of an effort to provide the opportunity for them to happen.
So while I may battle with how to fit in time to do all the things I would like to do, there are some things that are non-negotiable and some that I have control over. I value the need for education, but also feel that there are those that soak up knowledge by living what they want to be. I want to be a Fashion Designer and yet I spend more time traveling down paths that only lead me back to where I started. All roads lead to me knowing what I wanted all along. I realize now that I let fear rule me with an iron fist and that my creativity was set aside and viewed as more of a hobby than a need.
I need fashion. I need the feel of fabrics in my hands, a sewing pedal at my foot and a desire to let my creativity take whatever shape or form that it chooses. I need to stop trying to "be" and just being. I need to believe in my own ability to pick and choose what roads I will travel going forward. There are some that I will take that will be scenic, smooth and have all the proper signs to tell me when and where to turn and how much farther to the next stop. And there will be some that will be bumpy, overcrowded and misleading. I know that I will be taking a risk by choosing to make my own map, but it's one that I've steered clear from for far too long.
Sincerely,
Ebony
(Conquering the world, one stylish step at a time)
-- Jim Rohn: Entrepreneur, author, and motivational speaker
I was recently sent this quote and could not shake the feeling that it came to me at just the right time. It's funny how you find ways to find the meaning behind even the simplest things when you're searching for answers.
I have been battling for some time with the struggle of going to school for Business while actively pursuing my goal of becoming an established Fashion Designer. It's a hard blow when you finally do the math and realize that they really aren't enough hours in the day for you to accomplish all that you want without something else being sacrificed. That something that feels like its being sacrificed is more quality time with my boys.
I always find time to do the routine things with them such as being chauffeur, chef, and fixer of all things at the last minute, but those things don't bond us, so much as they are what needs to be done. It's the moments of sitting on the couch and watching a movie together or going to the park that brings us closer. Those unexpected moments of hugs and "I love you" that you didn't have to initiate. I not only cherish those, but need to make more of an effort to provide the opportunity for them to happen.
So while I may battle with how to fit in time to do all the things I would like to do, there are some things that are non-negotiable and some that I have control over. I value the need for education, but also feel that there are those that soak up knowledge by living what they want to be. I want to be a Fashion Designer and yet I spend more time traveling down paths that only lead me back to where I started. All roads lead to me knowing what I wanted all along. I realize now that I let fear rule me with an iron fist and that my creativity was set aside and viewed as more of a hobby than a need.
I need fashion. I need the feel of fabrics in my hands, a sewing pedal at my foot and a desire to let my creativity take whatever shape or form that it chooses. I need to stop trying to "be" and just being. I need to believe in my own ability to pick and choose what roads I will travel going forward. There are some that I will take that will be scenic, smooth and have all the proper signs to tell me when and where to turn and how much farther to the next stop. And there will be some that will be bumpy, overcrowded and misleading. I know that I will be taking a risk by choosing to make my own map, but it's one that I've steered clear from for far too long.
Sincerely,
Ebony
(Conquering the world, one stylish step at a time)
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
I just want to draw!
Between talks with a graphic designer, a lawyer, online school, work and my most important job of being a mother to two boys, drawing has seem to have taken a back seat.
The creative part of me just wants to sit and draw and let my hands translate for my imagination. The business part of me understands that you have to be patient and make sure you protect yourself as well as your ideas.
Right now I'm trying to find the balance of the two. I want to be able to share my ideas, but I also want to make sure that I'm given credit for what I've worked so hard for.
So for now, I let my ideas dance around my head and onto the pages of my "Big Black Book of Ideas" until they are able to take the stage.
Finding balance always seems to be a resounding theme these days. Everyone wants to have it all without having to sacrifice too much. I'm guilty of that as well. I want everything to fall into place since I can't find time to manage too many interruptions. If it were only up to me, I wouldn't have to worry about that, but unfortunately, life always has it's own plans and I have to fnd a way to either roll with the punches, or duck faster. :-)
Sincerely,
Ebony
(Conquering the world, one stylish step at a time)
Friday, February 6, 2009
Where it all began
I can remember as a little girl anxiously waiting for the Miss America pageant to start on TV. While others watched to find out who would be crowned with the coveted title, I watched to see what dresses the contestants would wear. I admired the way the dresses fit and the intricate detail that was added to make a particular dress stand out from the rest. With each dress that came on stage, I became more and more mesmerized. It was then that I realized that I wanted to become a fashion designer.
With that realization came the many designs that I would sketch out on whatever piece of paper I could get my hands on. I also managed to take over control of my mother's sewing machine to make some dresses for my dolls out of cut up socks (which make the best fitted dresses for dolls).
Through the years, I have gotten sidetracked and walked down different paths, but they all seem to lead me right back to my passion of becoming a fashion designer. So, I decided that I was going to get out of my own way and not only pursue my dream, but stay focused and committed into turning it into a reality.
This blog will chronicle what steps I take forward as well as some that I may take backwards. Please check often and comment, especially if you notice that I haven't updated the blog in awhile. I have set a goal of writing down one thing a day that I have done to make myself better and keeping this blog updated on a regular basis helps to fulfill that requirement.
Sincerely,
Ebony
(Conquering the world, one stylish step at a time)
With that realization came the many designs that I would sketch out on whatever piece of paper I could get my hands on. I also managed to take over control of my mother's sewing machine to make some dresses for my dolls out of cut up socks (which make the best fitted dresses for dolls).
Through the years, I have gotten sidetracked and walked down different paths, but they all seem to lead me right back to my passion of becoming a fashion designer. So, I decided that I was going to get out of my own way and not only pursue my dream, but stay focused and committed into turning it into a reality.
This blog will chronicle what steps I take forward as well as some that I may take backwards. Please check often and comment, especially if you notice that I haven't updated the blog in awhile. I have set a goal of writing down one thing a day that I have done to make myself better and keeping this blog updated on a regular basis helps to fulfill that requirement.
Sincerely,
Ebony
(Conquering the world, one stylish step at a time)
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