Pressure Of A New Year...

I don't know if it's the weather, or if it's because the holidays are coming up, but I've just been in a funk lately. I've been lacking motivation, and I feel really guilty about it. The pressure of starting a new year has me a little stressed too. I have all these ideas that I want to run with at once, but I know I have to take my time and set them apart. And that kinda leaves me at a standstill because I'm not sure how I want to move forward with everything. It's hard to explain because of course everything makes sense in MY head, and sometimes that's hard to explain to everyone else. I just have to show you, and unfortunately that takes time.

I am excited to start a new year, but with that new year comes new goals and that's where the anxiety sets in. When I look at the entire year ahead of me it becomes overwhelming. I know I need to do more...search for bigger shows, sell more, be more active with my business. I need this to become my full time job, but is that gonna happen this next year? To be realistic...probably not. And that's a little heartbreaking to realize because I want that so badly.

I guess I've hit that point where most people ask themselves if this is really something they want because this is hard...it's very hard. And some days it feels like it doesn't even really matter. But I know I want this to work out; I've never wanted anything this much. I don't have any intentions of quitting any time soon, but I am more aware of how tedious and long the road is ahead of me. And I'd be naive to think it will get any easier. I guess I'm not really asking for it to get easier; I'm just asking that with each year I see progress and growth to know I'm on the right track.

I doesn't do me any good to worry myself with this because in the end I'm only going to get back what I give to this. For now I'm just going to take a deep breath, collect my thoughts, and make the best plan to move forward.

Holiday Fashion Show

I just booked a holiday fashion show in Omaha, NE! I'm really looking forward to this show for a couple of reasons. This will be the first show that I will actually be able to set up and sell my own designs, and it's only an hour from my home town so a lot of my friends and family will be able to be there. I've been trying to work in a show closer to home, and this one fell right into my lap! It means a lot to me to be able to share this experience with those who have been right by my side supporting and encouraging me from the beginning.

I will be participating in Raw again making this my 5th show with them. I started showcasing in August of 2013, and to have 5 shows added to my resume in such a short time frame is something I'm very proud of. I've work extremely hard these last couple of months, and what better way to end the year then with a holiday fashion show!!

I'm a huge advocate for Raw because it has opened up so many doors and opportunities for me. I've met so many talented and creative people that I've been able to collaborated with. Every show gets better, I'm able to network more and really get my name out there, plus it's just great experience to add to my resume. I love these independent/underground shows...this is exactly where I need to be right now as I continue to grow my brand and grow as a designer.

So although I have a show to prep for this coming month, I will still be in the running for Chicago's Fashion Designer Of The Year. I was told that might start in January once these holiday showcases have ended so I have that to look forward to as well.  I'm extremely competitive especially when it comes to something I'm passionate about, and I really want to win this competition! Fingers crossed I can get the votes I need from those who follow and support me.

CHICAGO FASHION SHOW 

SEPT 24, 2014