Wait Your Turn. . . and Reap the Benefits!

Happy Tuesday!!  Well, I've had an interesting day but all is well and I pray that the same is for you.  We missed

Angela, Sheila, Myself and Nichelle at Bridal Savoir Fair 2013

our coffee/tea break (lol!)   So. . .  I hope you enjoyed it without me.  I hope that you spent some of that time praying, reflecting and strategically planning how to achieve your dreams and push through the negative thoughts that came sometimes come to overtake us.  I've been VERY BUSY doing just that.  I must say, I think I won the battle today. Yay!

I would like to introduce you to another young designer that I met as a result of knowing Sheila James-Scott and Meredith Corning (who have previously been showcased).  I love her spirit and energy.  We met and it was as if we had been friends previously.  I was a stranger in Littlerock, Arkansas but was made to feel right at home.  

This designer loves fashion and does not mind standing in the background as long as she gets a close-up view.  This view enabled her to see what and what not to do when it is her turn to rise and shine.  This is what happened when we met at Bridal Savior Faire 2013.  She was behind the scenes helping dress the models but 2014 year was her chance to strut her stuff.  And that is exactly what she did!  Please take a minute to read her interview and then take a look at her designs.  I'm sure you'll be as impressed with her work and determination as I am. 

1. Tell me about yourself and how we came to meet.....

My name is Angela McKenzie-Smith. I was born, raised and currently residing in Little Rock, Arkansas. I recently got married this past April to a very handsome man by the name of Marcus Smith and we are also expecting twin boys in February 2015. Tracy and I met last year at the Bridal Savoir Faire in Howell, Arkansas; created by Meredith Corning of Compassion Fashion. I am very involved with Compassion Fashion so last year I was just the designer helping with the coordination of the show. Ms.Smith was showcasing her crochet beachwear and we exchanged information and kept in touch via social media.

 2. What are your gifts and talents? We're they taught or GOD given?
I have a couple of gifts and talents that I display, including but not limited to, cooking and designing women clothing. The cooking was most definitely taught! I come from a family of 15 siblings (same parents!) and my mom cooked practically everyday! She always experimented in the kitchen which trickled down to me. And designing was a mix of both, being taught and God given. I say that because when I was growing up, I always wanted my clothes to stand out. I remember cutting up jeans, taking out hems, removing pockets to show off the darker shade underneath and adding paint or patches down the legs. I always wanted to do more but didn't know how to sew on a machine and barely by hand. In 2010, I attended Jamileh Kamran's School of Fashion Design (now known as the Little Rock School of Fashion) and she taught me how to not only use a sewing machine but how to properly measure the body, create patterns, drape, alter, and much more.

 3. What is your brand and what was your inspiration for starting it?

The name of my brand is AnJaNell. I wanted to create a name that was as unique as my design aesthetic. The name itself is just a miixture of my first and middle name (Angela JaNell) but that is exactly what it represents...ME. My style. My personality.

 4. Where can the brand be seen?  Right now the brand is exclusive to online. You can find AnJaNell on Facebook (Angela McKenzie-Smith linked to AnJaNell fashion) and Instagram (search AnJaNell or @designerangelam)

 5. How can customers shop and/or place an order?  My website is currently under construction but will be up very soon! (AnJaNell.com) For now, orders can be placed by simply inboxing me on either of my social networking sites. Payment methods depend on where you are located but of course PayPal is one of them.

 6. Has your line been showcased in any shows this year?
Yes! I designed four wedding gowns and a flower girl dress for this year's Bridal Savoir Faire 2014. Other than that, I haven't been involved in many shows because I have been more focused on custom orders for clients and building my brand far beyond on a local scale. With that being said, One of my bridal gowns will be featured on the front page of a local magazine next year, I designed a dress for a Bar Louie "All Gold" calendar and I participated in the Divas Dressing Darlings event presented by Compassion Fashion in which i had over 15 dresses sent to Africa for little girls to wear.

 

Wedding Gown presented at
Bridal Savoir Fair 2014

7. What advice do you have for someone striving to create a brand or find their gift/purpose?  My advice would be to really get to know yourself. Sit down and really think, what is it that I really enjoy doing? Will I be happy doing that for the rest of my life? How can I make that happen? And, how can I monetize? After these questions are answered, take the first step! You can't capitalize on your gift/purpose if you're still doing the things that made you unhappy yesterday. The time is now!

 8.  Do  you run your business fill time or are you bi-vocational?  I just started running my business full time, Thanks to my husband. I am super excited and very grateful! There is sooo much that I am in the process of doing, you should definitely stay tuned because AnJaNell is just getting started!!

Angela reminds us to wait out turn and not be too anxious to shine.  It is through helping others and taking a step back to enjoy the process that we are actually giving ourselves a chance to move forward.  So "let us not be weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we dot give up." Galatians 6:9

Angela is definately reaping her harvest!  I look forward to seeing the continued benefits as her fashion line continues tp grow, her marriage grows stronger and her new babies come into the world.  I hope she gives me a chance to introduce them to you. (smile!)  God bless you Angela and thanks for sharing with us today.

Compassion is definitely in Fashion!

Good Morning!  I apologize for this late post.  I haven't been feeling well.  I am doing better and very excited

to share this post with you.  I hope you are just as excited to read it.  Do you have your coffee/tea?  If so, let's get to it!

Last week I introduced you to my mentor Sheila James-Scott of N'chole Feroce.  This week I would like to introduce you to an awesome lady that I met through Sheila by the name of Meredith Corning.  She and I became friends and share the love of fashion.  I was privileged to participate in the first Bridal Savore Faire Fashion Show in Little Rock, Arkansas, which was hosted by her.  I love to help people but she takes it to a totally different level (which we all should).  Like the saying goes. . . . "Don't talk about it, Be about it."  Putting her words and ideas in to action for others is exactly what Meredith does.

Well, don't let me drag this introduction on forever. . . . you will find out more about her and her awesome work in the interview.... I hope she inspires you as she has done for me.  Enjoy!

Your Girlfriend's Closet Charity Event
Meredith and Dawn Scott, THV11 News Anchor

1.  Tell me about yourself and how we came to meet

We met through our good friend (and my client), Sheila Scott.  You saw a fashion illustration I did for Sheila and asked me to whip something up for LovePetals.  Subsequently, we met in person at Oklahoma Fashion Week and the rest is history!

2.  What are your gifts and talents?  Were they taught or God given or both?

I think at this stage in my life, I've come to realize I have an innate talent for marketing.  Some of that was indeed learned through experience, but mostly I think that it has more to do with knowing people on a deeper level.  That is something you are born with or not.  For whatever reason, I also have a keen sense of what is beautiful.  I don't necessarily believe that everything I think is beautiful may be viewed as beautiful to other people.  I may see a piece of art that represents a beautiful message, but others may see only the paint strokes or the colors, the style and not like it. My gift is to appreciate beauty on multiple levels, not simply aesthetically.  

3.  What is your brand and what was your inspiration for starting it?

Diva's Dressing Daughters Event
Meredith and Korto Momolu from Project Runway

I started Compassion Fashion as a blog dedicated to providing a platform for domestic violence survivors and nonprofits and companies doing good works in the domestic violence sector.  Soon after, I started working on charitable events for causes that touched me in some way.  My inspiration was simply that I was tired of seeing horrible things happening in the world and had to become proactive to prevent myself from becoming completely stressed out about it.  It's the single most important thing we can do for ourselves is to help others.  Seems selfish when you think of it that way, but doing something that helps others will always have a positive effect on your life no matter what and that's just the simple cause and effect equation in the philanthropy world.

Photo of Kenya wearing one of the Divas 

Dressing Darlings dresses after facial

reconstruction at Arkansas Children's Hospital

Since those beginnings, I've turned Compassion Fashion into a marketing events company that incorporates fashion and philanthropy into everything we do.  Recently, I started a wedding planning branch of services and have also published a magazine called Bridal Savoir Faire, the same working title as an annual bridal show I host.  I also offer marketing consulting services to brands.

4.  Where can your brand be seen?  Website, twitter, fb, youtube, etc...

Compassion Fashion website:  http://www.compassionfashionevents.com/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/CompassionFashion

Twitter: https://twitter.com/CFEventsDesign

Instagram: http://instagram.com/compassion_fashion

Pinterest (truth: Pinterest is the only one I'm obsessed with): http://www.pinterest.com/CFEvents/

Wedding Planning website:

 http://www.meredithevents.com/

Goodwill Industries of Arkansas and WIN's Dress-Up
CareerCloset Grand Opening.

5.  How can you be contacted?

My business is a service-oriented company and the best way to reach me is through my email:  meredith@meredithcorning.com.

6.  What advice do you have for someone striving to create a brand or find their gifts/purpose?

Always be true to yourself.  This means representing your brand to be as unique as you are.  Throw the rules out the window.  People are tired of cookie-cutter brands.  They want to see you.  They want to know who they are buying products/services from.  You have to have an online presence these days, but don't rely strictly on digital media.  Call your customers, meet them for coffee or invite them to dinner.  We are in a time where people are craving REAL relationships.  There are loads of options in the consumer market.  What will make someone want to work with you or buy your product?  Because you're so good or your

Inside look of the Bridal Savoir Faire Magazine 2014

product is so special?  No.  Tell the story of your brand.  Tell YOUR story.  What we all are selling at the end of the day is a lifestyle and a relationship with our brands.  Be smart.  Show them who you are, be vulnerable and the ones who walk away...c'est la vie.

7.  Do you run your business full time or are you bi-vocational?

My business is full-time.  I am constantly working on new projects or upcoming events and weddings.  

As you can see this woman is busy trying to make a difference in the world.  She is about relationships and being present for yourself and others.  She is a wife, mom, entrepreneur and humanitarian.  We should all aspire to have these attributes.  Thanks Meredith for sharing your story and letting us bask in your light.  You inspire us to dream big and to make a difference.

I Get By With a Little Help From My Friends.

Good Morning!  I am sitting here  (feeling a little sick today) with my cup of tea (one of my favorite things) wondering how to begin this blog. Then this Beetles song comes in my head and I got it!!!  

Here is a snippet of the lyrics. . .  

Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends

Mmm, gonna try with a little help from my friends

Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends

Yes, I get high with a little help from my friends

With a little help from my friends

We can take the lyrics "love" out and imagine what we need, who we need and why we need it.  Some people try to act strong as if they can do it on their own and do not need anyone.  We all "get by with a little help" from whatever source that is.  

It just so happened that as I was preparing for my first big presentation (Oklahoma Fashion Week 2013) that I got by with help from my mentor Sheila James-Scott.  We had never met in person (before OKC Fashion Week) but, once we did, we became fast friends and I am so glad that she is a part of my life.  She inspires me with her zest for life and creativity, her warmness and generosity.  Read a little further and find out more about this talented woman.  Enjoy!!!

1.  Tell me about yourself and how we came to meet : 

 I'm a fashion designer who still works a full-time job in the power industry by day. Fashion keeps me balanced.  It's my ultimate passion.  You and I were "introduced" by Henry with Oklahoma Fashion Week in 2013.  Once we were able to speak on the phone, I felt like I had known you all my life.  We had an instant connection and I'm so blessed to know you.

2.  What are your gifts and talents?  I would say my gifts are my talents

.  Those would consist of singing by ear and sewing by sight.  Where they taught or God given or both?  Both of those are definitely God-given.

3.  What is your brand and what was your inspiration for starting it?  My brand is N'cholé Féroce, which was initially inspired by my mother and her love for fashion and sewing.  She always made our clothes when I was growing up and I wanted to pick up where she left off.  She began traveling a lot with her job and never got to get back to her passion for sewing.  I always admired how she could take an idea and turn it into something beautiful and unique.

4.  Where can your brand be seen?  Website, twitter, fb, youtube, etc...  I have a website (www.ncholeferoce.com); Facebook page (www.facebook.com/ncholeferoce); YouTube (NcholeFeroce); Twitter (www.twitter.com/ncholeferoce)

5.  How can customers shop or place and order?  I accept orders via my website or if someone would like to contact me by email or one of my social media pages, I'm open to that as well.  I'm still building up my Etsy shop but I can be contacted there as well.  Just search for NcholeFeroceAve.

6.  What advice do you have for someone striving to create a brand or find

their gifts/purpose?  Seek God first and foremost to help you with your purpose.  Surround yourself with people who are ahead of you and NEVER forget to return the favor to those who are trying to make a name for themselves as well.  Always remain humble and always remember those who helped you along the way, even those who didn't believe in you.  Those people even served a purpose to help you get to your rightful place even if they don't know it.

7.  Share with us the shows you have participated in this year.  This year, I have been involved in Little Rock Fashion Week (Little Rock, AR), Chattanooga Fashion Week (Chattanooga, TN), and Bridal Savoir Faire (Howell, AR).

I love that Sheila shared that people who don't believe in you/support you were also helpful.  It is so true!  They give you the drive and determination to make your dreams succeed.  Don't forget about them... they are necessary.  However, you should lean on your friends and listen to the positive affirmations they send your way.  Remember. . .  You get by with a little help from your friends!  Have a Great Day! 

RE: Interview Questions f

Watch and Learn while on your ladder to Success!

"We often learn from our differences more than our similarities, and those ascending the ladder of success can watch and learn from those a few rungs above them." - T.D. Jakes

I am excited about this series of interviews I have begun.  It is exciting to read the answers to questions I have presented to the various people in my life who I am watching and who have motivated me on my quest to build my brand.  Now let's be clear . . . all of these people are not crochet designers. . . .  they are people following their passion.  They are people using the unique gifts and talents that are God given and (at times) developed or enhanced educationally.

Sometimes we are asked to do things that we think are small scale and do not have an impact.  We kinda turn our nose and think they are a waste of time and won't get us noticed or help us grow in the direction we would like to go.  But, EVERYTHING thing happens for a reason.  Nothing is a coincidence.  I have learned that more recently than all the years of my life.

Approximately three years ago I was asked to do a fashion show with my sister at her Women's Ministry Luncheon in Oklahoma City.  It was for her church (of course, I said Women's Ministry. Duh!!) lol!  I packed up my things, flew to Oklahoma for several days and participated.  I was only able to show a few things because the models selected were either too small or too large for the items I created.  I was kinda bummed because I packed all these things and only showed a few.  I felt it was a waste of time, effort and money.

Lots of pictures were taken at the event and they were posted to Facebook.  Some time later I was told that I was invited to participate in the first Oklahoma City Mercedes Benz Fashion Week!  (See! small things can create big opportunities!)  I met with the gentleman, he connected me to those in charge and the rest is history.  He also connected me to a women who had experience doing these type of fashion shows and suggested that we team up so she would become my Mentor.  We did, and again the rest is history!

I will be introducing her to you this Tuesday and invite you to stop by and read her interview.  I am sure you'll be inspired by her story.  I also hope that (if you haven't already) you begin your quest to surround yourself with people who inspire and encourage you to embrace your gifts, work through your struggles, believe that God has your back and push you to reach your goals.  No man is an island.  We all need each other and also to see or read the stories of those who have taken the steps we are are now taking.  It lets us know we are not alone. . . . we are stronger than we think . . . and slow and steady wins the race.

So, read the stories of those who are successful, reach out to them (if accessible) and grasp and learn what you can. This is will inspire you as you climb the ladder to success. See you Tuesday!

Be Generous. . . There is Enough Out There For Us All!

I have a question . . . .Has a friend ever told you about a great deal they received but failed to let you know where it was?  Has an acquaintance (we wont call them a friend, lol!) found out about a great opportunity that could be of great benefit to you but didn't want to see you progress better than them? (The Crab effect)  It happens all the time.  I don't understand the logic and kinda feel sorry for them.  They don't know the benefits of being generous.  It doesn't just benefit the other, it also benefits the person that shares the information.

This is one thing that attracted me to (Sedie) Sedruola Noel Mruska of Yarn Obsession. . . . her selflessness and generosity.  She runs a thriving Crochet business and has recently begun a mentoring program (which I am proud to say that I am a part of!!) which helps newbies (or not so new but in need of advice) to be informed of new strategies and concepts that will help grow their businesses.  

I love her spirit and willingness to share.  She seems (to me) to be very positive and determined.  I watched her for a while before I reached out to her and I'm glad I found the courage to do so.  She has become a very important part of my life and business and I am very happy to introduce her to you.  I hope you take the time to check out her pages and find something you love. (Which I'm sure you will!) Enjoy the interview . . . . 

1.  Tell me about yourself and how we came to meet

I am a mommy, entrepreneur, wife and so much more! I love to crochet, read, relax and spend time with friends and family. I met Tracy via my Yarn Obsession page in 2013 when she reached out to ask if I could help with her online presence. Her clothing pieces are lovely and it is my pleasure that we are still in contact today!

2.  What are your gifts and talents?  Where they taught or God given or both?

This is a very interesting question. I'll tell you, for a long time others saw my gifts and talents LONG before I did! I'm the ultimate people-person. I have a gift for not only being able to get along with most people, but intuitively I bring people together. That is my gift, my talent and my calling! Is it God-given? Yes, I believe it is because it has always been so. I have other talents and gifts that draw upon this one big "superpower" and as long as I stay true to it, I find that I'm extremely fulfilled.

3.  What is your brand and what was your inspiration for starting it?

My brand is Yarn Obsession! But ultimately, the brand is me and I am the brand. I started Yarn Obsession as a way to make a few extra dollars to cover the cost of my hobby. Then it was to gain a bit extra for my family. Today, Yarn Obsession is what I want to do full-time and has evolved as a way to take my talent and help others build upon theirs! The evolution of Yarn Obsession has been gradual but steady and it's still evolving. The marketplace is always changing and I'm just happy and blessed enough to be able to do something I LOVE and evolve with the marketplace.

4.  Where can your brand be seen?  Website, twitter, fb, youtube, etc...

People ask me that all the and I start to list off my places, but then I say just Google "Sedruola Maruska" it will all come up for you. . . even other ventures that are not defunct! However, or ease of research I'll list them here:

Website: http://yarnobsession.com

Facebook: http://facebook.com/yarnobsession

YouTube: http://youtube.com/sediesells

YouTube: http://youtube.com/yoacademy (brand new branch of my brand)

Twitter: http://twitter.com/sedruola

Instagram: http://instagram.com/sedruola

Patreon: http://patreaon.com/yarnobsession

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/yarnobsession

5.  How can customers shop or place and order?

In the last year I've moves all of my products to my website so it's easy to shop in one place. http://yarnobsession.com/products-page I love it because I have full control and when I send people to my site they don't get distracted. I also have a ton of free information that is helpful to yarn arts businesses and more coming every day!

6.  What advice do you have for someone striving to create a brand or find their gifts/purpose?

My advice is to read, learn and get inspired by everything around you then jump in with both feet! Don't wait for the exact right time to start, that time is when you think you want to start. Things will never be perfect, but just going for it will open up doors and experiences and ideas that you would never get by waiting. Trust in yourself and your inner-voice then move with confidence. Invest in your learning whether that be books, classes, mentoring or coaching. No one goes alone. Most of all I want to let other know that if the desire is there and you give yourself the opportunity to follow it, you'll never regret moving with your passion.

7.  Do you run your business full time or are you bi-vocational?

I run my business full-time and I have a part-time gig! LOL! What I mean by that is I'm always thinking and planning for my business. I spend the majority of my waking hours working on ways to deliver valuable content to the marketplace. My part-time gig I could do in my sleep, and often feel like I am. However, I have a few goals and milestones set out. Reaching them will mean getting rid of the gig and truly being a full-time business builder!

If you are in need of business mentoring for your knit or crochet business I recommend that you reach out to Sedie and check out her mentoring program. (contact information is listed above) You'll be glad that you did.  Have a great day!

Rise up and take the Challenge. . . .are you ready?

"At the end of the day, all that matters in this brief vacation we take on earth is that we didn't shrink into a corner and waste the days we're given doing what we have to do rather than rising and taking on the challenge of becoming all we were created to be." - T.D. Jakes

Good Morning! Do you have your morning cup of coffee or tea?  Well, grab it and lets sit and talk for a while.

I have been trying to push myself beyond my limits for some time now.  I am an introvert but can be very outgoing when with a crowd.  I'm shy by nature but you wouldn't know it when meeting me or seeing me with friends and family.  Kinda like you can see a person smiling but never know that inside they are in torment, lonely, insecure or hurting.

The truth is we all need someone.  We all need to be needed and to feel loved and important.  You can put on a tough exterior but on the inside you know its true!  The same with following your dreams.  Your family, significant other or co-workers might laugh and think that you're following a pipe dream, but. . . you must follow your passion and you need help in doing so.  You need advice and encouragement from people who are pursuing the same goals, have traveled your path and who fully support and encourage you.  You need to surround yourself with like-minded people.

Tomorrow and every Tuesday, for the next few months, I will be introducing you to people who I have allowed in my life who have been that encouragement for me.  These people have risen up and taken the challenge of following their instinct and drawing on their God-given gifts and or passion.  They are talented, creative people in various fields (crochet, mentoring, fashion, baking, facepainting, philanthrophy, sign painting, etc...)  These people inspire me, encourage me and support me.  That is what everyone needs.  (Even if you think you don't!)

You've already met my friend (Ren) Renaissance Marie Austin (Raghouse International) and I hope you enjoyed her interview and checked out her website, etc.  Tomorrow you will be introduced to my Crochet Mentor.  I won't mention her name because I want you to come back and read her story.  Im sure you will be inspired.

Finish your coffee or tea (tea for me please!!), whisper a prayer and go out and conquer your dreams. RISE UP AND TAKE THE CHALLENGE!! You'll be glad you did!

Sharing the Wealth with Renaissance Marie Austin

A few years ago I introduced my sister to Etsy.  As she was scrolling through she noticed a knit designer that she fell in love with.  She shared it with me and I became almost obsessed.  Earlier this year I got the nerve to contact this designer and ask to meet with her.  To my joy she accepted. I met with her at a little cafe in Downtown L.A. and we talked for hours.  Time just seemed to slip away.  I was nervous at first and she relaxed me with her calm demeanor and generosity as she shared a wealth of information to help me in my quest to expand my brand and enhance the quality of my designs. Not only is she a talented knit and crochet designer, she teaches crochet, works at a Yarn Store in DTLA and is a jazz singer.  She is gifted and wise beyond her years.  I asked if she would allow me the opportunity to interview her for my blog and showcase a few items. . .  she obliged!!  Yay!! Introducing you to Renaissance Marie Austin of Raghouse International! 1.  Tell me about yourself and how we came to meet Greetings! I am Renaissance Marie Austin and I am an artist and creative. I am hugely passionate about music and fiber, the two things mostly consume my time and creative energy. I am a native of Los Angeles mostly growing up on the South side in the South LA, South Bay, Torrance area. My fondest childhood memories are going to the beach every Saturday and fishing with my father. Sometime we would go to Redondo Beach to fish or El Dorado Park. Tracy had been a friend of my Raghouse International facebook page for some time until she contacted me with the desire to meet and talk about crochet! I was so happy about her design aesthetic and talent that later I went back and let everyone know on facebook about her work. We met for three hour and had the most wonderful and inspiring conversation. We've been in contact ever since.  2.  What are your gifts and talents?  Where they taught or God given or both? My gifts and talents generally lay in art. I would say that singing is a God given talent and when it comes to crochet my grandmother taught me at the age of 8. I was definitely a natural, took it, and ran with it. I've used many of my discovered talents in the professional realm, such at makeup artistry, photography, graphic design, styling, fashion show production, and hair styling, to name a few.  3.  What is your brand and what was your inspiration for starting it? My brand is Raghouse International and I was inspired to actually start a business in 2000 when I was studying dance, music, and poetry at El Camino College in Torrance. I saw a vendor selling a crocheted head bonnet and from that point I had a light bulb moment. Before then, I did not have the realization that you could make something then sell it. I went home, picked up my crochet hooks again and I was in full swing. I don't believe I've stopped crocheting since, literally! lol.  4.  Where can your brand be seen?  Website, twitter, fb, youtube, etc... My brand can be seen at www.raghouseinternational.com, facebook.com/RaghouseInternational, Instagram: Raghouse_International, www.raghouseinternationalknitwear.bigcartel.com/ These are just a few places to find me online. I would be glad to have you! 5.  How can customers shop or place and order? Customers can shop on my Big Cartel website. I love that site. It is streamlined and beautiful. My two top sellers are located there as well as my live crochet demonstration event for galleries and boutiques. Customers can visit www.raghouseinternationalknitwear.bigcartel.com/ 6.  what advice do you have for someone striving to create a brand or find their gifts/purpose? First things first. You have to be passionate and in love with what you are doing. You need to make sure that you are not just looking at other artisans and copying what they are doing. If you are not sure what it is you are supposed to be doing, look within yourself and go back to your childhood and a very revelatory event that took place in your live. Write and journalize about the things that you love and see what comes out. Once you start to see what it is that you are passionate about go for it. Authenticity and the best thing. Research, research, research ahead of time so that you will know how things simply work, especially when it comes to the internet. It is forever upgrading itself. People try to figure out their demographic before hand, but I've found that your customers will do that for you. It is just a matter of keep track of where they live and their lifestyle. Look into branding with websites like vistaprint.com. Packaging is everything. Think about colors, patterns and design, and be sure to treat each customer with respect and give them a lot of attention. Businesses are about relationships, but just selling a product and forgetting about that person because the return customers are the best. Be as helpful as you can to them by being an "expert in your field. Study at much as you can about what it is you do. They will be very impressed that you know not only your craft well, but the history of your craft.  7.  Do you run your business full time or are you bi-vocational? run my business full time. Be prepared and know that entrepreneurship is around the clock, but it is important to designate your hours properly, like having breakfast at a certain time, lunch, then dinner. Allocate time to creating, then time to internet work. Proper rest is important to me as well so I now set my cut off time at 12 midnight. When I was a little younger and spunky, I would stay up until 2am or 3am and really push myself mentally and physically, but it is important to have that balance and get the proper sleep your body needs. I am working both music and design, so the rest is the make sure that my voice is in good condition as well.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tjb1rm39SaAI  Renaissance C.M. Austin Raghouse International Studios Luxury Knitwear & Accessories 541 S. Spring Street Los Angeles, Ca 90013 I hope you enjoyed the interview and go to her website to check out her designs and videos.  You'll be glad you did!

My Life and Creativity were both inspired at Yarnosphere 2014!

Yarnosphere 2014

Ok Guys, this is a long one . . . .So grab your cup of coffee or tea and (hopefully) enjoy!

I planned to spend the entire day at #Yarnosphere 2014, which was held this year in Bixby Knolls (Long Beach), CA.  So..... I woke up.  I drank my morning cup of Green Tea (Orange Passionfruit Jasmine), had a little nourishment and proceeded to get dressed. I had a few goals and expectations.  One of the goals were met but the day didnt exactly go as I planned.  Here is the spill. . . .

As I arrived to the venue I saw an acquaintance who I attended the event with last year (which was the first year it was held).  We were supposed to meet up but she failed to contact me with times, locations, etc.  So. . . I'm a big girl and decided to go alone.  Well. . .  as I walked up to the line low and behold she was exactly in front of me with a friend.  I spoke, she looked a little uncomfortable so I didn't bother her any further.  As we entered the venue to pay and get our Goodie bags I made sure not to make any eye contact so that she wouldn't feel obligated to talk or offer for me to hang out with them.  I was a little offended but as I said, "I'm a big girl, I arrived alone and I can shop alone"

Me and Marcella (my Client)

I didn't plan to be alone all day because I invited a fellow crochet designer, Renaissance Austin, to meet up with me and I knew she was on her way.  I proceeded to look for yarn for a client who I was designing a dress for so I walked the entire venue first before making a selection.  I found what I thought was the yarn color she desired, I took a pic and sent it to her via text.  I waited, got no response and decided to purchase it.  That is where things fell apart. . . .  or so I thought!!

Once the purchase was made I went to the booth next door to have the skein(s) wound into balls.  I realized that I no longer had my charge card.  I searched my purse, the bag and my pockets.  No card!! So, I went back to the booth to inquire and they said they gave it to me.  Nada!!!  I looked around the booth.  Went to a few other booths.  Looked on the.  Went to a lounge and emptied my ENTIRE purse onto the table (it was junky lol!) and still did not locate it. I went to the front desk to inquire if it was returned to them and was told NO!  Frustrated, angry, disappointed and cashless . . . . I contacted Ren and left the convention to report my card lost/stolen.

Well, my client called to say she didnt like the color and Ren called to say that they were announcing my name because my card was returned as "lost".  Too late!! It had already been reported to the bank!!  Too late. . .  I already purchased the Yarn!! Urggghhhh!!!  That's me. . .  rushing to make decisions, panicking and thinking the worst.  I thought I had waited a good enough time but I didn't want my card to be found and used.  I guess I need to use a little patience and trust.  I've been a little low on both lately.

Long Story short, I went back to the convention with my client "Marcella" in tow to exchange the yarn.  She found a different color and several other colors for future order!!! yay!!! And, also purchased a few skeins for me to make something for myself.  I also met up with Ren and we three sat talking for a while exchanging life stories and making fast friends.

Me and "Ren" Rennaissance Austin

These women are so optimistic and find light and joy in the darkest of situations.  They live each day as it comes, have learned to downsize their life to the point where they have just enough possessions to survive and readjust (if needed).  Their stories brought a smile to my face where I was earlier distraught and discouraged and let me know that even when you think no one cares or is watching you are mistaken.

The moral of this story??? . . . . I started the day expecting it to go one way but it make a slight turn. . . . went off course for a few hours, but ultimately ending much better than I could have imagined.  I will be introducing my friend Ren to you in the coming blog posts.  If your life is (in the words of the FRESH PRINCE OF BEL AIR) "tossed turned upside down", I'm sure you will be INSPIRED to look at things from a fresh perspective, reassess your situation, straighten you back bone, and take another stab at it.  I did on that Hot, Frustrating Saturday at Yarnosphere 2014. And I'm so glad I did!

Its Just Material Things!

"So do not worry, ... For the pagans run after these things, and your heavenly Father know you have need of them". Matthew 6:31-32

The past year has be rough (to put it kindly)...  Lots of changes.  I don't like changes.  But, there is a saying that "Change is Good!" and/or "Without change you can not grow".  While that may be all well and true... I STILL DO NOT LIKE IT!!! lol!

So... I had a conversation with someone yesterday complaining about things that have happened, are happening, and what I think of them.  The reply was (of course) spiritual.  You know, the usual... "Count it all Joy!", "Fret Not!", etc... And then, the grandmother of them all... "Someone is looking at your shoes and would love to be wearing them!"  Uggghhh... I was sooo annoyed.  When we hung up I said, "Won't be speaking with you for a while". SMH, LOL!

Sometimes when we vent we want to know that someone cares.  I do realize that sharing the gospel is caring.  God is Love and He is concerned about our welfare.  There are times, though, that we just need a hug and to hear that they hear us, understand what we are feeling (even though they may not agree) and THEY LOVE US!  We need to hear them say the words.

What was also told to me was that I shouldn't worry about the things I have lost.  Especially material things.  They are just that... material things.  And I must admit, I have been worried.... Through the course of our lives we lose things and people... accidentally, stolen, death, tragedy or otherwise.  When we lose things we have memories of them and as time progresses they are replaced and most times with better and/or great memorieshttp://www.pinterest.com/pin/453456256204444968/.  Again, I didn't want to hear it at the time and was very annoyed.

As I recapped the conversation later, I realized that everything spoken to me was the truth.  And, Why should I worry over what I have no control of.  If I lose it, it's gone.  I cant get it back.  But, I have breath, life and the gift of a new day to start over.  I was also told I was very gifted and talented and there is my blessing.  A gift of crochet that was given especially to me by God.  God Use It!

So... I want to say, "Thank You for the words of comfort and encouragement" and "Thank You God for another day and the Gift you have given me".  I am off and running with my yarn and crochet needles (which calm me when I'm anxious, worried, lonely) to create something beautiful from nothing.  When the dust settled I realized that you were correct...and the scriptures are true... Dont Worry!   Its just material things.

July 4th Celebration!

 July 4th is an exciting holiday. Why? Several reasons. . . . It kicks off Summer, the day is filled with family and friends, delicious and familiar food and it usually ends with an exciting display of colorful fireworks. Who wouldnt love that?

How did I spend my day? The first part of the day was spent lounging on the couch crocheting, watching girly movies and dozing on and off. The latter part of the day was spent with my children and grandchildren. They are my everything!!

My daughter did a little facepainting (which is pictured below) and my KatieBug stayed in my arms. She is my sweetheart and, of course, I spoil her.  So, I didnt mind.  We have a little dysfunction... what family doesnt? But, I would love to think that our love trumps disagreements and hurts and any time I spend with my children is better than any time without them. Therefore, my day ended great!

I dont really care for fireworks, they are loud and I dont like the smell. But, I love my family. They set off fireworks in my heart!  Always remember. . . .

"Nothing can dim the light which shines from within" - Maya Angelou

  

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