I LOVE My Hair & A Little Sunshine 

Posted by Unknown at 6:10 PM
After a few weeks of several bizarre happenings on a personal, professional and spiritual level, I was asked to be a part of something that's so special and beyond necessary. No matter who you are, we all need to be inspired...we need to be wowed. And wowed was I...

I was asked to to be featured on Crossroads with the amazing-iconic Melanie Lawson. The segment focused on the "I Love My Hair," song from Sesame Street, which is the result of a conversation between an adorable Ethiopian princess named Segi and her parents. Segi is a 5-year old who, like many of us (and our nieces, daughters and mentees) struggled with the idea of  having "different" hair and expressed her curiosity to her parents. Her dad, Joey Mazzarino, is the head writer of Sesame Street, and is also the Muppeteer who wrote the song.

The concept of having a "hair complex," is a real and manifested truth, and sadly it takes shape in the lives of adult women as well as children. What I left out in the segment is that it's absolutely crucial to instill a sense of confidence in the little ladies in our world. I always used to wonder why my mother was constantly giving me praises about my dark skin and my coarse hair. Thank God she never allowed me to rely on the standards that society's set forth as beautiful.

*Side note- Have you seen Kanye's Runaway video? So relieved to know that artists are still pushing the envelope with the goal in mind to SHAKE up our society....

Anyway, the original "I Love my Hair," video was pure perfection. Please share it and/or the news segment below with the little girls in your world and LOVE your HAIR;)


And to spread some happy....gotta love this little lady. Her energy is contagious! Watch Now...

 


3 comments

Girl Power: Sarah Nezamzadeh 

Posted by Unknown at 7:51 PM
I met this young lady over a year ago at a fashion show for our Medley client, Village Girls Boutique. She weeerked the runway and represented for the petite gals. Fashion Stylist Sarah 
Nezamzadeh is so on her industry hustle and her enthusiasm towards life is contagious. Get to know her and check out some of her work below.

Q. What is your advice to other women trying to break into the fashion industry?
 


A. Network, DUH!
To be honest, I’d probably be more “star-struck” by most of the people I’ve friended on facebook and haven’t met in person than some of these big wigs in the industry. I probably wouldn’t even recognize Anna Wintour if she was standing next to me [Not even going to lie – That totally happened at Fashion Week in September]. 

Five years into the game and I’m still “getting my feet wet,” but moving to NYC was the single best thing I could have done for my fashion career. I applied to Parsons and got in [Believe me, I was surprised too] – I was excited to move to New York to attend school but I was even more excited for the opportunities that could arise in a new location. I had built a great foundation in Texas and was looking to expand. It’s hard not to get distracted from school with so many opportunities here but I am so grateful to finally be in a place where people truly appreciate my talent and where I am surrounded by others who are also passionate about similar interests and are willing to help me grow.

[SPEAK!] You absolutely cannot be shy in this industry. People want to know what you can do for them and what makes you better than the next guy in line. Network yourself with the RIGHT people, people who are always looking to grow and don’t have egos the size of an elephant’s ass (I won’t mention any names) - 9 times out of 10 everyone who I spoke with before I was “introduced” into the Houston fashion scene was looking to collaborate. We really do have a lot of talent that goes unrecognized but hopefully all that will change after Houston Fashion Week. I would personally like to take the time right now to thank everyone I had the pleasure of working with prior to moving to New York for such wonderful opportunities – Without them, I definitely wouldn’t be where I am today. With that being said, it is also very easy to get blacklisted [!!!] – This industry is a very large, and very small. Chances are if you don’t know someone, the person you’re working with does, so always maintain a sense of professionalism (says the girl who harasses her male models).



Q. What are your thoughts on diversity in the fashion industry?
 


A. I love that more and more demographics are being represented in the industry. Often the public identifies “fashion” as a super skinny, fair-skinned female with no curves. So much has changed in such a short period of time and I think it’s due to a lot of companies focusing on going global and really reaching out to their target market across the globe. Cultural awareness is so important, especially in the fashion industry.
 


Q. Describe your personal style:



A. 32 flavors and then some…
Most people think you have to have designer to be stylish. I think I have 2 designer handbags? One was a gift to myself [Retail Therapy] and the other was a gift from a show I helped coordinate - I had no idea how expensive the gift  that was given to me was until I got to New York and my roommate almost had a heart attack.
I’m not really into “fashion” – I just like fancy business.
 


Q. Who are your fashion icons? 
 


A. I don’t have one. My biggest inspiration is Pee-wee Herman!
*Pee-wee Herman Show on Broadway opens at the end of the month if anyone is interested in getting me tickets (and a hot date) for my birthday. 



Q. How do you achieve work, life, balance?
 


A. WORDS TO LIVE BY: It’s not lack of time, it’s lack of direction. Everyone gets 24 hours in a day.

 
 


 








 
To keep up with Sarah on the social circuit, friend her on Facebook.

Image of Sarah: (Photo Credits: Photo BABAK) 
 

3 comments

Social Media Tips for Event Planners 

Posted by Unknown at 11:11 PM


Many of our Medley Inc. clients prioritize their branding needs in the following order:

1. Events
2. Public Relations
3. Social Media

Yet based on several events we've coordinated over the past year, we recommend the following order:

1. Events
2. Social Media
3. Public Relations

We encourage our clients to launch their social media campaign simultaneously with their event. PR is often a natural result of the event + social media. Here are a few of my tips for social media for event planners:

1. Invite A-listers/Celebs Who GET Social Media

The ROI for this is incredible. When a key player at an event is twitpicing, uploading photos to Facebook and engaging with other users and event attendees instantly, you quickly gain exposure to their following and influencers. You've also done what many PR agencies outline in their campaigns: You've given you're event celeb power in a major way.

2. Implement Live Q & A

Whether it's real time Q & A (via Twitter or Facebook) with a presenter/host, or a live stream chat following the event- audience interaction is a must. How cool is it that you can be sitting in the absolute worst seats at an event, but still be closer to the host/presenter than the front row VIPS?

3. Real Time Feedback, Real Time Response

Tune into the negative buzz before it becomes viral and respond. Quickly.

Say you're having an event and an attendee is griping to his or her social media circle about the lack of interaction and face to face connections. You then can take it upon yourself to dazzle this "griper" with your charm and quickly turn those tweets into a positive trending topic. To keep my "ear to the streets" I sware by Twitter Search, Ubertwitter search option and for ongoing web monitoring- Google Alerts.

4. All Events are National..Global, really

Folks are connecting to you from thousands of miles away, and will literally convey that they "feel like they were there," when the social media for your event is done right. Make it a point to be inclusive when targeting event attendees. Yes, invite Sarah from Boston. She WILL tweet about how much she wished she were there in sunny California. She WILL tweet about the event live stream to all of her followers. Online participation can be just as essential as physical presence.

5. Events Become Communities

When possible, get a trending topic for your event going several weeks before the event. Host an online forum before and after the event. Attendees are creating their own community before, during, and after events. They really don't need us (event planners, business owners) to do their thing. They've likely been following each others tweets and are thrilled about the in-person acquaintance, so much that it only makes sense to keep the conversation going. Stay relevant in the dialogue by creating a platform where those participants can keep the conversation going. Get creative, and think of ways to stay in the loop.

These are my tips. Yes, I am completely in awe of how the scope of things have changed for professionals in the PR and Events industry. Isn't it lovely?

(Photo Creds: Brian Ellison)

1 comments

Putting My Degree to Use: Journalism Gal 

Posted by Unknown at 9:53 PM
So I've recently had to revisit my former passion for writing, and surprisingly it's been...pretty dope!

While I still claim to not be a fashionista (once you make that claim, you must be fly everyday...something I don't think I strive to do daily) - I DO love fashion and it's actually fun to write about, so long as I can express my love for the not-so-trendy pieces, and my vintage cravings.

I've recently discovered a serious interest in travel articles and as always...my brand is still being developed. I will never be the gal who limits herself to one hat...too many fab ones to choose from;). Here are a few of my recently published articles.

Join JONES at Fashion Week via Live Stream


While the JONES team, thousands of New Yorkers, designers, celebs and models are hitting the pavement at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week, the rest of America is turning to the web to keep up with the latest news. Luckily, several designers are now “hip” to the digital world and are no longer constrained by the idea of fashion exclusivity as it relates to new media. Read More...

Kelly Rowland and Girlfriends Host a Weekend of Fundraising

Kelly Rowland kicked off a weekend of fundraising in Houston, TX to benefit her non-profit organization, I Heart My Girlfriends. The weekend events included a private Q & A session with local teenage girls about empowerment, a Fall-Out 2010 Fashion and Step Show, and a private Silent Auction and Brunch. Read More...

Editor’s Picks: Ashley Small’s 6 Must-Have Fashion Finds for Fall


The word "Ecstatic" can't begin to describe the ardor I felt after attending Fashion Group Internationals Fall 2010 Trend's event held at Neimen Marcus, in Houston, TX. The runway previews featured trends with feathers, lace, lots of sheer, textures…and more textures! Thanks to FGI, my fashion cravings have officially kicked in for the season. Here's the skinny on what I'm dying to get my hands on this fall. Read More...

What Dreams Are Made Of: Parrot Cay Resort

When major celebrities and taste makers like India Arie, Bruce Willis and Donna Karen wish to escape the inner-city haste, they flee to Parrot Cay, a 1000 acre private island in Turks and Caicos that is more than dreamy.

Day's spent there are long and nostalgic, yet the leisure activities and indulgent treatments leave guests wishing for just a few more hours in the tranquility and comfort found at Parrot Cay. It's a perfect getaway for both the professional and the retired and is a painless four hour flight from the big apple. Read More...

Thanks for reading;). Have a lovely weekend!

2 comments

Girl Power: Kristi Jackson Mba Broker 

Posted by Unknown at 7:20 PM
I'm sort of an undercover feminist who secretly takes joy in the fact that women truly do rule the world. As such, this is a first of my Girl Power posts and I am quite pleased to brag about this gal to you all. 

First, you should know that we've only been e-introduced, via Facebook, yet her personal brand resonates online...big time. Second, you should know that I'm humbly motivated and inspired by women who find their purpose and master it. In a nutshell, this girl rocks...and while my free-spirit and constant urge to travel and to shift environments will not allow me to become a homeowner anytime soon- when I do, on her I shall call. Get to know her...Kristi Jackson.




Q. Define your personal brand:

A. Unapologetically ambitious, aggressive and tenacious in working for my clients, and consistently improving my business. My desire is to teach, to learn, to share and to grow, within my business and personal space.

Q. What is your advice to other aspiring entrepreneurs?

A. Start with a plan, setting specific and timely goals, take action immediately, don’t listen to negative naysayers, and don’t be afraid to fail. Ever tried, ever failed, no matter. Try again. Fail, fail again. Fail better. -Samuel Beckett

Q. Describe your personal style?
 
A. My personal style is mixture of classic pieces with pops of color, unexpected accessories and shapes and a smile….

Q. Who influences you?
 
A. I am continuously inspired and influenced by women entrepreneurs who go against the grain, follow their own paths, and created their version of success. Like Oprah Winfrey, Mellody Hobson and Lisa Nichols.

Q. How do you achieve work, life, balance?
 
A. Finding your work life balance is different for everyone, and usually changes from year to year with increasing responsibilities and goals. Because I love what I do- working and learning how to become a consummate, uber professional businesswoman, every single day and every single “to do”, doesn’t necessarily feel like work. I pay attention to my body and treat myself when it’s time to recharge. I also gallivant to special places several times a year exercising another hobby and love- historic international travel and shopping.
 
To keep up with Kristi on the social circuit follow her on Twitter at @atjacksonrealty
or on her website at www.jacksonrealtyandinvestments.com.

4 comments

5 People to Stalk on Twitter 

Posted by Unknown at 8:37 AM

My initial thought a few weeks ago was to write about the dynamics of social media usage in a multi-ethnic world. In fact, I was so excited about it that I declared my plans to write about it on Twitter. Shame on me right? It shall come...just seeking a bit more inspiration.

In the meantime, folks are finally starting to have conversations about how minorities use Twitter...and it's causing quite a stir. I think, for the most part this article by Farhad Manjoo on Slate.com is quite accurate...and funny in its analysis.

So, while inspiration-seeking, I decided to create a list of my 5 favorite tweeps to stalk who (in my opinion) are necessary to follow if your goal is to always be in a diverse space. Some of them I know personally, some I literally stalk on the web, all are great examples of personal brand development via the web. All keep my social media world connected to the real world in a major way...yes, comfort zones exist on the web, and I truly believe they have the ability to have a negative impact on your social life. So read on my friends, and if approval is granted- stalk these tweeps in real life too;).


1. @AzizAnsari- He sort of killed it at the MTV Awards with his R. Kelly/Avatar/BP spoof performance, but I recently stumbled upon him on Twitter after doing a twitter search for Kanye (yes, I'm crazy in love with Kanye's...brilliance). Anyway, this guy has mastered the #predictingkanyetweets and when Youtube falls short, I look to his twitter stream for my daily dose of funny.

2. @Katriname- She's a PR Maven, a dear friend, a sometimes burlesque model, and a social chameleon. Her tweets are comprised of hip-hop lyrics, tech fascinations, and a lot of keepin' it realness. Yes, she's that uncensored, witty tweep that you truly hope to meet in person one day.

3. @Travelingsavage- I'm simply inspired by his positive energy and his Twitter bio which reads, "Writer. Traveler. Explorer. I'm going round the world one month at a time with a focus on experiential travel all while balancing a wife and house in the burbs." Assuming the wifey is cool with his travel adventures, I think its pretty dope that he's living a fulfilling life while occasionally dodging bears.

4. @Cosmopolitician- Does her name really need an explanation? Luv this gal because she truly defines what it means to wears many hats, she's always up and at em' and she inspires me to try to love Houston a lil' bit more. Houston through her tweets is a tech, fashion, arts & culture melting pot that is soon to be loved and adored by the world. Follow her. Now.

5. @SamFineBeauty- While there are many reasons to love Sam Fine and his work in the makeup industry, I truly adore his expertise offered in the Twitterverse. Unlike most celebs, or chefs to the stars, hair stylists to the stars, etc. who use Twitter as a one-way form of communication- the majority of Sam's Twitter stream, is comprised of him answering beauty questions from his fans.

All of these lovelies help keep my web world in a happy place. Who do you follow to help keep your social media space lovely and diverse?

(Picture courtesy of www.icanhascheezburger.com)

3 comments