When 2020 began, I had a calendar full of events planned for Fashion Not Fear. As we all now, that quickly changed. I went from booked and blessed to bored and stressed. But oh well, on to bigger and better things in 2021. 🤞🏽
Since 2020 was a bust, I had no choice to relive my fashion moments of 2019. It feels like such a long time ago!
Here is one of my favorite moments of 2019!
Thanks for watching! I’m soooo looking forward to making new fashion memories on 2021. What are you most looking forward to this year? Let me know in the comments…
2020 has been quite a year! Unfortunately, amongst other things, it led us to not be able to have a runway show. All of the shows that we were scheduled to appear in were cancelled.
But there’s always next year…hopefully!
One thing is for sure, I won’t take for granted being able to participate being in a show. I never realized how much it was missed until the option was no longer there. So, for reminiscing purposes, I wanted to show you the last show we did in 2019.
Take a look at time Fashion Not Fear was put on a runway! You will notice something about their face accessories. Am I a fortune teller or what?? Plus, wait til the end to get all of the outfit details.
Which was your favorite look?? Let me know in the comments…
There are so many good reasons to cop a matching outfit. One of the best reasons that come to mind is that you can break up the set and wear them with different things. This multiples your outfit options like crazy!
Here are 11 Matching Sets that will give you endless style options to pair with different pieces.
Some Fashion Not Fear pieces come from a sketched idea. But do they ever come out looking like what was sketched?? I will let you be the judge of that. Take a look at some of the sketches dropped before the item was made…
Sooooo, do they look like their sketch or nawl?! Which are your favorites from the collection?? Let me know in the comments…
As you might already know, I became a mom to my first baby in May. Having my baby boy has truly been one of the best things that has ever happened to me. I completely understand now, what a mothers love really is. His happiness consumes me. It’s one of my main goals in life. I never thought I’d be the type of mom to pull out my phone and shows his pictures to any and everyone. Im that Mom times 10. The bad part of it since we are in quarantine is that I only come in contact with the same group of people. My mom, brother, 2 nieces, and nephew. Which means they are the lucky ones who get to view 100 new pics a day!
Although, Im loving motherhood. I must admit that it presents some challenges when it comes to being an entrepreneur. Right now, Im literally holding him while he sleeps on my left arm and typing this on my laptop with my right hand.
Before my son arrived, I didn’t feel pressure like I do now. In my mind, I had an endless amount of time to post, blog, sew, do pop ups…whatever. I was (and still am) a night owl so burning the midnight oil hustling was nothing to me. But now. Oh, hell no…Mama had to make some serious changes. Here is what I’ve learned and how I maneuver since going from entrepreneur to mompreneur.
Take advantage of nap time.
One piece of advice I heard more often than others was, “Sleep when the baby sleeps.” This sounds like great advice. But since Ive never been one to nap in the middle of the day. I found it super, difficult to take a full on nap at 2 in the afternoon. I make his nap time, my hustling time. My baby is a lil’ over 3 months so I hold him…alot. Which means I don’t have much free arm time. So, while I’m holding him, I do as much as I can that requires me to sit in one position. From writing as many blog posts as possible, creating content for newsletters and social media, shopping online for new fabric, etc.
Patience really is a virtue.
Baby boy doesn’t care what I want to accomplish for the day. He could care less if I’m on a business or Zoom call. Not to mention how much sewing I have to do. I throw any frustration out of the window when he needs to be fed, changed, or wants to eat or play when I’m working. I always remember he will only be this small for a short amount of time. Be patient and take full advantage of the precious moments we can share.
Don’t be afraid to ask for an extra hand.
Like most mothers, I want to do it all. Run a business, change every diaper, do every feeding, and not miss one moment. But asking for a helping hand doesn’t mean you aren’t killing it at motherhood. I mean…I just realized that its okay for my husband to take care of him while I’m sewing. He loves him too!
Don’t forget about you.
Speaking of asking for an extra hand. Don’t forget about your own self care. This doesn’t mean you have to leave the house without the baby for hours. I’m certainly not there. Self-care could be having Dad sit with him while you take a bath or do a face mask. Such a small act can reap big benefits in making you feel like you!
Strategize as much as possible.
Create a list of your goals for the day, week, or month. Then knock the items off your list as you get free time. All of your tasks will be accomplished before you know it.
Set realistic goals.
This has been a huge one for me! Before the baby, I could cut fabric and completely sew a dress within 2 days. Now?! Well, it takes about that long to gather the fabric and cut the pieces. Maybe a day or two longer?? Two days to complete a look is no longer realistic. Its a joke really. Now, I set a more realistic timeframe to finish a garment. And I adjust the time, if needed. No use in putting extra stress in myself.
Invest in a blanket carrier.
When all else fails, put your baby in the carrier to keep him/her close to you and keep it moving. I received one during my baby shower. But only planned on using it while we were out. Until one day, I ran across thread in a Facebook group where the women were talking about how they were able to get so much done while their baby was in a carrier. I finally decided to give it a try and let me tell you…it’s a life saver!
I recently read an article about a mother who was successfully running her own business. She despised being labeled as Mompreneur. She felt like it discredited her as a business women. I feel the exact opposite. I find that being a Mom while running a business is a great accomplishment. Back in the day, it was thought that once you become a Mom, you pretty much gave up on your dream. Being a mom while running a business is such a great way to show everyone that this idea is soooo far from the truth. We can do it all now!
Are you juggling motherhood and entrepreneurship? Thoughts on the tips or using the term mompreneur?? Drop your thoughts in the comments…
Before the pandemic, I was all about dressing up. I’m talking form-fitting dress, heels and the perfect accessories to match. This was my go-to look all day, everyday.
Although, I still love wearing dresses, I can’t tell you the last time I’ve worn heels (even though I’ve bought new ones) and my accessories are very minimal. It’s so bad these days that I think I’m doing good when I’ve changed out of my night clothes from the night before. To say my style has changed since this whole COVID thing is an understatement.
Here’s how I noticed things have changed…
I’ve been working from home for the past several years. While my fiancé works out of the home. Before the pandemic, even on my lazy days, I’d make sure that I was “cute” before he got in the house this evening. I mean, it was so important for me that he likes what he sees when came home. This is still super important to me but nowadays, my idea of being “cute” when he gets home is brushing my teeth and making sure my oversized shirt has no stains on it. There was a day during the pandemic when I found out all of the effort didn’t matter as much as I thought it did.
I put on a cute dress, light makeup, did a lik’ extra something to my hair. I even put the shoes that I would wear with the outfit by the door so he can capture the entire look. About an hour after he got home, I started to started making dinner. Before I got into it he says, “are you gonna put on something more comfortable?” I reply, “I wanted to look cute for you!” His response was the best;
I’ve been in full quarantine looks ever since. Oversized tees, biking shorts, t-shirt dresses, etc. It’s one of the best compliments he could’ve ever given me.
The lounging, comfy clothes have been fun. But I’ll admit that I can’t wait to put on a sexy dress, heels, and red lipstick to celebrate the re-opening of the city (COVID free, of course). Until then, you’ll find me working at home in my comfy, oversized tees.
What about you? Has the pandemic changed your style? Let me know in the comments…
Last week, a sketch of the latest piece I’ve been working on for the Fashion Not Fear Collection.
I’m excited to say that this piece is completed! This top is my idea of updated baseball jersey. The green is made up of a silky green material and the sleeves are made of a heavy black cotton fabric.
The back of it is hand embroidered with strings hanging to give it that worn, vintage look.
I absolutely love the way this top turned out! It is exactly how I sketched and imagined it would be. It will be available in sizes Small, Medium, and Large. This top will soon be available to shop at Blue Labels Boutique. Stay tuned as all of the new Fashion Not Fear pieces will be released at one time!
New pieces are set to be released in the Fashion Not Fear Collection! Usually, each piece is dropped one at a time but I’ve decided to do things a bit different this time around.
This time the entire collection will be dropped at once. Pieces have been completed, some are in the works, and others have yet to be made. But I’m definitely getting them done.
When the new collection drops, they will be featured in a virtual trunk show! So, stay tuned for the upcoming announcements on these new pieces that you’re closet will be dying for!
Here is a rough draft of a piece that I’m finishing up, right now.
Can’t wait to share the rest of the collection! Would you watch the virtual trunk show?? Thoughts on the sketch?? Let me know in the comments…
Last year, I told you about an invite I received to make a dress that will be put in an art exhibit from October 2019 through February 2020.
Destined By Design: A Celebration Of African American Fashion was the name of the exhibit. How could I say no? It was one of my first times making a dress that was for special occasions. And it was definitely the first time I ever had something that I created in an art display. It was such an honor!
If you didn’t get a chance to visit, you truly missed out. The talent made by other black dress and jewelry designers was amazing. Here is a look back at the process of making the dress and how it turned out.
Sourcing the fabric
First time making a corset, so had to use part of a pattern for help!
Making a corset
Dropping off the dress at the Texan Cultures Institute
Family coming out to show support!
The dress on display
My name on display!
Thanks to the curator who invited me to put a dress on display along with family, friends, and everyone who came out to check it out! It means the world!!
I was thinking about having a contest to give the dress away to one lucky winner. What are your thoughts on that and the dress?? Let me know in the comments…
It’s been a while since my last update in the Life & Times Of A Fearless Entrepreneur. 6 months to be exact. And I must say that there have been lots of highs and lows since then.
During my last post, I talked mostly about everything that I was going through in creating designs for the annual SPIRIT Fashion Show in Pittsburgh, PA. I’m happy to say that the show went off without a hitch. Well, maybe there was a hitch or two or three but we got through it. The clothes fit the models, they walked down the runway, the music was great, and the reception I received was overwhelming. That’s really all a new designer could ask for. I have participated in the show for the past 3 or 4 years. This was the only the second time that I presented my own clothing line, Fashion Not Fear. Plus it was the first time, we actually flew into Pittsburgh. In the past, we drove there and taking a 18 hour road trip for the weekend only, never really left much time to take in some of the great things that Pittsburgh had to offer. The quick flight gave us time to eat great food, take in the sights, spend time at Carnegie Mellon University and enjoy moments with the students. It was a great time.
Within the last 6 months, many opportunities have presented themselves. Firstly, I have went so hard on trying to perfect my line. I’ve learned so many ways to improve my designing and business skills. Which I feel has reflected in the styles that I have been putting out lately. The dresses and matching sets have been stepped up to a whole ‘nother level. My first collection, although still fabulous, leaned more on the trendy side. Not that there is anything wrong with a good trend. I, for one, love trends. However, my goal for Fashion Not Fear is to make classic, timeless pieces that you can wear year after year, season after season. Without wondering if it should end up in the Goodwill giveaway pile. I hope I able to convey that with each piece that is released from now on. Check out BlueLabelsBoutique.com and let me know your thoughts.
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You might have noticed that I haven’t made mentioned of any pop ups that I am participated in. And there is reason for that. In the past, I have jumped at the chance to sell and network at any pop up shop that I can get my hands on. But there are some things that I’ve learned about it. Like the saying goes, all money isn’t good money. Well, all pop ups aren’t good pop ups. Let me start by saying that being in a pop up isn’t free. There are fees associated with it. The company that is facilitating that pop up charges a fee to be a vendor. And it’s not a few dollars. Some have been as low as $30 but the price can go WAY up, I mean $200-$500, and even more depending on the event. The fee is not the only cost. There’s also gas, the need for tables, racks, table clothes, signs, snacks for those visiting my booth, and the list goes on and on. Initially, I thought that spending the money would be worth it because it is a great way to introduce the brand to new people, network, and make money (of course.). I know that you have to spend money to make money. But what happens when you spend money and make no money?? Because it happens. Some of these companies throw pop up events and they can’t even draw a crowd of 50 people. This tells me that they were just taking the vendor fees and putting the money in their pocket. None of it was applied to marketing, publicity, or anything that would help the businesses that are participating to make money. And in my opinion, some of that money needed to be applied to that. Not all of it, but a marketing budget should be in place. This made me feel like my money helped someone else bank account grow. Not mine! And I can’t blame them. I have to blame myself. With all of this happening, I decided it was time for me to be careful, and do some serious research because I can’t just give anyone else a dime of my hard-earned money. Rest assured, any pop ups that I get involved in moving forward will be to help the brand move forward. Stay on the lookout for updates!
So once, I was given the chance to put my clothes in a major department store for 2 months, I immediately said, “Yes!!” Saying, yes, before being sure is something that I’m working on. It wasn’t until after, I accepted, that I started doing research on whether or not this would be beneficial to my brand. The department store is nothing to sneeze at. They opened originally in the late 1800s. They have stores all over the map. I’m pretty sure that there name is recognized by every single human in America. They have made their stamp on the world. Don’t get me wrong. But does that mean that they are a good fit for my brand? They offered about 100 square feet of space, with a staff to handle my purchases, and the opportunity to be seen in their store. With the marketing that they already have in place, it seemed like a great idea in the beginning. Part of the research, I performed was staking out the store to see how many women shopped at that location. For one week, I went to the store at various times, to check out what their crowd was like. Let’s just say that I didn’t see my brands demographics there. I considered that to be a huge issue. It could be the city and maybe other cities have more of my demo BUT, that certainly wasn’t the case for me. That was my biggest concern. I was restless thinking about it the entire week. The following week, I started to receive the contracts by email. Seeing the thousands of dollars worth of fees that I would be responsible for make be break into a sweat. I know I agreed to it. But would I be able to at least break even?? Department store shopping has been on life support for quite some time. And I needed this to be a surefire way to put FNF on a bigger scale. Without that, what was the point? I came to the conclusion that I wasn’t willing to potentially lose that type of money simply because of the name. The risk just didn’t seem to reap the rewards that I wanted. Regretfully, I contacted them and told them that I’d changed my mind. Needless to say, their response was…straight to the point. “Good luck in your future.” Basically. I felt no regrets, I have to do what’s best for me and mine. Ya’ feel me??
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An opportunity that I did agree to was at an offer to make a dress for a museum. In September, I was contacted by the curator for the exhibit entitled: Destined By Design; A Celebration Of African American Fashion & Design. The exhibit was created to celebrate black designers in Texas. I’m all about doing whatever I can to help shine a spotlight on black designers, since it feels like we don’t receive the credit we deserve. The dress that I made was the first time that I made a dressy dress that I was so proud of. Of course, at the opening, I thought of 50 ways I would change it but nevertheless, it turned out great! It was also the first time, I spoke on a panel in front of a crowd. I was super nervous but since I have no problem talking, I found it to be much easier than I thought. The event was AMAZING and I was so happy that I decided to do it. The exhibit will be on display until February 29, 2020 at the UTSA Institute Of Texan Cultures. The address is 801 E. Cesar Chavez BLVD in San Antonio, Texas. Go see it if you get a chance!
A day or so before I attended the museum event, I broke out in a horrible rash. After applying creams and driving myself insane, I decided to go to the doctor to find out what was going on. The diagnosis was ringworm. How the heck could I get a ringworm? I am the biggest germaphobe that I know. In my mind, everything is dirty. Come to find out, my immune system was comprised. The reason that it was comprised floored me. I’m expecting my first baby!!! Never ever in a million years did I think I’d be blessed to be a Mommy!
The first few weeks were spent gagging, throwing up, and sleeping. But it doesn’t matter to me because I will go through whatever I need to in order to make sure the baby is okay. But I’ll admit that there wasn’t much work being done. But now that I’m feeling more like myself. I’m back at it, like I never left!
These past 6 months have taught me a lot. Patience is truly a virtue. Work hard and watch how you move because making moves doesn’t mean you’re moving in the right direction. Always be willing to learn something new. Don’t be afraid to say no. Family over everything. Never give up on whatever it is you want. I hope that something said of done has inspired you!
Thanks for reading, shopping, commenting, and just being here through all of the ups and downs. Would you like to continue to receive updates like this?? Let me know in the comments.
