Tag: Fashion

What Jason Bourne Teaches Us

What did you want to be when you grew up? At first, I wanted to be a mad scientist, like Dexter’s Laboratory. Then I wanted to be a secret agent, like the Famous Jett Jackson. That dream stuck with me as I watched Cleopatra Jones, James Bond, Jonny Quest, and, of course, Jason Bourne. I loved the gadgets, adventure, wardrobe, and mystery…minus the killing. After watching the recent Jason Bourne movie, I started thinking about how the character’s struggles and victories can be applied to “civilian” life.

We need to do our own research. Even though we have wider access to information, we tend to be lazy using that access. I am sure there are plenty of people like me who read beyond headlines, but there are also plenty of people who stop at a meme or soundbite. In every movie, Jason Bourne has taught us the importance of doing our own research. You cannot always take other people’s word for it. You cannot always assume the door is locked just because there is a line waiting outside. Be aware of your surroundings, physically and virtually.

It is helpful to maintain barriers. Like all secret agents, Jason Bourne does have trust issues. It is easy to see why that is the case for him, but sometimes it is surprising to realize how life can jade us. We all pick up scars along this journey of life, but the key to surviving is maintaining healthy barriers. You can be picky about who you share your time and love with. You should also be open to forgive and move on.

Can we truly accept who we are? One thing I felt was lacking in the Jason Bourne movie was his quest to find who he is. It seemed as if he never got a real answer. Nonetheless, that quest to find our purpose and identity is not just about playing a scavenger hunt. It is also about deep reflection. With and without the job, friends, car, or filters, who are you? Can you embrace every part of you? I think this quest is not only about looking for answers, but also about expanding and enhancing what we seek. You really have to be honest, sometimes brutally honest, with yourself before you can make any meaningful progress.

Now, I know you might not have thought of any of these things while watching any of the Bourne movies, but that is why I am here. I hope you found this helpful. Life is about keeping your eyes open. There are stories and lessons everywhere.

I also must commend the Bourne team for producing a movie that was timely and relevant regarding virtual reality and internet security. Clever move.

What do you think of the Bourne movies? What did you want to be when you grew up?

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

Wearing: JC Penny dress; Forever 21 necklace; Dillard’s heels

Photography: It’s Sofia Emm

September 18, 2016
Why I Do Not Trust Data Storage

Cyber-security breach and data leaks seem to be normal occurrences these days. The question of privacy seems to be naive when all information and communication is monitored and hackable. Maybe it is because I recently (read…finally) saw the new Jason Bourne movie or because I work with a variety of data and media, but I have been thinking a lot about how data storage is evolving. Space and convenience is not the issue. Security and longevity is what we still do not get.

Gone are the days when we would “search on Google” for our name and possibly freak out if there was one obscure mention of a link. Now we are all encouraged to have a professionally branded – but still personal – presence online. We are encouraged to sync all of our devices. We are made to believe the best way to back up precious memories, important documents, and big files is on virtual clouds and drives. It is funny how our discomfort in seeing our names pop up outside of the Yellow Pages has become hesitantly open to every device upgrade. On the one hand, that is the beauty of technology. It is constantly changing to push our potential and innovation further. On the other hand, values and concerns should be respected.

I am not sure if security will ever become a full guarantee as we progress in this cyber direction. From the recent Dropbox breach to apps discreetly linking information, ahem Facebook and WhatsApp, it seems that no information is secure. Nothing is hack-proof, regardless of good intentions behind passwords, two-step authenticity, fingerprints, and any other secret codes. Since this is the case, I urge you to be mindful of where you save your stuff. A printed copy saved in a locked drawer or a box under the bed is not silly. It will probably save you a headache. Regarding future developments in security, maybe we should not only focus on better passwords or bigger servers.

Since I have been working with media for a while, technology upgrades are bitter-sweet. Remembering how much time it took to convert footage from a Hi-8 tape to a DVD, I thought it would save those memories forever. What happens when DVD players join VCRs? With all the photos I diligently archive on external hard drives, what happens when USB ports join floppy disk drives? It is kind of scary to think about. A project I hope to start soon is to create a series of photo albums, I mean really old-school photo albums, for the majority of my photos. As convenient as Google drive and external hard drives are, I want to be able to share these memories with my children 10 years from now and my grandchildren 30 years from now. There is something about sitting around a table with family with an old suitcase full of photos in envelopes and albums that is really special. Watching a slide show on a screen does not compare to that.

I am intrigued to see how data storage and cyber-security evolves during my lifetime, but I do not think I will ever fully trust it. How do you think we can improve on this? How are you keeping your data safe? Let me know in the comments below.

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

Wearing: New York & Company blouse; Woodin skirt; Michael Kors shoes

Photography: It’s Sofia Emm

September 11, 2016
How To Use Your Passion

You know that quote that talks about how what you are drawn to is not an accident but your passion? As inspiring as that sounds, one of the little voices in my head usually responds, “so what?” A lot of energy is put into finding your passion, but what do you do with it once you find it? Here are some tips to make sure you are using your passion in the best way possible.

Shift your perspective to see opportunities everywhere. Even though it is important to be clear about what you want, we tend to miss chances to get what we want by limiting our vision. Your dream may not manifest exactly as you imagined. I will admit that I am guilty of viewing most things with suspicion. Like a detective with a never-ending mystery to solve, I question everything and rarely accept something good will definitely happen. I am getting better at being open to good chances. Do not sabotage yourself by sticking to the script you wrote when you have the only copy. Miracles come in so many shapes and sizes. Learn to say yes more often…after carefully filtering out the chance that is worth your time…of course.

Understand you should always be learning. Your passion should never be stagnant. Be comfortable in allowing your passion to evolve and follow whatever direction it leads you to. Education is not only in books or webinars. It is also in people and places. Pick up random projects and connect with people who enhance your work. I believe excellence is not a trophy we aspire to polish on a shelf. Rather, it is a glow we wear that shines brighter with every new level we achieve.

Embrace the reality check. Using your passion does not mean avoiding work. It will require patience, hustle, and resilience. People will question your judgment. Time will mock your sanity. That is all part of the experience. I think this is where schools and coaches get it wrong sometimes. Doing what you love is not about creating a Care Bear society within your bubble of existence. You need to survive in the real world. You need skills to contribute to the real market. Your passion and reality can coexist.

I had so much fun working with Kirsten from Hollys Bouquet on these photos. Make sure you check her out for all of your local floral needs. Big thank you to Mimi from Meyelabel for having the perfect pieces for our theme. Check her out for all of you vintage needs.

Disclaimer: These photos were done for a collaboration. I will be wearing a cape at my wedding.

I hope you found these tips helpful. How are you using your passion? Let me know in the comments below. Also, remember to connect with me on Twitter and Instagram. I would love to hear from you.

Wearing: Meyelabel dress & fascinator; Vintage earrings; Aldo shoes; Hollys Bouquet flowers

August 30, 2016
How To Protect An Independent Mind

I bet you think a lot. Beyond the absent-minded mental to-do list. Away from the monotony of a repetitive 9-5. Your mind is as vast as the galaxies we have yet to discover. Am I right? What a coincidence! Me too. Always thinking of patterns, solutions, and what ifs. Reading, watching, and listening for knowledge, entertainment, and pleasure.

Let’s talk about the part of our minds that deals with opinion. Where you form your opinions and interact with others opinions. From news, to culture, to education, regardless if you prefer digital or printed media, we all now filter our reality. We tend to gravitate toward sources we agree with and mute voices we disagree with. As convenient as these filters are, I think they are gradually hindering our ability to consider an alternative perspective.

I love this quote by Aristotle, “It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it.” We could probably add an independent mind to that list. How can we entertain alternative thoughts if we filter out everything we disagree with? How can we engage with intellectual dialogue if we cannot tolerate an alternative opinion? The key to protecting an independent mind is maintaining a balance between your beliefs and alternative opinions. The best way to do that is to enhance your knowledge, pay attention to your reaction to alternative opinions, and be aware of how you interact with yours and others opinions.

You have to be informed. Take the time to find and follow sources of information that resonate with you, but are also credible. Do research beyond headlines and memes. I know the history of so many random things of life. Have I used any of it? Not all, but I am sure it will come in handy.

You need to see value in others view points. Regardless if you are the most exceptional mind in the room, unless you are giving a lecture, you should not be quick to label others perspective as incorrect. Enjoy exploring how other people think. Take the time to understand how they formed their opinions. There is no reason to feel defensive with someone who disagrees with you. No one is attacking you. Well, unless they are attacking you, then it is their loss.

You should know the difference between discussion and debate. This one can get a little tricky. Discussion can be lighthearted or heavy or a combination of both. It is a give and take experience where we share stories, advice, and insight. People do not have to agree with each other during a discussion. What makes the dialogue continue in discussion form or transform into a debate is how you deal with the disagreement. In a discussion, everyone can voice their different opinions and learn from each other. In a debate, everyone takes a different stand and competitively opposes each other. To avoid the feeling of being attacked, try to keep the discussion going.

What do you do to protect your independent mind? Let me know in the comments below. Also, remember to connect with me on Twitter and Instagram. I would love to hear from you.

Wearing: New York & Company blouse; Marshalls skirt; Michael Kors shoes

Photography: Sofia Emm

August 23, 2016
Is Your Purpose Discovered or Created

Purpose. The mystery behind the meaning of our lives. The source of all the hustle, grind, and “werk.” Do you find or create your purpose? Does the difference in your perspective influence how you reach your purpose? I think it can, but both perspectives have its advantages.

When you believe your purpose is something to discover, your focus is solely on the search. You might experiment with a variety of directions, thinking something should eventually “click.” On the one hand, depending on your search strategy, this can lead to more options and experience. You might travel, work different jobs, and study various subjects during your search. If you are lucky, everything will fall into place in a timely fashion. However, like Captain Jack Sparrow, you might not be satisfied with what you find in that treasure chest.

The key to the purpose hunt is to be open to adjusting. We grow, our preferences evolve, and our journey shifts. When this happens, it is easy to feel uncomfortable and anxious. You might think this process is a sign of failure or confusion. It’s not. if you keep your eyes open, you will see your growing pains as guide posts. This shift is leading you on the right path for you.

When you believe your purpose is something to create, your focus is on the work. You might research and study to be clear on what exactly you want to accomplish, thinking only one thing can satisfy your goal. You take the initiative to make something out of nothing. Every obstacle or disappointment is seen as an opportunity to enhance what you are building. What if your creation is not supported?

Creating your purpose requires encouragement from within. You have to be your biggest cheerleader and backup crew. Since this is your own special path, there might not be much guidance or advice to follow. To avoid feeling lost, you have to be in tune with your heart and your gut. If what you’re working on does not make you feel fulfilled and content, it is not worthy of your time.

I think we all have a combination of both perspectives. We search for clarity and guidance to understand why we exist and what we should contribute. We create experiences and opportunities to fulfill our existence. Before, I felt uncomfortable with the adjustment and frustrated with the lack of guidance. Now, I have learned how to be more accepting with my present. Instead of dwelling on the past or stifling the future, I set realistic goals to fade my worries. It takes time, but the best step towards fulfilling your purpose is believing in yourself.

Do you think we create or discover our purpose? What are you doing to get closer to your purpose? Let me know in the comments below. Also, remember to connect with me on Twitter and Instagram. I would love to hear from you.

Wearing: New York & Company dress; Aldo shoes; Charming Charlie earrings; Clutch made in Liberia

August 4, 2016
Can We Capitalize on Creativity Equally
Creativity has reached new heights with the internet and social media. Gone are the days when your brilliant artwork was only framed on your parents refrigerator. Now it has the potential to go viral with a simple tweet, insta-post, or snap. The question is, where does all of that new attention lead to?

Digital influence, according to Techopedia, is the ability to create an effect, change opinions and behaviors, and drive measurable outcomes online largely through social networking. So, it is more than just a popularity contest, but still has some mystery behind it. As I learn more about branding and production to enhance my blog and future projects, I have noticed a variety of patterns in what gets loved and lost. Also, being interested in intellectual property and legal protection of creativity, I have noticed a gap in protection and awareness.

Certain niches or content tend to pick up more attention quickly. Women are the majority of online creators. Fashion and beauty get the most attention. The definition of quality content is based on a preference for polished personal branding. This is where the difference among titles comes into play.
- The blogger post has a few paragraphs similar to a journal entry with a lot of pretty pictures, sponsored links, and social media followers.
- The writer post has numerous paragraphs similar to a short story with a few illustrations or gifs, helpful links, and social media followers.
- The journalist post has numerous paragraphs similar to a news article with pretty pictures, source links, interviews, and social media followers.
For the consumer, the internet is a great asset because you have access to all kinds of content. For the creator, depending on your circumstances, the internet feels highly saturated. Which of these three posts would you pay the most for? Which of these three posts do you think receives the most revenue?

Monetizing creativity is not a new phenomenon, but the internet has taken it to another level. This new level of digital influence comes with some questionable characters. People can buy followers, likes, and comments. This diminishes the credibility and value of the digital influence industry, which was brilliantly called out in this article by The Luxury Spot. On the other hand, since this industry is still evolving, there are no concrete rules or rates. Creatives who are organically growing their following are being ripped off by brands. Refinery29 did a great article about this issue. I am glad to see others sharing information and insight on this, but we still have a long way to go to establish whether this industry is a passing trend or a substantial career.

Across the board, according to the digital influence experts, the one guaranteed way to monetize your creativity online is through e-courses. Initially, online courses with recorded lectures and live interaction were popular among some universities in 2012. This phase faded for reasons I am not sure of yet. Later, bloggers picked it up and adapted it to their niche. From DIY projects, to parenting tips, to business advice, there is an e-course on everything. There are even e-courses to teach you how to create an e-course. Now, we have celebrities doing e-courses: Serena Williams teaches tennis, Christina Aguilera teaches singing, and Dustin Hoffman teaches acting through MasterClass. These courses range from hundreds to thousands of dollars. That adds up to a pretty nice profit. The question is, does the value of the course equal the price? Is the curriculum viable? Is the information more than what you could Google yourself? Depending on what you are looking for, the course could be great or fluff.

Protecting creativity is also not new, but does need an upgrade. I worked at a pro bono trademark clinic this past semester and gained some insight in the business behind creating and filing trademarks and copyrights. Our clients were traditional small businesses looking to trademark logos and names, but the work got me wondering how these intellectual property laws apply to new media and digital influence. For example, someone creates something really funny or catchy on Vine or Snapchat and it gets a big response. Then, someone else with a bigger following (who might be a real celebrity or company) picks up the original clip, copies it, and posts it as their own with their face on it. Technically, your work is entitled to copyright protection once it is created. Can the original person present their Vine in court as evidence of copyright infringement? Since the majority of social media is free, the likelihood of anyone paying for litigation to protect their work is slim to none. We need to enhance the support and protection of those who create and innovate. What incentive is there to share your work when it is overlooked or stolen? The Fader did a great article on this issue.

When balancing popularity contests and mysterious algorithms with no support, it can seem capitalizing on creativity equally is not possible. With the variety of creators and innovators I have interacted with, I think we can shift this digital influence industry to be a more wholesome experience. This is not public radio or cable TV, where the advertiser, sponsor, and shareholder dictates what and who is seen or heard. This is the future of content and culture. The advertiser, sponsor, and shareholder might continue to make the bulk of the profit from this new medium of content, but the consumer is demanding more of a say in what they want to see and hear. We can make an impact on this. So many of us digital influencers are part of the “side hustle” club. Our skills and talents cover more industries than you would expect. Let’s think outside of the box to not only contribute to the never-ending feed of polished photos, funny videos, and trending hashtags, but to also take ownership of an industry we created.

What do you think about capitalizing creativity? What do you think about digital influencers? Can we bring equality to this industry? Let me know in the comments below. Also, remember to connect with me on Twitter and Instagram. I would love to hear from you.

Wearing: Angela Taioni dress and shirt; Michael Kors heels; Clutch made in Liberia

Big thank you to Uncle Nii Bonney and Auntie Damali for these beautiful clothes. They really are a work of art.
July 1, 2016