Fly

Music for Your Weekend: Kelis' Food

Did you know that Kelis graduated from the Le Cordon Bleu, and has added chef and saucier to her resume? I was listening to this segment about Kelis at SXSW and learned that her latest album is inspired by her love for and knowledge of food. She even had a food-truck at the festival selling eclectic bites along with being a really smart PR vehicle (no pun intended) for the new album entitled, Food.

I have to say, I'm enjoying the album. It's a different sound for Kelis, which I appreciate since we should all be growing and experimenting creatively.

Have you listened? If so what are your thoughts?

 

The Dream Campaign from Mengly Hernandez

Check out this beautiful textile collection, The Dream, by Mengly Germania Hernandez.

You're Part of My Dream

photo by Nicole Crowder

A little while ago, Alex Elle shared a wonderful experience on her IG stream. She had visited a new juice bar in LA and shared that as she walked in the owner said, "Welcome to my dream. You're part of my dream." This moved me, because this entrepreneur recognizes her patrons as an integral component of something she envisioned. I love this statement so much because it speaks to me on many levels as I transition into a new phase of my creative career, which is allowing me to pursue my dream.

I know that everything I have achieved is because of the hands and voices of the people around me and beyond. I could never do any of this alone. My dream goes beyond myself and is alive and thriving because of all the people who have pulled me up and have supported me along the way.

From my early days growing up in a sewing studio where the dressmakers and D.C. fashionistas fed my now love for textiles, fashion, and making to the first grade teacher who excitedly typed up for me a short story I wrote. From my third grade teacher, Mrs. Brown, who saw a sparkle in my eyes, to my design professors who pushed me when I didn't now what the h*ll I was doing. To the supervisors who hired me despite my limited experience in television and then teaching, to the students who challenged me in critiques, or have said, "thank you Ms. Pippins" or "I need  help." From my colleagues in school and work, whom I admire tremendously, and who listen when I vent, to the many friends who keep me grounded and make me laugh. You are part of my dream.

To my parents who have always ALWAYS supported my ideas no matter how crazy they seemed. Like my dad who said, "I'll help you for the first few months" when I told him I was moving to NY without a job, a plan, or money, because he knew how determined I was to live in that city. And my mom, who always has opened arms, positive words and beautiful smiles for me. You are part of my dream.

To all of you who visit and share Fly, and/or comment on this blog even when it's a challenge for me to post regularly. To the folks who stop by to say hello via email, or in the street and say, "hey fly girl." It's always such an honor and blessing. To my social media friends who share links, shout me out and send tweets, FB and email messages of support. You all are a part of my dream.

And to those who have purchased my artwork, have sent messages with kind words, and who have sent me photos of my  prints in your homes — in your children's bedrooms, in your living room, or have given them as gifts. Wow. (*taking a deep breath*) I'm blown away everyday. Amazing! I'm forever grateful.

Even to the copycats who use my images/art/designs without permission, you too are part of my dream. Because even though what you do with my work is illegal, you make my creations and my vision even more accessible.

All of you are part of my dream, a vision that I didn't quite understand or see until recently, but when I finally saw it I really got it.

Thank you for your love and support in making my dreams come true.

New Print: I've Been Thinking

"I've Been Thinking" is a limited edition digital print I just added to my Etsy shop. She's the first to be released of a black and white series I've been exploring. Check it out here and see some process photos on my IG stream.

Music for Your Weekend: Anthro's African Inspired Playlist

Anthropologie curates a beautiful collection of songs for an African inspired playlist. Check it out here. (Btw, that graphic above is lovely.) Have a great weekend!

Free Download: Your Blueprint

Several years ago when I was developing a business concept I created a chart that represented the ideal business model for how it would function. The chart became a map, so to speak, of how different parts will make up the new brand. Since then, things have shifted and I replaced the top portion (where the business name would go) with my name and began thinking about the different titles or roles that are a part of who am, specifically in regards to my career path and interests. Almost like a vision board, it gives clarity about the things that I want and things I can do to achieve those goals, but this option simply uses words and structure.

What I love about this "blueprint" is that it functions as a guideline for exactly what I want to do in a new role, or better define what I do in a current role. (And roles don't have to be limited to careers, it can relate to interests, projects, etc.)

I'd like for you to try, too. You can download a PDF version I created here. Or you can draw boxes on a sheet of paper at home.

Here's an example of how it might look (but yours can be handwritten):

It's easy.
1. In the first tier (the top box) write your name.

2. In the second row of boxes add two roles you are or would like to be (note: I only included two boxes in the PDF but you can do more than two).

3. In the third row of boxes add an action or goal that relates to the role. In the example, you see "boutique owner" is the role or title, then actions like "sell clothes" and "promote designers" are actions this person wants to do as a boutique owner. The final row of boxes is where you would add sub-actions, or options to support the main action. So in the example, this boutique owner wants to have flash sales, create an online store, and revamp the store to sell clothes. (You can click on the image to scale and get a better view).

Once everything is in place you can start taking those actions.

When you're done you can put it away and revisit, or hang it up somewhere where you can see it all the time.

If you decide to do a blueprint for yourself, please let me know how it goes!