An Woman's Inspiration...

I can't help but to be inspired by Michele Obama, she's cool beans!

"The only limit to the height of your acheivements is the reach of your dreams and your willingness to work hard for them." -Michele Obama

Every great man needs a strong willed woman by his side.

~~Embellished

A Message.....

Hello World...after just enjoying a nice lunch, I returned to my office to find a nice note from a random person and thought I would share it:

"BE REAL. Stay TRUE to yourself and you will be VALUED by others. LOVE yourself so that others can as well. NEVER let anyone pull you down or get the best of you. So many people are out there to get you.Set goals and standards. ACCOMPLISH them. FUCK MISTAKES made in the past. Its not about the mistake its about OVERCOMING them and not letting them rule YOUR WORLD. There is a time where you have to step up and make something of yourself. Become IMPORTANT. Become TREASURED. Like people always say, tomorrow is never promised. So make things right from the beginning. Mold YOUR LIFE into what you want it to be.... And FUCK those who stand against it. "- A myspace friend

Sometimes you receive signs from the universe that says everything you need it to say...... I'm sure that this is one of them.

~~Embellished

Claiming My Star

Ask for what you want and you Shall receive! I started my day off with a long list of business work including Stitches and Embellished. Like usual, I mutlitasked doing everything at once, but I knew I had to focus on a few particulars in order to break even for the day. After handling the basics I got down to business but would lose my focus out of the pure necessity of just wanting to rest. I thought about my Embellish Me list and decided to display it in view for my desk. Whenever I would lose focus...I got a glimpse of the list and got right back on track. This really works! You should try it! I've tried this before, but instead of a list, I used pictures of material things that I knew if I achieved my goals I would be able to have. But I didn't take to it as much as I take to the list. Different things work for different people, but try coming up with something that will motivate you throughout the day. By the time I had noticed, I had even completed tasks that were due for the next day and was definitely ahead of the game.

It's been crunch time down at Stitches these last couple of weeks and me being the manager and knowing the Doctor needs me, I have to be there. But as I prepared myself for another busy production evening, I got a call from the Doctor..... And just like that, I had the day off! :) Finally a break and I couldn't wait.

After finishing more work and running a few errands it was me time! I felt like a bear coming out of hibernation. I sat outside and enjoyed the breezy weather doing absolutely nothing at all. When it became dark, I looked up and noticed I was sitting under a single bright shining star. I realized I had everything I needed... an opportunity and determination.

It made me appreciate my break and made me even more hopeful. This was exactly the kind of day I needed and I'm happier than what I have been in a while. Instead of trying to find happiness I disregarded luxuries, but I find that the harder I work the more blessed I am anyway.

Before the night ended I scheduled my day for tomorrow. Business work as usual, production work at Stitches, a meeting with my web designer and planning for the weekend. I fell asleep claiming my star.

"You will never be happy if you continue to search for what happiness consists of. You will never live if you are looking for the meaning of life." Albert Camus

~~Embellished

Somebody Stole My Clothes

A couple of days ago...I was just saying to myself that I hadnt had a dream in a long time. Ironically, I happen to have a dream last night. Mannnn......I woke up pissed off! I had a dream that someone...I dont know who....came into my house and stole ALL of my clothes...every piece...didnt leave me anything!! I knew I had to be dreaming because otherwise, I usually wouldn't have been as calm as I appeared in my dream. Luckily for whoever the theif was....I woke up to find everything still in tact!!

Anways...things have seemed as if they are movng so fast all around...if i dont catch a break soon I think ill run out of gas. Starting bright and early I move from one project to the next, meeting to meeting and usually dont make it home until maybe 12am on a good night, and still do Embellished for myself. I try to catch naps here and there, but they usually end up slowing my day down. So in effort to keep myself focused I decided to list a few daily reminders for myself named it Embellish Me, and placed it on my mirror to see each morning...its all about making life better right?!

EMBELLISH ME

1. GOD COMES FIRST

2. 7AM WAKE UP- BE PUNCTUAL

3. MANAGE, DON’T LET YOUR WORK MANAGE YOU

(SCHEDULE YOUR DAY)

4. ORGANIZATION= EFFICIENCY

5. SAVE AT ALL COSTS

6. TIME IS NOT WAITING FOR YOU

(YOUR WORK IS NEVER DONE)

7. SLEEP IS FOR SUCKERS

8. HARNESS RELATIONSHIPS-NETWORK

9. TALK THAT TALK…WALK THAT WALK

(FOLLOW UP & FOLLOW THROUGH)

10. WRITE EVERYTHING DOWN

LEARN, LIVE, GROW
REACH FOR THE SKY. ONLY YOU CAN STOP YOU

~~Embellished

Dymond Wayz

Dymond Wayz

238 Walker Street SW

Suite 1

Atlanta, GA 30313

http://www.dymondwayzonline.com/

Over the weekend I bumped into a familiar face Kesh Monroe, CEO and owner of Dymond Wayz as she prepared for a photo shoot featuring Muffy Cupcakeopia. I first met Kesh a few years back while she worked her accessories booth on Clark Atlanta's promenade. Now she has her own store of exclusive accessories with billboards and all!

I've always admired her hustle....she's a perfect example of someone having a dream and getting down to business!!

"AMBITION WITHOUT AUTHENTICITY SPOILS THE RICHES"

-Dymond Wayz

~Embellished

Shayla Dru Crozier

Check out my little cousin Shayla at her first modeling shoot!

Apples dont fall far from the tree!

~~Embellished

Meet Hannibal Matthews

So you've heard me talk about the Great Hannibal Matthews Photography as I've featured a few of his pics. On Sunday...though it was suppose to be a Church and Embellished ONLY day, he asked for my assistance so I kindly pushed some things aside to go hang out, step into his element and catch some of the behind the scenes action!

Meet Mr. Hannibal Matthews...
LOL...I laugh every time I see this pic (I took it myself) ....Anyways, this is the man behind the masterpieces. Self taught, slightly quiet... he's one of the most creative dudes I know...

Though we've worked together before, this time he clued me in on set up, and a few of his own personal techniques..even gave me my own camera and film to play around with.

So if ever in need of an Awesome photographer...look me up...just kidding. Hannibal is definitely the man for the job! He's already won my bid!!
It's a FUNWORLD....I just live in it ;)

~Embellished

Put your Dukes Up!

Since my last blog...Ive been crazy busy!!! I feel like I'm fighting time, but a fight that I know I'll win. Continuing on the Up and Up I have been rather productive... some days more than others but overall things are coming together. After giving myself goals each with a defined deadline and visibly being able to see them every day, it makes it easier for me to get up and get going with whatever task at hand! The weekend was slow for me, but I did get a chance to rest from the mayhem earlier in the week. I had a dinner meeting with a Brand Architect who by the way left his wallet at home...mmhhh....niggas! Anyways...I appreciated the challenged meeting. I knew sooner than later I would run into someone who wouldn't quite understand my mission. While his views of my brand were completely out of sync, I had the delightful opportunity to correct them.

When you think of Embellished...what do you think??


Embellish-verb
1. to beautify by or as if by ornamentation; ornament; adorn.
2.to enhance (a statement or narrative) with fictitious additions.

True enough, but for me Embellished has a definition of it own. Call it redirection or innovation, I just know how I feel about it. Embellished isn't about gaudy clothes or ghetto jeweled out pieces...not my style! Its simply my simplistic approach of dressing stylish yet edgy, well-educated, progressive, multifaceted strong individuals. Though young in age, I am well experienced. My resume of proficiencies include numerous trades and fields. From sports, to trading floors, from horticulture to merchandising, from working with persons with disabilities to entrepreneur programs, from sales for major clothing brands to now starting my own brand, and my greatest accomplishment yet of winning a full scholarship to Clark to obtaining two B.A's, and not to mention I am a strong beautiful black woman, chasing my own money bags and a man's queen at my will. Along each stepping stone I've acquired some knowledge that has enhanced my life and damn sure got me where I am today and steadily progressing. Individuals as such is who Embellished represents. Once inspired by my approach of Embellished being a lifestyle brand, he quickly changed his views and realized I had changed the definition all together.

"Her collection is in sync with the progressive woman: feminine, modern & bold in spirit. Her goal is to provide body conscious garments with fine fabrics at a moderate price to leave her clients confident in being fit to conquer the task at hand. The collection rejects limitations and inspires others to create a stitch-by-stitch progression into their ideals."
~Brand Architect


....Yeah that sounds more like it!!

~Embellished

Photography by the Great Hannibal Matthews
Plush .357's - an up & coming Atlanta based tshirt brand. Check'em out!

Kiss the Sky

(This picture is sooo dope...when I got a sneak peak, I had to share it! Photography by the man himself...Hannibal Matthews. If your not familiar with his work then you should be...He's one of my homies, check out more of his work!)

Just like that picture...I feel like I'm touching the sky and nothing can stop me! It's so crazy how the world works around you. Put something out in the universe, be optimistic and it will find you through anything. Jump through loops, hop over barrels...slow poke through the pouring rain, it may not come when you want it and damn sure not on your terms but God has a way to give you everything you ask for and all you have to do is receive and accept his blessings. You just have to believe and need what you ask for. Yesterday my day was SO awesome! Nothing in particular happened, just little signs that things were all headed in my direction...I just found my self in a great mood, still today too.

Everything around me just speaks...OK I'm not crazy or anything :) but seriously in due time everything around you will reveal itself. Whether a hindrance to let go, help to capitalize on or just something or someone that helps make your world go round. Everything and everyone is put in your life for a reason or a season. Its up to you to realize whether it's a positive addition for your life or not. Some things are worth holding on to while others are not. Once revealed...its up to you to rid trouble and/or encourage excellence. Through the ups and downs... my life is grand and I wouldn't trade it for anyone else's. Everything is in my favor cause I want it that way and you should want the same for yourself to.

By the time I reached Stitches yesterday the Doctor had already left so it was just me and Les, he's one of our tailors. He's old school with major skills. He used to be in a singing group something like the Temptations and would make all the uniforms. The man is nice with it too, he taught me how to make a vest last night. A vest may sound easy to make, but its definitely not, but it's a for sure sign that ill need to keep him on my team too. I keep telling the Doctor that Ill have to put Stitches on my back and carry us...he's all for it though "just pay me the big bucks!!" The other day we had to get a shirt order out for Jazz of Dru Hill, who by the way has decided to get the group back going. The Doctor was out of town and of course had to call me :) The shirt was pretty easy to me but of course the Doctor was worried that something would go wrong...but of course I pulled through with flying colors and you know I had to let him know that I was the Doctor.


So for those of you who are interested in Embellished for men...dont worry I wont leave you hanging! Not quite along the lines of the shirt for Jazz but Like the Doctor always says "I got you".

"What makes a river so restful to people is that it doesn't have any doubt - it is sure to get where it is going, and it doesn't want to go anywhere else."

-Hal Boyle

~Embellished

Free Isn't Always Free!!

OK, so to get straight to the point, I'm a tab bit upset. In hopes that on yesterday I would have an opportunity to work on the logo after almost a month of trying to meet with the designer....that meeting still didn't take place! We've both been busy, but I have to question moving forward after yesterday. Not that he isn't a cool dude or that I'm not mindful of his demanding work schedule, but to be frank...he's on my time and pressing my patience. I've expressed to him on a couple of occasions that its important that I get things moving. I've even reduced his input from designs to simply my logo, still nothing. Get this, at the beginning he questioned my dedication and said that we have to meet so that he can see how serious I am. Dude, are YOU serious?!?! I'm pretty blunt when it comes to business and especially people perhaps taking my sweet charming personality for weakness :) I told him plain and simple... "Get with it or get left behind...in any event I'll still give you the what up when I see you." Sometimes people have to know your about your business...no prob!


Time has flew by, dates have been set and no meeting and its not all his fault, but he doesn't even want to send logo or design options via email. I thought maybe I was missing something, I asked if he was looking for pay. He replied, "no we're cool people I want to help you". I can greatly appreciate any one's willing assistance, but no productivity is a sure sign that the "help" is more of a hindrance. His free services have cost me weeks of time, and I've been compensated with Nada...back to the drawing board. But hey...it happens. I'm not bitter, its just better if Im not at a stand still and actually moving toward my goal.

A learning lesson...free doesn't always mean free. Learn when to cut your loses and don't make a small hindrance a larger disappointment. What price are you willing to pay for your time and success?

However, I can say that despite the minor setback...I was still quite productive on yesterday. I pulled an all nighter and got ALOT accomplished...wasn't so bad either.

~Embellished

Managing My Hustle

Quite often you have to step away from what your doing to get a better view of things. A trip well worth it, but I'm glad to be back in Atl...back to sewing, back to Stitches and back to Embellished. I know that though I'm off to a good start, I'm no where close to where I want to be right now. Though this is new to you, I've known what I wanted for a while now. So its obviously time to stop basking in the excitement of take off and start pulling it all together. I have everything I need right at my fingertips just don't have a grip on it the way I want to.


Sometimes I wish there were more hours in a day...then I realize I'm waisting time wishing on something that will never happen. So first, I devised a plan to better allocate my time. I wrote a list of start-up accomplishments and gave myself deadlines to complete them, i.e. logo, business & marketing plan, research, sourcing manufacturers & wholesalers, potential investors, ordering business cards and promo material, brand launch, etc, etc. The list goes on! To get started, I'm actually meeting with a designer tonight to take a look at a few logo options. I've been trying to meet with this dude for weeks now but our contradicting schedules hasn't allowed it. Hopefully all goes well with our meeting tonight.

Second, Sunday is a day for Church and Embellished...nothing else. I have to stick to this because I can easily allow distractions to creep in the mix.

Easy enough, right? OK, now the part that hurts!! Because there aren't enough hours in a day amongst all of my other responsibilities...Ive decided that waking up at my usual 8am wont cut it anymore. Instead, 6am would give me a couple of hours to work for myself before the rest of the world needs me. For those that know me....that's already TOO damn early. But I realize that sacrificing a few hours of sleep is worth my success. I'm usually a night owl...staying up all hours of the night, but then I wouldn't want to get up in the mornings at all and when i did...I pretty much hated the world! But that has to change and I know that the change is now. It's better for me to place a stamp on what has to happen and devise a plan, that way I know where I'm headed and how long it actually takes to get there.

If giving up the small luxury of a couple of hours of sleep and other in particular things like hanging out is the price I pay for becoming victorious, then I'm ready to sit on my throne because everything else just isnt as important.

"Until you value yourself, you won't value your time. Until you value your time, you won't do anything with it." M. Scott Peck

~Embellished

Birds of a Feather....

Completely confused about my flight arrangement....I missed it and was forced to find another way to Jackson to surprise my bf for her Master's graduation. Determined to make it to support her biggest accomplishment...I decided that my best option would be to take the bus ride. 7 to 8 hrs wasn't so bad, it finally gave me time to just sit down and relax from my usual "work like crazy-on the go" daily regimen. I didn't even talk on the phone, just kept quiet in a thought process reading magazines and books I had brought for my trip.

Finally, upon hopping off the bus in Jackson, MS, I sat on a bench waiting for my ride. Out of no where, a boy proposed a question "what size necklace do u wear?" Knowing what was coming next, I asked why and he pulled out his merchandise, a gold necklace...ummmmm "no thanks." Welcome to Jack-town I thought.

When the hotel door swung open, to my bf's surprise, it was me walking in. She went crazy...lol...jumping on me and eagerly excited that I was there. Well welcomed...the night went on and of course so did the partying.

Bright and early the next day, we were headed to graduation. So proud of my bf, I couldn't help but reflect on our life long friendship. Friends since I could remember, there is nothing I couldn't tell her. If ever in need, she would be the first I call. After leaving for college though miles apart, our friendship has never broken and our excitement to see each other on visits has never faded. We came from nothing together and today she grabbed her Master's. I can't describe how proud I am of her. Ive never had to fake with her, our friendship is genuine. God has not only blessed me with a friend I can admire but as you can see from the picture, one that supports me all the same.

"Surround yourself around positive people and positive energy will manifest itself."

~Embellished

Success is Inevitable

Have u ever felt a sense of release or freedom? Or like God placed a ladder of success in front of you and all you had to do was focus on it and climb up? That was me on yesterday. I feel like if i focus on anything i really want, it will come to me..seemingly unreachable but just that easy. In such a good mood I decided to attend Atlanta's Y-3 fashion show and after party. Being a little under the weather, I slept and missed the fashion show but the after party was an overall great atmosphere to be apart of. The crowd was just right, not too many people...just enough with plenty of new faces ;) It gave me the opportunity to meet a few newbies, hang out and catch up with a few homies that I don't get a chance to see as often, hear what's going on in the industry and perhaps get some outside insight on my line and its direction.

I couldn't help but enjoy myself joking around in spirit of the day starting my blog an all. Receiving so much great feedback really has me excited about all the things to come. Not even the rain could put a damper on my parade, however the dudes who impolitely stole my homegirl's umbrella almost did. As we left the event we stood outside covered from the pouring rain. We both had umbrella's but just stood around joking with some "homies" and decided to allow them use of G's umbrella to make it dry to their car. In turn...they never returned...suckers! How do u steal a ladies umbrella in the pouring rain!! Lol...*smh


After me and G concluded our night I headed back downtown to Stitches. The doctor was still at it, but took a break and we headed to Landmark for food. After telling him a few times about my blog he was still confused about what a blog is...lol. Don't mind him, he's not cut off from the world just chooses to dedicate his time to family, Stitches and sewing...can't be mad at that! The Doctor is funny because no matter what it is your doing he wants to know if your reaching to make us known and getting to the money... my kinda dude!
After food(salmon, mashed potato's and vegetables)which was great by the way, I headed home to prepare for my trip to Jackson, MS for the weekend where my best friend is grabbing her Master's. I'm surprising her, she doesn't even know I'm coming :) wish me a safe trip!

P.S- I couldn't end this without thanking everybody for your support...when my line drops...u better buy something! :)

~Embellished



Art Work provided by www.inmagine.com