Happy Fearless Woman Friday. I am so happy to introduce you all to a new set of fearless women who are going their thing!
Todays’ fearless lady is Nancy Kurspahic. She worked with agencies for more than ten years until realizing how unhappy and stressed she was. Thats when she decided to quit working on the dreams of others and started working on her own goals and aspirations. Seeing as though she had a 5-month old baby and no longer had the security of a paycheck became frightening. But she turned things around with Miami Crowd. Miami Crowd is a consulting firm she created, which helps businesses succeed through public relations and social media management. We reached out to this fearless entrepreneur to get some details on living fearlessy and here is she said…
What was the final straw that made you quit your job and take a risk.
I would have to travel away from my newborn for a week and wasn’t given time off to make arrangements for more assistance at home.
What have you learned about yourself?
Everyone has their limits and in the hardest moments we learn what we will tolerate. Those hard moments mold us into stronger individuals.
What is it like to juggle family and entrepreneurship?
Nothing in life is easy. There is no step by step recipe on how to balance life. You just do the best you can and make sure to communicate with your family.
What keeps you motivated?
Thinking back on how unhappy I was…motivates me to keep going.
What one tip would you share with others that let fear hold them back?
Don’t wait. We all continue to wait for another time. Just make that time now. Even if its a small step that will make you take the next step.
Want to keep up with Nancy? Follow her on IG & Twitter @miamicrowd or check out her website www.miamicrowd.com.
Feeling inspired? Leave a comment and let us know!
Monday is Memorial Day and who is looking forward to a 3 day weekend?! 🙋🏽
Most of us will spend at least one free day at a bar-b-que, on a road trip, at the beach or taking advantage of the sales that will be going on.
My plan is to do all of the above! First, I will head to my moms house to eat. After that, bae and I are jumping in the car for a 2-hr trip to Corpus Christi. Cramming all of this into one day meant one thing; it is of the upmost importance that I wear something that will easily transition from one thing to another.
I had to make sure this problem was resolved before the day actually arrived. I needed something comfy, cute, and cool in this Texas heat. I decided to rock the Don’t Plaid With Me Dress. I layed out the ootds for the day and this is what I came up with…
Barbecue ‘Fit – Since the barbecue will be full of family (including kids) and activities which is why I will wear it with denim cutoffs. With the front tucked in, of course!
Roadtrip ‘Fit – No cutoffs needed when it’s time to hit the road!
Beach ‘Fit – This shirtdress is made of cotton and linen which makes it breathable and cool in the sun. Plus, it is will double as a coverup.
When I finally get around to the shopping, who cares what I will be wearing?! I will be at home with my feet kicked scouring the web for the best sales!
Last week, I received an email asking, “How do you know when something is going to be a trend?” & “What will be this Summers’ trends?” Two-part question…love it!
My reply to the first part of the question was, “I know a style is going to be a trend when you can’t wear all of the time…period. For instance, in the 90s when the MC Hammer inspired saggy crotch pants came out, everyone was wearing them! I wanted them so bad. My mom made a pair for me because we couldn’t afford to buy them in the store. But even then, I knew that they wouldn’t last long. They were a definite trend….Thank God! But something like a lace dresses is completely different. You can wear it to an office party, wedding, or girls night at the club 5 years from now and be stylish as hell. When it’s a trend, you just know that it won’t be around long.
Summer is T minus 30 days away, so I figured I had to share my answer to the second question. So, if you consider yourself to be a “fashion person” relax and take note. Here are 6 pieces you should be rocking this Summer…
A Fun Bag – Unique, statement-making clutches are the top accessories to carry this Summer.
2. The PJ Inspiration – Pajama or loungewear inspired looks will make perfect OOTDs. Make sure they are still suitable to wear outside, so leave the boxers at home. Look for details like piping, covered buttons and pieces made of satin material.
3. Denim Dress – The denim dress is forever classic but the update on this one is perfect for the Summer. Frayed sleeves & trumpet hem…need I say more?
4. A kimono – This is definitely not a new style. The kimono will give you endless style options from formfitting dresses underneath to a tee with denim cutoffs.
I absolutely LOVE sourcing new items forBLB! It is like going on a shopping spree all of the time. Whether I leave empty-handed or with a cart full, the rush that I get from the whole process is so worth it. And the excitement that comes all over me when I find something that fits perfectly in the boutique is even better. Which is why I always give them a name when we “meet”. There has never been a time when I waited to name a product. Before I know what’s it’s made of, set a price, or anything else, I always name it the first thing that comes to mind. That first thought is typically along the lines of, “Where would you wear this?” or “What does this remind me of?” Is that weird?
It was no different when I found this dress. Please allow me to introduce you to the To The Courts Dress…
This colorblock beauty features a flirty pleated hem, white leather details and is definitely a fave. Any ideas why she received her name?
When people ask me what I do for a living, it seems like I receive one of two responses. They either look me up and down to decide if I dress the part. You know what I mean, they check out my ‘fit to see if it’s “dope enough” to be a fashion entrepreneur. The other response is what I call the nonchalant look as if it is sooo superficial to appreciate a good dress so much that you want to build a livelihood around it. Either way, it just reminds me just how much fashion doesn’t get the respect it deserves.
The motto Rachael Zoe is known for, “Style is a way to say who you are without having to speak.” is 100% on point. What you decide to wear can make a statement to a whole ‘nother level and all you have to do is smile. As a a matter of fact, it is probably even bolder than speaking because most times you are judged by what you are wearing before you even open your mouth.
Rocking a top that reads, Messy Bun + Yoga Pants or Too Blessed To Be Stressed in one thing. But more can be said about alot more things. Fashion is more than just putting on a dress, it can create a movement and here are the receipts…
Fashion showed women have a say in what we want to wear. There was a time when women wearing pants was a crazy thought because only men could wear pants, right?! That thought changed over 50 years ago when Katherine Hepburn made a statement when was the first actress to make the “daring” decision to wear pants in a major motion picture.
Model: Chelsea | Stylish Saturdays Vol. 3 Runway Show Wearing: Laced Up Bodysuit & All Wrapped Up Leather Mini from BLB
2. Fashion helped to create a sexual liberation movement. Back in the day women were required to dress modest which meant wearing layers and layers of heavy clothing including a petticoat and a very uncomfortable corset. Things began to change during the 1960s, when Mary Quant became one of the first designers to create the mini skirt. (Which may or may not have been named after her favorite style car, Mini). The short skirt was the total opposite of modest and helped its wearer to say “i’m a feminist” without actually running around yelling out, “I AM A FEMINIST!”
3. Fashion helped put someone in the White House..maybe. who didn’t listen when Beyonce told us to vote for Obama?
Heart Females D.I.Y Top X Colorblocked SkirtModel: Katie Liston
The Future Is Female D.I.Y Top X Always Royal Skirt Model: Ally Hoover
d 4. Fashion can help to predict the future. BLB supports the future being full of love for fearless females and displayed that in the SPIRIT Fashion Show 2017.
5. Fashion helps to create a positive way to support ladies. Designer, Stella McCartney shows her support of the ladies in one of her recent runway shows.
Karl Lagerfeld, 📷: CNN
6. Fashion can help bring people together. There was an embargo with Cuba since the 1960s. However, the Obama administration announced that two Cuba embargo restrictions would be relaxed, allowing easier travel to Cuba and more commerce between the countries. Designer, Karl Lagerfeld, showed his support for this change by having a runway show in Havana, Cuba.
I have given you 6 but there are countless examples that prove the no one should ever underestimate the power of fashion. Put some respect on it! Do you agree?
The Drama Queen Dress is a top boutique pick for a few reasons. Let’s see…its a shift dress (which is always a flattering fit), its pink with navy piping (who doesn’t love that color combo?), it is versatile (which is an absolute must) and its’ pajama-inspired (which happens to be one of my favorite styles). Just to name a few! ☺️
I gave you reasons to love it, now check out 3 ways to style it…
Happy Monday, I hope your weekend was full of all of the things you love in life!
There’s nothing like a good find to start your week off properly, wouldn’t you agree? If you do, no worries, I got you. Here 15 great finds you can cop at BLB for under $20!
Lace Front Bodysuit $19.99Pom Pom $5Lace Choker $5Red Statement $10Shoulder Lean Top $19.99Hater Blockers $10Floral Flutter Dress $12.99Cape Dress $15.99Wrap It Up Skirt $19.99Hello Merlot Top $19.99Outline Dress $15 | 📸 Aaron FriedlanderParis Visit Top $10 | Paris Visit Skirt $10Glam It Up Top $10Green Queen Necklace $10Laced Back Top $15.00
Did I mention that it is all super limited in quantity and sizes? So, take a look at the full collection of pieces that under $20 herewhile you still can.
As you know we had a pop up shop for 8 days at The Shops At La Cantera in San Antonio, Tx. The first four days was from April 20th to 23th. I went over all the details week one here. Now, take a look at how the final days went…
It all started like it did like it does every show, with my fiancé and I loading all of the merchandise, racks, tents, etc from the parking lot to our spot. From there it takes about an 1-2 hours to neatly hang everything and place all accessories in its’ proper place.
You never know what to expect at these events. That’s why it’s always important to bring your patience. I love to talk and have no problems with keeping myself busy. Although, at least once a day, I send out a help! signal because I am in desperate need of a potty break or snack.
It also helps that other small businesses had pop up at the event. Lucky for me, one of them just happen to sell wine. A girl has to stay entertained… 🍷
Additionally, my girl, Manni, was there in a BLB ‘fit.
I also had the pleasure of meeting so many new bombshells! Corresponding with people through social media and email is one thing but in-person is a whole ‘other level. Who knew that I would be asking questions from what to a wedding to how to make your boobs look good in a spaghetti strap dressed. I am telling you…these pop ups make me feel like I am in fashion heaven!
📸 – shared on IG @springmarket featuring a San Antonio Beauty Queen
On Saturday night, I was at dinner and it was ruined once I noticed how fast the trees outside the window were swaying. Not this again. If you read last weeks’ post them you will know that wind is not my friend. The only thing that I could think about during the entire dinner, “can the canopy withstand that type wind?” I mean, it’s a nice canopy but that doesn’t mean that it was sturdy. I worried and thought about it so much that we decided to take a trip back to the shop to make sure things were okay. And Thank God we did! The canopy was on three legs and clothing racks were making a trip down the sidewalk!
Other than the uncontrollable acts of God, the pop up was a complete success. Thanks to everyone came out to shop, chat, look around or simply take a card. I truly appreciate it! And to those of you who are not in the San Antonio area, no worries, we might be coming through your part of the map. Be sure to follow us so that you can come get your dose of fearlessness when we are in your town!
What city should we pop up in? Let me know in the comments…
I would definitely consider myself to be a shades person. As soon as the sun peaks out the slightest bit, you will catch me wearing a pair, for sure. Maybe it’s because I’m from Texas where it is sunny most of the time. Or maybe it’s just because the benefits of wearing them greatly outweigh the cons of not wearing them.
There was a time when I would give the side-eye to people who would walk around in their sunglasses all of the time. Especially if they were in a dimly lit place. “You’re not that cool”, the old me would think. But somewhere along the lines, things changed. Those days are long gone. Nowadays, you will catch me in my sunnies more than without. If you find yourself in the same boat, no worries, you will feel much better after seeing these 11 reasons why there’s nothing wrong with wearing shades all of the time.
📷 by Ricardo Alves
They add an instant cool factor to anything you wear.
📸by Pete Bellis
2. They hide a multitude of issues….red eyes, runny mascara, puffiness, late nights, etc.
📸 by Eli Defaria
3. Wearing glasses with 100% UV protection prevents issues that can occur when your eyes are exposed to harmful rays from the sun.
📸 by Swaraj Tiwari
4. Reduce the risk of squinting, which can lead to crows feet over time (fine lines around the eye).
📸 by Vaida Tamosauskaite
5. Your arms won’t get tired from trying to shield the sun.
📸 by Anna Dziubinska
6. You can people watching & no one would know the difference. We call it people watch others call it, being nosy. 😉
📸 by Zed Kolk
7. Have you ever rode in a convertible or motorcycle? You will be happy that sunglasses act like a windshield for bugs, heavy wind and debris.
📸 by Nestoras Argiris
8. They make a great alternative for a headband.
$10, Blue Labels Boutique
9. They are a very affordable (for the most part).
10. You can never have too many. With all of the lense shapes, tints, sizes, etc, there isn’t a such thing as owning too many.
11. There are times when you just want to run in the store to get some milk and run out. You have no time to chit chat or catch up with someone you run into in the store. What’s so wrong with that? Sunglasses are perfect for days like that. It’s not your fault that you didn’t see them.
There you have it, all of the reasons why you can wear you should wear sunglasses all of the time. Are you a fan of rocking shades all of the time?
I hope everyone had a fantastic weekend filled with doing all of the things that make your heart happy! After all, isn’t that what the weekends are for, after the hustle you put in throughout the week?
I am happy too say that my weekend was certainly filled with one of the things that make my heart happy. Last week, we announced that we would be participating in The Spring Market held at The Shops At La Cantera in San Antonio, Tx. The event is for 8 days. Opening day was Thursday through Sunday (yesterday). Here is how the first weekend went.
As I’ve mentioned in previous posts, setting up a pop up shop is no easy task. It involves checking inventory, sourcing new pieces, pricing, hanging, setting up a canopy and much more. The planning for the event starts waaay before the event actually begins. In order to save time, I try to do as much pre-work as possible, that way, I won’t be a hot & sweaty mess before the event actually begins. Which is why I stayed up to the wee hours of the morning last Wednesday doing last minute things like putting together clothing racks and testing out my idea of a pop up dressing room. But I’ll get back to that in a minute.
Upon arrival on Thursday morning, my fiancé and I loaded everything on the back of my dads truck and drove (through San Antonio morning traffic 🙀) to The Shops At La Cantera. We found the designated space and proceeded to unload boxes, racks, etc and carry them from the parking lot to our space. So much for not being a sweaty mess.
About 2 hours later, BLB was set up and ready to go! The only one thing missing was the dressing room. After 6 clothing racks and a 6 foot long table, there was no room left in the 10×10 space for this…
Oh well, maybe next time. The show must go on, so lets do this!
Any day that I can connect with people and introduce them to Blue Labels Boutique, is what I would consider a successful day. I certainly got a chance to meet new people who who adore unique dresses and accessories as much as I do!
IG Pic @arleen_popup_queen
During the weekend, I happily answered lots of questions, “Where do you get the clothes from?”, “What size would you recommend?”, “How often do you get new stuff?” But one of the most frequent questions asked was, “Is this a purse?”
“Yes…yes it is.” I would answer.
On Thursday & Friday the weather was A-M-A-Z-I-N-G! But on Saturday, things changed. The temp dropped to 60 and it was super windy! My canopy kept taking flight and I almost passed out every single time. I spent alot of time holding it with one hand or praying to God that it landed on its feet. (Note to self: put sandbags on all four legs and not just the back two). Not to mention the fact that the wind almost knocked a clothing rack right onto a customer! Thank goodness she had quick hands and didn’t get hurt. Needless to say, I was horrified. 🙀 (Sorry again ma’am, if you’re reading this.)
The connections I made were immeasurable. For instance, on my first day I met a women who worked at a department store in the area. She bought a dress however, she had to return it the next day because it didn’t fit. I processed her refund and she left but, she came back shortly to give me a Starbucks coffee. “Thanks but you didn’t have to do that!” I said with surprise. Her reply was, “I know, I’m doing it as a blessing.” It’s so nice to be reminded that there are still really nice and thoughtful people left in the world.
So, that was the first weekend in a nutshell. It was quite the adventure. Thanks to everyone who came out to shop with me! Don’t forget that you still have time to shop with the pop up this weekend. Come out to The Shops At La Cantera in San Antonio from Thursday (4/27) to Sunday (4/30) from 10a-6pm!
KristieRebuilds 