Are you really WORKING or simply COMPLAINING?

You complain. I complain. We all complain. Apparently, it's human nature. The difference between those that complain and still tend to make things happen is that they realize a problem and create a solution VS those that complain, end of story! Which person are you?? Working hard in the midst of things not quite measuring up to our standards is quite difficult, I will admit. However, that's when you can use this time to be more creative and determined. In the face of adversity and frustration, you can either quickly come up with a plan B or you can continue to complain. "Work hard" is a very generic phrase but it's all about how you apply the words to your life. Working hard without a plan won't get you very far. Working hard and inventing the wheel from scratch (when it's not necessary) wastes time. Working hard with no consistency won't build your credibility. Working hard without passion will make you tired, with no real results.

So before you answer, "YES, I'm working hard", make sure you're working hard toward tangible results. Are you working hard? Seeing any results? Are you making progress? Take. Time. To. Think. Before you start "working", you should come up with a game plan. It's like saying you want to be a NBA star, yet you've never played basketball. The chances of that is happening, is ahhhh, NEVER! The same applies to your personal goals of being a stylist, fashion designer, makeup artist, writer, entrepreneur, etc. You must learn and hone the skills necessary before you begin aimlessly working. It is very critical that you have a general idea of what you want your end results to be BEFORE you start working. Realize your goal. Be real with yourself, your talents, abilities and weaknesses.

Put a plan together. Now, you can begin to turn the wheels. When I say plan, I don't necessarily mean "business plan" or something that's so technical or would require legal advice. A plan could be as simple as, I'm going to join LinkedIn or I'm going to buy some books or I'm going to email ____________ or I'm going to get a mentor or I'm going to make a 3-month plan of action for myself. Regardless of what your "plan" entails, bottom line is that you're now focused!

For all those complaining and wondering why others are so much more advanced than you and seem to always have such great "luck" . . . I have news for you! Get out of bed, get off your butt, stop the complaining, wipe away the tears and STOP complaining and START working! You are the key player in your life's game. If you aren't playing, then why would you expect to win the game?! You have to be logical, before real positive changes will come. For those saying, "I do work hard and nothing ever happens..." then again I repeat, come up with a plan B. It's not always going to go perfectly the 1st or 2nd or 3rd try but that's when you have become resilient and persistent. As the cliche says, "anything worth having takes hard work." Ditto!

The question remains: Are you Really Working or Simply Complaining???

If you want to see fruitful results, you better make sure you know the answer to this key question! If not, well, let's just say you'll be having many more days in the bed whining . . .


Homework:
*What are you working toward?
*What is your plan?
*Describe your work ethic?
*What does working hard mean to you?

Once you have a clear understanding of the concept of "working hard" you will be well above the competition - making power moves that most won't quite understand! Good luck and stay FAB!

SAVE THE DATE: The Diva Lounge Event (Oct. 14th)

**SAVE THE DATE**

The Diva Lounge Presents: Web Stars

Wednesday October 14th (always the 2nd Wednesday of the month) 7:00 - 9:00pm

In addition to our monthly objective to bring together women from across the entertainment industry, October's Diva Lounge will mark our first event in a special series dedicated to selected women who have been particularly successful in their online endeavors. We will acknowledge these "Web Stars" who's sites cover topics such as music, fashion/glamour, beauty and lifestyle during the event. (Honorees will be announced soon!)

The Diva Lounge is an exclusive monthly networking event designed to bring together female tastemakers from all areas of entertainment industry. Hosted by Sirius XM Radio personality Shayna D. and co-hosted by Miss Cocoa Luv, this event provides attendees the unique opportunity to interact with other individuals in their field in a relaxed, social setting.

What Are You Reading?

You know the latest gossip. You know about all the sales at the mall. You've read the juicy secrets of celebrity mischief. You can recite who won which award at the VMA's. But the real question is are you up-to-date on "industry" news? Are you well-versed in what's the hottest information in your career field? Do you know which organizations you should join? Are you subscribing to the magazines that tailors the information for your respective industry? Are you reading career-type info at all? If not, you have HOMEWORK!

Read. Read. Read. NO EXCUSES!

What you feed your brain will be a critical element in the type of conversations you have, the depth of knowledge you bring to the table, the extra credit you can score with employers and peers and the potential events you are missing out on.

If you want to be an industry expert, you must dive in and gain knowledge in every aspect. Not only should you be setting up informational chats, asking questions, getting a mentor, befriending peers, etc. but READING is a private affair and something that should ALWAYS be on your to-do list. I am not advocating that everyone has to love reading, but you must find literature that suits your career interests and begin reading today! It is a MUST! In order to elevate your knowledge and push your career forward, you need education NOT just experience! Why not be the best you can be in all buckets?!

READ TODAY! It just may get you that dream job or promotion or internship or opportunity to go to an event or the article just may be informative and interesting!

P.S. FAB has some recommended reading and websites that will help you in your journey! Check out the side bar of the blog! FAB is here for you! Stay FAB and read today!!!

COMMON & THE ROOTS Host Hennessy Artistry Event in NYC!

Hennessy Artistry

NEW YORK Wednesday October 7 2009

curated by COMMON & THE ROOTS

http://hennessyartistry.com/

To RSVP for the EVENT, click link below and enter the event code

http://www.guestcode.com/

Event Code: 434

DOORS: 8PM TERMINAL 5610 W. 56th St

(212) 665-3832

http://terminal5nyc.com

FOOTWEAR LAUNCH AT Saks Fifth Avenue!

Fashion...Cocktails...Music...Come join us for the launch of the Gourmet Fall 2009 Men’s Footwear Collection

Friday, October 2nd 5-8pm Saks Fifth Ave

5th and 50th St. (NYC)

Men’s Footwear, 7th Floor

Please reply to RSVP@epiphanymediallc.com

See you on Friday!

Thought of the Day: September 28, 2009

Just when you think you can't make it . . . somehow, someway things seem to fall into place! 

To FAB Members ONLY: FREE Night of Theater in NYC!

Are you officially FAB???? If not, you're missing out! Visit http://www.thefabnetwork.com to officially become FAB today!

If you are a FAB member, congrats! FAB is offering an exclusive opportunity to all FAB members.

FREE NIGHT OF THEATER IN NYC!!!

You should have received an email regarding this opportunity! You MUST sign up to be a FAB member in order to receive the special access code. If you DID NOT receive an email and you are a member, please contact me directly at jstyles@thefabnetwork.com

Just another reason to be FAB . . .

BET Looking for VJs!!!!!

BET (Black Entertainment Television) is searching for hosts / on-air personalities / VJs. Knowledge of music trivia, music's major players, music history and the industry is a MUST!!! – from hip hop to pop. We're seeking fun, outgoing, articulate, spirited people who are either in college or RECENT college graduates. A background in journalism, communications or music is ideal. People with significant achievements in these fields are encouraged to apply. We are looking for a lover of all things music. Deejays, radio personalities, music bloggers and comedians are also welcome. Candidates must possess interviewing skills. Specifically seeking candidates that reflect the demographics of the network and its audience. Must be based in or willing to relocate to NYC.

Email us a picture, resume, contact information and a brief paragraph stating why you feel you are perfect for this position ASAP to bet-host-search@bet.net (please cc: nycastingteam@gmail.com in case the BET mailbox fills and your email bounces). We're looking for people NOW!

IMPORTANT: Put BROWN in the subject line.

Ever Talk to Yourself???

I do. Ever need to have a question answered and no one seems to have the answer? I do. Ever need to have "self-reflection" time to figure out exactly what's going on in your mind, your heart, your body? I do. Theme: Talk to yourself!

Sometimes we lean on others far too often. We give them the responsibility of giving us the answers to our dreams. We ask them to create our futures, our destiny. We ask them to think for us. We find comfort in someone taking away our pain. We lean instead of stand. We fall instead of run. We crumble in the face of adversity and often, blame others.

So, again, I ask . . . ever talk to yourself? Don't be afraid to answer yes! In fact, if you have, you are one step ahead of the game. Self-reflection is a critical detail in understanding who you are as a professional and more importantly, who you are as an individual. Before you can bring people into your circle or find true comfort in others, you must have a clear understanding of who you are, what you want out of life and get a game plan together on how you're going to attain the end goal of the strategy you've mentally drafted.

Figuratively or physically . . . talking to yourself is a very therapeutic exercise! Try it!

In the shower, walking down the street, in your journal, cooking or washing your car . . . have a real conversation with yourself. Be comfortable in your own skin. Get to know you.

I challenge you today to become best friends with yourself. Love yourself. Appreciate yourself. Know and understand yourself. Be proud of yourself. Challenge yourself. Be real with yourself. Cry with yourself. Laugh at yourself.

Today is the DAY! Talk to yourself, I do!

Thought of the Day: September 22, 2009

Every small step is preparing you for your BIG day! It's okay that you're crawling now, but trust me, with hard work and perseverance, you'll be a track star soon! Just watch...

INSTYLE, CARESS & EXPRESS Bring You a FASHION SHOW!

Please be sure to RSVP!

INSTYLE, CARESS AND EXPRESS

Invite you to enjoy a fall fashion show featuring the hottest looks from ExpressSeptember 24, 20096-8pm

Express

7 West 34th Street (@ 5th Avenue) New York City

RSVP to Alexa Susser at Flying Television

alexa@flyingtelevition.com

212.741.3066

AVENUE PINK Signature "Entrepreneur Series" Featuring FAB TONIGHT!!!!!!

MEDIA ALERT: Monday Night is Officially Ladies Night!

***September 21st @ 10pm listen to FAB's J.Styles LIVE on the Radio***

About Tonight’s Show: Young Entrepreneurs Under 30

The Avenue Pink signature series is back! And we’ve got one question:

Do my ladies run this?! Oh yeah!

We're shining the spotlight on three trailblazing women who dream big and put their dreams to work for them. Tune in to hear from a few good women -- today's top emerging entrepreneurs in fashion designing/manufacturing, consulting, and talent and event management. Tonight's lineup of creative and bold business-savvy women are truly outstanding pioneers in their own right. Tune into http://www.avenuepink.com/ and hear from Chanel Kennebrew, designer, illustrator and founder of JUNKPRINTS clothing and accessories; Jessica Styles, founder and professional Coach, The FAB Network, LLC; and Mish Gonzalez, artist and event manager, 623 Entertainment. Get the scoop behind their climb to the top and the inside dish on the industries they're taking by storm. Monday night is OFFICIALLY ladies night!

****HOW TO LISTEN LIVE: Join the block party with the ladies of Avenue Pink--let's chat! Hit us up on twitter @avenuepink, AIM at avenuepink, hit us up via e-mail at questions@avenuepink.com or call us up at (347) 843.4884 to join the block party. We’ll see YOU on the block!

FAB LIVE INTERVIEW: Monday, September 21st @ 10pm

AVENUE PINK is featuring The FAB Network's Founder J.Styles on Monday nights' show "Young Entrepreneur's Series". On Monday, September 21st at 10pm you will be able to tune in LIVE by logging onto www.avenuepink.com to learn more about the personal story of J.Styles. A story that shapes the purpose and drive behind FAB, an organization dedicated to providing career development opportunities to young adults!

Avenue Pink is all about empowering, inspiring and educating young adults through the media. Thanks to this new and up coming media platform, FAB will have an opportunity to speak to YOU directly!

Thanks Avenue Pink! Look forward to chatting live with you on this coming Monday at 10pm!!!

Stay FAB and tune in!

Cosmetic Launch & Complimentary Make-Overs! RSVP TODAY!

A LIVE MAKEUP SHOWCASE!!!

Celebrating the launch of her new COSMETICS LINE & Grand Opening FLAGSHIP STORE in Fort Green, Brooklyn!

Join us for an evening of complimentary Make-Overs & Wine

September 24 @ 6pm

711 Fulton Street Brooklyn, NY 11217

RSVP: hawacosmetics.hr@gmail.com

PRESS RELEASE: For All the Fashionistas (esp the SHOE LOVERS)!

NOS SHOE BOUTIQUE OPENS ITS DOORS -New Luxury Shoe Boutique Offers New Steps For the Fashionista -New York, NY

GRAND OPENING: NOS Shoe Boutique opens its doors to the public with a grand opening celebration on Tuesday, September 22nd, 2009.

Boutique Features: The chic boutique will feature an assortment of women’s and men’s shoes and accessories ranging from $150- $500.

Trendy Brooklyn Location: Nestled in the trendy and bustling residential and commercial area of DUMBO, and acronym for Down Under Manhattan Bridge Overpass, NOS Shoe Boutique attracts all fashionistas alike. The 1,000 square foot store conveys sophistication while retaining its Brooklyn roots. The interior of the store features high ceilings, sleek ivory couches and a curtain that pulls back to expose a wall showing videos.

Select Designers: The boutique also carries select designers such as Corso Como, Gee Wa Wa, Rough Justice, Pour La Victoire, Bourne, Velvet Angels and Sam Edelman. NOS Shoe Boutique derives its name from its creator and managing partner, Racquel Nosworthy.

Fashion Founder: Nosworthy is a retail veteran with many years of executive experience in stores and buying with Banana Republic, Macy’s and DKNY Jeans. She brings her excellent fashion sense, industry knowledge, customer and service focus and strong business experience to NOS and her home, DUMBO. Nosworthy states, “In DUMBO, we have artists, entrepreneurs and executives. They like to shop where they live.” Nosworthy continues, “My goal and passion is to excite my clients and fellow neighbors with a merchandise assortment that is fashionable, luxurious and also at a great price – affordable luxury if you will.”

Boutique Goal: NOS Shoe Boutique’s primary goal is to bring the best in fashion, luxury and affordability to her clients. The shoe boutique will host a variety of events including Post-Brunch Sundays, personal shopping events and shoe drives, just to name a few. Racquel Nosworthy plans to expand the business to 15 stores nationwide and to eventually become a highly recognized and sought-after retail chain known for exclusive styles from select designers.

Where: The NOS Shoe Boutique is located on 68 Jay Street between Front Street and Water Street.

Hours: The boutique is open on Mondays-Saturdays from 12-7 PM and Sundays from 12-6 PM. The boutique will also be available for private shopping. For additional information, please visit http://www.nosboutique.com/ or call 718-422-0095.

About NOS Shoe Boutique: Located in the up and coming area of DUMBO, Nos Shoe Boutique is the premiere retailer for exclusive women’s and men’s shoes and accessories from select designers. The upscale boutique is the brainchild of retail veteran and buyer, Racquel Nosworthy and intends to continuously bring the best in fashion, luxury and affordability to her favorite people …. her customers!