How to prepare for the future?

If you are a graduating senior like me, you might understand where I am coming from in this post.

I was instructed by my senior seminar professor to create a 3-5 minute speech of my future career plans over the next 3-10 years.  Originally I thought this was a simple-tedious assignment and hardly put any thought into completing it. At the time I didn't have concrete plans for my future but I felt as if I all was in tact. 

To make a long story short, I stood in front of the class unprepared, presented my future career goals and plans with very little evidence of how, when, and where I will accomplish these things. This happened yesterday and I still feel a little sour about the situation. Im a family and consumer science major who despertly wants to pursue fashion, social media, and entertainment, but I am extremely passionate about children and people. How do these things even correlate, is there a way I can intertwine them all? 

Im nervous, a few days ago I was for certain that I had my life together, or I at least thought I did. 

Sophisticated Genius

Local Designer Conquers NCCU

Here is a a designer whose collections has been spotted every where on North Carolina Central's campus. Lucky for me, I had an opportunity to direct and style his latest photo shoot. His name: Roland Reaves; his label: Sophisticated Genius, and the name definitely reigns supreme. The shoot took place in downtown Durham. There were five models in total, three girls and one guy. (I know pretty spicy right). We all worked diligently on the set, me included. That night had to be the coldest night of my life. I can't imagine how the models felt. Nevertheless the photos turned out immaculate. Take a look at the results!

Models Left to Right:

Alex- IG @allie_g_

Kendra Branes- IG @kendrabarnes

Brian Mac- IG @ibmacnem

Naomi- IG @namari_amore

Here is the guy behind it all, Hi Roland!

Shop Sophisticated Genius at sophgecloths.bigcartel.com

 

Urban Ink Pin-Up Princess

The edits are finally in from Ivanna's Pin-Up Girl photo shoot. I was able to hear her fead back on a lot of things and this is what she had to say...

The purpose for the shoot was to use my connections from my alma mater (NCCU) to collaborate with different stylists, a photographer, a make up artist, and a hairstylist to display my tattoos in a feminine way.

This shoot featured 3 unique stylists Ryan Gale (Girl Ryan), Britt Bizzell (Jadore Style), and Caprice Giavoni, for three different looks: Urban, Glamour and Pin Up. On set was a professional MAC make-up artist LaQuisha Leemow (lsl inc) and photographer Vernon Samuels (maxresphotos).

The ultimate goal is to start my own company using the team I built to produce photo shoots, videos, and other services to artists and companies looking for more opportunities. This was our first production and I am very happy with all of the results! 

I had a blast working with Ryan and I knew she would be perfect for my Pin Up looks. This is style I am trying to bring back in a classy way incorporating my tattoos. Ryan is the perfect stylist for my mix of edge and class. I look forward to putting her on my team and working with her in the future! 

Special thank you to  Dominique Bryant -Jones Photo Shoot Director who helped tremendously in putting this together and making this shoot a success.

-Ivannamodels

Now do you understand what I mean by creating your own opportunities. Ivanna had a vision, she made use of the resources around her, and brought her vision to life

A Little Inspiration

I found this picture on tumblr, it enlightened me hopefully it will enlighten you too. 

Although I don't  have any for sure plans for my life after graduation, I know I am on the right track. With my new Radio One marketing and promotions internship, there is no stopping me. I am creating my own opportunities, directing and styling photo shoots, publishing and editing my own blog, event planning and hosting social events within the durham community, all while reaching for the stars. I never considered myself to be an entrepreneur but I am her, in the making of course. I might not sell merchandise or other perishable items but I am willing to market my talents. I haven't discovered all that I am capable of just yet but I know that I am close. So close I can taste it...

I'm still afraid of what the future has in store for me but I'm ready to plunge onto the next opportunity that comes my way. I would love to tackle TV next, its something about the entertainment industry that sparks my interest the most. 

So what does this quote have to do with you or me? Well, I'm sure you have dreams and desires for your life, why not start working towards them today. Stop anticipating for someone to hire you for whatever position they have available at the moment. Create your own opportunities and produce only the perfect outcomes, never loss faith, never stop learning, and remember to never give up on yourself.   

Quick Updates

Lately, Ive really been into styling and production but I haven't been keeping up with the Kardashians or the latest trends either. I enjoy doing things my way, unique and edgy. As I try to retrace my most trendy moments from 2012....there aren't any that actually stick out. My style has been all over the place. I went from buying 2 or 3 magazines a month to buying 2 or 3 magazines out of the entire year. Thats pretty drastic now that I think about it, (but really who still purchases magazines any more)? With all of the cool and free fashion apps such as Instagram, Pinterest, Flipboard, and Lookbook who needs Vogue, right? Okay, I might have gotten a little carried away with that last comment, Madam Vogue  you will never go out of style. 

But, I say all of this to say that I am not the fashion queen, guru, nor am I anyones fashion police. However, I adore fashion and it is definitely my thing! I love mixing the good with the bad and turning it into something unmatched. I like organizing photo shoots and booking everyone on board. I enjoy working with other talented artist like myself to bring a vision to life. Fashion is art you know, its a form of expression of ones deepest thoughts and feelings. Wardrobe styling gives me the opportunity to  tell a story without saying anything at all. I get a feeling of gratification once everything is finished. Who doesn't love the opportunity to say "Its a wrap"! 

Leather Jacket- H&M

Trucker Hat- DC Thrift 

Purple Lipstick- Wet and Wild (5 and Below)

Behind The Scene

Check out the behind the scenes photos from yesterdays photo shoot with my girl, Ivanna feat. Kendra. This was a really dope and professional shoot, Ivanna knew exactly what she wanted to feature and trusted me to create those looks for her. I had the privileged of styling this urban ink princess in 3 very unique Pin-Up looks.

Wardrobe Assistance Please

Special Thanks and S/O's to..

Model: Ivanna/ Instagram @iamivanna

Featured Model: Kendra Barnes/ Instagram @kendrabarnes & Email kbarne22@gmail.com

Make-Up Artist: LSL Inc./ Instagram @lsl_inc & Email lsl.mua2012@gmail.com

My Dope Assistant Chelsea/ Instagram @_chelsthedoll