I Flowed, Kept An Open Mind, Relaxed and Breathed in Barbados....

I was sitting in my office last week, jotting down some notes and wondering what the rest of the week would bring, then out of the blue I received a text from my editor.  The text went something like this, "Hi! Are you willing to represent the brand in Barbados for their Fashion Week this Thursday?"  I thought, "Barbados!?"  I didn't know anyone in Barbados and had no clue who I'd be working with when I got there.  I looked at my calendar.  Thursday was a couple of days away.  My brain began to race.  I had a full schedule planned out for the rest of the week.  I had some photo shoots coming up, a dentist appointment I desperately needed to make, a monthly panel I sit on, plus dirty hair.  I sank back in my chair and did what any responsible adult would do in my position.  I texted my editor back and said, "why not?!"

Pants available here.

Barbados was everything I thought it would be and more.  The people were interesting, the seafood was fresh, the colors were vibrant, and the fashion exuded Caribbean culture.  Although I was working with only 8-10 hours of sleep the entire trip, I was so grateful to breathe the fresh air of that island.  God is amazing!  

During the trip, I had the chance to experience snorkeling in the Atlantic Ocean.  At first I was hesitant because I didn't bring the necessary products to wash  my hair.  But after some convincing from my travel mates, I gave in.  When I put the snorkeling mask on, I immediately felt trapped.  I am very claustrophobic and this mask did not help my condition at all.  I took the mask right off and began to complain.  One of the people on the trip witnessed my mini panic attack, and quickly swam over to me and said, "relax and breathe."  He repeated himself, "whenever you feel anxiety, just relax and breathe."  I was consumed by his words.  I began to think about how relaxing and breathing could apply to other areas of my life.  Although I've heard relax and breathe several times prior to this trip, it made the most since right there in the middle of the Caribbean Sea.  I took heed.  I relaxed, took a deep breath, put the snorkeling mask back on, and down under I went. And boy was it a sight to see.        

I met some amazing entrepreneurs (libertyfairs.com, thebkcircus.com), a talented artist (Sheena Rose), models, a super cool fashion influencer (Ron Oppong), and an interesting blogger (Danielle Cooper) while in Barbados.  I'm so glad I jumped at the opportunity to experience that journey.  That spontaneous trip definitely proved to me that you never know what path life has in store.  With that in mind, it's best to flow, keep an open mind, relax and breathe. 

Check out a few more photos from the trip below.  Enjoy! 

Relaxing and Breathing,

- Samjah Iman

Picture Credit - @photosbyakira/@komacphotography/ @trevon_went

Fashion Designers - African print dress by @kimmysticclo,  Swimwear by @legenderesort ,  Bridal Exhibition by @kimmysticclo , Plaid Collection by @haus_rvr

Rejuvenation - Creole Style

When life gets busy and a little stressful, sometimes you have to let go, vibe out and adopt an "I don't give a damn" attitude like my friend in the picture above.  

On Thursday of this past week, I declared that I was going to do nothing this weekend but sleep in and rot my brain with reality television shows.  I was dead tired, and I felt that my body and mind needed a huge break.  However, Friday rolled around and the weather was perfect.  I then checked the weather report and discovered that Saturday would be beautiful as well.  I told myself that I would rest Friday evening and take advantage of Saturday.  I woke up Saturday morning and had that "do something" energy within me.  I needed to get out of the house and bask in the lovely weather that Louisiana was experiencing.  We do not get many pleasant, warm days here - so I wasn't letting this one slide.  

I decided to get dressed, pack my camera and head south to New Orleans, LA (NOLA).  NOLA holds a special place in my heart.  There is a vibrant spirit in that city, and I feel it each time I visit.  I love the culture, the cuisine, the free spirits, the art, and the music; it all envelops me.  

I walked miles around the downtown area just to see what I could see.  It was entertaining to say the least (as usual), and it was also refreshing and relaxing - just what my weekend needed.  Check out what I captured in NOLA below.  

I quickly gave this man a dollar....I was about to give him $5 but I remembered that I wanted to eat later on. 

Jazz art in the French Quarter.

Here vibe was peaceful. 

Window art on Royal Street.

I thought he was a cool subject to shoot. #fashionablyliberated

I love the architecture in NOLA.  The detailing and colors of the houses are so artsy.  

Art on the front of a building on Frenchmen Street.

A creepy bar that I won't be having a Bloody Mary at....ever.

People watching.

A simple wedding on Bourbon Street.

Somebody literally read my mind and put it on a shirt! Ha!!

A cool band taking a break in between sets. 

I am trying to take a picture while she is asking me to reveal my breast.  Obviously the party and ignorance never dies on Bourbon Street.   

I was tempted to sit next to her. 

My sentiments, exactly.  

After being flipped off by the silver man above, I felt is was time to dip into a cool restaurant, take a break from walking and feed my face.  I went into Bourbon House (a restaurant on Bourbon Street) that specializes in Creole cuisine.  Check out what I feasted on below. 

For starters, I had charbroiled oysters topped with crawfish.  It was dreamy and delicious. 

For my main course, I had Catfish Pecan served with sautéed shrimp, popcorn rice, Creole meunière, and seasonal vegetables.  God is good.

After dinner, I was back at it.  I recorded some live video of a jazz band playing on the street. The video came out blurry so I won't be sharing it; nonetheless, the music was jumping. 

Overall, my time in NOLA was an adventurous one.  I thoroughly enjoyed my weekend, and now I am rejuvenated and ready to tackle another week.  Until next time!

What do you like to do to rejuvenate your mind and spirit? 

- Samjah Iman