Stay Fearless 💋
Tag: inspirational stories
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Exposing Your Brand At Your Next Live Event
Whether you’re running a blog, launching a business, or trying to get some more attention on an operation you’ve been running for a while, there’s no denying the importance of getting your brand recognized. Sometimes, all you really need is to make sure that the brand gets enough exposure to stick in the minds of people you meet. Trade shows, networking events, sales events, and other conferences can be a great opportunity to do just that. But how do you make sure that you get your brand the attention that it needs?
Have a branded space
If you’re renting out any space or have been invited to take up some space, then it’s important that you make good use of it to make a big impression on the people who come to see you. To that end, you should look into how you can add your look to your booth. Sometimes, a basic printed banner and table settings will do just fine. If you have the room, the budget, and the potential to make some very profitable connections, then you can look into setting up some fitting A/V for the event, as well. It’s important that you judge this based on how likely you are to get the attention to justify whatever you invest into your booth space.
Don’t neglect to give some freebies
It might sound like a cheap trick and, let’s be honest, it is. However, the reason that people keep investing in and giving out branded swag at events is because of the fact that they work. If you choose your item well, invest in quality, and feature your branding in the right way, you can guarantee that some of your attendees are going to be coming face to face with your brand on a regular basis. It’s best to choose things that have some utility and that attendees might not mind getting more than one of (since it’s truly difficult to choose unique trade show swag.) This can include things like USB pens, mugs, and, increasingly as of late, things like metal water bottles.
Brand your look
Aside from branding your space and the items that you might give away, you should also be looking at what you can do to bring some brand power to your own appearance. Aside from wearing appropriate and professional gear for the space, you can quite literally add your brand to what you’re wearing. One of the most versatile and cost-effective ways to do this is to invest in polo shirt embroidery for you and any staff that you might have to attend with you. Not only does it offer brand exposure, but it also sets you and your trade show team as being apart from the other attendees. This is going to make people more likely to come up and talk to you since you look like you’re part of the show, not just another person wandering the space.
Use your digital platforms
Digital marketing is always going to play a big part in helping you get your brand out there, even when it comes to making use of a physical event. Event organizers, as well as other attendees, exhibitors, and publications/influencers in the industry, are all going to be promotion-happy leading up to an event on social media. Building buzz around other attendees also builds buzz for the event which benefits them. Aside from taking the opportunity for some organic cross-promotion and highlighting what you’re going to be doing at the show, you should make sure that you’re live-posting during the event, as well. Other attendees are more likely to share your posts as the draw of signal boosting a shared experience can be very powerful, indeed.
Follow up
You might think that having made a good impression at your trade show or conference is enough and you can rest easy once you get back home. However, you want to make sure that the experience attached to your brand is as positive as possible and, for that reason, you’re going to want to follow up on the encounters that you had. See if the people that you talk to are willing to swap numbers, emails, socials, or business cards. Don’t be pushy. Those who are interested will do so without needing to be prodded. Once they do, make sure that you follow up with them.
In simple terms, the better your brand exposure, the more likely you are to experience better brand awareness and recognition, as well. Those two are critical factors for getting more people to take the next step in engaging with your brand.
Contributed post
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Fearless Woman: Tanya Regan
Tanya Regan is a speaker, creator, and filmmaker in Mandurah Western Australia. She uses her art of storytelling to teach, heal, connect, and inspire.
I reached out to Tanya about sharing her fearless journey and sent her some questions so that we can get all up in her fearless living business. This is what she said…
1. Tell us what life was like before you began your fearless journey into making short social impact documentaries?
In late 2016 I was heavily pregnant with my third child and my mental health was not in a good place.
I was having a baby girl and I wanted to show her what a strong woman looked like…. AND I DID NOT FEEL LIKE A STRONG WOMAN.
I spent my days counting down the clock to when my husband would get home from work. We had only recently moved to a new town, where I did not know anyone. I was isolated and lonely. I never felt like I was doing a decent job as a mum. I felt like I did not know what I was doing. I poured all of myself into my children and there was nothing left for me.
Going into 2017 I made a new year resolution to be more creative. It was my attempt to fill my cup and do something for me, but I also did not know where to start with creativity. Just after my baby was born, I started developing myself as a creative person by doing a self-guided course in creative recovery called The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron.
Every morning I would breastfeed my baby until she fell asleep and then I held her for a couple of hours while I worked through the exercises in the book. I was scared my baby would wake up if I put her in her cot, so I just kept holding her all through her nap while I worked on ‘me’.
My creativity started to open and how I saw the world changed. I realized that creativity was not something that I had to magic from nothing, but it was an energy that I could learn how to tap into. By the time my baby was one year old I was so creatively inspired that I was making my first short film.
When I made that film, I did not even have a camera, so I borrowed my dad’s old handy cam. I used what I had, borrowed what I did not have, and I just made it work. That film was a finalist in a film festival and played in a local movie theatre on the big screen.I knew that I had to find a way to fill my own cup again.
2. What made you want to take the leap and start your company?
It was in the process of making that first film that I was able to re-create my identity. I had lost myself in being a mum but then I found myself through being creative.
I have now made ten short documentaries. My films are about the themes of creativity, connection, and nature. It is an art for me and a way that I express myself.3. What have you learned about yourself during this journey?
I have learned that wherever you are in your personal life story you can always choose to be your own hero.
I was a lonely and sad, 37-year-old, stay at home mum when I made my first short film. I did not own a camera. I was new in my country town and did not even know anyone who I could interview.
Working on myself and connecting with my creativity empowered my inner magic.
4. What would you do over again before you took the leap? (If anything)If I could do it all over again, I would have started sooner. I lost time doubting myself.
5. What is life like since you have taken the leap into fearless living?
I feel like me again, but a better version of me because I am doing fulfilling work now. My biggest challenge now is balancing being a mum of three children who are still young, with being a filmmaker and creative person.
6. Tell us about your films.My films are 2 to 5 minutes long and are all human stories with a social impact message. I believe that creativity, connection, and nature have been devalued by our society and so those are the messages that play throughout my films.
My films are available to view online at www.tanyaregan.me
7. What is one useful tip you would share about how to juggle motherhood with all the other things you are doing in life?My biggest tip for other women juggling motherhood with all the other things we are meant to do is to know your season.
It would not have been possible for me to make a film when my baby was a newborn, however, I could breastfeed her while I developed my own creativity.
Even now, I would love to be working on a feature film, but my children are still young and of course demanding. I do not want to miss that so for me it is about finding a balance and that balance is constantly changing.
The key for me to be a good mum is to fill my cup. Creativity is one of the ways I do that, but I have also found other ways now too.
8. What has been the most difficult part of your journey?
When I have mum life and filmmaker life in balance, I am great. When I am out of balance, which is what happened for me again at the beginning of the pandemic, it all goes a bit pear shaped.Celebrate yourself for your own baby steps, for your own progress and know what your own limits are.
9. What has been the most rewarding part of your journey?The most amazing part of the creative journey is when that creative spark first hits you. There is an excitement and aliveness of making something that does not yet exist and bringing it into form. Receiving feedback from people that they feel “seen and heard” in my films as they connect to the messages, that is the cherry on the top for me.
10. How do you stay motivated when things get tough?(laughs) I usually have a temporary breakdown, I might cry for a bit, I let myself feel the tough feelings. Then I dust myself, take a deep breath and work with what I have.
11. Share something about your journey that you feel is important that we have addressed.If it feels good, do it.
If it feels heavy, put it down.
Excitement and fear can sometimes feel remarkably similar. Feel into the difference and then take inspired action.
Then take one intuitive step after the other and if things mess up be kind to yourself, be ok with mistakes, and then take another step.
One foot in front of the other, one step at a time, that is how we move forward.
Wanna keep up with Tanya and her story? 👇🏾www.tanyaregan.me
Leave your thoughts on this wonderful story in the comments…
Stay Fearless 💋
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Fearless Woman: Angie Karanja
Welcome to another episode of Fearless Woman! If this is your first time here, let me just tell you what you are about to witness. In this series, we feature women who are living life on their own terms and making a difference.
And this episode is no different! Meet Angie Karanja. She’s making a huge difference! As a teenager, she found herself fighting off both an abusive step-father and relationship. Going through such difficult times, inspired her to start a movement for raising teenagers.
I’ll let her tell you her own story. You have to hear this…
Told you she has such an inspirational story to share! Want to keep up with Angie? 🤔. You can follow her on IG.
Thanks for checking out her story! Leave your thoughts in the comments…
Stay Fearless 💋
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Fearless Woman: Lynn Power (Haircare Entrepreneur)
Lynn Power left a successful 30 year advertising career, as CEO of J. Walter Thompson NY, to become an entrepreneur. She launched MASAMI, a clean premium haircare, in February 2020. And hasn’t looked back since.
I wanted to know more about her fearless journey, so I reached out to ask her some questions. Here is what she said…
Tell us what life was like before you began your fearless journey?
I had been working in the advertising industry for my entire career and was running agencies. At the time, I was the CEO of J. Walter Thompson NY. But, I found that I wasn’t enjoying it much anymore. I was dealing with a lot of administrative work (HR issues, legal issues, finance meetings, etc) and had gotten away from what drew me to the industry in the first place — building brands.
What made you want to take the leap and start your company?I decided it was time to stop building other people’s brands and to start doing it for myself. When I left J. Walter Thompson, I actually started a brand consultancy with a partner. We worked almost exclusively with startups which I really enjoyed. I found it fulfilling to make a direct impact on their business in a very tangible way. But then I met my co-founder James, who had been working on haircare formulations for about 10 years. I loved what he was doing. We decided to partner together to launch MASAMI which we founded in 2018 and haven’t looked back.
What have you learned about yourself during this journey?I am much more adaptable and entrepreneurial than I realized. I always knew I had an entrepreneurial gene (both my parents were small biz owners) but I wasn’t sure I would like the “grind” of it. But it turns out, I like the flexibility of working when I want and controlling my schedule. And of course, launching during Covid certainly has given me a perspective on how to pivot and not get too caught up in your plans.
What would you do over again before you took the leap? (If anything)I would take some time to build up my clean beauty network and also a network of peers and advisors. That has been incredibly helpful and I always advise other entrepreneurs to make sure they have a strong network, but there is no reason to wait until you leave your job and start your business to do that. You should always be growing your connections and network — you never know when it might come in handy.
What is life like since you’ve taken the leap into fearless living?I have crafted my business around my lifestyle — which is super flexible. I like being able to work in Palm Spring, NYC, The Berkshires, wherever. And now with my own business, it’s been great to be able to create my life the way I want it. I like to blend my business and personal lives (for me that works super well), so I work with friends, my kids help out and my husband is our investor. It all comes together in a really fulfilling way.
Tell us about your company.MASAMI is clean premium haircare with a Japanese ocean botanical that’s all about hydration. Our formulas are high performing but don’t weigh your hair down — which is something our customers really love. We are also gender neutral, vegan and cruelty free. And of course, have no sulfates, parabens or phthalates. We are a DTC+ brand (we have our own e-commerce site but are also sold on Amazon, in stores like Showfields and Verishop and have salon partnerships with Spoke & Weal and DreamDry).
What is one useful tip you would share about entrepreneurship?Make sure you understand your product and market fit (how scalable is your idea) and spend time nailing your brand proposition and brand values. This is incredibly helpful as you grow, bring new people into the team and launch new products. All too often, I’ve seen founders focus on the product vs. the brand and end up with messy messaging that needs to be reworked later.
What has been the most difficult part of your journey?Well, launching during Covid has certainly been interesting. It caused us to rethink our salon strategy (as most were closed for most of 2020) and focus on content and e-commerce. So, the unpredictability of it all has been a hard adjustment. But it taught us to go with the flow.
What has been the most rewarding part of your journey?I’ve really enjoyed getting feedback from our customers about how our products have transformed their hair. And we’ve created a large size ceramic bottle with refills that I love because it enables us to help the beauty industry evolve and become more sustainable which is part of our mission.
How do you stay motivated when things get tough?I’m lucky that I have an amazing network of supporters, friends and family who have been amazing. It’s easy to be positive when things are going well, but you really see the character of your team when things are tough and we’ve all had each other’s backs, which makes me feel like we’re in it for the long haul.
Share something about your journey that you feel is important that we have not addressed.Both James and I are “older” founders — MASAMI officially launched in February 2020 at New York Fashion week. We were both 53. You are never too old to do what you love.
Want to follow her journey?!
👉🏾 Masami Hair On IG | Lynn On IG
Thoughts?? Let me know in the comments…
Stay Fearless 💋
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I Got The Keys, Keys, Keys…I Meant Keychain
Screaming that you’re fearless doesn’t always have to come from your mouth. An accessory can do the trick.
More like an accessory for your keys. This fearless keychain is the latest addition on our fearless women collection.
Fearless EST. Birth…does it get any more fearless than that?!
Accessorize your keys with this keychain. Only $7.50.
Thoughts on it?? Is this a way you’d show off your fearlessness?? Let me know in the comments…
Stay Fearless 💋
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This Pandemic Has Affected My Style, How Bout You?
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…
Stay Fearless 💋
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What’s It Like To Be Pregnant During A Pandemic?
This pandemic has been interesting, to say the least. I’ve always been a bit of a germiphobe but this has sent my paranoia to a whole new level! All while being pregnant?? 🤦🏾♀️
These days, I wash my hands so much that I forget if I washed them, so I wash them again. My hands look like that of a 80 year old woman. The constant washing has changed the texture. And not in a good way.
Then there’s the hand sanitizer. We are blessed to not have any problems finding some in my area but let me tell you. We keep a bottle in the car. One is each room and one in my purse. Sooo, in addition to washing, I sanitize my hands like crazy. 🤷🏽♀️
This pandemic has changed my pregnancy mood from joy to worry. I don’t want it to fly by without enjoying the moment. But I certainly didn’t have as many fears in my 1st and 2nd trimesters as I do now. I try to just keep in mind that I’m doing my part in keeping the world safe.
The information I’ve read about COVID-19 while pregnant is conflicting. Some say you are no more vulnerable than anyone else. Others scream, “Protect you and your baby! You are more vulnerable due to your immune system.” Who knows what the truth is. So, I just do my best to follow the guidelines.
This is my first baby so I’m already stressed about everything from making sure we have enough diapers to dealing with anxiety over what labor & delivery will be like. Adding a global infection hasn’t made it easier. This pandemic has kept me up at night. Seriously.. Having a stomach the size of a watermelon and running to the bathroom every 30 minutes has already killed my good night sleeping. I knew that I cant continue to live like that.
So to help me get through it, I’ve sworn off all news reports and any online stories about COVID-19. I mean, some of those stories were so sad, I just couldn’t wrap my head around it. I decided to just focus on positive things to keep me in a good frame of mind.
Let me just tell you other ways this pandemic has affected my pregnancy.
Firstly, I don’t go into any stores. My fiancé does that part. We make a list of the things we need. He goes in to get everything and I sit in the car and wait for him to come out. There are certain things I’m so particular about. (Like organic body wash). But when he comes out with something other than that. I try not to make too much of a big deal about it. He does it all…post office drop offs, grocery shopping, runs into the convenient store when I NEED a Kit Kat. With no complaints. So how can I complain??
Browsing through the stores to get last minute baby items like bottles, pampers, pacifiers or bibs is no longer a thing. I’ve had to order everything online and wait for it. And things that come in the mail are super slow these days so needless to say that I spend a lot of time checking shipping carriers websites for the latest tracking information.
When it comes to going to the doctor, things are SO different! A mask must be worn the entire time. My temperature is checked upon entry along with a series of questions about how I’m feeling. Every two chairs are taped up to make sure that we are able to social distance. In addition to the fact that no one can go in with me. So, my fiancé has to wait in the car the entire time. He hasn’t missed any appointments. I know it’s hard for him because he misses out on hearing the heartbeat and seeing the baby on the sonogram. Plus, he doesn’t think I ask the doc the right questions. It’s gotten to a point where I take notes of questions to ask so I can make sure he’s well informed before I make it back to the car.
Now, that I’m only 4 weeks from my due date I have a doctors visit once a week. It includes testing, a sonogram, and some type of belt that is used to monitor the baby’s heart beat. This requires me to sit in a big leather chair. As soon I get out of it, I’m damn near drowning my arms in sanitizer since they touched the chair. 🤷🏽♀️
I’ve been told by my doctor that only one person can come with me to the hospital when I go into labor. And that person will not be able to leave for any reason. They can leave when me and the baby leave. Which is fine with me cause I didn’t want to be alone in the hospital, anyway. Although, my mom and brother aren’t too happy about it. I do regret that they won’t be there to share the experience with me. But we will all be able to enjoy the baby when he gets here. So I have a feeling that they will quickly get over it.
I told my Mom that I can’t wait until I have the baby so I can stop worrying so much. She laughed and said, ” You’re gonna worry even more when he gets here!”
She’s probably right. I’ve decided to stop worrying so much about the things I can’t change. Follow the guidelines while trying to enjoy the days until the baby arrives. Also, to stay positive and prayed up until this thing is behind us. Or for whatever our new normal is to come.
How has this pandemic changed you? Let me know in the comments…
Stay Fearless 💋
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Making The Fashion Not Fear Dress That Was In An Art Exhibit
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…
Stay Fearless 💋
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I Almost Passed Out When I Was Asked To Participate In This.
A few months back, I received an email that left me stunned…
It read (in part)
“I am curating an exhibit at the Institute of Texan Cultures (A Smithsonian Affiliate museum) to feature Black designers. I am looking for original designs that can be put on display. That can be clothing, shoes, accessories doesn’t matter just as long as it is an original design by a Black designer from or in Texas.”
YES!!!!! Was my answer before I got to the part where she asked if I was interested.
She went on to say it will be on display in September. She also said a sketch of the item will be needed for approval.
I couldn’t believe she asked me. It was such a big deal. I had to knock it out of the park.
I knew exactly what fabric I wanted to use for the dress. It had a unique pleated design that I’d been eyeing for a very, long time. Plus, it came in the PERFECT shade of blue.
I whipped up a sketch of my dress idea and sent it to her by email. Providing all of the fabric details (of course!)
She loved the idea!
“What will the dress be made of?” – she asked.
“Pleated chiffon.” I proudly answered.
So, it was set! I would be making a dress to be displayed in a museum for all to see. Plus, I was asked in May, the display wasn’t until September so I had plenty of time! Right??
Wrong!
I received a follow up email in June asking about the status of the dress. I had the sketch and knew where I going to buy the fabric from. That was about it.
Why is she asking so early was my first thought. Instead, I told her about my progress or lack of.
“Can you have it don’t by July 20th?” was her reply.
“Sure!” I answered. But I was sweating bullets. Then, I felt puke at the back of my throat.I thought I had a good 4 weeks!
The weeklong family vacation that was already planned and paid for left me with only 1 week to make this dress!!!
Could I do it?? I knew I work good under pressure but this type of pressure was too much! It is too soon in my sewing career to think making this dress was going to be a piece of cake. Something ALWAYS goes wrong. Always.
And it did! First up, I found out that the fabric couldn’t get to me in time. I needed this fabric!! What was I going to do??
Make it happen! That’s what. And that what I did.
After a week of sleepless nights filled with looking for new fabric and sewing; the dress was safely dropped off to a coordinator at the Texas Cultures Institute in San Antonio, Tx.
The design is a bit different from the sketch. Especially since I had to change the fabric. But I love it so much! Stay tuned to find out how the dress turned out and how you can go check it out in person.
Thoughts?? Let me know something special you have going on right now in the comments…
Stay Fearless 💋