Whirlwind

I have been so busy, I can barely keep up with myself.  Last week, I shot a new reality show that will be airing soon on Lifetime.  Afterwards, I hit the ground running as I coordinated three fittings in as many days.  On Sunday, as the rain was pouring down monsoon-style, I was making my way to Jersey City, NJ to have one of my tailors, Mr. B, work his magic on two of my models.  What is normally a one hour and twenty-five minute trip from my home in Queens took me nearly four hours.  I was begging for Noah and his ark!  That trek wasn't much fun.  But in the name of fashion, I will cross rivers and climb mountains.  Now that is dedication!

I am still receiving notes from women all over the country who have seen the JET article who want to thank me, encourage me, and praise me.  I grin each time I read one of those comments.  My strength is renewed and I feel energized to work harder as I make moves to get my aesthetic out there for curvy women to purchase.  I choose to focus on that instead of worrying about where the money to finish paying for all my samples for the collection is going to come from.  I am connected to the universe which is providing for me.  Besides, all evidence points to this moment that I've been working towards for the last 13 years.

In the meantime, Ashanti and I have been contacting media to see if they will attend my runway show on September 13.  I am going to continue to do everything in my power to extend my whirlwind moment.  In the eye of this storm is where I feel I belong and I am lovin' it!


Peace & Fashion!

I'm Ready!

Yesterday I signed the confidentiality agreement for the reality show that I will be competing on.  That means I cannot talk or write about it.  But I will confess that I am a little nervous about it.  And I think that is healthy and to be expected.  I have decided to focus more on doing well and enjoying the experience instead of winning.  After seven years of auditioning for different reality shows, I am finally getting my big break.  So I already consider myself a winner.  But being crowned king of the competition would be nice, too.

The JET magazine article has brought me a lot of attention from my darker hued sisters around the country.  The number of people who "like" my company facebook page has increased by 125 in the last week.  I have received tons of accolades from several women who have thanked me for "caring about them."  Those comments made me smile, but brought tears to my eyes because they really validated my journey.  We have also received a dozen or more emails asking about the availability of the line and how to buy the dresses.  I've had to explain that retail has not caught up to me yet, but I believe that I can use this demand as leverage with store buyers.  Let the negotiations begin!

In the meantime, I am still running around pulling together all the elements for the runway show on September 13.  I am tired, but there is much work to do.  The moment I've been praying for for the last 13 years is finally here.  And I am so ready.

Peace & Fashion!

My Dreams Are Now REALITY

It's late and I'm just finishing up on constructing my last bag for my handbag line.  It was an unbelievably busy day as I dashed from Wall Street to the Garment District for appointments and a fitting.  Wheeww!  Just thinking about it makes me exhausted.  I am about to go to bed so that I can be refreshed for the plantation early tomorrow morning, but I did want to share a couple of pieces of very exciting news.

First, the JET magazine issue that features a profile of yours truly has hit newsstands.  It's been very exciting as I have gotten thoughtful messages on facebook from curvy women all over the U.S. praising my designs and inquiring about how they can pick up one of my dresses.  It is unfortunate that I am not yet carried in any retail stores, but I think this overwhelming response may change the tide of NOs into a chorus of YESes from store buyers.  I remain optimistic.

My other piece of news is that on this Friday evening past, I received word that I was chosen for the as-yet-untitled reality show that will be airing on Lifetime!  I am SO excited.  And nervous.  I don't know what I will be required to do.  I don't know when it will air.  I don't even know where it will be taped, but shooting is to begin next week.  YAY!

I feel like my season of reward has finally come and I can barely contain myself.  Everybody loves a winner and I felt like a loser for so long.  It's really gratifying to see my trajectory turn around after thirteen years of struggles.  Thank you, GOD.

Peace & Fashion!