Thought of the Day: December 27, 2009

Why does it have to be a cliche to say, "you can be anything you want to be." Today, it is NOT a cliche, but rather a fact. You can be anything you want to be (just don't forget to add the ingredients to success). You can't bake a pie without an oven and you can't fulfill a dream without work.

Spreading Holiday Cheer . . .

Spreading good cheer, a great laugh, a hug, a hand, a smile, a positive word can change a person's life. As we experience the holiday season this year, I hope that your thoughts are not simply consumed with how to better your life, but rather how your power can impact others. Our success is dependent on our efforts and diligence. People are watching, some to congratulate our successes and others to witness our failures but either way what they should see is our resilience and perseverance. We shouldn't expect perfection, nor should we try to create it. We should instead focus on how we can create greatness. I believe "greatness" is the end result of a battle fought well. As we celebrate the holidays with our friends and family, remember that the spirit of giving does not have to be in the form of tangible materialistic gifts, it can simply be an encouraging word. As the horizon of a new year approaches, I hope that you internalize the holiday cheer that has been spreaded throughout this season and begin your bright new future with an encouraged heart filled with joy, positivity and giving.

May you continue to be blessed this holiday season and realize that you have the power to inspire many!

How are you preparing for the NEW YEAR?

NEW YEAR'S REALITY CHECK:

It seems like the masses plan for the new year, creating flashy lists of what they intend to start doing, stop doing and how their lives will have a fresh start as they execute their newly formed plan. Somehow the thrill of a new year gives us a sense of hope that every aspect of lives can be rejuvenated - our spirituality, our finances, our personal and professional lives. The promise of a new year makes us want to try harder on all the goals we slacked on and pushes us to forget our trials and focus on the ideal that NEXT year will be even bigger and better. If 2009 was good, 2010 will be GREAT! And it can be, but how?! If we continue to make false promises to ourselves and formulate a plan with no action, we will continue to have the same results. So again, I ask, how are you preparing for the new year?!

If you're not sure where to start, FAB has a few tips just for you!

Tips (and thoughts) to help you make your New Year's Plan of Action come to life . . .

- Write down your wish list without hesitation. What would you like to accomplish if it were the ideal world?

- How can you break up your wish list into buckets: 3 months, 6 months, 9 months, 12 months?

- What are the resources you need to make your goals a reality?

- At the end of this year, what is your #1 goal that you want to have accomplished?

- What do you want to START, STOP and CONTINUE doing in the new year?

- What is going to be your source of inspiration and motivation to achieve your goals?

Lastly, make sure you WRITE DOWN your goals in your career journal BEFORE 2010 so that you have a full 12 months to make your dreams a reality!

Good luck and best wishes on a FABulous new year!

PRESS RELEASE: The FAB Network X WEW

Hello Everyone,

I have GREAT news! The FAB Network has teamed up with the Women Empowering Women organization for an INTERNATIONAL TOUR!!!!!!!! 2010 is going to be an explosive year for FAB! A year full of partnerships, all dedicated to making life changing positive impacts across the globe!

I will be a FEATURED SPEAKER in the program, highlighting the importance of finding your "WOW" factor and allowing passion to lead your destiny. This opportunity is truly a blessing and I am so excited and grateful to be apart of this movement, thought process and dream come true! The program roster is awesome and promises to provide a day filled with knowledge and inspiration.

To learn more about the tour, speakers and which cities are apart of the program, visit www.justfearless.com.

PRESS RELEASE INFO:
CHANGING WOMEN'S LIVES AROUND THE WORLD ONE CITY AT A TIME

Announcing the Women Empowering Women International Tour - Be EMPOWERED to Live FEARLESSLY!

Women Empowering Women (WEW) announces the annual Women Empowering Women Summit International Tour. This summit is designed to empower and inspire women to succeed in both their personal and professional lives, with dynamic speakers and performers, and support charities that empower women and girls by donating a portion of proceeds.

In partnership with The Diva Lounge, an Exclusive Networking Event that connects female tastemakers with premiere lifestyle brands, WEW will cross the globe on a 28 city international tour with the purpose of changing women's lives one city at a time. The tour will kick off on Saturday, March 6, 2010 in Seattle, Washington and end in Buenes Aires, Argentina.

This initiative empowers, inspires, and educates women of all ages and backgrounds by bringing together a panel of the most successful women in the nation to provide invaluable insights, success tips, and life lessons showing women how to obtain financial, physical, mental, psychological, and spiritual growht and freedom they deserve.

There is MUCH more information about how WEW was founded and on the tour! Visit http://www.justfearless.com/ to get the full scoop!

I hope to see you in 2010 at the Women Empowering Women Summit International Tour!

Celebrating the Holidays with FAB!

FABulous Holiday Bash 2009!

Event Recap & Pics

Welcome to the FABulous Holiday Bash!

Cupcakes provided by The Cupcake Kings

Holiday Sweet Treats provided by Celebrity Chef Lyonnel

Free Makeup Applications!

More beauty products!

Makeup Artist Nicole Lundy gives beauty application!

GLAM by Marcia! Beauty in the works...

MAC Makeup Artist Cynthia Dietz gives a holiday look!

FABulous work!

The "after" look. You look FAB!

Makeup look by Cynthia Dietz

Time for the raffle drawing!

Happy Holidays!

Thank YOU for a year full of FABulous Memories!



Happy Holidays from The FAB Network!!!

Top 10 things I'm thankful for . . .

2009 Top 10 List

In no particular order, I thought I'd report on what I am most grateful for this year. I love to reflect on the past and anxiously await the future!

1. For finally being able to put a little perspective into my personal and professional life. I think I am finally starting to understand what's truly important (now I just gotta continue the journey to attaining it). lol

2. For the most supportive friends (special shout out to those that live in NYC and recently moved away)! My friends have been my biggest cheerleaders during a year when I have really blossomed and many of my goals have come to life. Thank ya'll for believing in my dreams, when they were simply ideas! And more importantly, we dreamed together (now that's the best)!

3. My sofa bed. I have happily retired the futon and for that . . . I am TRULY grateful. lol See, progress is being made . . .

4. Twitter. I've been able to meet some really awesome contacts, build up my craft and spread the word about FAB!

5. For having officially launched The FAB Network. So much has happened with my new company. It's been a whirlwind and the whole story makes me smile and very proud!

6. For some new vitamins that this guy at GNC recommended. They're great!

7. For God making a way when I didn't really see one. He's done some amazing things for me, even I can't really explain. All I can say is . . . "it's the God in me!"

8. My trip to VEGAS! Man, that was awesome! We truly celebrated my sister's 30th birthday in style! Like, forreal! :)

9. For having the chance to work for a nonprofit. That was such a HUGE goal for me and I was able to learn so much in a short amount of time. That experience has been invaluable to me (in more ways that one)!

10. For my FAMILY'S support of me and my pursuits to take the road less traveled. They didn't ask too many questions, they just jumped on board! I can honestly say, they ALWAYS have my back no matter what! That's whatcha call LOVE! Thanks fam!

Thought of the Day: December 14, 2009

Have fun. Life's too short. Period.

FRIENDLY REMINDER: FABulous Holiday Bash TOMORROW!

The FAB Network

presents

FABulous Holiday Bash!

Join FAB as we Celebrate the Holidays with Education, Beauty, Fellowship & Treats.

Tuesday, December 15th

Sin Sin248 E. 5th Street (between 2nd and 3rd Avenue)

Must be 21+older

FAB Holiday Workshop:

Is your Career Tool Kit up to par? If not, no fear FAB is here! Learn how create the perfect RESUME, COVER LETTER, PORTFOLIO and JOB APPLICATION!

Time: 6pm to 7pm

Cost: $15 (*Note: If you attend the workshop, you can attend the Holiday Bash for FREE!)

RSVP: contactfab@thefabnetwork.com (please title the email Holiday: Career Tool Kit)

FABulous Holiday Bash: Starts after the workshop.

Time: 7pm to 9pm

Cost: $10

RSVP: contactfab@thefabnetwork.com (please title email Holiday Bash)

*Note: Complimentary makeup applications are from 7pm to 8pm

Makeup Artists:

Nicole Lundy, Founder of Ne’Lani Skincare & Cosmetics
Cynthia Dietz, Makeup Artist & President of Make Me Up Inc.
GLAM by Marcia Nekita

Treats by:

The Cupcake Kings

Celebrity Chef Lyonnel

JOB OPENING: Rachel Roy

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

New York, NY

DESCRIPTION: Rachel Roy, a division of Jones Apparel Group, is currently looking for an Account Executive for the launch of Rachel's new gold-range Signature collection.

RESPONSIBILITIES: Include, but are not limited to, the following:
• Plan, manage and execute global sales and merchandising strategy for Rachel Roy Signature
• Initiate the launch and execution of the new collection by strategically positioning the collection for growth and profitability
• Partner with VP of Sales and Marketing to manage business and support succession planning and future growth
• Define sales projections and budgets on a seasonal and annual basis
• Build new business with placement in the appropriate channels of distribution, including domestic department stores and specialty stores
• Foster close relationships with retailers to create awareness and exposure for the new brand
• Identify target customers for the gold-range market and work closely with Design to address the needs of this market
• Develop expert knowledge of the competitive landscape, including merchandising and pricing plans for women's designer, contemporary and bridge segments
• Propose seasonal line plan and develop innovative merchandising plans that cover all critical product categories and price points while reaching into major areas of opportunity in the market
• Partner with Production to ensure production and sourcing strategy support the financial objectives of the business
• Work closely with Communications and Marketing to develop brand strategies and develop innovative sales tools
• Propose new business opportunities and drive business by analyzing selling performance and capitalize on key items
• Travel to existing retailers and potential retailers to educate sales associates and consumers on the new product
• Visit stores weekly to confirm front focal store placement, competitive adjacencies, sales support and merchandise new deliveries
• Execute trade shows, sales campaigns and market presentations for seasonal collections

QUALIFICATIONS: The qualifications required for this position include, but are not limited to, the following:
• Position reports to Vice President of Sales and Marketing (Stephanie Mah)
• Level of Education: College - Bachelor's Degree
• 3-5 years of previous sales experience
• Strong relationships with buyers and retailers
• Excellent merchandising skills and understanding of Womens RTW market
• Knowledge of retail math and seasonal planning
• Possession of solid communication and analytical skills
• Ability to travel for trunk shows and training seminars

TO APPLY: Please create a profile at our corporate career website: http://www.jonesapparel.com/careers Search for this opportunity using the Job Number Code: 090028X.

Thought of the Day: December 12, 2009

Smile for what you have. Pray for what you want. Be grateful for what you've avoided.

Looking for a Job? Switching Careers? Lost?

Tips to save you tons of TIME & MONEY: Take note!

If you fit into any of the buckets mentioned above, you DEFINITELY need to keep reading . . . and even if you're not, you may find useful information for future use. Searching for a job, switching careers or just feeling lost all together is a very stressful time and can be an overwhelming experience. Especially, when we look at our to-do list and think about all of the tasks we must complete.

I have some tips for you that will help you to: ORGANIZE your thoughts, PREPARE you to succeed, CREATE a manageable to-do list and PRIORITIZE your tasks.

Buckets to Consider:
*Note: it is YOUR responsibility to determine what tasks are mandatory and in what order you should complete the following. Complaining without action will get you nowhere. Take action. Make it happen. Get. Set. Go.

Informational Interviews: Set up meetings with industry professionals. Prepare by thinking of intriguing, intelligent and thought-provoking questions to ask. Always offer to pay! Always!

Phone Book: NEVER underestimate the power of resources right under your nose. If you're searching for contacts and information, the phone book could connect you to companies, professionals, phone numbers and other relevant information. It's ok to cold call/email. Be prepared. Be proactive. Just do it!

Organizations: Join professional organizations that will put you in contact with other professionals. Don't limit yourself to groups that specifically cater to your interests, broaden your horizons. You never know who you could meet and what you could learn. Be open!

Literature: In order to obtain and maximize ALL opportunities, it is essential that you are well-educated and well-versed on your area of interest. You must become an expert in your field. This will help to build up your confidence and help you to become more competent as well.

Mentors: Who is on your WISH LIST? Think about who you want to be your mentor and figure out a plan to make your goals a reality. It is a good idea to have many mentors. They will ultimately serve different purposes in your life and will help to propel your personal and professional life. Why invent the wheel?! Just learn from someone who has the knowledge and experience!

Volunteer: Become involved and roll up your sleeves to serve a good cause . . . while you're feeling good because you're giving back, you will also have an opportunity to network. Take advantage of all opportunities!

Research: Never be average, always be exceptional. The only way to make this happen is to do your research. Your research should consist of every detail regarding your pursuit. Your research should prepare you on how to dress, talk, verbiage to use, professionals to call/email, company information, position details, competitors, industry demands, industry magazines/books to read etc. You should be an expert! If you're anything less, keep reading!

WOW Factor: What's going to make you stand out? This is your job to figure out what gives you that sparkle, that icing on the cake, that bling factor that sets you apart from the competition. Maybe it's a portfolio, your passion, your accessories, your style, your personality, your go-gett'em attitude. Figure it out and exploit your "IT" factor in a positive way!

Internships: The best way to gain exposure, knowledge, experience, contacts and an overall understanding of an industry, department and business culture. Figure out if you need an internship and if so, make sure you maximize your opportunity by attending meetings, taking detailed notes, taking pictures, keeping a notebook, making a portfolio and building and maintaining contacts inside and outside of your department.

School: Need to go back to school to get your Masters? Specialized Degree? Is it necessary? Not for me to say, but what I will say is if you are undecided, you should contact school officials and begin to do the things listed in this article to figure out what your options are and if schooling is going to accelerate your goals and put you on a path to success or just delay your goals even more.

Shadowing: This exercise is not outdated or just for students. If you know someone that has a career in a field you love, ask them if you can spend a few hours in their shoes to gain a personalized and candid view of their profession. I'm sure they will be flattered!


I have given you lots to think about . . . now it's your turn to figure out which tips apply to you so you can begin making power moves today!

Stay FAB and good luck!

JOB OPENING: Ann Taylor

ANN TAYLOR

MANAGER, PD & PRODUCTION - Sweaters, Factory - Product Management

NYC

REQUIREMENTS:

Manager Product Development & Production Reports To: Product & Production Director or Senior Product &Production Manager Direct Reports To this Position: Assistant Production Manager Key Interactions: Merchandising, Fabric Development, Technical Services, Production Offices, Suppliers and Logistics.

POSITION OVERVIEW:

The Manager Product Development & Production drives the process from seasonal development of product to manufacturing processing alignment with the divisional sourcing strategies. Ensures the product integrity standards are met as per Product Lifecycle Calendar. Monitors and manages, to ensure IMU performance, quality, on time delivery, business practices are achieved. Champions the company's values & practices by maintaining effective collaborative relationships, taking pride in the company and brand.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Achieves seasonal IMU aligned to the corporate financial objectives

• Interacts with cross-functional team in building seasonal assortments to align with corporate strategies

• Monitors, maintains and recaps seasonal development

• Requests and monitors flow of costing, development samples and production recap charts.

• Coordinates spec pass-off to Technical Services

• Take a proactive approach on IMU challenges due to fabric or make

• Manages all phases of production, from costing through delivery

• Monitors the fit approval process ensuring all deadlines are met

• Ensures all bulk fabric and trim is properly tested in accordance with ATF standards.

• Manages and communicates seasonal time and actions calendars

• Partner with Fabric Manager to research and achieve affordable textiles

• Builds collaborative relationships with cross functional team members

• Collaborates with logistics on all pre-classifications and binding rulings

• Handles other responsibilities and projects as assigned

• People Management- Responsible for the selection, development and retention of team members.- Mentors, coaches and counsels direct reports on performance expectations.- Provides a positive, challenging work environment

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelors degree, in a related field of study, or equivalent functional experience

• Minimum 5 -10 years related work experience in Product development sourcing and production

• Minimum management experience of one direct report

• Strong knowledge of fabric/yarn and basic garment construction

• Strong leadership and managerial skills

• Flexible/adaptable in a fast paced environment

• Strong team orientation and ability to maintain collaborative working relationships

• Strong communication, presentation, negotiation and decision- making skills

• International travel experience

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Applications

TO APPLY:

You may apply directly to this job listing with the link below: https://anntaylor.recruitmax.com/ENG/careerportal/Job_Profile.cfm?szOrderID=12167&szReturnToSearch=1&&szWordsToHighlight=

Kevin Powell's 9th Annual Holiday Party and Clothing Drive

Holiday Event + Some Goodness for Your Soul

Date: Friday, December 11, 2009 at 10:00pm - 4:00am
Location: Tribeca Cinemas
Street: 54 Varick Street (1 block below Canal Street) NYC

As you may know from previous years, the purpose of the event is to generate clothing for the Safe Horizon/Streetwork Project (fyi, the contact person is Jose Gonzalez and he can be reached at 646-214-3803, or via email atjlgonzalez@safehorizon.org).

The Streetwork Project helps approximately 10,000 young people between the ages of 13 and 23 secure temporary and permanent housing each year in New York City. Many of these young people are survivors of broken families, poverty, drug addiction, various forms of sexual abuse, and other social traumas. This event has benefited the Street work Project each of its nine years (except 2005, when we donated to Hurricane Katrina relief efforts) and, as always, the program needs clothing for its young people as winter approaches.Rather than charge a fee to the party, admission for attendees is the donation of clothes (coats, hats, gloves, sweaters, scarves, boots, shoes, etc.), which our team of volunteers load into two Uhaul trucks right outside the venue.

Once inside, party goers get to mingle and network with a wide range of taste makers, trendsetters, and the like, from the worlds of entertainment, fashion, sports, politics, the artistic world, academia, and corporate America. This format has worked very well for us. In past years, for example, our honorary chairpersons for the event have included Spike Lee, Rosie Perez, Wynton Marsalis, Cornel West, and Gloria Steinem, and some of our sponsors through the years have included Best Buy, Microsoft, Virgin Mobile, MTV, Vibe, and Nike.

J.Styles on BLOG TALK RADIO: 12/10 @ 1 p.m.

Thursday, December 10th - J.Styles on the AIR!

Set your alarm and mark your calendar . . . tomorrow at 1 p.m. Yours Truly will be featured on the Women Empowering Women talk radio show. Kisha Mays is the Founder of Women Empowering Women (WEW), an organization providing positive and engaging programs to women across the country. She also hosts a blog talk radio show called, "Step Into My World" where she discusses current events, interviews professionals and provides positive information to the listeners.

I have the privileged honor to be a featured guest. Our conversation will last for about 30 minutes and will be an organic discussion to learn more about Me and The FAB Network.

TUNE IN online at (www.blogtalkradio.com/kishamays) TOMORROW @ 1p.m.

After all, FAB is not simply about career development, it's more about a lifestyle . . . living your dream life!

SAVE THE DATE: FABulous Holiday Bash (12/15)

The FAB Network
presents
FABulous Holiday Bash!

Join FAB as we Celebrate the Holidays with Education, Beauty, Fellowship & Treats.

Tuesday, December 15th
Sin Sin
248 E. 5th Street (between 2nd and 3rd Avenue)
Must be 21+older

FAB Holiday Workshop:
Is your Career Tool Kit up to par? If not, no fear FAB is here!
Learn how create the perfect RESUME, COVER LETTER, PORTFOLIO and JOB APPLICATION!
Time: 6pm to 7pm
Cost: $15 (*Note: If you attend the workshop, you can attend the Holiday Bash for FREE!)
RSVP: contactfab@thefabnetwork.com (please title the email Holiday: Career Tool Kit)

FAB Holiday Bash:
Enjoy Networking, Complimentary Makeup Applications & Special Holiday Treats!
Time: 7pm to 9pm
Cost: $10
RSVP: contactfab@thefabnetwork.com (please title email Holiday Bash)
*Note: Complimentary makeup applications are from 7pm to 8pm

Makeup Artists:
Nicole Lundy, Founder of Ne’Lani Skincare & Cosmetics

Cynthia Dietz, Makeup Artist & President of Make Me Up Inc.

GLAM by Marcia Nekita

Special Holidays Treats by:
The Cupcake Kings
Celebrity Chef Lyonnel