No Fear, Just DIVA

Oh When it All....

2012-02-09T22:08:00.000-08:00

Happy Thursday Travelers!

This new place in my journey has me in a very thoughtful and reflective place. So for your musical pleasure:

My current career position has propelled me into a whole new meaning of "No Fear, Just DIVA." I'm not just graduating from school with a load of prospects from recruiters and I'm not super excited about the world that is around me. I'm right in the middle of a lease, I am in that weird place in my career where I know it's time to move forward, but totally unprepared to start in some place new. I'm frustrated with the position I have been put in and I have to be accountable now more than ever concerning the movement of my career.

"We're all self-conscious I'm just the first to admit it." Explaining to my mother that I would rather be unemployed than in the position I am currently in, but the level of confidence that I need to build the career that I want. This is an unexpected pot hole on my freeway, I am totally trained that we get hired by a company we work at that company and stay at that company until retirement or the Olsen Twins hire you to be their new CEO, but that is not the case.

So what do we do when it all falls down? I have 3 ideas:

Occupy your time with purpose. - The only thing that is keeping me sane and from watching the computer/my emails every 5 minutes is the fact that I have other things going on in my life that allow me to feel fulfilled and knowing that even without this job I have a greater calling and who I was at work does not determine that. I now also get a chance to build my career around my purpose.
Apply for 3 jobs you would never think you are qualified for but would LOVE to do anyway if hired. - Hell, I say why not, if you get it have the confidence to rock it out!!
Don't hit the panic "Apply" button!! - We all have done it, if you haven't I hope you never do. Applying for the job that you don't want, wont lead to a career, but you know that you can get. I strongly believe that this will only lead to repeating the same cycle. Now if you are building a business and need something to fund it then I say go for it, you know it's temporary anyway.

So there you have it! Do not let this time get to you! I'm trying my best to not let it get to me, but I am now learning that it can all fall down, so what I am I doing to pick it back up?

Night Travelers!

"One Step Forward, Just Glance Back. No Fear, Just DIVA!"

The Grass Isn't Greener....You Have to Water It

2012-02-04T14:47:00.000-08:00

[photocredit]

Recently I have seen a shift in my career and though I am not a fan of the financial reform this change is about to place me in, I am excited to see what is ahead of me. I won't sit here and bash my work situation or any of the players involved in my recent shift, but I will say that I think it to be wise to not believe that leaving one unpleasant situation to a new unknown one, that the grass is greener at your new destination. Point C may not be sweeter than Point B.

In transitioning on your freeway I recommend looking at both the fixed and the variable components to your situation:

Fixed - That's you. No matter what situation your are in, work, friendship, or finance, YOU are the only thing that stays the same. So when evaluating what went or is going wrong in the above it is time to take a self examination. Moving from one job to the next new co-worker situation doesn't matter if you come in with a sense of entitlement and not humility. Having a girlfriend problem? Are all their reasons for leaving the friendship/relationship similar? Maybe it's not them maybe it's you. Finances, doesn't matter if you make $800 a month or a day, keep seeing overdrafts in your account that means YOU have a need to learn money management.

Make sense? In the time of a change, especially from an unpleasant situation to a new one, look at several past situations and the similarities in the unpleasantness.

Variable - The situation. sometimes it really isn't us, it's them. But it takes that self examination of the fixed in multiple of variable situations to know if that's truth and not self righteousness.

A sincere willingness to examine both the fixed and the variable will truly fuel your freeway. Once it has been identified then clear communication is what is necessary to properly navigate from Point B to new Point C.

Does any of this makes sense? lol

If you find yourself in the position of leadership, or are striving to be a leader then I think that this article I came across in Inc.com is an essential read. I really think that this article deserves a separate post of its own, but while composing I found myself finger pointing more than learning/self-assessing, and that is where this post came from.

So in conclusion, sometimes that change is a blessing and moving from a challenging situation to a new one can be great, but examine all the factors. In order for the grass to be greener on the other side, you are going to have to water it.

Happy Travels!

"One Step Forward, Just Glance Back. No Fear, Just DIVA!"

One Year Later.....

2011-12-13T20:41:00.000-08:00

It was exactly one year ago today that I have written my last post here on this blog. I really loved this blog and writing on it but I let a lot get in my way; excuses, fears and wants of perfection (or at least my version of it). That can be paralyzing and it's not fair to anyone who followed this blog regularly.

The picture I have up is the long stretch of road that was before me when I was heading to California from Ohio with my mother, we had a long ways to go. The whole metaphor for this blog was about the Fashion Freeway and the journey it takes us on, and I have so much farther to go.

In the 3 years that I created this blog I have graduated FIDM, started working at a fashion consulting firm, moved into a bigger apartment, had a boyfriend, broke it off with a boyfriend, and am now looking once a gain to find my place here in the industry. I think it's a cycle, we search we find we settle we search again. I like working on the business side of the industry and would like to continue to pursue it, but I'm wondering now where else it will take me? I'll let you know once I figure it out.

Either Neither Travelers it feels good to be back and I will make a strong effort to provide consistent content and find my voice again. I hope that you will return to travel along with me and share party of your journey as well. Sometimes I forget that it's not always about the destination but the journey that gets you there and I know that once I locate that thing that has kept me moving forward all along it will totally be worth it!

Until next time travelers:

"One Step Forward, Just Glance Back. No Fear, Just DIVA!"

The Glossy vs The Gritty Business of Fashion

2010-12-13T08:17:00.000-08:00

Happy Monday Travelers,

Over the past few years I have noticed that more brands, networks, and publications have been providing more programs, shows, and panels/workshops on the business of fashion. It appears that as the fashion industry becomes more accessible to people they are not just interested in the glossy surface of fashion but the gritty business that makes it run.

I am actually pretty pleased to see this new interest as I have seen many a student come into FIDM thinking that all they need to do is dress great, smoke a ciggy, and have a jaded attitude with a camera and you're straight up fashion. That is so not true and every quarter there are tears and drop outs for the unprepared. But for those who understand that this will take so much more work than knowing the difference between Marc Jacobs and Marc Ecko, school plus the invaluable information provided by the various media outlets, can prove to be the foundation of a great and successful career in the industry.

Online zine Fashionista just recently had a panel discussion with select leaders in the industry about what it takes to build and maintain their retail businesses. Here is the article. I am interested to watch the live stream they will provide next year as I as not too impressed with the recording of the minutes of this meeting I feel there might have been some vital information and quotes that were left out of the notes or summarized which could minimize the points the panelist where trying to make.

One of my favorite sites The Business of Fashion as a great series on FashionStake and a detailed look on building their company. This is for the hardcore business minded but the terminology is priceless for being successful on the other side of the runway. Let me know what you think!

Happy Reading and Happy Travels,
"One Step Forward, Just Glance Back! No Fear, Just DIVA"
{source}

.....And I'm Back

2010-12-12T08:14:00.000-08:00

Well Hello there Travelers!

Yes yes yes I am back. I know I know the pic of Jay-Z's Black Album I found to be appropriate as this was the worst "This is my last post." Experience ever LOL! So let me be honest about my "retirement" from this blog, and take you through the steps of what lead to my return:

I started a new blog Confessions of a Modern Day Clacker. If you follow me on Twitter (@FirstThreeInc), then you will notice that when I tweet about my work I include the hashtag #ConfesssionsofaModernDayClacker. I really thought that this would replace NFJD, but in all honesty they express two different aspects of the industry. This blog is to show the opportunities out there for going for your career, where as Clacker is my personal experience out there with what I have learned from DIVA. Using the tools of DIVA I have been able to create Clacker. Does that make sense?
I am just really not consistent with blogging. I have yet to figure out how to balance life and this blog. I added WordPress for BlackBerry to my phone which makes it easier for me to maintain Clacker, but blogger has yet to have a similar component. (Let me be honest I am not even consistent with Clacker even though I have the tools) So the posts may not be updated on a consistent basis, which can affect my readers and reader count I know, but I promise the content will be worth it.
Being a perfectionist. I don't even know how that is possible b/c nothing is perfect, but I have been letting that hold me back from actually posting. Well that will be happening no longer!!

So keep a look out Travelers as your Fashion Freeway will be fueled and up and running in no time!

Happy Travels!

"One Step Forward, Just Glance Back. No Fear, Just DIVA"

Watch Your Mouth!

2010-04-03T14:27:00.000-07:00

Today's post is all about watching your mouth at work. I was going to do this in two separate posts but I think that it works well in one.

One day the office manager asks me "Mei-Li, is this your first real office job?" Before I could allow myself to get offended I had to think, and it was. Well I mean, I was a leasing consultant for a year but to be honest the interaction with my boss there is nothing like the interactions with my boss/woman I want to be like when my fashion career grows up.

I told her it was (after going through practically all my previous jobs) and she sent me an article that she thought would be of help to me as she has said it has been help to her throughout her career. I want to share it with you:

10 Worst Things to Say at Work

I could have easily caught an attitude and missed a growth opportunity, but since the answer to her question was in the affirmative, it had merit. Sometimes when we are in a position of open vulnerability(ie the ending of my probationary period) we have a tendency to act as if every comment that is not open praise is an attack on you/your character or performance. This can blur the lines between genuine help and unsolicited criticism.

So if you are like me and love your job and are turning it into a career, read this fun article about taking criticism gracefully. It's a good read and fun to read with a British accent. But reading between the lines the writer makes a good point throughout the entire post: Your boss cares about RESULTS so fire the middle man named BS and take heed to what they are saying to you. Excuse, Blame, and Dissertations are all ways to kill office report (sp?) and is a sign of immaturity. Don't be this girl:

Yeah we all know Stephanie from Kell on Earth and her fate.

Happy Travels!

"One Step Forward, Just Glance Back. No Fear, Just DIVA!" [source1] [source2]

Being a Better Blogger

2010-03-01T13:43:00.000-08:00

Better Blogger by Lucky Anaiya featuring Davis by Ruthie Davis shoes

When it comes to blogging I get in my own way. I let fear paralyze and I just flat out don't blog for no good reason. I want to get better and I want more people to read and actually get something from No Fear, Just DIVA. So if you, like me, get in your own way with blogging and just know that you can be so much better but don't know exactly how I offer the following articles:

IFB- Good Cop/Bad Cop: Participating in Links á la Mode
IFB- Groom Your Twitter to Make It Grow
Afrobella - So You Want To Be a Blogger?
SheBreathes The Studio - You Are Not Independent | Fashion Blogging

There is a common theme among them: Originality, Dedication, Passion. Blogging does take hard work, especially if you want your blog to be good and touch a particular audience. Fashion blogging is that much more difficult because it seems like right now everyone is doing it especially since designers have them sitting in front rows and things.

I remember that I was having a hard time trying to figure out how the heck do you get a career in fashion? I mean is there some sort of secret club? Actually there really seems to be, but this is the reason why I started my blog. I just decided to throw caution in the wind, while living in South Korea (I know I'm laughing at myself on that one), and apply to FIDM here in LA. It was 100% Sink or Swim. And while I'm sure I'm very much doing some sort of Doggie Paddle right now I know I'm not the only one and wanted to have a safe and fearless place for those searching for a career in fashion sitting at Point A not knowing where in the heck to even start to enter into this journey I call a Fashion Freeway that will lead to their ultimate their career goal of Point B. I call you Travelers because you are on this journey with me as well as your own. I call you Travelers because I'd like to think that I'm not alone.

Happy Travels!

"One Step Forward, Just Glance Back. No Fear, Just DIVA!"

When You Get it All Wrong

2010-02-28T17:54:00.000-08:00

Tough As Nails by Lucky Anaiya featuring Balenciaga accessories

I don't know about you Travelers but there are some days when I feel like I get it all wrong. Like I'm making those "Wow you really should have known better mistakes" those Day 1 mistakes that make you look as if you don't know how to work a stapler.

So when you have those days just know they will pass. Be "tough as nails" and just do better next time. It happens. I have to remind myself of that everyday. I don't have an inspirational quote from someone famous or a funny antidote, just the truth that it happens and the fact that you're not alone when at the end of the day you just think "Thank God I didn't get fired."

Tomorrow will be better because tomorrow we'll be better.

Happy Travels!

"One Step Forward, Just Glance Back. No Fear, Just DIVA!"

Fashion Freeways Don't Roll on Cruise Control

2010-02-27T17:15:00.000-08:00

Construction Zone by Lucky Anaiya featuring Azzedine Alaia shoes

Unrelated to my career in fashion I started taking a dance class and after about one month I was bumped from Beginner to Intermediate. I was too excited I was ready to dance with the big kids, but I soon learned that I was going/am going to have to work much harder at these classes as well as the work I do to prepare in between classes if I ever want to move up to Advanced and I can clearly see now that will not happen in one month like with the Beginner classes. Not as much was required of me and it was at a much slower pace.

I'm starting to find similarities in my career. Sure I graduated FIDM with an A average, but there are days at work when I feel as if I am pulling in a big fat C. Remember the post on the book What Got You Here Wont Get You There? I still have not read the whole book but already do I understand the concept. I'm living the concept. I don't have a week to put a project together, I have 3 hours. There is no 5 min grace period and that eye for detail that you will one day grow into you need by the 3p buyers meeting. Multitasking is a must and there is no way to compartmentalize your life by completing work for one class and then moving on to another. Your classes are all rolled into one with a pretty stiff deadline.

I have full intentions to take this picture (which I took) and do some Photoshop magic but in the meantime I felt it appropriate for today's post.

So this brings me to the title of this post and the picture above. It takes more to build a career. Your whitty self in class that made your teachers smirk and say you have potential is just annoying to your boss. Your hours of visionary labor to create the perfect mood board is not cut to just 30 minutes. You need to be better; and if you want to stay where you are let alone GROW where you are you need to stay better. Work harder, think faster, and refuse to give up. You can't ride along your Fashion Freeway on Cruise Control thinking that it will maintain your speed and build your career. Put your foot on the gas and GO! Because as you can see it takes miles/years to get to a career, and this my dear Travelers is the desired Point B.

Happy Travels!

"One Step Forward, Just Glance Back. No Fear, Just DIVA!"

Travel Music: Amerie "Gotta Work"

2010-02-02T08:45:00.000-08:00

Travel Music 1 by Lucky Anaiya on Polyvore.com

Travelers I love this song. I really could see it being in some fashionable coming of (career) age story/movie/reality show for a young fashionista. Enter me! It's the chorus of this song that keeps me motivated :

"'Cause when you're feeling low, and you can't get no lower, that's when you know your close sometimes you gotta work hard for it."

So get out there and work!

Happy Travels

"One Step Forward, Just Glance Back. No Fear, Just DIVA!"

Passing the Baton: When Leaders Move On

2010-01-06T17:08:00.000-08:00

Just one day after I post the WSJ video with Russell Simmons and him speaking on how teamwork and delegation contributed to the growth of his empire, I read this article talking about how some of the top names in Fashion are now 70+ and have yet to even mention a successor. I don’t mess with politics here on No Fear, Just DIVA but it just really reminds me of McCain for some reason… Anywhoo, the truth stated in the article is that no one lives forever, at one point a designer must succumb to the inevitable and another must take their place to continue the brand. But is the fear that no successor can give the house the immortality that cannot be achieved by the designer himself or is it just a matter of control and not wanting to let go?

I am still learning much about the business of fashion but I think that with anything a good leader knows when to let go and pass the baton to their subordinates. When properly trained an employee/apprentice/intern should be able to successfully promote to a higher position and maintain the core values of the company.

Just once I tweeted “I’d rather them assume I know nothing and teach me everything than think I know everything and teach me nothing” When accepting my position my boss made it very clear that they were looking for someone teachable which let me know right away I was walking into a trusting environment that is about growth and promotion.

What are your thoughts and experiences Travelers? Review past post about the Secret Truths of the Fashion Industry. There is a “truth” in there about the insecurities of co-workers and employees that are used to hold each other down. I will do a separate post about that soon, but I think it may tie in pretty nicely with this theme. On that note Bravo! to employers and business persons like Russell Simmons who is more than ready and willing to pass on the baton to his readily trained subordinates.

I know I sure can’t wait until my boss says to me “Stick!” (track term for those of you not familiar)

Happy Travels! [source]

LA Fashion District

2010-01-02T22:40:00.000-08:00

2010 Shopping Challenge by Lucky Anaiya on Polyvore.com

Happy New Year Travelers!

Since I’m doing this shopping challenge I decided to do a post on the LA Fashion District. I took some time to walk around just to see what exactly this 90 block garment and textile heaven had to offer.

If I found a store interesting I decided to grab a business card and I will give the addresses to those places in a new section of the blog – probably at one of the tabs at the top.

There is so much to see there and it’s really easy to get overwhelmed so I am hoping that this map (which you should be able to enlarge), and these few shopping suggestions will help you navigate through the district successfully.

Note: I have yet to actually buy from these stores but when I do I will blog my purchases. That is a promise!

The plan is to start a new section of the blog with store directory for LA Fashion District, Melrose, Sunset, and then Other

There are certain places where I will not be posting such as the Santee Alley where I think that all tourists and residents alike must go, all Piers, and 3^rd St Promenade (though I know of no boutiques per se there is a great Kitson outlet during business hours on the weekdays).

For the new directory click here: LA Fashion District

Happy Travels!

"One Step Forward, Just Glance Back. No Fear, Just DIVA!"

[source1] [source2]

LA Fashion District: The Directory

2010-01-02T22:30:00.000-08:00

VIRGO
216 E. 9th St
Los Angeles, CA 90015
231.988.8899
http://boosandbesito.com/virgo/
Twitter page: http://twitter.com/virgodowntown

Cinema
216-b & 220 E. 9th St
Los Angeles, CA 90015
213.239.9110

Allegro Accessories
210 E. Olympic Blvd
Jackma Bulding STE 109
Los Angeles, CA 90015
213.748.7748

Cebu
1022 Santee St.
Los Angeles, CA 90015
213.744.1746
www.nimaacc.com

Andrea Bijoux
427 E. 11th St.
Los Angeles, CA 90015
213.746.5288

Note: These are stores that I personally like or have found to be unique and do not include any stores from the Santee Alley as I feel it should be explored at will. Feel free to leave a Diva Stamp and add your own favorites and suggestions.

Happy Travels!

2010 Shopping Challenge

2009-12-31T17:17:00.000-08:00

2010 Shopping Challenge by Lucky Anaiya on Polyvore.com

After spending a full year here in Los Angeles and living in this fashion world I have found that there is some great shopping out there to be had that are not in large chain retailers. From Sample Sales, to Downtown Fashion Walk, to Melrose Boutiques, there are some great treasures hidden in these places for a quarter of the price we pay for other mass marketed pieces.

So for the year 2010 I am going to extend the challenge to SHOP AT NON-CHAIN SHOPS AND STORES. The ONLY exception will be events such as Zac Posen’s Target debut – I mean lets be real if there is a rare diffusion line available I say take advantage of it!!

What do you think Travelers? I say let’s try it! I will blog about my finds and I encourage you to leave a Diva Stamp and share your finds!

Happy Travels!

Think Before You Ink

2009-12-22T07:43:00.000-08:00

This article caught my eye because I have been contemplating getting a tattoo (or 3) for sometime now and I have to admit I’m a bit nervous about it. Luckily I am not in the financial standing to purchase three personalized tatts and this is giving me much time to think about this. Going to school for business gave me every piece of conservative pie a girl could consume and the message that tattoos were a no no especially visible ones was loud and clear. Did I listen? No I have 2, but not in any visible area. The three I want now will be, with the exception of the one I want behind my ear that would not show unless my hair was up (I specifically waited until my hair grew a certain length).

I do agree with the article that says more employers are ore lenient concerning tattoo policies in their offices within reason, however I say check out the rest of the staff and see if there are any visible tattoos and if so of what size and location. Is there a butterfly on the Admin’s instep, or a sleeve on the right arm of the accounting exec who likes to roll his shirts up when he works? There is a big difference between the two.

One of the great things about working in the fashion industry is that it’s all about expression of self through wardrobe, part of that can be your tattoos and piercings, but that is not every company! There is a big diff between Hot Topic vs Oscar de la Renta’s work environment I’m sure!

So what are your thoughts Travelers? Do you have visible tatts? What’s your jobs policy on them? Leave a Diva Stamp and lets talk about it!

Happy Travels [source]

"One Step Forward, Just Glance Back. No Fear, Just DIVA!"

Christmas Present

2009-12-21T07:24:00.000-08:00

The above picture is the present I got from my new boss that I totally was not expecting! I have only been working there for two weeks so the fact that she got me anything was unexpected.

It’s a hard holiday season jumping from coach to floor to car to whatever I can take until I can get an apartment that will accept my credit score is a lot! But right at that moment I felt like I belonged to something. Like it was all coming together.

If you are a recent graduate you may be working at your first career building job and doing what feels a lot like Andie in the first few weeks at Runway magazine. I know I am. Sitting at that table with all those women showed me just how much I still have to grow and for that I am excited. There is a place for me to mature and be able to properly check my progress.

I love the fact that my employer is my dream job and that from there I am able to learn and grow in one place without having to jump all around from company to company to figure out where I want my career path to lead.

And with that I am going to make my best effort to no longer use the word “job” and start using the word “career” there is a big difference and I think that we should start treating them as such.

A “job” pays your bills is a day to day and gets you buy. A “career” builds and grows, it fills a purpose in your life and even when you are tired you love being there because of what it gives you. In a career I believe that as your bank account grows you grow as a person as well, you learn and expand.

There is no one occupation that is a “job” vs being a “career” YOU are what determines the difference. For example “Sale Associate” for me it was a job. It was a petty cat-fight of mundane and lack of a challenge “how did those fit you” type of labor. However for those who want to be store manager or a buyer working as a Sales Associate could see that as a great way to learn product knowledge and selling techniques to relate the customers and improve sell through for their company’s product and then move to manager and then buyer one day – they can grow and expand as their company does and they are forever learning!

So presently this Christmas what are you dong Travelers? Are you working just to get by? Do you have a “job”? That’s okay! We need jobs! Or do are you in your “career” even if in the beginning stages. No matter what it is know that it is YOU who makes the difference between the two. And if you are in the very beginning of your career it’s okay to feel a little insecure about what you are doing and it’s okay to get it wrong, that means you are growing. New mistakes = learning.

I will do another post on this later but for now take that and travel with it!

Happy Travels!

"One Step Forward, Just Glance Back. No Fear, Just DIVA!"

@UncleRush Talks Business and Passion

2009-12-20T20:14:00.000-08:00

I ran across an interesting blog Spandex + Chaos searching a pic for an upcoming post and came across this video of Russell Simmons talking business and passion for creativity while finding your niche. A quote that I will take with me is

"[We're] fearful. [We] think that [we]have to accomplish something immediately and that [we're] gonna be secure somehow, but [we] have to know that our securities are already in [us] and to operate from that abundance that is inside of [us]"

If you follow "UncleRush" on Twitter then you know that his all about empowering the passion and power within...and no matter how you feel about his spirituals you have to give it to him he is one of the top business men of our time. Feel free to leave a Diva Stamp to share your thoughts and stop by Spandex + Chaos to read their thoughts on the video, it's well worth it.

Happy Travels!

"One Step Forward, Just Glance Back. No Fear, Just DIVA!"

You Can Be Whatever You Want to Be

2009-11-17T23:35:00.000-08:00

A Motivational Poem
You Can Be Whatever You Want To Be
Poet: Donna Levine

There is inside you
all of the potential to be whatever
you want to be
all of the energy to do whatever
you want to do.

Imagine yourself
as you would like to be,
doing what you want to do,
and each day, take one step
towards your dream.

And though at times it may seem too
difficult to continue,
hold on to your dream.

One morning you will awake to find
that you are the person
you dreamed of
doing what you wanted to do
simply because you had the courage
to believe in your potential
and to hold on to your dream.

I saw this poem in Iconagraphy Magazine and when I read the title I thought of Brandy's "My Own Little Corner" song. But read the poem Travelers and take it on your journey. Sometimes we just need a reminder.

Happy Travels!

"One Step Forward, Just Glance Back. No Fear, Just DIVA!"

Endurance

2009-11-17T23:32:00.000-08:00

Tough As Nails by Lucky Anaiya featuring Balenciaga accessories

Webster's Dictionary defines the word Endurance as: "the ability to withstand hardship or adversity; especially : the ability to sustain a prolonged stressful effort or activity"

I have learned that in this industry Endurance is a must when holding out for what you really want. Sometimes your journey is longer than another's and it is the quick resolution of a friend, classmate, or worse enemy's speedy success to your "hurry up and wait" Freeway.

Ever feel like you are moving at a traffic jam pace when you are the only person on the road? That can happen in the industry, I'm sure the fashion industry is not the exception, when waiting out the job that you've been waiting for all your life. This is what I am currently experiencing and I have learned that there are two emotions that are only a waist of your time:

Jealousy
Guilt

Jealousy does nothing but burn a potential bridge and makes you more susceptible to a failed dream because instead of focusing on progressively moving along your Freeway you are too busy envying someone else's and it's a distraction. Often times I have found that when it comes to jealousy in the industry it's not even a matter of a common goal that is won over the other but a matter of who got to their dream first. Either way just remember grass is greener and there is always an equal transference of envy between the parties. You never know what the other person is envious of you for and you have to be willing to see the enviable in your own life, (with humility of course).

But just to flip this around, if you happen to be the person who is seeing this quick success don't give others a reason to feel down. Bridges burn both ways and it can hurt when you may need the very person you put down.

Now on to Guilt. There are times when we make decisions that we feel are the best decisions to build our careers at the time, and then....we wait. We get upset with ourselves for making these decisions and start to doubt everything which then leads to overall guilt for having chosen anything in the first place. We question if we made the right choice, create hypothetical situations for all sides of the initial decision and its outcome and then wonder if there is any way that we can change or speed up the process to make us feel better about our choices.

That doesn't always happen. Sometimes you have to bite the bullet. You make this choice because you felt it was the best choice you could make to build your career at the time. There is nothing wrong with that we all do it. But instead of getting all caught up in your head go do something productive!

I will give you a great example: My Story

Upon returning to LA from Ohio I received a job offer on the spot and decided to accept. I knew that I would have to wait for about 2.5 weeks before this position started and I was willing to take that risk. However two days before this position was to begin the one job at the one company I had been salivating to work for gave me a call to give me a chance, however accepting this position meant one thing: More waiting.

Let me break this down for you: More Waiting = Unemployed = Broke and Broker

But because this is where I want to be and my current "dream job" I chose to wait. I started loosing my mind. With friends all asking me about the first position I had to tell them "I gave it up for something else and I don't know when I start" I had no information for them, no start date no nothing, and I didn't have that information for myself! All I had was the choice that I made to turn down one for the other. Did I question myself? Sure, heck I still do, but I know that concerning where I want to go for my career this is best option.

So travelers no matter where you are on your Freeway be willing to "withstand hardship and adversity" especially when it becomes a "prolonged stressful...activity"! It will be all worth it in the end once you make it to that desired Point B.

Happy Travels!

"One Step Forward, Just Glance Back. No Fear, Just DIVA!"

Construction Zone: The Series

2009-11-16T16:08:00.000-08:00

Construction Zone by Lucky Anaiya featuring Azzedine Alaia shoes

No matter where you are on your Fashion Freeway there comes a time when you have to start from scratch. I am learning this all too well as a recent graduate. Travelers, this past week I hit a MAJOR rough patch after what I would say was an overflow of opportunity. So for the time being I keep trying to figure out what the heck went wrong with the decisions I made to build my career that lead to this patch. In that I decided to break down what I was doing and what decisions I was making, and rebuild a better Freeway for my journey. I have now entered what we call the "Construction Zone"

For those of you who are new to my blog I define its categories/tags/labels in the form of Freeway Finders (full post here). For this series:

Construction Zone = Tearing Down, Building Up, Starting from Scratch, Making what looks like nothing into something amazing

I want to provide not only my story of tear down to build up but also that of other companies/persons in the Fashion Industry that may also be doing the same. You see there is no one right way to build a career in this industry and there is also no one right way to REbuild either.

Happy Travels!

"One Step Forward, Just Glance Back. No Fear, Just DIVA!"

Find Me Featured

2009-11-06T16:37:00.000-08:00

The past 10 days have been very busy for me in the world of the fashion net. I have been featured on two websites that I am very much a fan of, Essence.com and Fashion Club.

My first feature on Essence.com was for their Street Style segment. While attending a natural hair event in Los Angeles at Wishire Beauty I was asked if they could take my picture. I was really excited even though they were very clear that it may not make the actual site. Well it did! Here is the Link. Check it out and feel free to make a comment I would really appreciate the love!

The second feature was on FIDM's blog Fashion Club. I was interviewed by the great Kim Askew and I hope that my answers will help someone who is looking to start their fashion career at my recent Alma Mater. Take a read and let me know what you think!

Happy Travels!

"One Step Forward, Just Glance Back. No Fear, Just DIVA!"

Thrive LA : Welcome to my Internship

2009-11-06T16:30:00.000-08:00

One thing that I am so fortunate to experience is to have been an intern my entire duration at FIDM, and with my most recent internship I felt more fortunate than ever. Just posted some "secret truths" that I have learned through working/interning in the fashion industry, a good number of which I experienced through this internship.

Through an amazing and surreal Twitter experience I was able to land an interview with Thrive, an LA based design house that has clothed celebrities such as Kelly Rowland (Kelly Rowland in Thrive via Posh Glam). I loved my internship! What can I tell you it is the entire Product Development major in action! From sketching to sourcing I did it all there and I could not have been happier or more appreciative of this opportunity.

If you follow me in Twitter then on Thursdays and Fridays you may have seen my twitpics throughout the day of my tasks and errands. However if you are new to my blog then here is a description of my normal day was like:

9:30a – Check with Head of PD for any unfinished duties earlier in the week. Overview today’s schedule

9:45a – Make phone calls for pick up of fabric samples

10:00 – 1:00p – Pick up fabric, trims, patterns, samples (depending on where we are in the production cycle)

1p-2p – Lunch!

2p – Until end of day: Wrapping up loose ends, going back to pattern makers, creating boards for buyers, meetings

I really liked running errands for my internship because I am exposed to so many locations that a normal student would not be allowed (unless they have their own wholesale license). One of my favorite places is Kagan Trim Center. Talk about the epicenter. Travelers I wish I could have taken a picture inside of all the trims from floor to ceiling in there, but it’s against the rules. But here is a pic of the outside.

My time at Thrive is now over as I start my career and I am much better equipped for what I have learned there. Thank you Thrive!

So tell me travelers about your internship experiences. Are they wonderful? Horrific? Leave a Diva Stamp and lets discuss!

Happy Travels!

"One Step Forward, Just Glance Back. No Fear, Just DIVA!"

Secret Truths You Don't Learn in Fashion School

2009-11-06T15:02:00.000-08:00

In this awesome article by 39^th and Broadway the authors touch on what they wish someone had told them about working in the industry, and I must say that upon completing my internship and now about to start my first career-building experience in the industry (I try my hardest not to use the word “job”), I must say I am better prepared for what this industry has to offer. Still I am very convinced that there are some what I like to call “secret truths” that are still instore for me to learn.

So they offer 4 secret truths:

Money or lack there of was the number one issue

Working conditions in the garment center are sub-par

The insane hours you will work and how they will be wasted

Competition is fierce in every category and at every level

Money or lack there of was the number one issue:

“Whether starting your own company or working for 'the man', the starting salaries are pitiful.”

· I would have to say this is pretty accurate. I have noticed that lots of us are willing to intern well past graduation just to keep our feet in the industry. Out of shear bold I would ask my interviewer the suggested salary for the position for which I was interviewing and trust me from Production Assistant to Assistant Designer I was thoroughly confused. I was speaking with a friend who works in the admin field in the health industry and when interviewing for a new position she mentioned her starting salary, almost three times what I have heard salaries to be in fashion.

Working conditions in the garment center are sub-par

“There is also a bizarre relationship with technology, a small family run company can have the newest Macs and best programs while a certain $4 billion company uses faxes to send techpacks. Then there is the food issue which boils down to, nobody eats!”

· I think we all get a bit misled by The Hills and The City where the shiny offices are filled with the latest technology and plush desk chairs. But the truth is office computers run slow, shippers can run on Windows 98 while you’re sending ’04. Your school teaches you on the latest Creative Suite with all the short cuts an bells and whistles and then you have Creative Suite basic basic #1 where keyboard short cuts are nonexsistent and gradient variations that can be done only two colors at a time and you are ready to jump out the window!

· One thing I will disagree with is the eating statement. You do eat, but you eat on the run, at your desk, hell whenever you can! Delivery men are your new boyfriends and they know when you’ve been cheating! You will have tax/tip/delivery charge added into your new accounting sheets.

· Next up the buildings in which your clothing/samples are manufactured. We once had sendouts in a building that was so gritty that every time we entered I went into a sneezing fit! We also made a game of checking the elevator inspection dates, lol. Some of the most beautiful clothing in the world is sewn together in some of the most grimy, unsophisticated, places you will ever step foot in. Leave your YSL wedges at home, this is def the place to bring your Converses.

The insane hours you will work and how they will be wasted

“…maybe you thought you’d be developing tons of original graphics and creating new logos or innovative artwork but instead, spend most of your time ‘tweaking’ the same artwork for your boss into a hundred different variations.”

· Now one of the great things about being an intern is that I never had to see the super long hours and I only worked one weekend when I volunteered to be a part of Market Week. However…I will be starting my new position and though the title is Assistant Designer I’m sure that my main responsibilities will be very much like this quoted statement. Lol

Competition is fierce in every category and at every level

“Bosses keeping employees down because they are threatened by them, co-workers stabbing each-other in the back, assistants sabotaging their supervisors to the higher-ups.”

· Now I have to make it very clear that this is not at all my personal experience however I wanted to type what I feel to be the harshest statement of this section. It’s better to prepare for war even if you never have to fight the battle And let’s hope you don’t. But I will say that there is a strong need for thick skin in this industry There can be a lot of passive aggressive behavior and a lot of little things can be done to your career in that emotional aftermath. Know your emotional strengths and weaknesses and approach higher ups with caution. Be humble without being a brown-noser, and know who you can and cannot vent to in your office or you will find yourself being talked down to adding unnecessary tention to an already emotional situation.

· I know that I have not mentioned my internship much, if at all here on No Fear Just DIVA, and I will fix that, but I will say this: My immediate supervisor was amazing to me! Working with her was such a humbling experience because she never talked down to me. She knew my strengths and when I didn’t understand. She was a teacher and was patient with me when she could tell that I was getting bored, needed to be challenged, or had a superiority complex (I will write about that later). She wasn’t threatened by me and genuinely happy for me when I got my job. There was no competition between us.

What do you think travelers? Not all of you may have graduated from school just yet but I would love to hear some of your secret truths about the industry, or even your takes on the ones presented here. We have so much to learn about this secret society we call the Fashion Industry and I am more than happy to share those experiences with you!

Happy Travels!

"One Step Forward, Just Glance Back. No Fear Just DIVA!" [source]

Fight

2009-10-23T11:29:00.000-07:00

What are you fighting for? Okay travelers this one might get a little deep for ya so if you're looking for a fun read you might wanna find a different post.

*Originally Written 10/18/2009*

On the latest episode of Grey's Anatomy Christina Yang (sandra oh) raised the question "What am I fighting for?"

Just for some back story: Christina is a heart surgeon and it is also her passion. She was training under one of the best cardiac specialists in the country but due a broken engagement (her own) he left and his replacement just really didn't like her and shut her out every chance she got. So in the long run (in this case 2 whole seasons) Christina was just working a job and not building her career. When the hospital had to merge with its competitor doctors were fighting to keep their jobs and Christina found herself fighting, pretty severely, for things she never even cared about. And it was when she lost the battle that she finally asked "What am I fighting for?"

Travelers if you wanna talk about light bulb...even as I type this I am sitting in my car stuffed with a good 80% of my belongings, locked out of an apt where I sleep on the couch.

I was in this exact same spot 3 years ago in Atlanta where I also fought until financially I just couldn't handle the cost of the war. So after watching Grey's and sitting in my car locked out I had to ask myself "what am I fighting for?" I have a family that loves me and I can go home to them without any judgment or love lost. However I will say that this time I think there is a clearer vision to my journey. That the motivators for its existence are a lot more justifiable than when I moved to Atlanta. But there are times, especially like tonight when I look at my car with all my stuff, the couch that I sleep on, and my bank account and ask "What am I fighting for?"

Travelers its okay to ask that question. But also ask are you working a job, or building a career? If its the latter then your fight is justifiable. If it is the former take a pit stop and redirect your route when you have a clearer sense of your Point B.

I have to remember, I have my first position in the Industry, I just haven't started yet and even if that falls through, which it won't (optimism) I'm still tutoring and can make just enough money to gas up the Black Thunder and drive on home.

What am I fighting for? A career in the fashion industry that allows me to use both my degrees in International Business and Product Development. I really like both Branding and Production and Sourcing so we shall see but despite what it looks like on the surface I think I'm doing the right thing.

Happy Travels

"One Step Forward, Just Glance Back. No Fear, Just DIVA!"

Playing Catch Up

2009-10-15T15:38:00.000-07:00

Afternoon Travelers! Over the course of a year I have accumulated a few articles that I wanted to blog about but never had the time to do. Well...now I do and I am ready to share my opinions on how they can be relevant to your journey. So stay tuned!

Happy Travels

Blank Canvas: Lessons Learned

2009-10-13T19:57:00.000-07:00

Heloooo travelers! I am now an official Alum of FIDM and am ready to do some revamping to this here blog. We have a lot of catching up to do and I want to make sure that I hit all the important landmarks along my journey in hopes of aiding you along yours. There are three very important lessons I have learned in the last month that I think can help everyone.

1.) Prioritize with honesty

2.) Take time to enjoy your loved ones (rocking chair)

3.) Patience is a virtue (don't punish yourself)

Prioritize with Honesty:

There is a saying "You can't be all things to all people" and I have learned that you can't be all things to yourself. On one too many occasions during my time at FIDM I tried to be all things to all people. A student, RA, intern, friend, Networking Guru, speaker, you name it, but the #1 thing that fell off was my blog. I don't like that. But I had to be honest about spreading myself thin.

Travelers when you are going after a dream make sure that you prioritize with honesty. I wanted to be great at all of the above but not at the risk of my grades or relationship with my teachers. When both working a 9-5 and building a business one must be honest about where their time and money is most effectively spent in order to achieve that dream. (Great article I read about all this coming soon!)

Steps to take: Make a list and divide it into Have To and Want To. In the Have To pile place things like Homework, 9-5, and financial obligations. In the Want To pile place the things that you desire to do and may help make your dream a reality, but is not a necessity to your everyday life ie Fashion Week Mixers, Starting a new blog, or restyling your wardrobe. Assess the list. Is it honest? Great! Once you get a handle on the Have To's add the Want To's one by one to build a more balanced foundation for your dreams.

Take Time to Enjoy Your Loved Ones (Rocking Chair)

Right after graduation I was able to spend two weeks at home in Ohio. Talk about a great time! But when I first made it to Akron to spend time with my aunt I had nothing to do!!! Try going from staying up well past midnight working on projects then waking up at 6:30a to finish that same project to having not one thing due. I lost my mind! I kept looking for little projects something to work on something to complete. My aunt asked me "Why are you trying to take away your own peace?" Why was I trying to take away my own peace? So travelers I sat on her deck in a rocking chair with my knitting needles and proceeded to make my Nana a hat. It was the best feeling in the world.

When building your dream into a reality it can take so much of your time that if there is ever a period of rest, we tend to miss them because of the simple fact we are so used to being busy. Trust me nothing is healthier for your dream than a moment of still clarity. When I took that time of peace the result was a hat that made my Nana cry (in a good way). She is 89 years old and I have no idea how many more hats I will ever have the time to make her if any, and in that moment with my mother, aunt, uncle, and dog Camron :-) around, I was able to create a memory for my family that only propels my dream, it didn't take away from the building of it.

Patience is a Virtue (Don't Punish Yourself)

We expect our dreams to have a 2 week manifestation when sometimes it takes years to see your dreams come to fruition. Life can get in the way of building your dreams but as long as you have your Have and Want To's in order and you are diligently working towards that take a look back at where you first started and review what you have accomplished to date. For example I want a career in the Fashion Industry. For me that meant getting a degree in Merchandise Product Development from FIDM. I knew that would be 1 year of my life so I can't be upset that I'm not the Corporate Merchandiser of BCBG Max Azria by the time I turned 26.

Know what it takes to build your dream and be realistic about the time it takes to achieve each step to building your goal and track your Mile Markers. I'm gong to take more time on this blog to develop that section of this blog to help my travelers with patience.

Okay okay I know I just got back but I have some revamping of the blog I really want to do (I just found I can blog from my BlackBerry). So I'm going to take even more time off to review a few blogs that I truly respect and love and the love attention and detail their owners give them and show that same love.

I have big plans for baby and as you know nobody sits baby in the corner!

Leave a Diva Stamp and let me know what you think! I really want to hear from you. The plan is to grow the readership in 2010, but I know that's up to me and then spreading the word from you.

Happy Travels,

One Step Forward, Just Glance Back. No Fear, Just DIVA!

[source]

2009-10-13T19:56:00.001-07:00

Test posting Travelers. Bear with me!

MAGIC 2009

2009-08-30T16:52:00.000-07:00

Guess what Travelers? I’m headed to Las Vegas right now to attend the MAGIC Trade Show! The Product Development dept sent out an email asking who would like to attend and I was chosen! But I almost bowed out of the spot. Let me tell you something in these last few days I have learned three very valuable lessons just in receiving this opportunity so read up:

1.) Have a great support system
2.) Make good connections outside of your comfort zone (Featherless Birds)
3.) In this economy an opportunity is an opportunity

Have a great support system: Like I said I almost didn’t take it. You see the opportunity is to work very closely with the Ed Hardy team however personal and travel expenses are not covered. For those of you on this journey with me already know that I am openly unemployed and have yet to find a source of income. I originally told the dept that if they found another student with the provision to attend to give them the opportunity over me. I instantly started to regret that statement. I texted a friend like “what do I do? I can’t afford it!!” She Tim Gunn’d me “Make it work!” I called my mother to run it by her and she said “You’re going so how much do you need? We can make it work” Being far from a trust fund baby (or adult for that matter) I knew this was a big deal. I had until noon the next day to give my answer but as soon as I got the go ahead from my mother I responded that I accepted the opportunity!

When traveling along your Freeway it’s best to have a good support system because I could have called a nay sayer who would only focus on my lack of finances and point out the possible negatives, but on this journey I have learned that positivity and opportunity go hand in hand. I know that if what I was trying to do was too unreasonable my system would have been honest with me about my ambitions.

Make good connections outside of your comfort zone: Sometime last year I wrote a post on AndspeakingofPink about expanding your circle and dispelling the term “birds of a feather flock together.” Here on this blog I call it “Connectors.”At FIDM for most of your term you will spend it with students who are in your same major, very rarely will you have the opportunity to mix with other majors, so you have to make the effort.

Just recently I applied to be a model for a photoshoot for the school and was introduced to the Public Communications dept at FIDM. All the brochures, invites, welcome packets come from them and they are amazing. Look at this work on past Debut Show publications:
It was in me exploring this dept that I met Kim Askew and learned that she the woman responsible for the official FIDM Twitter and Facebook pages as well as the Fashion Club website was familiar with my blog! That connect led to a seconding that I was a good choice to attend the trade show as they were looking for someone to blog about this experience. The real world is an integrated interacting one and the more we stay in our flocks the more we are likely to miss a great connector that leads to an invaluable opportunity.

Lastly, In this economy an opportunity is an opportunity: Travelers there is no way to sugar coat this, sometimes when you are awarded a great opportunity there will be someone there trying to take the air out of your tires. It may be out of jealousy, spite, or just plain closed mindedness but in the end it’s your choice to take advantage of an opportunity afforded to you and in the back of your mind remember – if they were offered the same opportunity 9 times out of 10 they would have taken it too.

You see all I have to do is mention the name Ed Hardy and watch the, for the lack of a better term, hate begin. I was even told by a fellow classmate maybe she was just stricter about what she allows herself to be exposed to when it comes to her career. Yeah like unemployment. In retrospect I understand what she is saying but let’s be honest. When it comes to relevance in the contemporary streetwear market Ed Hardy is at the tip top of the list. There has been few companies that have seen such a cult following and growth in a short amount of time like this one. As a soon to be graduate why would I not want to be a part of this in anyway I can on a platform of this international tradeshow? Just remember like in real life if someone lets the air out of your tires it may slow you down but it doesn’t keep you from moving.

Happy Travels!

"One Step Forward, Just Glance Back. No Fear, Just DIVA!"

Pit Stop: Knowing Your Personal Stress Warnging Signs

2009-08-20T09:03:00.000-07:00

Happy hump day to you Travelers! It's the 7th week of school and officially the time that I warn my residents about concerning stress and overload. Well, I should have been warning myself as I found myself crying in class over frustration of a project. I will talk about it more in a later post but for now I want to focus on dealing with stress. I have no cool Web M.D. link to show you, no wonderful studies on stress just one simple rule: Know Your Personal Stress Warning Signs.

We all know when something is just not right, even when we can't put our finger on it. For me I will overly stress on the most insignificant things like my hair or not having enough shoes. In the back of my mind I know it's not the issue but I'm just not sure what is. So when talking with a teacher from whom I had for assistance when she asked me what I needed help with I responded in tears and not words. After that cry I got such a wave of relief! I'm still a little stressed and have a lot on my plate but at least now I can pin point it and say "Okay this is what I need to do to handle this situation"

The reason I titled this post Pit Stop is because you know how in NASCAR when the cars crash or blow a tire they need to go to the pit stop area to get fixed? Well it can be like that on our Fashion Freeways, the trick is to know the warning signs before the crash. If you know something's wrong Travelers take a pit stop, even if you don't know what the problem is. If you catch it early enough you can save yourself from a major crash.

Happy Travels!

"One Step Forward, Just Glance Back! No Fear Just, DIVA!"

Know Your Industry Pt.2 The Business of it all

2009-08-17T13:05:00.000-07:00

Happy Monday Travelers! Over the weekend I came across this article via the Business of Fashion originally posted at Retail Week. The article touches on how more Fashion Design students are seeking out formal education of the business side of the industry to make themselves better prepared for the market and more competitive against their classmates.

A heavy promotion for the English program Fashion Fringe at Covent Garden, students of this program are mentored by industry professionals in the ways of launching a successful line to the market.

For those of you on this side of the pond I would recommend FIDM's International Manufacturing and Product Development* (IMPD) program or the Bachelors of Science in Business Management*. I am a very biased fan of our Merchandise Product Development major because I do feel as if it and the Apparel Manufacturing Management major give both the creative as well as the business sides of the industry. I both sew and create 6-Month Financial Plans for major retailers.

I kinda equate it to being your own mechanic, (you have no idea how bad I wish I could change my own brakes!). Our business must be a well oiled machine and for it to run properly everything must be in order. Unfortunately it is so hard to find a good mechanic especially when you are new to a destination or area. Knowing how to do it yourself saves time and money. It can also keep you from being cheated by those that don't have your best interest at heart.

No matter where you are on your Freeway it's a good idea to become familiar with the business of the fashion industry. Be the mechanic of your own career vehicle!

Happy Travels!

"One Step Forward, Just Glance Back. No Fear, Just DIVA!"

Know Your Industry

2009-08-11T12:09:00.000-07:00

It is naive to believe that we learn all there is to know about our respective industries through school alone, but it is in networking and first-hand experience (and a little help from Google). As you know it's Market Week here in Los Angeles and I kept seeing people walking around with these red bags with the initials ENK on them. I kept wondering "What store is that?" Turns out it's the parent company of trade shows Brighte Compnanies here in LA and Coterie in New York. Check them out here. Then in a few weeks will be MAGIC and Project both in Las Vegas simultaneously.

I'm still learning the difference between the two shows and why exactly my teachers make a bigger deal out of one than the other but the point is I'm learning. We have all heard the phrase "If you walk the walk you gotta talk the talk" well in this industry if you're gonna catwalk you gotta trade talk.

I have been trying to figure out how to get to MAGIC this season with my internship since it's unpaid (literally) but I really want to go and it's such a great learning experience. I hear that there are better shows out there, Coterie in NY for example, but the truth of the matter is Travelers I don't care. I want to make it a point to go to as many as I can whether they suck or not. Let my eye be trained and instincts enhanced through experiencing the good and the bad. The tacky and the chic.

So many times we allow someone else's poor experience deter us from trying something on our own. Have you ever heard someone say "Well so and so told me that it's not even worth it so I'm not gonna even go. I mean...(insert random excuse here)." Now we're not talking about the new Harry Potter movie, we are talking about something that can help make you better versed in your industry and better equipped to be competitive amongst your classmates. I mean hello! Did you not just read yesterday's post?

Travelers I urge you today as you ride along your Freeway learn how to be a better driver. Remember there is no one right way to build your career in this industry, but there is a wrong one and that is letting others dictate your route keeping you in the dark about where you are headed. Learn for yourself and get to know this industry inside out! Click these links, read the "About" section, ask your employers, teachers, mentors, internships how these shows affect their business especially now with buyers being so tight in the pocket. Trust me they will be impressed and if you don't know ASK! No one will ever look down on your for wanting to know more about the industry in which you are building your career. Go For It!

Happy Travels!

"One Step Forward, Just Glance Back. No Fear, Just DIVA!"

Paying for the Unpaid (Internships)

2009-08-10T12:01:00.000-07:00

Yesterday on Twitter I came across this article in the New York Times originally tweeted by Urban Interns. The article discusses how students, more like their parents, are paying very large amounts of money for consideration of an internship for "a more competitive entry level resume". Many are hiring services used to search and land coveted unpaid positions.

Two of the top companies listed were Internships.com and University of Dreams, the latter of which I had actually considered applying to myself after reading about it in an interview with a fashion PR intern on PR Couture.

When I first read the article I was really frustrated and felt it to be profusely inaccurate thinking that one does not need rich parents to help them land a seat on the front of the bus, but a true sense of Purpose and a clear vision of their Point B. I truly believe that motivation and proper networking can get you most anywhere for almost free. I say almost cause I had to pay for my business cards.

I don't know about you travelers but I don't have rich parents who have frat brothers in high places (well not in the fashion industry --that I know of anyway). All the connections all the breaks all the internships that I have experienced while here at FIDM has everything to do with me not being afraid to say what I want and meeting the people who can help get me there. Screw a big bank account just open your mouth and make sure your butt can cash that verbal check!

However there is one thing I will agree with in that article and that is somehow (due to the dirty E word) an unpaid internship has become the new post grad position. This is my reality and I am trying to find monetary ways around it. I'm currently weighing my options and though I'm not ready to reveal them just yet I will say that what I am learning at my internship is immeasurable and I'm sure the same as an entry level, except without pay.

I don't know Travelers the dirty E has us rethinking how we do graduation and if you are financing your own Freeway then I say No Fear, Just DIVA to ya! Just go for it. You're already broke what do you have to lose?

Happy Travels!

"One Step Forward, Just Glance Back. No Fear, Just DIVA!"

Purpose

2009-08-09T12:00:00.000-07:00

Travelers, I am now half way into my last quarter here at FIDM and have confirmed moving on from my RA position, leaving me homeless (retrospectively), which has me reexamining my raison d'etre. In English it literally translates into "Reason of Being" or my Purpose.

When looking up the definition of "Purpose" it's defined in two words "reason" and "drive"...interesting. So I decided to look up "reason" and "drive" here is what I found:

Drive: move into a desired direction of discourse

Reason: a rational motive for a belief or action

So accuse me of trying to be deep here but I see Purpose as what moves you towards what you believe in. Your Purpose is the gas in your vehicle that moves you along your freeway. Okay let me break this down for you using this blog as an example:

Purpose: To show that there is no one right way to build a career in the fashion industry

Vehicle: Blogger

Point B: My Travelers fearlessly jumping on their freeway and going for their dreams.

I hope this all makes sense to you cause it make perfect sense in my head but if not leave a Diva Stamp and let's talk about this!!

Until then go out there and find your Purpose! What moves you toward what you believe in? Great! Now GO!

Happy Travels!

"One Step Forward Just Glance Back, No Fear, Just DIVA!"

it's Market Week!

2009-08-07T13:55:00.000-07:00

It's Market Week here in LA and that means that all the buyers come to the different showrooms to purchase product for their respective stores. I'm presently waiting on our fit model to arrive as we have a meeting with Nordstrom right now. I must tell you between all the printing, running to the fabric store and pattern makers (sometimes 3x's in one day) to see a product go from concept to presentation makes my time at FIDM worth it that much more. I always call my internship "my degree in action" and today it couldn't be any more true. I'm starving my feet are hurting in these heels and I couldn't be happier. Go for that desired Point B Travelers. Trust me it's worth it!

Happy Travels!

Out of the Comfort Zone

2009-07-29T16:11:00.000-07:00

Hey Travelers! Now as you know I have a business back ground and many times I am taken out of my comfort zone here at FIDM. My Fit Analysis class is a prime example of this. Today we were working on Draping, Fit, and using our classmates as Fit Models.

As a team of two effort these were our results:

What do you think? Not too bad right? Thanks!

So let's talk about the lesson learned. I have 6 more weeks of this class and being out of my analytical comfort zone. I will do all that I can to keep from working with my hands, but that is what this class is all about. Do I understand the class' relevance? Yes. Do I want to take it? No. But I have to so let me learn what I can without complaint. I need this class to graduate and sometimes Travelers, on the way to our Point B there are lessons to be learned and tasks to be mastered that make us want to quit or skip a step (I tried hard to figure out how I could graduate without taking this class), but if we learn to treat those challenges with a winning mindset we can surprise even ourselves at what we can accomplish.

Happy Travels,

"One Step Forward, Just Glance Back. No Fear, Just DIVA!"

Redirecting the Route

2009-07-28T10:17:00.000-07:00

I have to be honest travelers I lost my way when it comes to the direction of this blog. I lost what it was I wanted to do with it and how I wanted to use it to help guide us all along our Fashion Freeway.

My posts became more personal and not giving universal information that can be used across the board. There are internship posts, event invitations, and other forms of networking that my Travelers can take advantage of that I'm just not posting. And yet I have the nerve to complain about students not taking advantage of what is out there to help them build their careers. So it's up to me to change that.

I want to teach my Travelers to adopt the mantra that is this blog "No Fear, Just DIVA" I want to write more about the books that I am reading and do reviews on them. Article overviews and even international magazine suggestions.

So here we go Travelers! It's a new season and a new day! I'm ready to redirect my route of this blog and get everyone back on track with their Freeway! Who's with me!?

Remembering Michael Jackson

2009-06-26T10:14:00.000-07:00

Travelers, I'm in a daze. It's hard for me to truly believe that the greatest entertainer of all time has passed away. So many of my childhood memories include him.

I remember feeling as if my mother didn't truly love me when I could not get a sequined glove to match my pint-sized "Beat It" jacket.
I thought Brandon Adams was my boyfriend in the Smooth Criminal mini-movie
I was about 10 or 12 when I could finally watch the entire Thriller video
The "Remember the Time" video was on repeat at summer camp
I thought Michael Jackson was at his cutest in the "Keep it in the Closet" video

I could go on and on about this man and his impact on my life, we all can. I have read it so many times "This is one moment in history when you will know exactly where you were and what you were doing when you heard the news" I even heard the statement "A post-Michael Jackson generation" how is this possible Travelers?!

Eloquence is just not on my side as I have been in a numb state knowing that at one point the tears will come. There are so many things about Michael Jackson and his life and influence that we could talk about especially in the fashion industry, for example:
We will miss you Michael Jackson no one will ever impact the world the way you have. Rest in Peace

[source]

Open Road

2009-06-24T13:01:00.000-07:00

Sometimes when riding along your Fashion Freeway you look for the signs that tell you were you are going only to find open road. What's in front of you looks exactly like what's behind you and you stop and wonder...am I going in the right direction?

Times like these you need to crank up your Travel Music and just keep moving forward and one day the sign you've been looking for will appear....

[source]

A Blogging Diva's Plight....

2009-06-23T10:05:00.000-07:00

Hey Travelers! The quarter is over and I must say I am truly pleased with the outcome. I have also come to the very honest realization that I am not pleased with what my blog has become. It’s an afterthought and a vague journal of my school experience. It’s not as involved and "insider information" as I would like for it to be. I really wanted to show the insides of being a FIDM student, building a career in fashion, and taking risks to show that it is just as worth it to fall on your face as it is to make it.

There are a couple of reasons for this fall off:
1.) Time – school is so intense trying to manage that an internship and coordinating the show I just had a hard time trying to blog.
2.) Fear – I know as a total contradiction to what this whole blog is about I totally flake out on blogging out of fear. Fear of success maybe I don’t really know but I keep thinking I cant write about certain subjects because I don't have the right picture to place with the post, or can't find the right wording to express my thoughts
3.) Content – I don’t want to make this blog all about me but that is the only thing I have to write about that doesn’t need much research. Outside research.

So here is the plan travelers, I am going to try and make it up to everyone this vacation. I have two weeks to get back on my Freeway and help both me and you refocus on this journey. I must re-evaluate what is getting me from Point A to Point B. Especially since Point B is only 3 months away…well graduation is anyway. Until then Happy travels!

3 Down 1 To Go

2009-06-01T21:53:00.000-07:00

Hellooo Travelers! I am two weeks away from completing my Third out of 4 quarters and that means I am three months away from graduation and just that much closer to my Point B!

I have to admit that this journey is far from over and I am more confused as to one specific Point B. The options are endless, at least I think they are....

I have a meeting with my career advisor on Friday to talk about my options. I would also like to start looking for a formal internship for my last quarter with the intent to hire.

I do still think that I am leaning towards corporate Merchandising. I always put the "corporate" in front so people understand that it is not the same as Visual Merchandising such as for a store.

**Update -- June 23, 2009***

I am currently interviewing and looking at different opportunities to build my career through an internship. I do believe that I have found an opportunity that will also allow for a part time job as I need to start saving for life after college. I will keep you updated...

Happy Travels

"One Step Forward, Just Glance Back. No Fear, Just DIVA!"

Imagine That

2009-05-28T12:12:00.001-07:00

Take out the word "daughter" and read it as "What if your imagination was the secret to your success?"

What a revolutionary thought! When was the last time you freely used your imagination? When was the last time anything was possible to you?

My imagination is one of my favorite parts of self. In it I control the outcome of every situation and scenario I can dare to dream up. Do you know how amazing I am and my life is in my imagination!?

As you know two weeks ago was the Benefits Fashion Show, for which I was the Fashion Coordinator, and though I did not blog about the experience the lessons I learn from it and the opportunities it has opened my eyes to are just that much more.

When I first entered college (in OH not FIDM) I had such a strict plan of what I thought and could be and the path I needed to follow. Life and a little bit of "Fallonmyfaceism" showed me different.
Lot's of people quote Oprah on the whole "What would you do if money wasn't an issue?" concept and it really gets us thinking. Closing our eyes and imagining What would we do if money wasn't an issue?

I would do exactly this, with more food in my fridge of course! Learning about the true ins and outs of the fashion industry keeps me so excited about the new skills I am gaining and the unknown but so necessary steps in the industry to manufacture apparel (insert Tech Pack here).

When people ask me "So what are you going to do when you graduate?" I don't feel pressured to answer because according to my imagination I can do and be whatever I want to do/be. But instead I answer "I have gained so many valuable skills from my formal training that I am now in the position to entertain a multitude of opportunities within the industry."

Travelers while out there on your Fashion Freeway I encourage you to use your imagination and your current skill set to create the life you want in reality.

Happy Travels
"One Step Forward, Just Glance Back. No Fear, Just DIVA!"

Gone Fashion...

2009-05-01T21:30:00.000-07:00

With the show only a few weeks away and in the heart of the quarter at school some things have to be put on the back burner, this blog being one of them. I will be back soon to update my thoughts on some great learning experiences as the Fashion Coordinator of this Benefits Fashion Show.

Until my return check out some great online publications:

FutureClaw Magazine (here)
PopAfricana (here)
DijourMag (here)

Also peep the photo shoot I helped style for my internship @LA2Day Magazine! Follow me on Twitter and get my updates on FIDM and the show!

Happy Travels!

"One Step Forward, Just Glance Back. No Fear, Just DIVA!"

The Best Homework Project EVER!!

2009-04-18T16:17:00.000-07:00

Friday in my Principles for Design Development class we were given the homework assignment to create a diffusion line, or extension of an existing label. I struggled with it for a while but I finally came up with what I think is a great idea...This is the magazine cover that inspired it:

More details to come....

Happy Travels!

"One Step Forward, Just Glance Back. No Fear, Just DIVA!!"

Growing Pains: Fashion Coordiantor Journal 2

2009-04-12T10:40:00.000-07:00

"In really serious situations I always feel like I am pretending to be an adult. And it occurred to me recently that I might always have that feeling; maybe everybody is pretending to be an adult. After all we're not that young anymore and kinda are the adults...at least the jr ones."

-Dylan QuarterLife "Home Sweet Home"

YouTube Episode #36

Photo courtesy of ANTM

Gilt Group Sale: Christian Louboutin

2009-04-08T10:05:00.000-07:00

Be sure to check out the Gilt Group Christian Louboutin sale. 50% off select shoes!! I can't afford them right now but if you can wear them for me!!! Not yet a Member? Join and tell them Mei-Li sent ya! Oh and I will NOT be skipping any tuition payments for shoes...

Happy (and stylish) Travels!

"One Step Forward, Just Glance Back. No Fear, Just DIVA"

If No Fear, Just DIVA:

2009-04-08T10:02:00.001-07:00

Were to skip a tuition payment....

These are what she would buy.

If No Fear, Just DIVA:

2009-04-07T14:48:00.000-07:00

Were a Music Video.....

Electrik Red - New Music - More Music Videos

It looks just like DIVA!!! Loves it!! (still unsure about the group though)

Brand Battle: No Fear, Just DIVA vs FirstThree Inc.

2009-04-05T14:02:00.000-07:00

At every major event we see celebrities standing in front of giant backdrops of sponsors, pr firms, and event hosts. They are called Media Walls, and for our Benefit Fashion Show there will be one.

Talk about pressure!!!! So with this of course LadyLace Marketing, my friends company, will be on the wall. But....What about me???

In a past Logos post I talked about creating two logos on for this blog No Fear, Just DIVA, and then for the idea of a parent company First Three Inc. Also the name of my email address, Twitter Page, and this blog's url.

I want to have something created, that will later be trademarked, to go on the wall to represent me and my work. I'm a bit torn however because whatever I choose I want it to follow me along my career. I am excited to build a company and later an empire, which will be represented by the logo that I choose.

After taking my Brand Development class learning the importance of a brand that accurately represents your company, is easy to remember, and appealing to a mass audience I have been over thinking everything that I thought I knew and love about both the above names. And so the battle begins:

No Fear, Just DIVA vs FirstThree Inc.

No Fear, Just DIVA, as many of my long time travelers know, started as a mantra I say to myself in the times that I was/am afraid and nervous. At its birth "DIVA" was an acronym for Devastatingly Innovative Via Apparel. The "A" was later changed to Affirmation - all about telling myself I can do it. This change was also only noted in my head

The logo that I created through polyvore.com represents everything that I personally believe No Fear, Just DIVA to be.

The Stiletto- ultimate style item
The PDA- business
The Luggage- packing it all up and going for it
The Road – Fashion Freeway hello!!!!
The City in the distance – the desired destination – Point B

I love it but I also recognize it’s a lot. McDonald's just has one “M”. Baby Phat one cat. Another problem with this logo is that I have other people’s products on here. Not Okay.

When it comes to FirstThree Inc I like it as a business name a lot better because I think it’s John Smith friendly. I’m sure many of you out there know exactly what I mean by that. While discussing this with a friend of mine she made the point that not all business have John Smith friendly names (ie FUBU). This made me feel a little better. I also think that FirstThree Inc is a better name for a parent company, as I plan to expand my goods and services in the future. I think that “No Fear, Just DIVA, a FirstThree Inc company” has a nice ring to it. But I have been playing with “______, a division of No Fear, Just DIVA”

Effective brand names have usually one or two words, sometimes three, and they are usually shortened to one or to initials (Victoria’s Secret/Vickys). What happens when you initial No Fear, Just DIVA? NFJD. Right. Knocks the sexy right out your walk. This is not what I want to come to mind when mentioning my fashion business. This is another reason when writing why I never abbreviate my blog’s name. If you shorten it to No Fear, that’s an extreme sports brand I think or something hardcore. Just DIVA is cute though and Google searches have brought about nothing but my blog! Kinda like calling someone by their last name.

These a are all my thoughts Travelers and as I inch closer towards my Point B, the destination takes more shape. In the end I think No Fear, Just DIVA won and I will put FirstThree Inc on the back burner for a while. Just because I am not using it now does not mean that I will never use it in the future. Besides I think on a Media Wall "No Fear, Just DIVA" will catch more eyes. I'll keep you posted!

Happy Travels!

"One Step Forward, Just Glance Back. No Fear, Just DIVA!"
(photos from ConcreteLoop)

Gettin Money, "DIVA"s Gettin Money

2009-04-03T00:44:00.000-07:00

(source) Now if this pic doesn't motivate you to get your money up nothing will! Travelers I don't know about you but I am ready for this economy to do something other than fall faster than a JC Penny stock and get better so that in 6 months when I graduate I can find a job! But until then I have started taking a financial class to better manage and save the money that I do have.

Travelers being a broke DIVA is one thing but to be fiscally irresponsible is another matter altogether!

Currently the 6 week course is using the "Total Money Makeover Workbook" by David Ramsey. It has only been the first class so I don't have much to report, however updates will be necessary. I am a strong believer that good financial habits can change your life and getting a handle on them at any age is commendable; getting a handle on your financial habits in your twenties puts you ahead of the curve. There are many choices out there that will personally work for you, and you specifically. Once you find it discipline yourself and get to work!

Another source that I follow (but still have yet to actually read) is Suze Orman, financial expert who has been featured on Oprah and her site sooooooo many times. For more options check out this selection of Personal Finance books at Barnes and Noble, and find the book/system that is right for you.

Any fellow Tweets out there???? Well then you must follow EcommerceDiva. She has a wonderful site, calls in some fellow financial experts to discuss a wide variety of relevant and easy to understand financial advise.

Note: for all you emerging Fashionproneurs out there, EcommerceDiva is a necessity when it comes to small business advice. You know I am all about filling in the cracks and that is what her site will do for you. Hit the Road with this one Travelers!

"If you will live like one else NOW...LATER you can live like no one else" -David Ramsey

If No Fear, Just DIVA:

2009-04-03T00:40:00.001-07:00

Had a Mascot:

She would have Amber Rose's Wardrobe.

FIDM Fund Report

2009-04-03T00:34:00.000-07:00

PAID!

I officially registered for classes last week! Granted I have to try to ease my way into one class to get added in, but things are looking good! Thank you so much Travelers and all those who donated. The war is not over, but this battle has been won!

Emerging Designers wanted!! Fashion Coordinator: Journal 1

2009-04-02T23:20:00.000-07:00

(Source) Howdy Travelers! It's been a busy week (or more)! Just recently a friend of mine decided that she was going to put on a benefit fashion show in honor of her grandfather who is suffering from bone cancer and asked me to come on as the Fashion Coordinator. I gladly accepted and ever since then there have been numerous model and designer casting calls, sponsorship meetings, and midnight email/brainstorming sessions.

I LOVE IT! I have to admit I have a lot more time since I am on vacation but Travelers let me say when there is a challenge ahead of you that can make you better at your craft, and with someone you enjoy spending time with it is just that much more fun!

The show is in partnership with The American Cancer Society and so we want to make sure that we do it right!
Slated to debut May 17th the hope is to have a show every quarter to promote emerging designers and models that they may have a platform to build their portfolio.

This has been such an amazing ride so far! The venue Taglyan Cultural Center is more than we could have dreamed of and want the total event to live up to its expectations. Oh and the theme: "Narnia: Your Fantasy Wardrobe" (the YFW I added but she said it was cute so I kept saying it, lol).

Now Travelers I could never tell you about such an amazing experience without sharing it with some of you. So here is what's on the "We-Still-Need" list:

Plus Sized Models
Production Assistance (dressers, runway management, etc)
Designers
Vendors (if you have product that you would like to sell at the event tables and booths will be available
Ticket Sellers ($35 regular $15 student)

On Saturday (12-5p) there will be a final casting call for the show at the following location:

LP Entertainment Offices

123 La Brea

Los Angeles, CA 90036

If you are interested but cant make it to the casting fell free to email me (resume rundown tab above) or leave a comment with your contact info.

I will keep you updated with the progress but I must say that this is the best thing ever! I am working super hard and have no idea how this is going to all fit once school starts next week but I am so ready for it! Thank you Travelers for your support! It means more than you know!!

Happy Travels!

"One Step Forward, Just Glance Back. No Fear, Just DIVA!"

On the Wish list!

2009-03-24T15:24:00.000-07:00

Why didn't I ask for this for my birthday???Harajuku Lover's Tee $36 @ Karmaloop.com

Required Reading: What Got You Here Won't Get You There

2009-03-24T14:48:00.000-07:00

I have posted about this book before (Read Here) and now that I am on vacation I plan on reading it.

Travelers, down time should also be productive time toward your journey. Think of it as a tune up. The whole essence of this book is that we are ever learning and growing and though we will make mistakes along our journey it is time to make new mistakes.

What books are you reading to help you along your journey?

Happy Travels

FIDM Fund Report

2009-03-24T13:38:00.000-07:00

Date 3/24/2009

Donation Amount: $500
Remaining Amount: $99.92
(according to Financial Services)

Thank you so much! I plan to pay the remaining amount tomorrow!

Hitting the Road Again!

2009-03-24T13:35:00.000-07:00

Hello Travelers! I'm back and ready to hit the road. I had a great birthday weekend and I think I did alright with finals. My roommate graduated and took her Internet with her so I will be library bound until the new quarter starts. Still I am keeping in mind the upgrades and thanking you for all your support!

Happy Travels!

It's My Birthday!!!!

2009-03-20T11:37:00.000-07:00

My bestfriend says that her year doesn't start on January 1st but on her birthday. From there she works to build a better her for that year. Today I too shall start "My Year" this way and one notable change will be this blog right here. So here are some of the upgrades I would like to make this year on my blog:

A new Photo section titled Billboards
A Personal Branding Series
More comprehensive posts about my journey
Share more relevant articles
Do a lot (A LOT) better with this Freeway theme
Post at least 2ce a week
More Road Map Interviews

Let's see how this goes....I must get better with consistency! But for now...Birthday!!!!

Happy (New Year/Birthday) Travels!

**PS: When I get back this will be a great time to do a Mile Marker post of last year..

"One Step Forward, Just Glance Back. No Fear, Just DIVA!"
(source)

It's Finals Week...

2009-03-19T11:24:00.004-07:00

and all my classes are on one day! **sigh** I will be working more on posting better content more often and totally learn how to balance my time. Until then I must study..

I love this picture because this is exactly what my room looks like right now! It's Finals Weeeeeek! (source)

Happy Travels (and Studies)!

FIDM Fund Report

2009-03-14T23:34:00.003-07:00

Date: 3/13/09
Donation Amount: $400
Remaining Amount: $635.92

Thank you so much!

photo source

Guess Again

2009-03-14T14:16:00.001-07:00

**Originally Written 1/10/09**

While cooking Christmas dinner with a friend she and I were discussing our jobs and how although we are grateful to have them we are unfulfilled in them. But these are the jobs we have, and our source to pay tuition and provide the minimum of our basic needs.

So what’s a student during the middle of a recession to do? Keep looking, Keep volunteering, and talking to people. Treat the job you have now as if it were the best job in the world. Now you have the time and the luxury to be selective about your next position.

My personal delima at my current position is that I am bored. But it’s not up to my store manager to entertain me, so what are my options? Here’s what I came up with:

• Use the clothes in the store to test myself in Textile Science
• I’m not the top seller so work harder to meet my sales goals
• Product knowledge

This is my second time working for this company. I chose to go back because I had a really great experience while an undergrad and left with corporate aspirations. The company has expanded greatly and is a perfect example of successful brand extensions. I’m afraid that leaving the company twice will hurt any chances of a corporate offer.

Weeks ago my career advisor asked for a coverletter for this company and due to a lack of prioritizing, I never turned it in. Nonetheless I am working on it now and have plans to turn it in the first week of school. But the fact that I have put it off so much makes me wonder if my heart is really in it? When I think about everything that I have done and am willing to do for my internship how I break my back to show my supervisor that I really want and appreciate my position, putting off this coverletter makes me think.

A friend and smart business person once stated that being a good sales person transcends industries and this is so true. So I will work on my sales skills, write this letter, and let all else fall into place.

**3/15/09**

As of today I have gone 3 consecutive weeks without a schedule and have decided to put in my Two Weeks Notice. I have been fighting with this because of fear mostly. But in closing this door I am hoping it will open another. I will keep you posted...

Happy Travels

LA Fashion Week(end)

2009-03-13T15:29:00.002-07:00

I finally found some fashion shows going on in LA! Starting tonight Boxeight will sponsor/host Fall/Winter 2009 LA Fashion Week which will only be from Friday March 13 - Sunday March 15th 2009.

Tickets are still available for $125 for access to the shows for all three days. $125 for all three days!!!! You can buy the tickets online and for some of the shows you can even pay in person. Call first to verify.

Tonight I will be attending the GenArt event to kick off the week(end). I signed up to volunteer to work behind the scenes but didn't have the time to make the interviews. My editor for my internship asked me if I wanted to take his place at the event and you know I jumped on it!! So tonight I am going to tutor my kids then off to the event. I want to make sure I get there by 7:30, but I have to make money too.

photo courtesy of wwd- raquel allegra

I will be back with a full report this weekend!

Happy Travels!!

Roadside Assitance

2009-03-12T15:05:00.004-07:00

I want to take the time to thank Luckie Daniels who has been so supportive of my Freeway. After reading my FIDM Fund post she wrote a post of her own titled No Laughing Matter that brings light to more than just my financial situation, but that of women across the country.

This economy is taking a toll on millions of us in a very personal way and has caused us to take some very drastic steps to make ends meet, or in my case make a tuition payment.

In her post Luckie questions the cost of a dream; such a valid question none of us can answer.

I was sharing with her that my situation at FIDM is not uncommon. There are so many students who are paying their own way through school with little to no loans. I know so many of my former classmates who have had to sit out a quarter with "hopes" of returning. Financially there just is no guarantee.

I remember during my Undergrad years at Otterbein College and when a student would say they were going to take some time off to try to "get their money situation together," we expected them not to return. And most of them did not. I'm sure I'm not the only one who knows students like this.

But this situation is not just limited to students. How many businesses, inventions, etc. have been put on hold because of our current financial states? How many of us have waited until the bottom dropped to bring light to our situation (myself included)?

I don't have an answer for this. If I did the FIDM Fund would not be necessary. But I can say don't let your dream have a price! Refuse to allow this ($) to stop you from being something great! Take a leap of faith, start on your Freeway no matter where your road may lead and believe that you have the Roadside Assistance to make it to your Point B!

That is what this blog is about, being fearless on your Freeway, no matter the destination. But as I grow and learn, I want my fellow Travelers to do so as well. So here are two resources that I am hoping will help just a little:

Wells Fargo, Hands on Banking Program - this program takes about an hour or so to complete and has 4 sections: Kids (for parents to do with their children), Young Adults, Adults, and Teens

Campus Progress, Debt Hits Hard Campaign- the Debt Hits Hard campaign was created to bring awareness to the rise in debt amongst young people and bring these issues to Congress as well as local government representatives. Click the link to read more about it, and watch the video below for entertaining, yet home hitting facts. (I am the girl in the apron!).

Happy, and Fiscally responsible, Travels!!

"One Step Forward, Just Glance Back. No Fear Just DIVA!" (source)

Neglected

2009-03-12T14:34:00.002-07:00

Lately I have been feeling like I have been neglecting my blog. I get writers block every time I go to post. I will have an idea and have no idea how to post it. Worried that I will not be consistent with my message, and that what I am trying to get across will remain unclear. What I once called my "baby" is turning into my burden.

At what point did I make my own blogging experience difficult? This is my space to grow and perfect my craft, and reach others on their Fashion Freeway; so, how did I complicate these things?

Since coming to LA and FIDM I learn new things about myself everyday. For example; free reign. I just don't do well without boundaries; clear cut boundaries. Within those boundaries I can add my own creativity, but free reign...not one bit.

In writing: choose your topic
In class: choose your own fabric and create! (more like identify)

My blog gives me free reign. Hmmmmm...I really appreciate the lessons about myself I have learned here in LA because now I can correct them. I can push past it and make myself that much better.

What part of your life have you been neglecting? Is it due to fear, lack of time, or some other unmentioned paralyzer?

I say look it straight in the "eye" and have "No Fear, Just DIVA"

Happy Travels!