A NOTE FROM THE EDITOR: In two weeks it will be Labor Day, and you know what that means, summer is officially over. The last couple nights have already started to feel like Fall. I am not complaining though. I love Fall. The weather is perfect and it is really the best fashion season. I guess this note is my goodbye letter to summer.
As you all probably know I did not spend the summer on the beach, or on vacation. I spent the summer working. The summer was filled with photo shoots, and planning meetings and working at Hat City Kitchen. And now that the runway show is over, I am trying to get the last bit of summer as I can. So, I decided, with much reluctancy to take a week off of work.
After the show, I realized I needed a break. I missed my family and boyfriend. Love in life is important and fulfilling. I have been in overdrive for the last year or so mapping out what my plan was, and trying to establish myself. I am 23, with big dreams, my own apt and responsibilities. I have finally taken a step back and said to myself, it is time to relax. After many conversations with my peers, (artists trying to make it in the creative industry) and came to a lot of revelations about life, and what is important:
1. There are more important things in life than money. So true. I am always stressing about money, and how I am broke. But I thought about it and of course I am broke! I am a 23 year old, aspiring artist and writer, recent college grad living on her own. Yeah, you’re supposed to live like shit in your 20s, while making your dreams come true.
2. Define your own success. Once you come to terms with your goals, and your efforts, it takes some of the pressures off. Do not let other people define what achieving success means to you. I am young. Just starting out. I have to put my work in and be patient before things really take off the way I hope for them. I can not get discouraged because I am impatient. I looked back in the last 2 or 3 years of my life, and all the small things I have achieved, and to me that is me growing, and learning, which to me, equates achieving true success. In the last year, I have faced my fears and because of that I have allowed myself to reach new heights with the feeling of never stopping.
3. Let Your Work Speak For Itself. Honestly, being a young african american woman, it is hard for people to take me seriously. You think people in your community support you, but they really could care less. You have to show them. You have to make such a mark that they have no choice but to take notice. Portrait of a Lady did just that, and I think people are truly impressed and can not wait to see more!
I just wanted to share some of things I have learned the last week. I do not know if taking a break from work is for me. I think I wasted a lot of time, but Ray says I am a workaholic so I have to have some balance in my life. I took a break off blogging this summer, so I am excited to get back to that. There is a lot of work to be done and it feels good. I want to thank my amazing team, support at ORNG Ink and partners in the Valley for believing in me, the project and let’s take the Valley over!!!!
-p.r.