It's About the Commitment

I can’t tell you the exact formula to losing 10 pounds in three weeks, or to being successful, or the quickest way to get rich, or how to get discovered on any social media platform. But what I can tell you is if you make a commitment and stick to it - in most cases you will get to where you are trying to go.

Years ago when I transferred from Southern University to Grambling State University (shut up Southern fans), my mother was skeptical. Sitting on my tiny cot (some may call it a bed) in my dorm room, I broke the news to Big P (my mother) over the phone that I was leaving SU for GSU. There was a pregnant pause…then with exasperation in her voice Big P said, “Sam if you transfer you will probably lose some credits and won’t graduate on time.” For those of you who don’t know really know me….here’s a short synopsis. I’m the girl you should not tell what probably won’t happen when she wants to do something because that does nothing but fuel my fire. In response to my mother’s statement I simply said, “Yes I will.” Did I know I would graduate on time when I responded to my mother’s statement? Nope. All I knew at that very moment was that I committed myself to the process of graduating on time - and only the things out of my control would prevent me from carrying out that commitment.

Three years later after leaving SU, I not only graduated on time - I graduated earlier than I was predicted to. And since then, I’ve applied that same commitment method to my other endeavors. Of course everything hasn’t workout exactly how I wanted it to, but it has worked out nonetheless.

Make a commitment, stick to it, and watch the results unfold.

Committed,

- Samjah Iman

P.S. - I am now offering blog consulting, blog auditing, and writing services! If your brand is in need of a blog, a writer, or if your blog needs a pick-me-up - head over to my services page and let’s get the ball rolling!!

Outfit Details: Snakeskin Flats // Printed Blouse

Just Be Sure to Have Fun

I never cease to amaze myself.  Not because I'm some supernatural human being who gets it right all the time, but because I am always jumping out there and doing stuff that I'd never thought I'd do.  So last week, I acted in a pilot for a summer love series.  I'm laughing right now as I type this because I still can't believe I did it.  Acting has never been on my goal list, but when the opportunity came, I sized it up, contemplated, consulted wise counsel, then said f**k it...why not?.  

When I got the email from the director of the film, my first reaction was, "nah, that's not me....I'm good."  So I respectfully decline.  But the director (getshotbyagirl) was persistent.  So I looked at her previous work and was impressed.  I contacted my advisory board (my people lol), and they all said go for it.  One of my board members particularly said, "just do your best and have fun."  And I took that simple advice to heart.  I showed up to the set all chipper and unprepared with no lines memorized and absolutely no knowledge about acting whatsoever.  When my turn came, I channeled my inner Angela Bassett, gave my all, and made sure I enjoyed every moment of it - even the bloopers.  Almost six hours and 900 acting attempts later, the film was a wrap....and I had once again tried faith and won.   

I went home that night (or morning) feeling good not because I gave an Oscar-worthy performance, but because I enjoyed myself.  Going into new territory always makes me a little uneasy and this time was no different.  But what really helped me conquer this experience was my attitude about just having fun.  Life is but a blink of an eye, why not enjoy ourselves as much as possible while we live it?  

I'm not sure when the series will be released, and I'm actually not tripping either.  I'm just enjoying the different roads life is placing in my pathway.  Acting surely wasn't a road I asked for, and I have no idea where it will lead.  My goal is just to trust the One who does and have fun while doing so.  

Currently smelling the roses,

- Samjah Iman

Outfit Details: Black Dress // Heels (Steve Madden, very old lol)

Clueless Dress

I was and still am a huge fan of the 90's blockbuster, Clueless.  When it first came out, I watched it over and over because it was hilarious (it's even more funny now that I'm older), and the fashion in the movie was super stylish to me.  Along with the flick Pretty Woman, Clueless goes down in my book as one of the best fashion movies of that era.  When I saw the dress I have on in the pictures in H&M, I was immediately reminded of the movie Clueless so I snatched it up.

I used to have several dresses like this.  My friend April and I used to get them from the store in the mall called Rave.  They were about $9.99 then, and boy did they come in handy!  I wore my first dress like this one to an Immature concert.  I paired the dress with my jelly bean heels and a book bag purse.  I just knew I was on! LOL.  Man, those were the days!

Have an extraordinary week everyone!  Keep it cool and positive.

- Samjah Iman

Outfit Details: Ribbed Jersey Dress // Steve Madden Boots

Photo Credit: majstudios@yahoo.com

Nostalgic 90's

Watching the New Edition movie on BET had me all in my feelings.  I super miss the 90's!  Their music brought back so many childhood memories.  Can you believe that my friends and I crafted a whole dance routine to the song Poison?!  We practiced it everyday, and perfected the moves.  Every time we performed the dance, the entire neighborhood would gather around to watch.  It was just that dope!  We just knew we were headed for Video Soul (google it youngsters) lol.  Those were the days!   

Seeing the New Edition story inspired me to do a 90's look.  I had to pay homage (as I always do) to my favorite era.  Check out my look below.    

Unfortunately I do not have all the outfit details for this look because these are old threads I found in the back of my closet.  I can tell you, however, that the crop shirt came from American Apparel , the choker came from Intuition, the purse is from Urban Outfitters, and the vintage Levi jacket came from Etsy.  

Thank you to everyone for the birthday wishes....I truly enjoyed my day.  Hope you all have a banging week! 

- Samjah Iman

Photo Credit: @twoclipz (Instagram)