Life Update: I Got To Step Back and Realign

Hold on….can we do the whole new year countdown thing again? I wasn’t ready!! I still have to meditate on my 2020 visions, clear my mind, get my Jeep washed (didn’t get a chance to do that but once in 2019- JUDGE NOT!), and clean out my closet! I mean….I knew the new year was on its way, and I was preparing for it and all. But I didn’t think it would appear four hours (yes I’m exaggerating) after I made the preparations!

Listen. January 2020 came on the scene like the Fugees - “ready or not, here I come, you can’t hide….gonna fiiiiiinnnnnnd you….” And find me it did, but I wasn’t trying to be discovered just yet. I’ve been running over here, jumping through there, and sliding everywhere else. I haven’t had the chance to just sit on the couch and gather my thoughts for the new year. I know what the deal is though. My 2019 has kind of spilled over into my 2020, and it’s no one’s fault but my own. You see, last year I was handing out a lot of yeses to everyone else and not enough to me. I realized I was operating from a scarcity mindset; therefore, I would take on extra tasks/jobs because I constantly told myself that I needed the money. And as a result, I was ripping and running and always doing something when I should have been focusing on aligning myself with my dreams and desires, having faith that what I need will appear (like it always does), then releasing control and letting my higher self intervene.

I’m constantly living and learning though, and this year I vowed to act on what I learn. So I’m going to first clean up these 2019 residuals then honor that vow. I’m stepping back and realigning myself with an abundant vibe. I’m no longer operating from the “I need money” standpoint. I will bask in the “I have exactly what I need and there’s no need for me to do the most” energy. Taking on too many tasks crowds my mind and doesn’t give me the space I need to dream, create, and hear my own thoughts. It also leaves me feeling rushed and unaccomplished.

I think about how even through the difficult phases in my life, I’ve always been taken care of. There’s not a time I’ve been without the essentials. But somehow I let a tiny bit of societal propaganda get in my head, and I started turning up only to be burnt out. This year I’m aware of what I need to be open to and what I need to pass on. I’m moving more strategically and getting back to dreaming. I will no longer focus on the things I need and don’t have, instead - I will operate in an abundant space and channel my energy toward the blessings that surround me daily. And after doing all of that, I will then sit back and marvel at how things will begin to fall right in place.

“Needing nothing attracts everything. ”

— Russell Simmons

Peace and Blessings,

- Samjah Iman

Outfit Details: Crop Mock Sweater (Old similar here) // Midi Sweater Skirt (available in stores only at Zara ) // Red Wide Brim Hat

Picture Credit: 87 Photography

Act Like You Know Better

Remember when our mothers used to warn us against touching hot stoves? We knew our mothers were telling the truth, but curiosity got the best of us so we had to touch the stove to see for ourselves. And when we touched it, we discovered what we already knew - that the stove was the temperature of hell. We knew better, but our carnal side won the battle. And it oftentimes still does. In 2019 I touched a few hot stoves against my better judgment. I made some moves that put me in some great positions and some moves I knew better than to make but did it anyway, and you better believe I paid the tolls for those decisions. So if someone were to ask me what’s the one thing I plan on doing in 2020 as a result of my experiences in 2019, I’d proudly answer them by saying, “I plan on “acting like I know better.”

If 2019 showed me nothing else, it definitely showed me that my past lessons, wisdom, and intuition are definitely my most promising guides. The consequences of not acting on the knowledge I possess cost me a lot of time and energy that I can’t afford to carelessly give away in 2020. I’m competent enough to know (in most cases) what actions produce favorable and unfavorable results, and I’m not only just holding that knowledge in my head in 2020, I’m acting on it as well.

Life is rolling, and it’s time out for games, serial mistakes, people who drain you, unhealthy relationships and food, uncomfortable jeans, procrastination, no sleep, immaturity, etc. Most of us are at the point now where we’ve gotten a few life experiences under our belt and as a result, we know what makes us happy, what makes us crazy, what’s good for us, and what isn’t. Of course we won’t get it right all the time, and we can’t control everything that will happen in life - but for the stuff we can control we need to exercise the wisdom that we’ve gained from our previous life experiences.  We always hear people say “look for the lesson in everything,” and I totally agree with this perspective. But let’s not only look for the lessons in everything, let’s implement what we’ve learned from those lessons. Because learning something new is half the battle, but exercising what you’ve learned is winning the war. Let’s not only say we are going to do better in the new year, let’s act like it.

“When you know better, you do better.”

— Maya Angelou

Happy Holidays S&E Family! Whatever you normally do during this time of the year, make sure you incorporate a little relaxation and reflection into that routine. We all need it. I’ll holler at you guys soon!

Peace and Blessings,

- Samjah Iman

Photo Credit: 87 Photography

Outfit Details: Vintage Leather Coat // Vintage Jeans // White Booties

The Observation Phase

I’m currently in an observation phase. A couple of weeks ago I got to a point where I felt like I had missed some spiritual signs and other good lessons because I’ve been too busy reacting and talking instead of watching and listening. So I decided to step back and just monitor my environment and the people in it. And so far, I’ve gathered some pretty enlightening and essential information.

I’ve been watching some things grow, watching a few situations evolve, watching some people interact, and watching some people reveal their true selves. And it’s amazing how much stuff you learn once you decide to close your mouth and open your eyes and ears. Before this observation phase, I used to think asking questions was one of the most effective ways for me to gather information….I was kind of right and kind of wrong. While asking questions does feed my curiosity, observation feeds my spirit. Let me explain.

Have you ever heard the quote, “Needing nothing attracts everything?” Well I’ve been shown that this quote can also be applied to the need to know things. Once I decided to give up the need to know who people really were and everything that was happening or going to happen, things were acutely revealed. This observation tactic ties into what I’ve been stressing on this blog over and over (and yes it’s still taking me some time to apply this tactic, but I’m on the right path)…..once we give up the need to control things, our inner God intervenes - and that’s when things begin to come together how they should. This observation phase is definitely helping me become more comfortable with my silence. It’s pushing me to exercise my faith muscles, and it’s giving me the mental rest I need. It’s also teaching me the profound art of waiting (which is what we will be doing most of our lives) and showing me that everything is revealed when it’s supposed to be revealed.

My grandmother used to say, “if you’re supposed to know something, you’ll find out.” Granny was definitely on point. Because mostly everything that I’ve needed to know thus far has found me without me having to seek it. This is why I wholeheartedly believe that what’s meant for a person won’t pass them…..especially if they are aware and have their ears, eyes, and heart open to receive it.

So zip up your lips for a second, open your ears/eyes/heart, grab your popcorn, sit back, and enjoy the show…..you’'ll get to the climax of the story sooner or later.

Enjoying this spiritual view,

- Samjah Iman

P.S. - Oh and during this observation phase, I’m also learning that being equally yoked not only applies to your romantic relationships….it also applies to your FRIENDSHIPS as well. Stay tuned ya’ll!!!

Outfit Details: Tie Dye Dress // Heels (sold out, similar here)

Something Always Shakes

I celebrated 37 years on the planet this past Monday. When I woke up that morning, I asked myself - “What significant lessons have you learned in 37 years?” Of course I came up with quite a few things like, 1. Follow my gut. 2. Consistency is the key. 3. Jeans without spandex or some type of stretch in them are useless. 4. Plastic shoes will deteriorate, but quality purses will last. 5. I should not consume Hennessy before 11 am (blame is on Mardi Gras). 6. Less is more. 7. Rest is spiritual. 8. Depleting yourself is not. 9. You find what you are looking for (good and bad). and 10. Something will always shake. I repeated the last one because that lesson stuck out to me the most….something will always shake.

I can’t tell you how many times over the last 37 years that I’ve been stressed or gone through hardships that I thought would never get better. And every single time I thought it was the end, something shook…for the good. Of course when I was going through it, it didn’t seem like it would ever end…but eventually it did. Then the next hardship would rear its ugly head, and I’ll go right back into my “this will never end tantrum”…but eventually that hardship went away too….and so did the next one, and the next one, and the one after that. It’s taken me 37 years (and will probably take some more) to realize that no matter what it is I am faced with - something will shake the situation, and it will change. It may not change during the time I’d like it to change, but it will turn around at the perfect time.

So for my 37th year on this planet, I’m vowing to exercise my faith muscle more, stress less, and remember that no matter how scary the situation looks….it will eventually pass because….something always shakes.

Peace and Blessings,

- The Birthday Girl

Oh and I forgot to tell you guys to check out this quick interview I did with Vintage Magazine….I think you all will enjoy it!

Thank you all for rocking with me!! xoxo

Picture Credit: Hidden Productions, LLC

Taking A Second to Reconnect

Think about how you feel when you haven’t been treating your body like you know you should. For instance…if you haven’t been eating right, exercising, or getting enough rest - you feel sluggish or drained…..maybe even stressed, right? That’s how I’ve been feeling lately. However, it has nothing to do with my body but everything to do with my energy.

For the past five years it feels like I’ve been driving my car nonstop, at a high speed with my hands swaying wildly in the air. Since 2013, I’ve been taking pictures each week, faithfully. Since 2016, I’ve been writing every week (multiple times a week) for different publications. I’ve been running from event to event, jumping through hoops to make hustles happen, and saying yes to everyone more than I’ve been saying it to myself. My fuel meter keeps blinking, indicating that it’s time to parallel park this thing and chill - or risk running out of gas. So before my energy completely plummets, I’m going to make sure I take a minute to breathe and fill my cup back up.

In order to keep my style and energy ever-blooming, I must take a step back so that I can reconnect with myself. I’m going to take these next two weeks to sit in silence, be vigilant, do some deep breathing, reflect, laugh, be lazy, read, write, meditate, plan, create, enjoy loved ones, and simplify some things in my world.

“As an artist, your physical self is as much part of your business as the actual art. Treat yourself as such. ”

— @bzthevoice

Carving out time to center yourself and simplify your surroundings helps you to reconnect with your purpose and quiet your mind so that you can clearly hear from the Divine. If we keep going and going and going without taking moments to come back to the middle (our core/center), we tend to lose sight of our why and miss vital, spiritual signs that are placed all throughout our individual worlds in order to aid us on our journey.

If you’ve been all over the place this year or for the last few years, I advise you to take a moment to just do you as well. When you treat yourself right, the world benefits.

Have the most wonderful Holiday EVER!!!!!!!!!!!!

Peace and Love!

- Samjah Iman

Outfit Details: Ruffle Sleeve Top (Forever 21 in-store) // Skirt (old) // Floral Booties // Chanel Brooch

I'm Thankful For Unanswered Prayers

True to the holiday spirit, I am currently zeroing in on all the things I am grateful for. After pondering over my many blessings I can honestly say that during this season of my life, one of the biggest blessings I am truly thankful for are all the things I didn’t receive. I have (by the grace of God) dodged SEVERAL bullets thanks to unanswered prayers.

Let me tell ya’ll….there are so many things I thought I wanted in the past that I am so glad I didn’t get. But at that time, all I could see was what I wanted. I didn’t care about the consequences that came with the things I wanted, or if I was mentally prepared for those consequences, or what type of lifestyle the things I wanted would have yielded. All I knew in the moment was that I wanted what I asked for, and today I can thankfully say that I’m so glad God is much more aware than I am - and that He gives according to my needs and what I’m ready for.

Every blessing we want comes with a price tag. Sometimes the blessing is affordable, and sometimes we are in over our heads. When I think back on some of the stuff I prayed for, I now realize that those situations may have been too costly therefore causing me to stress or lose sight of my purpose. At the time when we are asking for blessings and don’t receive them, we automatically become angry or discouraged. We may even lose a little faith. But what I am continuously learning everyday of my life is EVERYTHING that I either lost or didn’t receive was for my good. Some unanswered prayers taught me a lesson I needed to learn, some made me a stronger person for the trials I would later face, some made me a better friend, and some made me more appreciative.

Every unanswered prayer can’t be explained, but trust there’s a reason for it. So while you’re reflecting on your blessings this Thanksgiving Holiday, remember to think about the blessings you thought you wanted but didn’t receive.

Blessings don’t always come in the form of yes, they come through disappointments too.

Thankful for the no’s……

- Samjah Iman

Journal Entry: Check My Gratitude

June 5, 2018

Today I opened my Instagram app, and the first picture I saw was of a blogger I had been following for years.  She is fighting cancer.  When I saw her picture and read her caption, my heart sank.  She posted a picture of how she used to look before chemo treatments, and in her caption she wrote about missing who she used to be.  All she dreams of doing now are the simple things she took for granted before the cancer.  She longs to just be able to eat, run errands, and go to the gym.  I complained earlier about going to the grocery store and working out.  I feel embarrassed and ashamed.  Here she is praying that she could eat and run errands, and here I am, healthy, and tripping about doing both.  I'm getting my mind right real quick, and vowing to be grateful even for the littliest things.  I'm checking myself.   

Sam

Trimming the Fat

Over the past few months I've lost a few of my blog subscribers.  Each time I got an email that read "sorry, you've lost a subscriber" I questioned my platform.  I would ask myself, "are they not feeling my fashion, my words, my delivery?"  It was aggravating and discouraging at times.  When I would get the "infamous email" I would actually talk back to the computer screen saying stuff like, "whatevvvvvveeeeeerrrrr" and "forget you too!" To say I was tripping is an understatement for sure. 

A couple of days ago a friend called to tell me how he enjoyed my last post, Peace Over Money + Spring Colors.  During our conversation he said, "your writing is definitely improving.  It's concise, to the point....you're trimming the fat."  BOOM!  He hit the head on the nail!  I thanked him for his compliments, but what I was really thinking about was the phrase "trimming the fat."  It stuck with me.  I thought about the subscribers I've lost in the past and the ones that will possibly fall off in the future.  I got encouraged.  I told myself that I am actually trimming the fat and getting rid of unnecessary weight.  I understand that everybody will not be moved by what I am doing and that's fine.  I'm focused on operating in an authentic realm in all aspects of my life, and I want to only associate myself with a community of people who are truly open to my style and what I have to say. 

Now when I receive the "sorry, you've lost a subscriber" email, I shrug it off.  Quality will always exceed quantity in my book.  And it's way more fulfilling to vibe with a few people I genuinely connect with instead of a thousand who could care less.  

“I’d rather ten lions than a hundred sheep.”

— Fabolous

Getting skinny - figuratively and appreciatively,

- Samjah Iman

Photo Credit: allthingsdante.com

If You're Comfortable, You're Mediocre

I had dinner with a friend the other night and a motivating discussion came about as a result of our meetup.  While devouring some fried green tomatoes smothered in remoulade sauce, I vaguely listened to my friend as he discussed his life experiences.  I was so busy concentrating on my delicious tomatoes (I was super hungry by the way) that I could hardly hear anything he was saying until he spoke this, "If the house note you are paying makes you feel comfortable, then you need to search for a house with a note that makes you a little uncomfortable." I quickly lifted my face out of my plate and kindly asked him to repeat himself.  He explained further.  He said if you're in a comfortable position, you are not being stretched.  He stated that humans should seek some interests that make them feel uncomfortable for growth purposes.  He went on to say that a lot of people are in relationships that don't require them to grow or they go back to relationships that they once left because it's "comfortable."  Same with jobs or business ventures - people won't leave a particular job or start a business or get that degree because it will take them out of their comfort zone and require them to make some moves that they have never made before.  Therefore they settle and do what's easy.  

“If it scares you, it might be a good thing to try. ”

— Unknown

I took his words in for a second and was reminded of how I live my life.  I thought about when I committed to attending Howard University in D.C.  My parents were puzzled and asked me what was wrong with going to the local university in which I could attend for free.  I told them that was too easy to do, and I wanted to do something bigger.  So at 22 years old, my friend and I jumped in the car and drove 18 hours from Monroe, LA to Washington, D.C.  I got to that new city, got my school situation straight, got a place to stay, met some interesting people, and landed a few hustles.  This D.C. adventure set the tone for my fearless attitude towards my adult life.  From then on, I jumped at any and every opportunity to do something that made me feel a little uneasy and I still do.  It's a scary thing to do sometimes and I have doubts, but in the end I find that it always works out, I learn something, and I discover that I am even more powerful and resilient than I ever knew.     

Stepping outside of our comfort zone can be applied to every aspect in our lives.  For instance, if you do 10 squats in the gym everyday, bump it up to 12 squats and so forth and so on.  Challenge yourself to eat differently.  Take a different route to work than the usual one.  Read a new type of book other than your usual reads.  We weren't made to be mediocre and only do what's easy.  We were made to be dynamic. 

We are all powerful and brilliant.  There is magic inside of each and everyone of us waiting to be unlocked.  All we have to do is take some different routes, and we will discover our limitless abilities. 

Peace and Blessings,

- Samjah Iman

Photo Credit: @87photography87 (Instagram)

Get Like Oprah...

I woke up yesterday morning and looked at the clock which read 5:00 a.m.  I instantly got an attitude because I had just looked at the same clock 30 minutes ago and it said 1:30 a.m.  I don't know if it was daylight savings or someone stealing time but 5:00 a.m. came too soon, and on this day I wasn't having it.  So I turned on my back, looked at the ceiling and declared that I wasn't doing any work that day.  I was staying in the bed until about 12:15 p.m., and then I would binge watch all the shows I've missed. 

Content with my spontaneous decision, I turned on my radio to get a little news and laughter from the Tom Joyner Morning Show.  When I turned the radio on, Tom was interviewing Oprah Winfrey about the season two premier of her television series Greenleaf.  I was listening to how perky Oprah sounded for an early morning that I was not fond of.  Then with her bubbly voice she said, "Tom, I'm out here working like the rent is due!"  I laughed along with Tom and the crew.  Then I abruptly stopped laughing.  All of a sudden I felt like that joke was on me.  "Hold on, I can't afford to be laughing at/with Oprah," I thought.  "If she is out here grinding like her rent is due, then who am I to be chilling in this bed like my rent isn't?" 

I then got out the bed, got my mind right, and hit the ground running that morning.  I was reminded that hard work doesn't stop for those who want to reach certain heights.  You get back what you put out.  And if OPRAH is still putting out tons of effort, then I have no excuse.  

I know we all get tired at times (and we should take a break every so often), but if we keep going during those difficult times then we will only build endurance.  So the next time we feel like stopping, let's remember - Oprah is still out here working like her rent is due and it probably isn't.....but most of ours really is.  Let's get like Oprah.

Peace and Hustle,

- Lil Oprah

For Us...

To all the women who wake up before sunrise and work until night falls

To all the women who carry the world on their shoulders and feel like they are alone

To all the women who've been told they were too skinny or too fat - too dark or too light

To all the women who feel uneducated, stuck, and unworthy

To all the women who look in the mirror and struggle with the person looking back at them

To all the women who make a dollar out of a dime

To all the women who feed the kids, do homework, cook the meals, and still manage to polish their nails

To all the women who cry when no one is looking

To all the women who give everything to an undeserving idiot

To all the women who make this challenging life look so easy

To all the women who aren't valued

To all the women who keep it cute even when shit ain't

THIS DAY and EVERY DAMN DAY IS FOR US!!! SALUTE!!!

Happy Women's Day!!!

- Samjah Iman

Queen B@$#H

I discovered my theme song as a freshman in high school.  It was and still is Queen B@$#H by Lil' Kim.  My brother purchased the Lil' Kim Queen B@$#H CD (probably for the salacious poster that was included in the CD), and I had a habit of stealing his music.  I got hold of the Lil' Kim CD, and my mind was blown.  I played that CD every time I jumped in my car.  I was amazed at the things she would say and how bold she was.  I made a mistake and left the CD playing in my car one day, and on that day my mother decided to drive my car.  She started the car, and Lil' Kim came blasting through the speakers screaming obscenities.  My mother went berserk.  I tried to explain to her that I didn't care to emulate the things she was rapping about, I just admired how bold and confident she was and how she defied the traditional standards that women were held to.  That explanation didn't work.      

Fast forward to now, and I still play the hell out of my theme song and the entire CD.  When I need to get pumped or when I feel like I've conquered something, I turn Queen B@$#H on and passionately rap every line.  On this day I shot these pictures, I needed something to get me going.  I put my song on while I was getting dressed and walked out the house like "WHAT?!"  

I guess you can kinda say that this outfit was inspired by Queen B@$#H.  When I turned the song on and started feeling the vibes, this is what I pulled out of my closet.

I got this vintage blazer from @shopvintagebowtique (Instagram boutique).  I love it because of the stripes and because of the shoulder pads.  I wanted to keep the blazer opened so I had to rock my bra as a top.  I threw on my men's Levis jeans to keep the outfit casual, and my Tamar Necklace to add some pizazz to the look. 

Have a bomb weekend everyone.  If you get discouraged about anything, just put your theme song on and boss up!  Happy Women's History Month!

“On a mission for the lucci creno.”

— Lil' Kim, Queen B@$#H

- Samjah Iman

Photo Credit: Majstudios@yahoo.com

The Bag

Digging this book bag?  Yup, I figured you would.  I'm definitely loving it.  I got it from the Ashé Cultural Center that I visited this past Saturday.  One of the hosts of the party had it on, and I politely had him take it off so that I could purchase it (gangster, right? lol).  I've been looking for a book bag that I could fit my laptop in, and this colorful beauty is perfect for that and more. 

P.S. - I got a lot on my plate these days, so I started hot yoga on Monday to help me detoxify and become centered.  For those of you who aren't familiar, hot yoga is practicing yoga in a room where the temperature is set at 105 degrees.  Crazy huh?  I know...I question my sanity at times too, but my curiosity couldn't keep me from trying it.  I'll keep you all posted on how it's going and if it's helping.

Welp, it's back to the grind I go.  I'm exhausted, but I had to check in with you guys - and I got to keep going. 

“My eyes bloodshot but my jet don’t lag.”

— Jay Z

I'll chat with you all soon! Happy Mardi Gras!

- Samjah Iman

Photo Credit: Majstudios@yahoo.com

Black is Beautiful Day Party by Ashé

I'm really feeling very comfortable in New Orleans.  It truly feels like this city is where I am supposed to be at this moment.  I am satisfied.  Each week I experience something new.  Something that makes me glad I made the choice to come here.  This past weekend the city was hosting All-Star Weekend plus Mardi Gras pregame festivities.  Although there was something going on at every hour, I kept it to a minimum and caught Dave Chappelle and Chris Tucker live at the Saengar Theater on Friday night (the funniest show ever!) and attended the Black is Beautiful Day Party at the Ashé Cultural Arts Center on Saturday.  

Ashé is a community-based center that uses art and culture to promote human and economic development.  This center provides education on African American history and culture, New Orleans history and culture, health and wellness, and the arts.  This past Saturday the center hosted a day party which included drinks, live dance and rap performances, a dope deejay who spun hits from artists like Erykah Badu, Solange, and Kendrick Lamar, and African-inspired fashion.  Check out some of the fashion below.

I want that suitcase!

  I loved EVERYTHING about the top above.  I need it!

I thoroughly enjoyed the day party at Ashé.  A lot of the clothes featured in the fashion show are available for purchase at the center.  Ashé is really a dope place to visit for inspiration, education, and empowerment.  I will definitely be attending more events at this center and volunteering there as well in the near future.  

For more information on the Ashé Cultural Arts Center, click here.  

I hope you all had a great weekend.  I hope you rested, spent time with loved ones, and ate good.  Now it's back to the grind.  Let's get it!  

Wishing you the best week ever!

- Samjah Iman

NYFW 2017

When I was 16 years old, I got the chance to travel with my 10th grade history class to New York City, New York.  Before then, the only thing I knew about NYC was what I saw on television, and I was excited to go based on my partial perception.  I didn't know what NYC totally had in store, and I didn't know that I was about to experience a love affair that would never end.  When I got to the city, my heart melted.  I felt like I was home.  

Ever since that summer of '98, all I did was talk about NYC.  I began listening to every New York rapper I could find.  I watched tons of movies that were based in NYC.  My brother thought I had gone crazy; he was correct.  I was obsessed.  I went so far as to declare my first child's name would be Brooklyn (yes, New York was that serious to me).  A lot of people go to NYC and fall in love with the tourist attractions and aesthetics.  Those things didn't move me at all.  The tall buildings didn't excite me nor did the bright lights make me beam.  What got me was the hustling vibe I felt.  I was amazed at the fact that everyone was on the move, and they were laser focused on their journeys.  Worrying about what other people were doing didn't seem to be on New Yorkers' agendas at all.  They concentrated on getting where they had to go to handle what they had to handle - this was definitely my type of place.          

Fast forward years later, and I have visited NYC several times.  I've sat in small cafes in Brooklyn, brunched with some fly girls in Harlem, partied at the 40/40 club in Manhattan, and walked aimlessly through the Bronx.  However, my recent visit tops all of the other ones because I GOT THE CHANCE TO EXPERIENCE NEW YORK FASHION WEEK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  

“Every year the women of New York leave the past behind and look forward to the future...this is known as Fashion Week.”

— Carrie Bradshaw, Sex And The City

Fashion Week in NYC was just like I imagined it to be; full of fashion.  I landed Friday morning, saw my girl walk in a show Friday evening, caught some sleep, and did it all over again the next day. 

On that Saturday, I was invited to attend a presentation by fashion designer M. Diggs titled The Mahogany Collection.  The ensembles that were featured had a 70's-inspired, glamorous aesthetic.  I was intrigued as I viewed the looks.  See below. 

Pictured above is Malcolm Diggs, the designer of the collection featured.  He stated that his inspiration for this collection actually came from the movie Mahogany, starring his favorite entertainer Diana Ross.  Malcolm's past designs have been seen on celebrities like Lauryn Hill and Fantasia Barrino.  His latest endeavor includes designing looks for the The "Colored" Girl Campaign which highlighted African American women and denounced the sterotype of blatant colorism portrayed by the media. 

To shop this collection, visit www.malcolmscloset.com.  Also, you can follow the brand on Instagram - @mdiggsnyc. 

Above is a better look of what I wore to the event.  I kept it sleek and simple in an all black ensemble with gold accessories.  

Overall my trip to NYC was bomb.  I always miss the city when I'm gone, but I was excited to get back to NOLA for some upcoming activities....I'll update you all soon!!

Outfit Details: Imitation Leather Skirt // Black Turtle Neck // Tamar Necklace // Booties with all black look (Steve Madden outlet store, not available online) //  Booties with vintage fur

xo

- Samjah Iman

Girls Bite Back

“Well-behaved Women Seldom Make History.”

— Laurel Thatcher Ulrich

I saw this t-shirt on a Friday night in H&M while I was under the influence of a lemon drop martini (shopping is even better this way).  I had to have it.  It has so many different meanings, and is relevant on some many different levels. 

At one point in time (still today as well), women were thought of as objects that were only to be seen and admired, but not heard.  We we were given our place in the world, and we were expected to stay in that place at all times.  And most of us did...but then came women like Harriet Tubman, Sojourner Truth, Winnie Mandela, Fannie Lou Hamer, Katherine Johnson, Angela Davis, Assata Shakur, Maya Angelou, Oprah Winfrey, Michelle Obama, Mary Tyler Moore, etc...and as a result, that "seen not heard" crap became history.

Being a strong woman means that you love yourself enough to be treated fairly.  It means that you not only want to create an environment that is loving for you and your family, you also want to create that type of environment for the world.  If you being strong makes another person feel some type of way, then that person has some insecurities that he or she needs to deal with - and that's not your problem.      

“Strong Women Intimidate Boys and Excite Men.”

— Unknown

Bite Back Ladies...

- Samjah Iman

Outfit Details: T-shirt with Motif // Slacks (Will be available soon) // Vintage Purse (@shopvintagebowtique - Instagram)

Photo Credit:  majstudios@yahoo.com

10 Things I Learned at 34 yrs old

My life anniversary (birthday) is approaching; therefore, I've been in reflection mode for the past few weeks.  As I think back over the experiences I encountered during my year of being 34, I am reminded of some valuable lessons I learned and will share with you all.  Get into them below.     

1.  Inner peace is a valuable gift. (If it doesn't bring peace, then stay away from it.)

2.  S#@t happens - but that shouldn't stop you. (Life will do what it does.  Keep going.)

3.  Being true to who you are is grand. (When you are living in your truth and not faking the funk, life is easier.  You have a piece of mind and you are free.  You don't worry about pleasing others or fitting in.  You sleep good at night. )

4.  Trusting your gut is wise.  (Mostly every time I followed my gut, I was correct.  We were blessed with intuition for a reason.....let's use it.)

5.  Trying to please everyone will drive you crazy. (At the end of the day people will ultimately do what's best for them....so do what's best for you.)

6.  Having a positive and grateful outlook on life helps keep stress away.  (Positive affirmations make you feel good inside.)

7.  Every situation is a lesson. (I have learned from every incident that either made me happy, sad, mad, tired, etc.  There's a lesson in everything.)

8.  Self-evaluation is soul cleansing.  (Before you get the spec out of your friend's eye, get the log out of yours. Matthew 7:5).

9.  Pushing yourself to your limit makes you a stronger person.  (You never know how far you can go until you try.)

10.  Growing/maturing is a life long process.  (We should be working on growth daily.  If we don't grow then we aren't living.)

I look forward to living, maturing, and learning much more in my 35th year on this earth.  I can't wait to see what this new journey will bring.  I'm ready and excited! 

Happy Black History Month!

- The Birthday Girl

Write it Down - How I Reach My Goals

You want to know how I accomplished this blog, moved to New Orleans, wrote for other publications, started a business, etc.?  I wrote it all down on paper.

“Write it down on real paper with a real pencil. And watch shit get real.”

— Erykah Badu

My people, there is power in the pen.  I've not only read a few books that attest to this fact, I've also tried it....and it works.  There's something about reading or writing that triggers your subconscious brain.  When you write your goals down and read them over and over, your subconscious brain begins to think about these goals more actively - which in turn causes you to begin working towards them.  Writing your goals down makes them become clear and tangible.  It gives you a clear picture of what you want, it will push you to take action, and it will allow you to see your progress. 

“You are 42% more likely to achieve your goals just by writing them down. ”

— Dr. Gail Matthews

I write down whatever I want whether it's big or small.  I place my list of goals in a notebook that I carry with me 90% of the time or on a computer or mirror so that I can continuously see them.  I constantly refer back to my list of goals to make sure I'm on track or to revise them, and then I execute a plan to accomplish them.  I even write down clothing items that I want to buy!  And you best believe most of them eventually end up in my closet! LOL

“People with clear, written goals, accomplish far more in a shorter period of time than people without them could ever imagine.”

— Brian Tracy

I challenge all of you to get a piece of paper out and write your goals down.  No matter if they are big or small, weird or funny - write them down, believe that you can accomplish them, read them over and over, and work towards them.  The goals you write down won't be accomplished over night, but I bet you sooner or later you'll see yourself getting closer and closer to what you've written down if you take action.  

So what are you waiting for?  Go ahead - write your life. 

P.S. - Real quick, let me express how proud I am of our President - Barack Obama.  He did an outstanding job.  I am blessed to have witnessed his tenure.  I am so thankful that my niece and nephews got to witness him as the leader of our nation.  I'm grateful that my 89 year-old grandfather got the chance to vote for him right before he passed away.  I'm ecstatic that my 92 year-old grandmother got to see him serve two terms.  I salute President Obama and his beautiful family.  They maintained their integrity, kept it classy, and loving when half of the world wanted them to fail.  They gave 200% to this nation, and made some monumental changes.  President Obama will go down as the smoothest, most debonair, most loving, most fairest President ever!!!!  He's so bomb!  I mean come on...will there ever be another President who knows all of the words to Bell Biv Devoe's song Poison?? 

No matter who lives in that White House from here on out, I will forever be singing Jeezy's song "My President is Black!" 

Farewell Obama!!! Salute!

- Samjah Iman

Bél dam

I know you've heard the saying, "Beauty is only skin deep."  Well I've discovered that it's box deep as well!  Have you ever heard of beauty boxes?  Me either.....not until I received a box full of amazing gifts from Bél dam Beauty Box - and I must say, it feels like Christmas all over again! 

Bél dam (meaning beautiful lady in Creole language) is a service that provides a box full of beauty products from African American owned businesses to subscribers on a quarterly basis.  My Bél dam Beauty Box is packed with wonderful goodies that nourish my skin, protect my hair, and keep me fresh all at once!  Check out the contents in my Bél dam Beauty Box below!

A few items included in my box are a soy wax candle that smells like Heaven from Soyful Aromas, a beautiful headwrap from Coilygirls Headwraps (IG: @coilygirls, Facebook: Coilygirls Headwraps), some natural soap from Sew Forgiven, a unisex shaving system, Camellia Alise, which includes natural ingredients that make my skin feel smooth as silk and smells excellent (I've already tried it!), and a cute t-shirt that speaks the truth - see below.  

Bél dam Beauty Box is a great way to spoil yourself, and it's an ideal gift to give anyone.  With this type of subscription, you can sample and discover all kinds of unique products every 3 months!

The Bél dam Beauty Box subscription is priced at $49.99.....BUT, if you subscribe here before December 31st, you will receive $10 off!!!  Subscribe today!!    

P.S. - Hope you all had a wonderful Christmas!  I actually missed talking to you guys!  If you have a moment, would you please click the link below and vote for me???? I was nominated to be the Fashion Bombshell of 2016 for Fashion Bomb Daily.....and I'm super excited about it!!! I'd appreciate your help with this! 

Vote here! Thank you! 

And remember...beauty is what's on the inside......of the box!

- Samjah Iman

Prepare for the Fight

In continuing my message I posted on Monday, I thought I'd share some insight that I received from Bishop TD Jakes about two or three weeks ago.  During one of his sermons I caught on YouTube, Jakes preached that life is a fight, and God is our sparring partner which means He is training and equipping us to win the fight.  I thought about what Jakes was saying and a light bulb popped on in my head.  Instead of wishing that I won't have to fight life all the time, I'll go into it ready for the fight.

I'm not looking for a break anymore.  I'm prepared to work hard for whatever I want.  I was talking to my friend Fish Plate (funny story how he got this nickname) about the recent events and the message I received from Bishop Jakes, and he said something that was real.  He said, "Everybody wants to be Oprah and have Oprah's money, but no one wants to experience and live through the struggles Oprah dealt with before she became Oprah."  This is so true because we often look up to millionaires and stars and wish we had their lives, but we never know what their fight was to get where they are. And you better believe that each person we look up to has had or is having some type of fight - that's just life.  

“Don’t want to do the dishes, just want to eat the food. ”

— Unknown

There is always going to be challenges in life.  Traffic will be heavy, our bank account will be missing some zeros, people will be mean and bias, unqualified people will become presidents of countries, the hot water heater will stop working, it will cost a lot to start a business or go back to school, our gas tanks will be low, girlfriends and boyfriends will leave, husbands and wives will disappoint, the brakes will go out, the car will stop running, the computer will freeze up (this is a sure way to make me run up and down the street screaming), the boss will ignore our accomplishments, blah, blah, blah, blah. Shit happens.  Many people will experience all these things and feel like God has not favored them.  This is the furthest thing from the truth.  God is actually training us for bigger fights to come because it doesn't get easier my loves, it gets harder.  The more successful we become the more responsibility we will have - and that's when we'll really have to scuffle. 

“Mo money, Mo problems. ”

— Notorius B.I.G

I stopped complaining about every little thing that was holding me back and started mentally preparing for the hurdles.  In the past, I knew they were coming but was hoping that God would spare me.  Now I know they are coming, and I use the strength that God has equipped me with to knock them all down.  Do I get tired of fighting?  Yup.  Do I feel like I have lost at times? Of course.  But I will not be defeated because I've got things I want to accomplish.  I will not let life get in the way and have me waking up one morning with regrets.   

Life won't let up - so we can't either.  The more we fight, the stronger we will be.   

So here's to life - Moma said knock you out.

- Samjah Iman

P.S. - I've been jamming to a Tribe Called Quest's latest album.  It feels good to have some music with depth to listen to.  So far I'm digging We The People, Kids, and Melatonin.  I will continue listening to discover more songs.