At the end of the year, it's human nature to do a review of the year. I've never planned a huge New Year Blow Out: the year goes by so
fast and this year is no different. Some people are having dinner with their
families and showing gratitude for each other. Some are using New Year's Eve as
an excuse to act a damn fool, even though they've acted a damn fool for the
last 364 days. Some people have their
popcorn, m&m's, and T.V. remote ready to catch up on mess reality T.V. and
Netflix. Right now, some are planning their grand entrance into that New Year's
Eve party. There are some who may not be feeling festive at all for so many reasons. No one can tell you how you should feel on
this day: just like no one can tell you how to spend this day. But how about
this: Consider that how this 365th day is spent, could set the tone for the
next 365 days. Ready, set, go!
Your source of fashion, style, and glamour made easy! You’ll also find tips on cosmetics, health, travel, and life, sprinkled with some inspiration just for you. ~Live Loud, Play Hard, Work Smart, Travel Plenty, Dance Always~
Wednesday, December 31, 2014
Monday, December 15, 2014
Top (slightly random) 9's of 2014
Every year at this time, I'm stunned that
another year is saying good morning, good afternoon, good evening, good night,
and good bye! Sixteen more days. Early this morning, I found myself smiling. I
hope you find yourself smiling on each of the sweet sixteen days left.
Hopefully, to add to your smiles and to continue with Tamu Talks version
of a year-end review, take a look at "Tamu's
Top (slightly random) 9's of 2014. Wait...this list is
in no particular order of importance.ok.proceed.
*Accepting the Dream-I couldn't have list without putting ME on it!
*My first fashion
show- And again, I couldn't have a list without putting ME on it!
*Yes to the Dress- My
baby sister trying on wedding dresses was a tear jerker. She doesn't know this, but before we started looking, I had to prep myself to
avoid tears at all cost. I've done well, so far. What can I say, she's my baby
sister!
*Final
Obstacle- My mother received results that solidified her title, EVERYWHERE!
These results represented the last part of the obstacle course that she has
been in for the last 15+ years.
*The overwhelming
focus on real and fake booties: For some reason, I don't feel the need to elaborate
on this.
*Dunkin Donuts
opening up 2 minutes away from me:Yes! You read correctly. Let me explain. When
I was studying at Parsons, Dunkin Donuts' coffee gave me life during my late
nights working on projects. When I left New
York, I left Dunkin. DD was 2 minutes away from my
apartment in midtown Manhattan,
so you can see why it holds a special place in my heart.
*Gertie- A friend of
mine, who I call "Gertie", had to make some very uncomfortable and
scary changes all the way down to relocating! She may have felt she was
starting over, but she started a brand new chapter. She.did.that.
"Gertie" is
synonymous with Courage.
*Kermit- He has been
both messy and funny, saying what people are thinking and addressing blatant
foolishness, all the while sipping tea.
*The Elevator- The
following is the current explanation of that fiasco: "Of course sometime
$hit go' down when it's a billion $$ on an elevator"
All I want for
Christmas is the complete, unedited version of the fiasco.
Sunday, December 7, 2014
The Gown
The Gown. The Gown. The Gown. Now that I have that off of my chest let me say this: Starting this label, I made up my mind to keep my focus on tops, skirts, and dresses and then expand from there. In the meantime, I was approached about making a gown. I almost turned that project down because gowns weren't my focus. You maybe thinking, "A gown is considered a dress..#blankstare". Correct you are. But, making an evening gown is different from making a day dress or even a cocktail dress. Now that the gown is done, I know that not taking that client on would've been a mistake. I have to honestly say, it gave me another courage boost. From what started off looking like a costume for Morpheus in the next Matrix movie, it turned out to be a nice, simple, classic-looking gown. I do thank my client for putting her "clothing-style" trust in me! Take a look.
Monday, December 1, 2014
See You in December!
Between finishing this evening gown and fighting a gnat, I
dare not miss December 1st! I'm entering in a contest with MAC Cosmetics, where
I have to submit a short, life mantra, along with a picture. So, in recognition
of 12/1, I'm posting the "mantra" I'm going to submit below (not to
mention, I need to save time and it's already written!)
See you in December!
"Everything you
have is enough to just BE. We look to the outside for inspiration. Being
inspired by another's story is wonderful, but when no other story can be found-
we all have our own we can turn to at any time. We look to others to tell us
what career we should pursue when we were born with dreams bigger than us. We
take quizzes that supposedly tell us what we are good at; even though we know what
our gifts are. We look to self-help
books, seminars, and church to help us get control of our flaws. We neglect our
strengths that are striving to be stronger for fear of accepting our
imperfections as perfect. We are always looking for more before we
"start" pursuing. Everything we have, within, is more than
enough."
Saturday, November 15, 2014
Come on chic, Focus!
This post ties into our last round table discussion about "Private Practice." Earlier that same morning, I almost didn't reload my business card case because I wasn't "feeling" like a business owner or a fashion designer. I thought "I probably won't meet anyone today anyway, so what's the point?" Talk about being in your feelings! But I just couldn't give in. So like a good, grown up, business woman, I reloaded!
Maintaining focus on your vision sometimes means ignoring your emotions. If your vision is to write books, even on days that you don't "feel" like an author, you still have to focus and write! On the same day, I read an article on BusinessInsider.com that outlined Richard Branson's "Virgin" success story. The article addressed moving past emotions and feelings in order to touch your vision. Meeting the friend of the boutique owner and reading that article; Maybe small coincidences like these show up in life just when we need them to whip us back into shape. For that, I am grateful.
Maintaining focus on your vision sometimes means ignoring your emotions. If your vision is to write books, even on days that you don't "feel" like an author, you still have to focus and write! On the same day, I read an article on BusinessInsider.com that outlined Richard Branson's "Virgin" success story. The article addressed moving past emotions and feelings in order to touch your vision. Meeting the friend of the boutique owner and reading that article; Maybe small coincidences like these show up in life just when we need them to whip us back into shape. For that, I am grateful.
Private Practice
This blog was started to feed my hunger for writing. I didn’t realize it would turn into some sort
of a diary. This is so ironic because I am actually a private person. Sometimes I wonder what I got myself into. I
don’t wake up in the morning and make an extra effort to put a wall up, so
blame it on my genes; blame it on my parents (Hi Dave and Mel!) Honest moment: I find it annoying for a
person I don’t know to ask me personal questions. I like to be the FIRST to start that personal
part of a conversation. (Control issue perhaps?) I know that the question, “So,
what do you do?” Is a conversation starter, but so is “How about that
weather?” This little situation came up
yesterday. I got the “So what do you do?” question from a stranger, with no
lead- in questions. It took me a few
seconds to respond because thoughts of “You aren’t Oprah” and “None of your
business” took over. I made the decision
to act my age, kind of, and I responded, vaguely, “I design clothes”. To my surprise, there was another person in
the vicinity who overheard my half conversation with the stranger. This other
one let me know her best friend, owner of a boutique, is currently looking for
a new label to carry. She offered to connect me with her boutique owner friend. I don’t know if this networking moment will
turn into a business deal or not. But I
was taught something….again. Had I not shared with the stranger “What I do”,
would that opportunity have presented itself? Would I still have made that
potential connection that could grow my label? A comfort zone is just that…a
comfort…zone… The zone can be an emotional zone and a personality zone.
Stepping out that comfort zone has to be continual because being comfortable
does not necessarily equate to being fulfilled.
Saturday, November 1, 2014
I remember October
I remember October like it was yesterday. Today, instead of
enjoying another 1st, I wasted some moments looking around to see where October
went. To tell on myself a little more, I just
remembered that our clocks go back an hour tonight. I sent out reminder
messages to people in my life about this "fall back" business. How
ironic: I'm the one that forgot and yet I saw fit to send out reminder
messages. I guess I have some nerve. In other news, I hope that you have
welcomed November with smiles and open arms. Yesterday someone said to me,
"You seem so strong and happy." I appreciated the compliment and
realized this person had tears in her eyes because of a tough situation she was
dealing with. I shared some words with her in hopes that she would not look
down on herself. What she did not know is that yesterday, I really had to force
a smile, a laugh, and a strong, positive attitude. Her words helped me, and I hope my words
helped her. More irony: You could be moving through a tough situation but yet
still be an inspiration to someone else. It's a good thing you don't have to feel like you're an inspiration to be one.
Sunday, October 26, 2014
Advice-Get it!
We can't take on major endeavors alone. By that I mean, you
will have to; find resources, get feedback, ask a ton of "how-to"
questions, and ask for advice. When it comes to asking for advice, I have found
that there are those who will be vague and those who will seem to have
"forgotten so unfortunately" they won't be able to help. This is not
to take away shine from people who will freely give advice, as those people are
very much appreciated. I ask questions with the expectation of getting the
answers I need. My philosophy: No harm in asking, the worst a person can do is
ignore me or just tell me no. HOWEVER, I've had to remind myself to not take it personal when a person
is not keen on giving advice. People aren't required to give advice or share
how they got to where they are (wherever that is). When people don't share, it could be for many
reasons for which we should find a cup of tea to sip and not let those reasons
concern us. So, keep that smile on your face, maintain a pleasant approach and
reach out to the next person.
Sunday, October 12, 2014
Put YOU on the calendar
While working on my next collection, I decided to work in a
few other extra sample pieces. One is an evening gown; which is not a part of
my original focus, but I'm going to try it anyway. I was asked to design a gown
after my model went shopping and wasn't able to find a gown she liked. I was a little nervous taking it on, but since
I've started working on it, I'm excited to see the finished product. (Maybe I
should post "in progress" pics...hmmmm) In the meantime, the calendar is booked to
capacity (Again, not trying to quote Tamar Braxton here). While I was looking over it, I realized I had
not scheduled time just for myself. I don't think scheduling "time for
myself" should include the gym or the salon! To me "time for
myself" means quiet...peace and quiet ..no talking, no writing, no
planning, no thinking. So while you carefully
fill in your calendar with dates, times, and reminders, make a YOU
appointment.
Sunday, October 5, 2014
Clothes Everywhere!
So, if you've been to my website (http://tamuincorporated.wix.com/mysite),
you've seen this dress. If you follow me on facebook, you've seen this dress.
If you follow me on twitter, you've seen this dress. If you follow me on
instagram.........and repeat again!
It's been challenging to balance the business and creative
portion of this monster, but slowly, I'm learning. To help me balance, each
time I finish either a piece or a full collection, I've decided to post
pictures, whether the garment is on a dress form or a model. In my mind, people
are anticipating my designs and people want to see pictures. Call it overly
confident, but thinking that way keeps the tenacity brewing! While you browse
through pictures past, present, and future, remember, custom orders are
available. And the work continues........
Little Lavender Dress...with a vintage flair. |
Wednesday, October 1, 2014
:-)
I am a comedienne. Not really. That has never stopped me from laughing at my own jokes nor has it stopped me from laughing while typing a funny (or what I think
is funny) message. Lately, I’ve noticed I haven’t been laughing
as much. I’ve been tense and probably a little too serious. When the days are
long, being “on” and “upbeat” throughout, is a challenge. But….smiles and
laughs are not only instant attitude boosters; they are FREE, unlimited necessities.
(Were you waiting for an ending? That was the end of this
post. And yes; I used a smiley face for the title)
Sunday, September 28, 2014
Back to work!
I hope you have had a chance to check out my first Spring/Summer
Collection on my website: http://tamuincorporated.wix.com/mysite.
So now that my hiatus has been over, I’ve
been researching retailers that would be a good fit for my label and preparing marketing
material to send in hopes of getting meetings with optimistic buyers! Oh yeah;
and still sewing. Here’s where you, my dear, lovely, faithful, reader, can
help. (Did I mention you were lovely and faithful?)
Please tell me what you want and need to see when
you walk into a women’s wear boutique. Just give me the first few words that
come to your mind; your comments can be about the clothes, your comments can be
about the people that work there, your comments can be about the dressing room….anything!
I look forward to getting your feedback. Bonne nuit!
Monday, September 1, 2014
September's Gift
Since I'm still on this "vacation" that I promised
myself, I'll keep this short. This is a new month with blank pages. We have been given the gift to write new life stories, our life stories, on those blank pages. I
hope you fill yours up with progress, wisdom, accomplishments, laughs, and beautiful
memories. Happy writing.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)