Author: Dagny Zenovia

Black Panther and Wakanda: Let’s Talk

At the time I recorded this discussion, I had seen Black Panther twice. Now, celebrating the one year anniversary of vibranium excellence, I have seen it four times. I still feel so loved and empowered every time I see it.

I also find it amusing that a year after seeing Black Panther for the first time, I now find myself bringing Wakanda to life while living and working in the Royal Continent, but that is another story for another time.

It took me about three days to formalize in words how I felt after watching Black Panther. This was the result:

“I traveled to the Kingdom of Wakanda on February 17th. I now live in Wakanda. I will be getting married in Wakanda. Our children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren will be raised, spoiled, and celebrated in Wakanda. We will purchase all the black neighborhoods and property in America and the world to keep black families safe and prosperous within their communities. We will build schools, stores, hospitals, parks, museums, libraries, salons, farms, theaters, etc for the community. We will invest in knowledge, money, and family to strengthen the community. We will develop generational wealth and legacy for the community. We will bridge the gap between Africa and her stolen and lost children. All colonizers and gentrifiers are advised to stay out of the way, unless you understand the peripheral help you could provide. Wakanda might be a fantasy, but the mind set can be real.”

Instead of writing or recording a movie review on my own, I really wanted to have a conversation in a group discussion. I put a word out on social media for those who were interested and personally invited those I felt would contribute great insight. Scheduling and commitment were tricky, but in the end, I think it turned out to be a wonderful discussion. I am so grateful to Kamiliyah and Tamon for taking the time to share their presence, insight, and brilliance.

Here, me and my brilliant panel discuss the themes and nuances from the movie that resonated with us. There is still so much to unpack and further explore. Let’s continue the conversation. How would you answer some of the questions we discussed? Share in the comments below.

Also, remember to connect with me on Instagram. I would love to hear from you.

Top: HGC Apparel

February 24, 2019
Why Self Love Leads To Success

It feels as if we are all searching for the perfect self-love routine. Bouncing back and forth between striving for a work-life balance and accepting you are not the only one out here who has no idea what they are doing. This never-ending cycle of deep quotes, trending starter kits, and virtual gurus makes me wonder if we are really making progress, or just (again) passively consuming what is convenient. I believe there is no one-size-fits-all answer to self love, but there is plenty of room for us to dig deeper to nurture our souls and refine our perspective in life.

Loving yourself should go beyond material things. It is fine to use quotes, incense, crystals, bubble baths, etc, but be careful of not getting so caught up in creating your self-love package that you forget to hold yourself accountable. Do you also meditate and journal? Are you taking your exercise and eating routine seriously? Are you being intentional with who and what you surround yourself with? Do you speak honestly to yourself?

The thing is, you can consume enough personal development information to last you several lifetimes. The key is how you implement that information. This is where trusting the process comes in. Being optimistic does not always have to correlate with being naive. Rather, I believe it means having strength in keeping the faith. Trust that everything will work out to your benefit as long as you honestly do your part. Heal the baggage you never realized you were carrying. Reflect on the lessons you have learned with every win and failure. Love yourself. Not just the persona you share with the public, but every aspect of your soul.

Once you do this, it will feel like abundance is falling out of the sky. I really feel that all of the blessings and opportunities that we wish for and have yet to imagine are already ours. They are all lined up waiting for us to be ready to receive them. When you love yourself and allow your mindset to evolve, you are open to receive all the good you deserve and know how to use it. So, go ahead and take that risk. It will all be worth it in the end.

What have you found most helpful in enhancing your level of self love? Let me know in the comments below.

I have to mention how much I love these shoes. I found them at the Souk in Marrakech. Aren’t they fabulous!! I have a thing for shoes that are fun and elegant. They are so comfortable and I love the unique pattern.

Also, remember to connect with me on Twitter and Instagram. I would love to hear from you.

Sweater: The Limited; Pants: ASOS; Shoes: Souk in Marrakech; Earrings: Souk in Marrakech

August 16, 2018
To Morocco, With Love: Travel Guide

There is a certain freedom in being present while experiencing something new. Travel can do that to you. Like flying a magic carpet, it can feel unbelievable and simple at the same time. I spent New Year’s in Morocco. This was my first visit to the northern region of the Royal Continent and it was more magical than I could have ever imagined. There is so much to soak in that one really needs to stay for a couple of months. I spent 6 days based in Marrakech and took 2 day trips to Rabat and Ouarzazate. All three cities are unique and I hope this post helps to inspire you to visit.

Marrakech

A crisp morning in Marrakech starts at 10am, a wonderful time in my opinion. Along with the birds singing, you can hear the faint sound of Arabic and French spoken everywhere. Then there’s the sound of motors passing by, from old taxis and mopeds to shining new range rovers. The architecture in Marrakech is so picturesque. Between the old city and new city, European and African style is all blended with red bricks and walls. It is really beautiful.

Marrakech is a vibrant and artistic city. A paradise for photographers, foodies, history buffs, antique collectors, and of course…tourists. It is overwhelming and exciting at the same time. It is built in a way that makes it easy to walk around, which makes it even more fun to explore. We were lucky to have our stylish family friends show us around.

I stayed at the Movenpick Marrakech hotel. This place was gorgeous! Every corner of this hotel was breathtaking. The customer service was royal and the food was top-notch. Their buffet spread for breakfast was so elegant and had every choice you could think of. The rooms were comfortable and I really loved the details of the decor, from the marble architecture to the colorful furniture.

I also did a few photoshoots at this beautiful hotel. Stay tuned for those photos in my next post.

Rabat

Rabat is another beautiful city in Morocco. It is also unique. One part has the Parliament building and pretty avenues lined up with shops and cafés. Down a few blocks and closer to the shore are these blue mazes lined up with artisans and shops. We were so lucky to have connected with a lovely professor from Morocco. She gave us a wonderful tour.

The Hassan Tower was such a beautiful and somber place to visit. The guards on horseman at the entrance plus the tower and columns are very impressive. The call for prayer occurred while we were there and it was interesting to observe people come together to pray. Historically, the Hassan Tower is an incomplete mosque that was intended to be the largest minaret in the world. Construction began in 1195, but stopped in 1199 after the Sultan died. The tower stands 140 feet tall.

Kasbah des Oudaias is the blue maze in Rabat. Filled with artisans, shops, and cafés, it makes for a really beautiful walk. I could not get enough of all the ornate doors and fountains and tile details.

Ouarzazate

Driving up the Atlas Mountains really looked (and felt) like a secret agent movie. The road weaves around the mountains with sharp turns and steep cliffs. The views were absolutely breathtaking.

I also noticed something. Cats run (or protect?) the cities and dogs live solely in the mountains. I did not get a chance to ask whether this was done deliberately, but I think I might be on to something.

Atlas Corporation Studios is a film studio in Ouarzazate. Lawrence of Arabia, Cleopatra, Gladiator, Kingdom of Heaven and The Mummy (just to name a few Hollywood titles) were filmed there. The city is built like a movie world. There are film motifs adorned on every street intersection. Almost everyone who lives there has played an extra in a film. There is even a hotel named after Oscar (the award).

It is the largest film studio in the world, measured by acres, which is mostly desert and mountains. It also has a cinema museum that features more sets. I really loved the camera room. They had film cameras ranging back to Charlie Chaplin through to today. It was so cool!

As cool as this all was, it seemed bitter-sweet. It felt like everything was built and set up for an abundant industry, but the party never showed up. It felt more like a historical landmark, even though they are open for business. Apparently there is more competition for desert scenes…the recent Star Wars movie was filmed in Tunisia (not space). But it does not seem as if African filmmakers are using it much. I am not sure if this depends on politics or funding or a combination of both, but I felt like it is a beautiful studio with a lot of potential that is not being used to the fullest. Nonetheless, they have done very well to preserve the history of film here. I loved it.

Travel Tips

Now that you are convinced to visit to Morocco, let’s talk about some tips. I did a lot of research to prepare for my trip, from required travel documents to best places to take photos. In particular, I was looking for information about women traveling to Morocco. Even though Morocco is accepting of all religions, I understood it was a majority Muslim country and I wanted to respect the culture.

I chose to pack a wardrobe that was modest in accentuating my curves or skin. From what I could see, what women wear in Morocco ranges from traditional robes to modern jeans. However, those wearing mini skirts or crop tops tend to be expats. Everyone we interacted with, regardless of gender, were polite and respectful. Funnily enough, the only time someone called out to us was in the Souks in Marrakech, when a man called us The Obamas…which we all know is a compliment, so that was cool.

The posts I found helpful in preparing for travel, in terms of what to bring, were from Women on the Road, The Hostel Girl, and The World Pursuit.

Of course, I also used Instagram for research and inspiration. The posts I found helpful in planning my trip, in terms of what to see and do, were from Monroe Steele, Visiter L’Afrique, and Spirited Pursuit.

In Marrakech, you must also visit and experience Chez Ali. It is a dinner and fantasia show that is incredible. The food was delicious, the location is breathtaking, and the entertainment is delightful.

The souks in Marrakech are also fun and you will feel overwhelmed by all the beautiful craftsmanship. Due to traveling with a carry-on as my main case, I bought smaller things. However, there are some stores that offer shipping, which is very convenient.

Overall, I really enjoyed my trip. It was so exciting and refreshing to explore and observe such a beautiful country. There is so much I still would love to see, which is why I will most likely be back. I would highly recommend adding Morocco to your travel list.

Where have you traveled that you absolutely loved? Would you visit Morocco? Let me know in the comments.

Also, remember to connect with me on Twitter and Instagram. I would love to hear from you.

February 12, 2018
Finding My Glow with Ethical Style Journal

I believe people cross your path for a reason. To share an opportunity, a lesson, or a memory. There are no coincidences. Funnily enough, working with Katie Pruett and Ethical Style Journal was a combination of all three. An opportunity to be featured in a wonderful magazine, a lesson in healing myself, and an amazing experience that left a lasting memory. Sounds too good to be true, right? I had a lot of fun collaborating with them. Here is a peek at what it took to put this feature together, some exclusive photos, and where you can order your copy.

Earlier this year in April, Katie reached out to me on Instagram and via e-mail for an opportunity to be featured in the summer issues of her magazine Ethical Style Journal. Let me give you a tip on collaborating with fellow creatives and influencers because this is a prime example of how to do it right. Her e-mail was detailed and insightful. It was obvious that she had seen my work and photos, understood my message, and connected the dots that our brands would be perfect for each other. It was also apparent, in her first e-mail, that she had a substantial vision for what she wanted in this issue, the feature she wanted to produce, and how I could fit in all of that. The Instagram DM was just a heads up about the e-mail for a potential collaboration. After collaborating with a number of people and brands, I can say that regardless of what industry you’re in, how many followers you have, or what budget you’re working with, professionalism goes a long way and should never be cut short. I could tell Katie really believed in her magazine not only by what she told me but also from her previous work. That made me even more excited to contribute to the project.

The first part of this project was the personal essay I wrote, “Finding Comfort in Your Glow.” It is my reflections on the process I went through to embrace my beauty and advise on how others can do the same. Writing this piece was a fascinating experience because it made me re-live pain, healing, and triumphs in a way I did not realize I needed. Sometimes when we insist on moving on from things that hurt us or disappoint us, we tend to ignore it instead of heal it. I realized that growing into this space where I am comfortable in my own skin, I had avoided taking care of a few scars. That is what was so beautiful about writing this piece. I was actually practicing what I was preaching.

Here is an excerpt from the feature:

“This life pulls us through a unique journey. Most of us start out feeling pretty content with who we are and what we look like. Then, something changes. It might have started at home, or at a visit to the grocery store, or on your first day of school. Suddenly, you are bombarded with images, opinions, and expectations. Gradually, you find yourself criticizing every aspect of your existence. Next thing you know, you see the Grinch instead of your own reflection in the mirror. Ok, it possibly was more subtle than that, but at some point the downward spiral of self-hate makes you wonder, “How did I get here?”

Funny you ask that. Did you not bring yourself here? Or were you influenced by something else? Such as social media or mainstream standards? That is where I feel we start to examine the heart of this issue. How can we embrace our own beauty in an environment that thrives on making us feel inadequate? I want to share with you how I answered that question and how you can learn to embrace your own beauty.”

The second part of this project was the photoshoot. Katie and her friend Sharmon met me at Boheme. She brought a beautiful, bold dress by Reformation and a pair of really comfortable and chic sandals by Nicora. After shooting in different parts of the venue, we sat down and chatted about sustainable fashion, self publishing, lack of diverse representation in main and independent media, and so many other interesting topics. It was so nice to sit and chat with like-minded people sharing ideas and stories. We then went to the Menil Collection to take the remainder of the photos. Overall, it was a lovely photoshoot.

Now, I am sure you are anxious to know where you can find and how you can support this project. Not only does it feature my personal essay, but it also includes articles, fashion, and women that are all breaking boundaries and making a difference to protect the planet. The magazine is available in print and digital form. You can find out more about Ethical Style Journal and order you copy on their website.

Do you have any experience with sustainable fashion or opinion on the relationship between the fashion industry, consumerism, and the planet? Or would you just like to share what you think about this fabulous dress? Let me know in the comments!

Also, remember to connect with me on Twitter and Instagram. I would love to hear from you.

October 17, 2017
I Have a J.D. Now What?

Here we are. After three long years. Finally done. But, now what? I mean, I should be good now, right? I followed all the rules. I did what my parents told me to do. I stayed in school. Even when I felt frustrated, I stuck to it. Even when I felt like I did not belong, I showed up. Leading up to this very moment, where I can finally agree with all the elders that the “world is my oyster” and “all doors are now open to me.” I was really excited about this grande finale, until it ended. There were no oysters or open doors. It felt as if I was turning the page to the next chapter of a book, a real book, and found the next page blank. This was frightening at first, but I learned to recognize and appreciate my new freedom in this blank page.

As you may know, a J.D. can be used for a variety of jobs and landing a job is not easy. As much as everyone likes to advise fresh graduates that networking is the key to success, I feel luck plays a big part in that as well. Your luck only works in your favor if you are prepared for it. That preparation is what I had to take some time to work on. Initially, I figured working hard for grades, a resume, and some form of a network was enough, but it barely scratched the surface. I realized that I had to work on me. I had to believe in me. Crazy, right? How did I miss that? I know I cannot be the only one guilty of forgetting to take care of myself. Well, here are three ways to get back your peace at a turning point in your life.

Jump back and kiss yourself. Yes, I got that from James Brown. You need to be proud of yourself. It is so important to take the time to acknowledge how far you have come and what you achieved. When we are goal-oriented, and possibly humble, we tend to ignore celebrating ourselves. I was guilty of that. Once I master something I put my mind to, I tend to immediately move on to the next challenge. That is ok if you are always in motion. Once there is a pause or a gap, that mindset can lead to heavy doubt. So don’t leave room for doubt. Use that pause to celebrate yourself and be proud of what you accomplished.

Focus on your lane. Comparison is very tempting, especially when it seems everyone else is doing something better than you. Remember, we are all masters of filters and nothing is as it seems. Do not get lost in comparing your chapter 5 with another’s chapter 34. When we fall into comparisons, we miss the opportunity to celebrate others. That is what I continue to remind myself. Spreading love brings good karma in your direction. When I see my colleagues announcing their job placements before Bar exam results come out or engagement parties or moving to a new place, I cheer for them. I am genuinely happy for them and really hope it all works well in their lane. I truly want to see all of us succeed and I know my time in my lane is perfect.

Be optimistic about your new freedom, regardless of what your next step is. Freedom can be scary and exciting. Understand that mixture is ok. This was the biggest thing that had me feeling stuck. This new freedom frightened me because I was afraid of failure. With no guidelines to follow, or program to continue on to, or automatic job to slide in, what would keep me from falling? What would keep me from making mistakes? I realized that is what was so wonderful about this freedom. Do it afraid. Do it excited. I can design my destiny. I can be so in tune with my purpose, that I can trust I am being guided through this freedom.

That is what makes this time so beautiful. It can be transformative if you believe in yourself. Do you have any other tips for feeling stuck after a big accomplishment. Let me know in the comments!

Also, remember to connect with me on Twitter and Instagram. I would love to hear from you.

Photography: Fotos By Ben

Wearing: Kaela Kay dress; DSW heels

October 16, 2017
Super Bowl 51 in Houston: Photo Recap

Houston celebrated Super Bowl 51 for two weeks and it was very exciting. It was so cool to see the city dressed up to showcase all the industries and cultures that are here. The main attraction was at Discovery Green, which was transformed into a Super Bowl theme park. I visited it three times, one to just walk around and take photos, two to see Robert Glasper and Solange perform for free, and three to visit the NFL Experience exhibit. To be honest, I am not a football fanatic, but I think Houston did a great job to create an experience that everyone could enjoy.

I also shared some clips via InstaStory and twitter for the park and performances. Check them out here and here.

Were you in town for Super Bowl 51? What did you enjoy the most? Let me know in the comments below.

Also, remember to connect with me on Twitter and Instagram. I would love to hear from you.

March 5, 2017