I know. I know. I've been missing in action.
I feel like I've written this post before. I probably have, I'm just too lazy to find the link.
I'm getting that urge again. I'm in a transition of sorts....again. This time last year, I found out that I lost my job. And I remember being surprised by it but not completely devastated.
(Evidence that I'm alive. Braids gone. Fro is back.)
I remember feeling nervous about not having a steady income but anxious that this could be the kick that I needed to do what I really loved. Then, God blessed me with another teaching job which I am still grateful because I like having money in my pockets.
But I'm going to be honest, my job does not feed my soul. I know there are a lot of Joe Clarks and Michelle Pheiffers (Dangerous Minds) and Hillary Swanks (Freedom Writers) out there but teaching doesn't completely do it for me. (Finding bullet shells in my classroom might have something to do with it too....#justsaying)
I'm a good teacher. Don't get me wrong. My kids do well every year on their state tests but this is about feeding my spirit. More specifically my creative spirit.
(I missed feeling my Fro! Yes, I really wear glasses.
This picture makes me laugh)
While at church this past Sunday, I noticed a seminar coming up that will focus on "Discovering Your Gifts." I know what I can do well and I know what gives me the most joy...
1. I KNOW my gift is writing. (I have a degree in Journalism)
2. My absolute joy comes from personal styling. I get more enjoyment out of a one hour Skype session with a client than an entire year of teaching.
3. I enjoy empowering women to dress for their bodies. Working with what they have.
4. I do have a knack for event planning.
5. I do have an eye for thrifting.
6. I've learned that my niche' may very well be personal styling for men. Believe it or not, I have more male clients than women. Men are surprisingly open for change.
7. I have not one desire to be a designer of clothes but honey, I've been known to have an ill fitting dress made into a bad ass skirt or top! I love to see the potential in clothing.
8. I adore my job as video stylist and personal stylist to R&B singer LeeLonn. I keep getting blessed almost on a daily with gigs. Two years ago, I NEVER would've thought that I would be in this line of work but I LOVE IT! Like LOVE!
Here's what I don't know...
1. How to channel all of the above into a career that feeds my soul and pays the bills. I'm especially inspired by people who stumble into a fulfilling career. I've learned to not limit myself to one thing. As Beyonce says, "I'm multi-faceted!"
That's where you come in. If Justin Beiber can become a superstar by singing on Youtube...surely my readers can help guide me in the right direction. (Doesn't hurt to ask:)
Any tips, leads, contacts, projects or even encouraging words for me? I have the resume', the portfolio, just need some direction.
(Or as we used to say back in the day... I need to "hit a lick")
(Or as we used to say back in the day... I need to "hit a lick")
On a side note...because of all of these thoughts, I do have some changes coming for God's Favorite Shoes soon. All good stuff.
Ready. Set. Go!
30 comments:
LOVE that hair!
Wow! I feel the exact same way in terms of not being fulfilled with my current job. I guess part of the answer is to keep cranking and continue to do what you love and opportunities will come. : )
Shakiyla
Love this post, make your passion your provision.
As I read this... all I could think was: OMG!! You too!! This is a very interesting mix, the first thing that comes to mind is fashion journalism but that to me is still to in the box... Lemme think about it!!
We've already talked about this, but I too want to read what your readers will say so that I too can be inspired. Yay for the afro being back! I feel like we need to eat cake.
Your honesty is so inspiring. I don't have any leads/tips but I can pray - pray that God will lead you to the purpose for which He created you, which will undoubtedly fulfill you. Stay encouraged!
I will take that! Thank you!
Sent from my iPad
Reiko, wow! I loved this post! It is honest, humble, and open. So, yes, I was yelling at my computer monitor again, it's me, that lady that yelled during your Essence wedding feature. (to be continued)
Dear (insert your name here), When it comes to change, it seems like there's no in-between-typically we either open the door in expectation or see it coming and run out of the back. Yet without change, growth may never occur-and without growth, it's impossible to live an abundant life. As we encounter changes throughout life, we need to be reminded to look to the Lord-for He's
changeless and remains the same yesterday, today, and forever. This week, if change arrives at your door, go ahead and open it-and look to Jesus-for He stands ready to use every situation to accomplish His will in our lives. So, more change is coming and you can discern that it is going move you closer to what you really enjoy. We realize that you are multi-faceted. Journalist, stylist, seamstress, so brand those gifts and talents into a fashion journalist who sells her reconstructed and/or thrifty apparel into your website,ie. GFS, Pinterest, Etsy....Hope this helps. BTW, I love the Instragram pics, and I have been recently using the Taliah Waajid hair products you mentioned in a earlier post. They are wonderful.
Well! I feel the same way! I work part time in retail, take online courses towards my degree in Communications, and am a wife and mommy of two. I feel like that is only one side of me. I love clothes, fashion, etc., but I don't know where to break into this industry. I recently got a little side gig coordinating events for another blogger and it came at the right time. My hours have been cut at work. I am down to 4 hours a week and we have bills that need to be paid. This side gig pays a little bit and this woman was a Godsend to me. Now we are working on a whole roster of events. And, do you know the best part. I feel fulfilled. It is a little part time income, but I feel fulfilled. I knew for sure that I chose the right path when it came to finishing my education when this job literally fell into my lap.
Yes, that's how I feel! My side hustle brings me the greatest joy!
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Lol! Thank you so much...I was kinda nervous to post it at first:)
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I receive that! By the way my name is Reiko:) now, preach!
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Let me know what you come up with!
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I just had to come back and reread your post and add a couple of things. Honey, if you are multi-faceted then create a business that lets you do a whole multitude of things. When I spoke of my other job before, I was talking about coordinating Swapnista. I really wished that we could have met this past weekend. Keren Charles is the creator and she does a whole multitude of things as well. She does the Swapnista events, she does personal shopping and styling, and she has her own studio where she rents out formal gowns. I am doing everything I mentioned in my first comment and put every spare penny I have into making jewelry on top of everything else!
http://www.buxomchick.com
I hate that I missed the Swapnista event! My hubby was just getting back into town from a long business trip that day.
The 11th Commandment: Style Shall NEVER Be Sacrificed
Reiko at God's Favorite Shoes
www.godsfavoriteshoes.com
I think you are totally fly and that you have a massive gift! Wherever your talents lead you I'm sure it'll be exactly where God intends!
Thank you lady!
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Hey Reiko
I feel like I could have written this post. I am thinking that you should get out there more. Like if you like writting, how about writting a great article and send it to your fave magazines. Or why don't you start your own magazine that will talk to the minorities that are not represented (as we talked last time). My dream was always to open a magazine that would talk to me, tell me where to get tht skirt for less than 20 dollars instead of selling a dream. You could start online. ANd how about reading the Linchpin by Seth Godin. It may not give you an idea on how to market yourself but it will encourage you to start trying. Good luck and you have my best wishes!
I feel the same way as well. I have been in the medical field forever and surrounded by it. Practically my entire family is in the medical field. I love empowering women and helping them be whole from the inside out. This is what gives me such joy!!!! I will be praying for you as well that a DOOR will open for you to do what you LOVE where you can work FULL TIME in that!!!!!
Reiko,
This post spoke to me! I am in the Exact place where you are. The only difference is that I haven't been presented with an opportunity yet. I am in a field that has NOTHING to do with fashion but truly I am in love with styling people and making a difference in their lives overall. I recently realized that it's ok to enjoy what I do daily BUT it doesnt have to be my career of choice for the rest of my life...It is OK. I do this on a daily basis anyway.
The issue with pursuing fashion is that I don't have any education in fashion, just the passion and experience of styling close friends and random strangers when Im doing my own shopping (when I lived in my hometwon) nor have I found anyone really willing to allow me to take them on as my "client". Lord knows I dont want to collect more debt by pursuing an education. I am not in the most fashionable city (I am currently trying to relocate but not many companies will help me to get my feet in the door without the experience). I honestly don't know what to do! It's a daily challenge to do what I do when I know that my heart longs for something else. If you find an avenue, please let me know! I am definitely praying for you in the meantime!
All LOVE,
Joi' (Joey) Iman
You are very talented and wonderful. Look how far you've come just from last year. Great things are ahead and I hope you get that breakthrough client. I will keep you in mind always. and I pray something great comes your way. Until then keep being style inspiration to so many and making me lol :-)
HI!! *Waving* my name is Leyanna, said like Rihanna just with an L, lol but anyways I just wanted to come by & say Thank You SOOO much for Inspiring me & Pushing me to do the things I Love, which are Styling any & everyone..I haven't had that many clients as of yet lol I've had like 1 or 2 but I'm sure I'll create a good solid Clientele list in a hot second..but anyways, along with Styling, I LOVE Thrifting! It's borderline addiction almost lol but I like tying that in with my own personal style along with spreading the word that Thrifting is Love :)
Okay enough rambling lol, but like I was saying beforehand, I really wanna Thank You for this blog in particular...I'm sorta in the same spot right now where I don't want people to force what they want me to do with my lie on me, but to do what I ultimately Love to do, which is being & becoming a Fashion Stylist..maybe even a guru like June Ambrose, but with a Thrift twist :) lol but I'm soo living this year by what my Heart says & ultimately what God says..which is I Can Do All & Anything Through Christ That Strengthens Me! I also hope to start a blog soon as well, I'm just a little nervous on where to start & what to name my baby, if you have any tips for me I would Greatly appreciate it :) But once again, Thank You! Thank You! & Thank you some more!! You helped me to believe in my abilities & talents again! So God Bless You Tremendously!!!
Peace.Love. & Thrifting!
Oh wow! That is awesome to hear! Who knew!?! Thank you for supporting GFS! www.godsfavoriteshoes.com
11th Commandment: Style Shall Never Be Sacrificed.
When I look at these pictures I know that had you been mine, you would have been my favorite teacher. But saying that reminds me how I felt when I recently cut my 7+ years dreadlocks that I got so many complements on, just delivered! I needed the change, bad.
Try submitting this blog as a portfolio to your favorite fashion mag as To why you should be their new fashion journalist.
I think you are on the road to turning your styling business into a full blown career. It sounds like you have had an incredible start. I think it will come in time. Apple wasn't built in a day either!!!
I know what you mean about not feeling a passion for your job. In the daytime, I am a legal assistant/paralegal/bookkeeper/ etc. But in my head, I am an image consultant. I have no clue how to start or what to do get that business off the ground so I just style folks in my head. lol
I will pray that you reach your niche in the industry chica!
Wow! So wonderful and scary at the same time. You're in my prayers, I just know you are headed in the right direction. Most people who "make it' only do so because they didn't give up, they keep going even when it looks scary.
Hi Reiko!
I had noticed your had been MIA for a while and I figured it was for the same reasons I was missing myself. I think we've all felt that way at some point in our lives and I've figured that the best thing to do is to just stick it out, keep your eyes on the goal and push yourself to do the best you can on whatever it is you're doing. It is always challenging to find our path and it unfortunately, there is no "yellow brick road" to follow to Emerald City but there are many FRIENDS that we will make along the way.
I can offer you my honest and sincere friendship and I offer you MY gift which is design. One of the wonderful things about blogging is that it lights the way to the most important path, the path to finding OURSELVES. This blog is a testimonial of your life, your passions and your spirit.
If you want me to help you with branding, creating a logo for GFS reach out to me. I'm offering my services free of charge just so you can see how good things happen to good people who never, ever, EVER give up.
Good luck!
xx-Luce
www.houseofhemingway.com
email: houseofhemingway@gmail.com
Oh, soul sister. I feel ya. I also love your hair and glasses, but that has nothing to do with how I feel ya.
hey girl! i've been subscribed to your blog for some time. Reading this really shocked me as I am feeling the same way. I am in school for my masters of arts in elementary education and while i love my students and i love teaching, I do not get the same thrill or drive when it comes to growing my blog, thrifting, and styling my friends. I live in a state where styling gigs don't really happen so I feel like my creative side isn't being utilized as I would like. I will be praying for clarity from God for you and I for our next step!
Chioma
www.CsEvolutionofStyle.com
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