July
Hi again,
Hi July,
When I sat down to write the July blog I knew exactly what I wanted to write about. Then I recently heard a few stories that really pinpointed the exact topic I had wanted to write about ages ago! So in the spur of the moment I changed the topic for this months blog to what you’re about to read.
Anyone who works in the fashion industry or any industry where your talents are on display, knows that it’s not easy! It’s not easy for so many reasons. The competition, the challenge of attracting new clients and always staying up to date on all the latest trends. But .. you love what you do, right? You get positive feedback all the time. Multiple requests for collaborations come your way and you know that nothing can break you. You’re in your element. You keep on keeping on and you’re constantly learning and being inspired because that’s the only way.
Sometimes it’s easy and it goes the way you want. Other times you question yourself “Maybe this just isn’t for me?” These doubts stem from so many reasons, let’s just say it’s not hard to find one. Then, exactly when your at a low in your thoughts about your business, think about just how far you’ve come. Think about your journey. Think about that point where you only dreamed to reach the point that you’re at now! In the beginning of my journey I only wished to be where I am now. I remember when we first moved to the states. It was such a hard transition. Beginning again at 25 was not easy! I knew deep down that my design dreams would need to be stored safely in my heart.
We moved to a place where you needed a car to get around, but I didn’t have a license yet. It was a place with a new language, culture and dress. Everything was different than what I knew. I won’t bore you with all the hardships. There were many and still are. Yet the whole time I had a goal! I knew that that’s where I was aiming towards and that’s what kept me going- my dreams!
Today b”H I’ve reached the point I hadn’t even dreamt about. Yet there are still hardships and in order to stay strong and keep going I remind myself of where I started. This week I heard a few stories that really drove this point home for me. I understood that the journey I accomplished was greatly in part of the encouragement of those around me. It pains me to see people working so hard and then others with a few cruel words and comments destroy their soul!
At the end of the day everyone has the right to market or publicize their brand in whatever way they see fit. (Yes, sometimes they make mistakes in what or how they share but that’s also their right.) Yet so many people still think they have the right to judge! I’ve gotten and still get so many comments. “Why do you model your own clothes?” “Why don’t you use more models?” Yet I stayed true to my vision. Nowadays find me one designer who doesn’t wear her own designs and proudly photograph it. There are those who choose to share their path loudly and proudly and those who keep their work close to their chest. Each person chooses what works for them! I won’t lie, sometimes it really hits me hard yet with lots of emuna (trust in G-d) I plow on.
This is the message that I would like to share with you. To all you dreamers and hard workers: don’t let other people’s comments and opinions hurt you!! If you choose the path that you love then be confident and content with your path!
As long as you yourself are not hurting anyone then keep your head held high!
When the low points come I want you to remember where you were a few years back and just how much you dreamt of the point you are at now. That’s the fuel that will keep you going…
We’ll meet again in August’s blog
Love, Fruma