The Come Up

New York City is full of opportunities. I'm deciding to tap into my entrepreneur instincts again. Remember when I was preparing for my transition to NYC and I sold just about everything I owned, including most of my clothes and shoes? I set up shop right on campus, in the living room of my dorm, and in the lobby of my residence hall. I moved to NYC on a whim, so I had to do what I had to do; I'll never forget those days. 

I've decided to dive back into my hustlers mentality. This is the mindset of the 2014 young professional. Everyone is capable of attaining success. I don't mean to sound too cliche but it takes hard work, and extreme dedication. It also takes patience, know that nothing happens over night.  As well as perseverance, regardless of the long hours and sleepless nights, you have to persevere and continue to push yourself to the limit. 

I've always wanted something of my own, something that would leave a lasting impression on others. I wanted to produce a brand for women that inspire to inspire. I want to represent this new culture of women with exceptionally high standards for themselves. Women with confidence, women that embrace their colorful sexualities, women who accept change, and views her failures as life lessons. 

I'm taking on a new challenge in producing my own accessories brand, Chatterbox Accessories. I'm just in the beginnings stages of everything, but I'm still very proud of the outcome. Click on the links below to view and purchase daring accessories!

Shop Chatterbox Accessories

Store: chatterbox.storenvy.com

Instagram: @shopchatterbox

Gmail: shopchatterbox@gmail.com

Confetti Men's 2014 Spring Collection

Last Sunday, I was invited to Duckie's exclusive Spring 2014 Men's Presentation. I was so anxious because I'd never experienced a fashion presentation before. Guest were encouraged to stand up and feel garments for texture and quality. We were also asked to take photos as the male models graced the walkway. This event was a new experience and I was introduced to a more sophisticated-urban-style of men's fashion, take a look....

What I Wore..

Kelly Green Sued-Felt Mortocylcle Jacket/ H&M

Plaid School Scort/ Top Shop

White V-Neck T-Shirt/ Forever21

Black Opaque Tights/ American Apparel 

Black Anckle Pointed Toe Boots/ Call It Spring

Silver Tin Lunch Box/ Vintage 

Come Get This Work

I understand that nothing comes easy and life would be a lot less complicated if I just gave up on my dreams. As an outsider looking in, it seems as if everyone is making things pop for themselves, without any kind of hardships or struggles. But I'm learning not to compare myself to everyone else. What I've chosen to do instead, is to look at their success as a tool for motivation. 

Why should I spend any of my time being angry or saddened by an opportunity that wasn't for me? 

There is no use in doubting myself and strenghts just because of what life has provided for someone else. I'm also learning that time is truly of the essence. I've always thought that the successful never slept. I thought it was a requirement to overwork yourself night and day in order to be on top. But how one obtains success is totally up to the individual. I'm learning to spend my time on things that matter and that will only help further my career. I'm only committing to things that will enhance my skills and perfect my craft. 

Time is truly of the essence, so stop wasting yours on things that do not matter! 

Young and Successful

I managed to score some major girl talk with Lenora, founder of Naked Lady Cosmetics. We discussed the start up of her new business venture and her daily aspirations. Lenora a native of D.C., grew up with a hustler’s mentality. She's collected profit from just about everything including fashion apparel, to selling luxury alcoholic beverages, and now owning her own cosmetic line, all by the tender age of 23.

Check out the highlights below:

(Girl Ryann) What is Naked Lady Cosmetics?

(Lenora) It is a brand made up of sexy all natural hand made lipsticks. 

(Girl Ryann) When did you realize that you wanted to start your own business?

(Lenora) I’ve always wanted to become an entrepreneur but Malacka Reed inspired me to create my own make-up line.

(Girl Ryann) What do you enjoy most about owning your own business?

(Lenora) I enjoy making the lipstick, pleasing the customers. I like talking to women and getting their opinion on things. I like being able to do stuff on my own, being my own boss, and not having anyone to report to.

(Girl Ryann) How would you describe the Naked Lady customer?

(Lenora)  She is bold, sexy, and she’s just a boss!

(Girl Ryan) What are some of the downfalls to owning your own business?

(Lenora) To be honest I’m making everything myself. I’m only one person, I don’t have any help and its a lot of pressure to get the product out to the customer. But I’m actually communicating with someone now for a future business partnership in New York City.

(Girl Ryann) Do you believe that relationships are important in establishing your own business?

(Lenora) Definitely yes, if you don’t network you will never get any where in life. You have to be open to mingling and meeting new people and that’s with life period. 

(Girl Ryann) What is the best advice you've been given so far?

(Lenora) My mother has been influential in giving me great advice. She told me not to fear anything, to believe in the most high and to let the most high guide me, to let go of all my fears and go after what I really want. I’m young, so if I mess up I can move on to something else. I've learned just to keep trying even if I fail.

(Girl Ryan) What are some methods or strategies you use to continue to stay focus?

(Lenora) Working out, swimming, and walking all help give me a peace of mind. Talking to the most high helps clear my head. I also enjoy spending time with my family, we have family dinners every other Sunday too.

 

Up and Coming Events! ! 

• Lenora now has partnership with Union Town Bar and Grill in Washington, DC. She will be vending there every Friday from 5-6pm.

• Lenora has also been added to this list of vendors for "I Pledge to Hustle” fashion event on May 15, 2014 in Atlanta Georgia. 

For more information regarding Naked Lady Cosmetics visit:

Website: nakedladycosmetics.bigcartel.com

Email: nakedladycosmetic@gmail.com

Instagram: nakedladycosmetics 

Know Yourself

There will always be haters; never let them distract you from your hustle. When others see that you are following your personal legend they will constantly offer unwanted advice. Somehow they will find a way to voice their opinion of what's possible or impossible for you to accomplish or what you should be doing. Whatever the case may be, never let a hater’s comments effect you, success is a road that can be traveled many ways.

If your first step towards your personal legend does not bring you closer to your objective, its okay.  However, this step plays an extremely important role in the development process of your future successes, regardless of the outcome. Think about it, what if you hadn’t made that move? What if you hadn't taken that risk? You wouldn't know all you know today, you wouldn't be as successful, nor would you be able to speak positively about your life's progression.  

To be a goal chaser, one has to be willing to take risk, intelligent risk. I am a thrill seeker; I love to take risk. The feeling of uncertainty drives me madly insane but it is also what keeps me going. My soul purpose in life at this moment is to break into the elite world of fashion. I know I am getting closer to my dream but I never know what tomorrow may bring. The feeling of uncertainty is caused from the risks I take in life. Although I have no clue of what the future holds, I know I am on the right path. I’m just a few steps away from fulfilling my personal legend.