It's that time of the year where the sky
As December comes to an end and January 2017 is fast-approaching, it's hard not to lose myself in moments of reflection and deep thoughts. A lot has happened in 2016, not much that I can applaud for but nonetheless, they have happened. Was 2016 "my year"? Absolutely not. It's been a trifling twelve months of ups-and-downs, stagnation and feelings of doubt. Of course, there have been amazing moments that occurred. I'm alive, aren't I? That is something to always celebrate. Everyone who has an impact in my life is alive and well, which is always a blessing to take note of. But I still can't help but feel like 2016 failed to be the year that I made any major moves. I think I suffered from the so-common "creative block" which I thought would last a few weeks but turned out to summarize the entire year. No matter how hard I tried, nothing felt the same. From drawing to writing to photography, I just couldn't find that "spark" that had been the fuel to my energy all along. Am I discouraged from continuing my crafts into 2017? Oh, definitely NO. If anything it makes me crave for a creative breakthrough even more. I'm done with being "out of ideas" and slumping my way through the days. Once more I want to feel the uplifting energy that creating gifts me with. And what better time to pursue on New Years Eve?
Thoughts to carry into 2017
It is important to express yourself in any way that frees you. For awhile, that vessel of freedom was through drawing; time has passed and I haven't returned to my craft (mostly due to time and pressures to let that "art stuff" go) which has left an open void in my spirit for quite some time. Fortunately, God has blessed me with multiple talents and writing is one of them. I was able to venture into writing around my adolescence and from there it's branched into what you're reading right now: my blog. I've been able to attract quite a few offers through my platform which I am always so humbled & amazed by. (You can see my features and collaborations on my PRESS page) Often, the thought of Imagine if I was more open about my craft, what more could I achieve? crosses my mind and the possibilities are enough to keep me going. I believe in myself so much. I believe in every single crazy outward "impossible" dream I've silently planted in my head. It's the execution and path that scares me. But I'm not letting that hinder me any longer. I want this to be the year I become a force and speak through actions.
2017 RESOLUTIONS
- Be more aggressive. Tackle your problems. Eradicate all doubts.
- But still allow yourself to be soft. To be vulnerable. To be loved.
- Creativity is a Godly gift, don't shame what He has given you. Become bold in your crafts. Make use of what you have and share it with others in upliftment.
- Network, network, network! Tear out from your comfort zone every once and awhile and love doing it. It's terrifying but it will free you.
- Learn how to study in a way that works for you. Your future is being molded in the works done today in your studies/academics.
- Love! Compliment more people; photograph yourself smiling more often; be comfortable.
- Mentor. You cannot live your whole life being a "sponge" absorbing everything given to you. You have to continue the favor. Teach someone.
- Go to the gym and master a workout that keeps you balanced. The goal is to feel fit. Listen to your body more. No beef, no pork. More veggies. Drink lots of water. Breathe. Meditate. PRAY. PRAY. PRAY. Sleep. Cry if you need to. And rise after each fall.
IN 2017 I DECREE AND I DECLARE, I WILL ACCOMPLISH... the relaunch of my blog. A bigger and connected audience. An internship that will open doors for opportunities and jobs. Financial growth for myself and those in my intimate circle. Spiritual re connection. Build a solid friendship/support system. Be featured/interviewed in a magazine, website and/or blog. Create at least 2 major creative projects. Become a better communicator. Make it to Dean's List.
2017,
The thought of your presence can no longer scare me.
I'm ready for your blessings.
JUST A QUICK UPDATE: It's nearing the end of my thanksgiving break and I'm feeling a bit nostalgic and anxious as the end of the semester approaches. This time last year I was a freshman in college, unaware but quite optimistic of how my first college semester would end. This year I'm so overwhelmed that I'm wishing for my graduation date to arrive already. You know those moments in life where you really wish you could just cover your eyes and hit fast-forward? You don't really care for the details of this whole "growing up" shebang, you just want it to happen and be over with. That's definitely my standing point. I think my only solution to this anxiety would be to finalize a route for myself. I need to sit down and be honest with myself. What do I want from life? What do I want from myself? Answering these questions would provide so much clarity for myself and would open my eyes to choosing a major and drafting a path for my career & life decisions.
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For the longest time now I have wanted to introduce skincare and beauty talks onto the blog. I've been into DIYs and skin products since high school and over the past 5 years, I've picked up a few tips and tricks that have helped my skin. This post is going to kickstart my #beauty series with products from a brand I found on social media: Glossier. Since following them on Instagram, I have grown to admire the brand's messaging and aesthetic. However, I've been a bit skeptical of a few products so I finally decided to test them out. Keep reading for my final thoughts!
GLOSSIER PHASE 1 SET includes SKIN TINT • PRIMING MOISTURIZER • BALM • CLEANSER
The Milky Jelly Cleanser
Cleansers have never really WOW'd me. Their purpose, in my opinion, is just to wash the face completely. I tend to lean towards basic cleansers, or my Purity 3-in-1 cleanser for days I need to clean off a full face of makeup. The Milky Jelly Cleanser is a simple, practical everyday cleanser. It's gooey, thick and slightly-scented formula left skin feeling fresh and hydrated. I have been using it for over a week (morning and night) and so far, no irritation or break-out.
I was, however, expecting a lot more from this cleanser based on the raving reviews I read before purchasing. It's a good product, but there's nothing extraordinary about it. It does the job.
Priming Moisturizer and Skin Balm
The Priming Moisturizer is a light, watery formula that melts into skin with a healthy, dewy finish. I think the Priming Moisturizer is great as a base to lightweight/natural makeup, or for a bare-face look if you only need a bit of moisture. I did test out this product as a primer by wearing it under the Glossier Skin Tint and it proved to hold the makeup in place. But I'm not confident that this primer would lock a full face of makeup for a long period of time.
The balm, on the other hand, is literally the "balm" dot com! I absolutely love this product and what it does for skin! The modern makeup hype is all about matte foundation, lipstick, eyeshadows, etc... and I am probably the only one who would rather rock a dewy, hydrated face. I love gloss, shine, sleekness, and lots of glow! This balm achieves that look with no effort at all. I just simply press the balm onto the "high" points of my face.
Skin Tint in color Deep
The Skin Tint is a tinted moisturizer with a thin, watery consistency and minimal-coverage finish. It's definitely not a full-face product, I wouldn't advise layering the product for better coverage. It would be pointless. Skin Tint is ideal for a woke-up-like-this faux face. It's hydrating, dewy and has a blurring effect that makes the skin look so plush. I'd recommend to anyone like me who dislikes the heaviness of foundation but wants to achieve better looking skin.
Glossier Haloscope Highlighter Stick in color Topaz
The highlighter itself is one of my fave basic makeup essentials. I'm a college student so I don't necessarily have the time nor energy for a full-face just to walk in Texas heat for an hour and a half long lecture and back to my room. It's just not practical. Instead, I use BB cream, mascara, eyebrow penciling, bronzer and a subtle glow using the Haloscope. Glossier doesn't really make products for full-coverage so if you're in the market for highlighters and you prefer a noticeable shine, this product is not for you. However! If you need a quick but natural "glow from within" this is your go-to! What I love most about the haloscope is it's formula. A lot of highlighters come as powders which I absolutely hate (there's only one powder highlight that I like and that's from E.L.F.!) because it's not a natural look, in my opinion. I like for my glo' to be slick - not brushed on. So I instantly fell in love with the creamy stick. BUT beware, the haloscope has coconut and castor oil in its ingredients so I'm not sure how that would translate on oily/acne-prone skin? I know Glossier advertises for all skin types but the amount of oils might be a problem for some. Make sure to swatch it on skin and see how you react before you continue to swab it all over!
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10% Off Your First Order
Order through my link to receive the discount on your purchase: bff.glossier.com/d6eQ_
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So you're probably wondering why I'm gushing over Shelby? Well, we've collaborated and came up with the cool idea to make a post circling the concept of style and identity. We really felt like our connection to self-identity and fashion were prominent in our lives and it just so happens we both own blogs that we can showcase that on. We came up with the idea to style each other and ourselves! Shelby had suggested a sundress, open-toed sandals and her favorite statement piece: a headwrap. I compromised the dress for a top and skirt instead because I actually don't own one (but now I'm seriously considering investing in a few statement sundresses because I love the feel of a full, flowing skirt) To see how I styled Shelby, head over to her page HERE.
Alongside the style-swap, we formulated some questions for each other. I came up with a few for Shelby (that can be read on her blog!) and she sent some to me to answer. Here's what she came up & what I had to say:
Alongside the style-swap, we formulated some questions for each other. I came up with a few for Shelby (that can be read on her blog!) and she sent some to me to answer. Here's what she came up & what I had to say:
Shelby: How did you get into the world of coding?
In high school I took a Digital Interactive Media course (watered-down translation: graphic design) that I absolutely loved because it enabled me with the basics of understanding Adobe software and appreciating digital editing. And what made me register for that course was my interest of web design which sprouted from tumblr— yes, tumblr! I was actually making tumblr themes from scratch for a whole summer. I'm convinced this is where my nightowl trait formed because I would stay up until 3 or 4am at my computer trying to find ways to make or solve features and navigate around code. Coding is the only setting where I feel in control of what's being made, start to finish. It takes tremendous patience and attention to detail to successfully code. One little mistake can be the cause to why your entire script will fail to launch. It's not like with drawing where you make an error and it only shows where you made it. You mess up one line of code and it reflects EVERYWHERE.
Who are some of your style/visual icons?
Off the top of my head: Solange. Asiyami Gold. Amy Sall. Oroma Elewa. Rihanna. All these women exude a unique confidence and understanding of their physique, style and relation to cameras, lighting and angles. I tend to focus on how my body looks under certain lights and colors and at angles.
I am loving your minimalistic theme. From your URL to your “mnml minute” series, it seems like everything you do exudes simplicity. Why do you value it so much?
Thank you! Minimalism taught me to deconstruct. It's been a personal choice that came about when I felt so cluttered and at disarray with life. I go through a lot of anxiety and I noticed that detoxifying my space through art, photography, style or environment has a strong influence on how I deal with my mental & physical health. Also, color theory is a real thing to me and the reason I choose to limit the colors I wear & associate with is because I believe that certain hues bring about certain "moods". Taking colors away from my wardrobe allows for me to play more with textures and silhouettes in order to stand out. It's easier to be forgotten in all-black but if it's a mesh fabric or strange cut, it becomes memorable. I value minimalism because it's a process that I've adapted and continuously cultivate to accentuate my life and body. Even with the so-called "restrictions", minimalism is a freeing concept.
What projects are you involved in right now? I know you’ve written for CEP Journal; what can you tell me about your experience writing for a Black owned publication?
Currently, I'm just trying to take some time to become inspired again. All artists go through slow growth and I think we can all agree how frustrating and horrible it feels. It seems every time I get on my keyboard, I feel defeated by my whirlwind of thoughts and how to translate them so it's readable to everyone else. My next major project is to make a Youtube channel. I think I'd get mroe ideas and thoughts across if I could just say it. Sometimes typing becomes a form of restriction and limitation. It's so hard to type what you mean to say.
CEP Journal is such an amazing experience and I love writing for them. The guys behind CEP Journal (Martin & Ryan) have been so genuinely supportive and open to ideas. They tell the writing team to be unapologetic in their words and encourage us to speak from within. I'm pushed to enter my space of emotion and thought and reflect all that my spirit can allow. I've spoken with them through the phone and I felt so welcomed and appreciated! With the release of their first publication, I am so, so excited to see that take off and grow. This will be my first time featuring in a print and once I receive my copy, there will be TEARS. Everything CEP Journal stands for means so much to me.
CEP Journal is such an amazing experience and I love writing for them. The guys behind CEP Journal (Martin & Ryan) have been so genuinely supportive and open to ideas. They tell the writing team to be unapologetic in their words and encourage us to speak from within. I'm pushed to enter my space of emotion and thought and reflect all that my spirit can allow. I've spoken with them through the phone and I felt so welcomed and appreciated! With the release of their first publication, I am so, so excited to see that take off and grow. This will be my first time featuring in a print and once I receive my copy, there will be TEARS. Everything CEP Journal stands for means so much to me.
You’ve got a very eclectic background. As a Black woman, you’re a strong proponent of Black Lives Matter and other Black-empowering movements. As a creative and writer, you share your works online that make people stop and think. How do you plan to blend all of your many talents? Any career goals or dream projects in mind?
That's been something I've been trying to figure out for a long time. Many people who have met me and seen the way I interact always assume I'm going to pursue medicine because of my compassion and "activism" but I have no interest in the medical field. I battle with finding a career that will let me be creative and charitable at the same time. When we think of artists, we don't categorize their work on the same level as a doctor's. I don't think any one really thinks art can be just as powerful as medicine or business so it's difficult trying to figure out a way to let people see that. When I would say "I want to do fashion," people would advise me against it in a way that suggested that I was putting my talent and abilities to waste pursuing a "selfish" career. That's why it always brings me to my knees to hear, "your piece made me feel..." because I was taught that words & art would never have such an impact. I recently read a comment about my piece in CEP Journal's print and how the reader felt connected to my words. I'm still shaken by that. Those kind of remarks of gratitude are heard in the doctor's office post-surgery or something. Not from a 19 year old girl awkwardly rummaging words on the internet. I always think What?! But I didn't do anything special except write or draw. I believe that art is just as healing, but society values other things before it will understand that.
Anyways, with that being said I would like to become a creative director or a buyer. That would be my ultimate goal if I could achieve that with a sustainable income and comfortable living. I want to incorporate my passion for design/visuals, travel and learning all into one. I think the only thing holding me back now is myself and the surroundings I'm in. I don't come from a "fashion hotspot" city and most of my family/friends don't really get it. But I'm still pursuing it despite that. I want to make it and show other Black girls like myself that it's doable.
Anyways, with that being said I would like to become a creative director or a buyer. That would be my ultimate goal if I could achieve that with a sustainable income and comfortable living. I want to incorporate my passion for design/visuals, travel and learning all into one. I think the only thing holding me back now is myself and the surroundings I'm in. I don't come from a "fashion hotspot" city and most of my family/friends don't really get it. But I'm still pursuing it despite that. I want to make it and show other Black girls like myself that it's doable.
What are some of your top five basics items? They can be skincare/haircare products makeup, or items of clothing.
- Face masks! I am absolutely in love with Aztec indian clay + apple cider vinegar masks - I love it because it works well but I do hate how messy it is. I hate buying pre-made masks because I don't like the idea of their chemical preservatives but the Freedman Charcoal & Black Sugar scrub is doing wonders for my skin right now. And my other favorite mask is one I make myself and will blog about very soon!
- Off shoulder tops (obviously) are a go-to wardrobe item. I like my upper body attire to be loose and as little fabric as possible. I love clothes but I also hate clothes. I don't like bras, fabric touching my underarms, etc but off shoulder tops really give me that physical freedom to move and I don't feel like I'm suffocating my body in clothes. Plus, I think it accentuates my figure and I always admire myself a lot in them.
- BODY OIL AND HIGHLIGHTERS are God's gift to Earth. I love anything that will reflect light from my skin. I own like 6 highlighters now and just got into body oil and am already obsessed. It's the best thing I've owned since.
- Almond oil was the first facial oil I bought and its been a must have since. It gives my skin a plump glow that I really like and when I mix it with foundation, it helps to turn the formula into a dewy finish for when I want it.
- Body Scrubs are something I want to get into next. I think I've gotten the hang of facial care and now I want my body to glisten and compliment the rest of me. I'm still in the process of looking around for the right one - there's so many to choose from!
Shelby - I loved working with you and hope we have more amazing collabs in the future! Thank you for all your continuous support and I hope that my admiration & support for you is felt just as much. You're a beautiful, glowin' individual that is always promoting better ways to be oneself. I wish you only the best in your college endeavors and if you need anything else in the future, I'm a text away, haha. Much love for you and your journey!
ABOUT ME
I could look back at my life and get a good story out of it. It's a picture of somebody trying to figure things out.
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