Friday, July 31, 2009
A Word from the Founder: J.Styles
We are well into the summer and nature is in full bloom, people are vacationing, many of us are trying to make "it" happen (before the end of '09) and the rest are searching for that bit of inspiration that will jump start their motivation. No matter where you are mentally or physically, you have to admit this year is flying by and we better enjoy every minute before it's gone in a blink of an eye. For the first time, I am truly starting to understand the expression "live life to the fullest." To me, this phrase is closely tied to the expression, "finding yourself." In order to have one, you must have a grasp on the other. I am still, very much, on the journey to finding myself and learning exactly what the phrase means. However, I've come to the conclusion that finding ourselves is a holistic expression that means we know and understand who we are and what we want out of life. We are clear on our priorities and we are on the path to attaining the life we want, not what society tells us we should have. It takes a confident and independent person to be able to travel their own path in their own time and in their own way. Life experiences and maturity are definitely the key ingredients to becoming fully centered. With that said, I've also come to the realization that my experiences weren't a mistake, nor were they a waste of time, they were simply the road map in helping me to find my way. My impatience never serves me with good energy, instead I start to panic that my man-made road map will be destroyed or delayed because things aren't happening in the order I planned. If you've ever tried to plan out your life, I'm sure you know that things don't always happen when we want them to, but if our desires are truly a part of our destiny, it will happen. Understanding this concept is also a part of maturity. It's only after a situation has passed, do we see with 20/20 vision and are able to understand why things happened and usually, we can agree, it was in the right order. It may seem like I am a pro at deciphering life and critical crossroads, but I am far from an expert. I am, however, trying to ingrain these thoughts into my mind as I continue to make life-altering decisions that some people won't understand. As I embark on new challenges and endeavors. As I push myself to the limit, not fully knowing the outcome. It seemingly all comes full circle, when I think of the phrase "live life to the fullest" all the while "finding myself." These mottos have been my rock and savior every time I question my next step. I have a list of things I want in life and there is no guarantee that I'll get the blessings I've personally crafted. But just for kicks, let's say I get everything on my wish list, I am still clueless as to when they will come to fruition. But either way, I can't live my life wondering about things that I have no control over. What I can do, is be the best person that I can be and have faith that my destiny will encompass the blessings that will ultimately bring me a happy and fruitful life. As I continue on my exploration and search for more pieces that will help me to "find myself", I will try to be excited by the unknown instead of scared. 2009 is just one piece of the puzzle and I hope that you will find peace the rest of this year, knowing that together we can share and grow in excitement, love, patience and diligence. I'm a work in progress, but FAB nonetheless! My hope is that you are just as confident that "finding yourself" is the exciting part of life. Together, we can be FAB (with or without all the puzzle pieces!)
Much Love,
J.Styles
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Event Recap: Avenue Pink: 1st Networking Mixer
Meet the ladies of Avenue Pink: Quan, Lande, Klassy Chassy and L. Goodie. These ladies have teamed up to highlight the needs of our professional community and has a fresh perspective on how we can gain professional and personal success if we can all just "think and act responsibly and progressively."
FAB was on the scene and had the priviledge opportunity to interface with the Founders of Avenue Pink, trust me when I say, they are ALL outgoing, tenacious and filled with a positive spirit that makes you want to know more. They are definitely go-getters and FAB loves that! FAB will definitely be on the look out for more amazing updates from the ladies that don't just have an idea, they take their goals by the reigns - what an awesome way to think!
Tune into to listen to their radio show . . . filled with juicy and relevant information for all the young, soon-to-be movers and shakers OR learn more about Avenue Pink!
Listen @ blogtalkradio.com/avenuepink
Follow @ twitter.com/avenuepink
FABulous Event. FABulous People. FABulous Time.
Network. Network. Network.
DJ play my song!
Don't forget to check out Avenue Pink online - www.avenuepink.com
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Balancing Act - Personal AND Professional
I can't give you a black and white answer to the inevitable question of how to successfully balance all aspects of your life, but what I can give you is some thought-provoking ideas to help you deal with various scenarios that you may be experiencing.
Ideas to Cope:
**We all have different people in our lives that serve a different purpose and understanding that person's purpose is very important. In essence, find a supportive group that you can count on in your darkest hour. Someone that you can be blatantly real with, someone that you can trust with your inner most thoughts.
**Finding an escape route for yourself. It's important to be self-reflective in order to realize what you need in order to find inner peace, clarity and happiness. Find a space or a place or a hobby that takes you into a personal zone, a place where the world can not interrupt you. Dive in and get lost into your thoughts. Before anyone else can help you, you have to be willing to help yourself.
**Surrounding yourself with the right type of energy. Energy is contagious. Escaping negativity and embracing positivity is a critical step in regaining focus. Having the right people, scenery, mindset, thoughts, energy and spirit around can be the maker or breaker.
No worries if you are off balance at this precise moment, we all have our times when we feel adequate in one area and lacking in another. Finding balance and security in both the professional and personal realm is a very natural desire and it can be done. However, it does take patience, effort and time. Know that you are not alone and tackling this battle is a lifelong journey, but it's attainable. Tap into the ideas listed above and I am sure they will help you to juggle the many facets of adulthood. Together, we can live fruitful and happy lives!
Any thoughts?? Share with FAB! We'd love to hear your thoughts on this subject! Leave a comment or 2.
No matter what, stay FAB!
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Not Much Experience, but Want to Work at RACHEL ROY?
Organization: Jones Apparel Group, Inc.
Function: Marketing/PR
Location: New York, NY
Description: RACHEL ROY MARKETING COORDINATOR
THE ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO, THE FOLLOWING:
QUALIFICATIONS:
***TO APPLY:
Thursday, July 23, 2009
FAB on the Scene: She-Blogs.com LAUNCH PARTY!
All sorts of industry professionals and celebrity personalities came out to celebrate the launch of She-Blogs.com, an empowerment blog geared to inspire women to reach for their dreams and to help them realize that they can lead happy, fulfilling, and balanced lives.
TV and Radio Personalities Sightings Include: MTV Host, SWAY, Former BET 106&Park Host and present Radio Host at one of the hottest radio stations in NYC, Power 105, FREE, DJ and Founder of Black Girls Rock! Inc. DJ BEVERLY BONDS, Former Editor-n-Chief of Honey Magazine and Former Stylist, ANGELA DAVIS, VH1 Host, JANELLE SNOWDEN and TV Personality/Co-Founder of Women In Entertainment Empowerment Network (WEEN), LAUREN LAKE.
To learn more about the blog that is putting women at the forefront and empowering them every step of the way, visit she-blogs.com.
ALLISON LEAK is the Founder of She-Blogs.com. In addition to Allison writing about various women's issues, thoughts and concerns - she is also an entrepreneur that is driven by passion, not by fear! She understands what it takes to be successful and has chosen the route less traveled to attain the seemingly far-fetched idea of success, that many often doubt. Critics would say it is much harder for Black Women to pave a way or to set the standard for their own lives. Allison Leak has far surpassed these thoughts! Her hard work and dedication to making a difference in the lives of women everywhere proves that vision conquers doubt! She is proving that we can make a difference, she's paving her own path and inspiring others along the way, one blog entry at a time . . .
Check out the event pics below. Enjoy!
Mirror, Mirror . . . who's the prettiest of them all?!
Free is the host for the evening! She welcomes the sponsors and guests!
DJ Beverly Bonds/Founder of Black Girls Rock! Inc. shares her reasoning on supporting such a positive cause!
Former Editor-n-Chief of Honey Magazine, Angela Davis shares words of encouragement for women in the industry!
Bonding Time! Allison Leak and Free . . .
Lauren Lake, this lady brings FIRE!
Sponsors of the event include: Belvedere, Black Girls Rock! Inc., WEEN, NARS and Saks Fifth Avenue.
The event was very inspiring. FAB loves to see women of color pushing the envelope to charge after their dreams! In today's world, go-getters are a MUST!
What's In Your CAREER TOOL KIT?
WITHOUT IT . . . Without your Career Tool Kit, you have not proven your dedication to taking your career to the next level. Your level of seriousness is watered down and the level at which you will be promoted and considered for positions and professional opportunities will be stunted. Your work, nor will your experience be as highly regarded. If you're lucky or are able to make a connection because of someone you know, you may score an opportunity despite your lack of preparation or organization. But either way, your professional presentation and style speaks volume. Even if you get the position, the promotion or the raise because of a personal connection, you lack the foundation to continue that rapid success. And who knows, had you been prepared with your CAREER TOOL KIT, maybe you would have progressed even further. But why take that chance and play rush and roulette with your life and your future. Instead of trying to work around the system and find short cuts to success, why not work hard to build up your reputation in a way that reflects your tenacity, dedication to succeed and willingness to go above and beyond what average workers do. If you want great results, you must display great efforts, great work and a great presentation. Often times, we underestimate the power of presentation. If we present ourselves in a way that reflects who we want to be, where we are trying to go and what we strive to attain, we can often skip so many steps because people in power will give us a chance. Not necessarily based on our resume, but because we have passion and we are willing to run, when others are simply satisfied with walking.
Career Tool Kit In Progress:
It is understandable to not have every piece completely together, but you MUST appear that you do. Remember, perception is everything. Employers do not want to hear a pity story. They want to feel that you are confident and competent to get the job done. Your personal issues must be resolved at a later time. With that said, even if you feel that you are not where you want to be in your career or feel that you have nothing to put into your CAREER TOOL KIT or that your work/projects are not viable enough to highlight, you're wrong! Anything that you have done that pertains to your career, professional goals or accomplishments is relevant and MUST be in your kit!
What does a CAREER TOOL KIT Look Like?
Every one's tool kit looks different, but bottom line is this. You have the materials! You can showcase the information in a platter of ways, but at least you have the information ready to go! That is the MOST important factor. When the opportunity of a lifetime comes knocking on your door, it is not the time to say "man, I wish I would've been prepared!" NO!!!!!!!!!! You must have your game face on at all times!
Ideas of What your CAREER TOOL KIT Should Look Like:
- In a professional binder (should be very organized and highlights the most important info)
- Portfolio
- Saved on your jump drive (all you have to do is press print when you need it!)
- In a business card holder (all you have to do is open it up and all of your contacts are there!)
- Copies of everything (you should have documentation of all the major work you have completed or worked on!)
- Saved/Printed emails (always save/print important conversations, agreements, documents, etc.)
- Folders in your email (separate emails so that your professional information is organized and easy to find)
**You may be wondering why some of the options listed above seems like common sense or very informal, but you'd be surprised at how many people have experienced, witnessed, completed and worked hard and have NOTHING to show for it! Your CAREER TOOL KIT is not literally a "tool kit" per se; it is more of a thought process and tangible way to store your professional information in a way that is easily accessible at any given time. You never want to be caught unprepared! You definitely don't want to be considered average! You have done the unthinkable, let your CAREER TOOL KIT prove it!**
If you are lost and have NO idea of where to begin, you can contact FAB directly to gain personalized guidance on how to build and maintain your CAREER TOOL KIT! Email me directly, jstyles@thefabnetwork.com.
Stay FAB and Stay Ready!
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Fashion Internship at a Liz Claiborne Company
Need Help Revamping Your Career Skills?!
Be sure to check out all of the NEW workshops. 24 Seven Talent has a new inspirational life coach to put you on the right track for success, and a great workshop with tools & tactics to stand out. They also have PowerPoint training for beginners and advanced users. Go to www.24seventalent.com/events to register now!
Jul 23 Build the Portfolio $10 Premium Members/$15 Members
Jul 27 Photo shop Intermediate $150 Premier Members/$175 Members
Aug 3 Are You What You Want $30 Premier Members/$35 Members NEW
Aug 4 Intro to PowerPoint $155 Premier Members/$165 Members NEW
Aug 5 Illustrator for Rookies $150 Premier Members/$175 Members
Aug 6 Resume Design Clinic $10 Premium Members/$15 Members
Aug 11 Intro to Web PDM $150 Premier Members/$175 Members
Aug 19 Illustrator for Rookies $150 Premier Members/$175 Members
Aug 24 Tools & Tactics $30 Premier Members/$35 Members NEW
Aug 25 Persuasive Portfolio $10 Premier Members/$15 Members
Aug 26 PowerPoint Advanced $155 Premier Members/$165 Members NEW
Aug 27 Intro to Web PDM $150 Premier Members/$175 Members
***Note: All events take place in 24 Seven Talent's Soho New York office, 120 Wooster Street, 4th Floor, New York, NY 10012. Space is limited and available on a first-come, first-serve basis.***
Monday, July 20, 2009
The Time Is Here: OFFICIAL FAB WEBSITE LAUNCH!
Much Love to ALL my FAB Believers!!!!!!!!
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Give Back to Yourself!
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
How to Stay FOCUSED in a Saturated Workforce . . .
Sounds easy, I know. But seriously, escaping the saturated feeling you experience on a daily basis when it seems as if everything is swallowing your time and energy. You're left feeling tired, only to realize you still haven't accomplished all the things on your to-do list. Work can engulf our lives and has the potential to negatively saturate our mood, our life - not necessarily because we hate our jobs, or our work, or our team or boss, but because we lack FOCUS. When we lack FOCUS, we focus on everything, devoting time and attention to the small things that deserve to be on the bottom of the list. Many of us spend our day stressing about things that have no determining factor over our success or finances, instead of diving in and giving 100% to those factors that are truly going to impact our careers and personal lives. Before you fret over small, insignificant people or issues in any realm in your life . . . ask yourself these 2 questions, IS THIS GOING TO IMPACT MY LIFE? DO I HAVE CONTROL OVER THIS ISSUE? Those 2 questions should help you define what type of attention you should give to that particular issue.
1. Is this going to impact my life? This question basically analyzes the depth of the issue at hand. If the issue is small and plays no significant role in your present or future, then why spend time worrying, stressing, thinking, talking or analyzing it? Simply, accept the fact at hand and move on!
2. Do I have control over this issue? This question forces you to understand the difference between things that you can change and the things that you have no control over. If you have the power to change it, change it. If not, it is not worrying, stressing, thinking, talking or analyzing it. Simply, accept the fact at hand and move on!
We spend so much time focusing on things that are so insignificant that we often have little time or energy to give our minds to the things that will build up our futures!
What are you going to focus on? What are you going to forget?
If you listen to every successful person's story, you'll begin to see a trend. At the very core of their success, was the seed of FOCUS. They were focused and stayed focused. And that hard work blossomed. Focus is such an easy thing to overlook. Don't miss out on your blessing because you're stressed that your co-worker wore the shirt you had on yesterday! Who cares?! You have MILLIONS to make. LET'S GET AND STAY FAB PEOPLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!
FAB Challenges YOU Today! Are you FOCUSED???????
Friday, July 10, 2009
FAB On the Scene: Celeb Makeup Artist, MALLY at Henry Bendel (NYC)
Celebrity Makeup Artist, Mally Roncal, is no stranger to the beauty world . . . her passion for art, color and creativity has seemingly been with her from the beginning. Even as a child, she loved to play with color and make others look beautiful. Having strong, seasoned and encouraging mentors also helped her to walk out on faith and abandon her pre-med education to pursue her more creative, passionate side. Good thing! Her dedication paid off! She quickly rose to the "who's who" list of makeup artists, with her flawless makeup techniques and larger than life personality. She now works with an array of celebrity heavy hitters, such as Jennifer Lopez, Beyonce, Rihanna, Ashley Simpson, Celine Dion, Teri Hatcher and Hayden Panettiere among others.
Mally launched her own beauty line, called MALLY in which she brings her creativity, makeup artistry techniques and one-of-a-kind style to life. Her products are at the forefront of invention, trust me! FAB was on the scene at Henry Bendel in NYC to meet the sought-after CELEB MAKEUP DIVA, Mally in person and of course to play in the products! I came in a natural beaut . . . and left a smokey-eyed diva! YES, FAB LOVES MALLY!!!
Check out the pics below. And by the way, if you've never tried MALLY before, you're truly missing out. You can find MALLY products on her website (http://www.mallybeauty.com/), QVC or at the chic 5th Ave. hot spot, Henry Bendel!
Mally makes her seasonal drop in to Henry Bendel
Celeb Makeup Artist, MALLY, and FAB's J.Styles
FAB on the Scene!
MALLY front and center . . . appointments galore!
Oooh La La . . . the wonderful MALLY products!
YES, FAB's J.Styles gets Jazzy at the MALLY beauty counter
Henry Bendel Makeup Artist Pro: Tiffany Bednash
Applying the 2009 CEW Beauty Awards Finalist: MALLY Volumizing Mascara
Makeup Artist, Tiffany Bednash applies the wonderful Ever Color Shadow Stick: Natural, but Jazzy Look (LOVE IT!)
I'm done!
PRODUCTS USED ON FAB's J.STYLES:
MALLY Lightwand Shaping Secret in Charcoal
The one and only - MALLY!!!
Great to meet you! Thank you for your energy and warmth. FAB appreciates it and WE WILL be trying and buying more MALLY Products, won't you?!
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Why Do You Work So Hard? Do You Know?!
Monday, July 6, 2009
VINCE Account Executive: (Luxury Fashion House) Job Opening
• Develop accurate forecasts on a timely basis and track and interpret past and present sales trends in order to forecast the future
• Follow-up and coordinate all ongoing projects in order to meet stated deadlines
• Technical skill proficiency using MS Office software applications, required
• Excellent influencing and verbal communication skills with the ability to establish cross-functional multilevel relationships
• Superior retail math skills
• Ability to deal with rapidly changing organizational issues and anticipate/forecast customer demand
• Self-motivation with a strong sense of personal accountability
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Half the Year Gone! Half the Year to Go! For CAREER DREAMS!
Where do you want to see yourself in the next 6 months aka by the end of the year aka by 2010?! If things are in your way that are preventing you from achieving your career dreams, run fast!
Get your CAREER JOURNAL out and answer the following:
- What am I trying to accomplish in the next 6 months?
- How am I going to achieve my 6 month goal?
- What am I going to do TODAY?
- Do you have a career partner to help you stay on track? If not, get one for these next 6 months! Who is that person going to be?
- What do you want your tangible results to be in December 2009?!
- What are you going to KEEP doing to achieve your goal?
- What are you going to STOP doing to achieve your goal?
TOMMY HILFIGER Internship: Color Dept.
Organization: Tommy Hilfiger
Category: Apparel
Function: Intern/Entry-Level
Location: New York, NY
Description: Tommy Hilfiger Corporation, through its subsidiaries, designs, sources and markets men's and women's sportswear, jeans wear and childrenswear. The Company's brands include Tommy Hilfiger. Through a range of strategic licensing agreements, the Company also offers a broad array of related apparel, accessories, footwear, fragrance, and home furnishings. The Company's products can be found in leading department and specialty stores throughout the United States, Canada, Europe, Mexico, Central and South America, Japan, Hong Kong, Australia and other countries in the Far East, as well as the Company's own network of outlet and specialty stores in the United States, Canada and Europe. The Tommy Hilfiger Internship Program offers bright, motivate individuals the opportunity to receive mentorship, supervision,and training while gaining valuable and realistic hands on experience and an introduction to the fashion industry. We have an exciting opportunity for an intern to work within our color department for the fall 2009 semester.
NOTE: Please note that all internships are unpaid and for academic credit only. All candidates must provide written proof that they will be able to receive credit prior to beginning our internship program.
DESCRIPTION OF POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Implement organizational systems to better manage an extensive inventory of resources
• Collaborate with the design teams to help to develop seasonal color palettes, match colors, and create new colors
• Assist in the development and distribution of color standards to domestic and international offices
• Support the production staff in various tasks essential to business
• This position is very service oriented so candidate must work well with other and be able to multi-task
• Support Quality Control/Assurance with any projects they may have TECHNICAL SKILLS
REQUIRED:
• This position is very service oriented so candidate must work well with other and be able to multi-task
• Good eye for color, although training will be involved
• Basic understanding of Microsoft Excel & Word, Training for ISIS and Microsoft Office will be given
• We are looking for an energetic and enthusiastic person eager to work in a fast pace and hands on environment
• Support Quality Control/Assurance with any projects they may have
TO APPLY: EMAIL directly to: tommyinternship@stylecareers.com