A Word of Encouragement & Visuals

I initially wasn't intending to do a post like this, but lately I've been caught up in my head, overthinking my decisions left and right. As many self-help credos would suggest, the best way to pick yourself up, is to build someone else.



I know my worth and I humbly believe that the quality of my work is of great value, but sometimes it can be hard to see yourself as good enough, especially when you're being overlooked or not receiving the credit you think you deserve.

I work hard and I spend a lot of time perfecting my craft; reading books, practicing photography, doing research and sacrificing my time & money. No one really ever sees the behind-the-scenes of your life. Some only ever get a glimpse of your highlight reel. Regardless, I find it really annoying when people copy me, and don't give me the credit. Nowadays, people will steal your ideas, your captions, they might even steal your identity if they could. It's all very rude!

My family and my close friends always try to to tell me that the true mark of a great person, is their copy-market. To that, I roll my eyes. But! I think it's true. Masaba Gupta, my favorite Indian designer (particularly because she is half black) once said the same thing. Fashion designers like Masaba, Mara Hoffman, Michael Kors and so may more, have had their designs copied. To them, it only means that their work is good enough, and they see it as a compliment. Although it is illegal a buy knock-offs, these esteemed designers don't seem to be bothered by the billion dollar copy-market that rips off their work. They just keep it pushin'.

I love that statement: "keep it pushing". In life, we will face so many circumstances that may make us throw up our hands in defeat, but when it all comes down to it, you gotta keep it moving. Keep pushing through.

I've come to realize first-hand, that some people will not support you. Some, in your own family or circle of friends. You may feel like your efforts are getting you nowhere and that you'd never see the light of day. But you have to hold your chin up and keep at it. Whenever I find myself down, I have a list of phrases I whisper to myself and all of a sudden, I feel invigorated. I'll share just a few:

• "Handle it!"
• "Push through"
• "Nobody cares, work harder"
• "You have everything you need right now to be successful."
• "God is on your side. Why are you afraid?"

Many of these phrases I've picked up from books or listening to successful people talk about their story. I try to stay empowered and inspired by persons who defied all odds, took massive risks and took hold of fear to become game-changers. I'm obsessed with the CEO,OOO,OOO movement and I find so many young, innovative and positive entrepreneurs through  their newsletters and featured posts. I will advise anyone, if you wanna be somebody and you wanna go somewhere, you better wake up and work your tail off. Don't let the fact that you're being overlooked, laughed at, gossiped about or ignored cause you to lose sight of your goals. Let no one talk you out of your dreams. And remember, keep it pushin'.