36 Years Later...

I celebrated another year yesterday, and it feels good.  I feel accomplished.  I don't feel this way because I've done a ton of successful things, it feels good because I am actually starting to truly understand the art of just being.....and it only took me 36 years to get it. 

In my opinion, trying to overdo something breeds complexity/stress and keeping it simple is more peaceful.  In the past, I thought being the best at that or doing the most with this was the way to go.....now days, I do what I can then let the rest be.  Of course I give my all when it comes to my goals, but I do it because I feel it.  Not because I'm not trying to live up to any social media/internet definition of hustling hard - just mine.  I no longer feel the need to structure my life in a way that looks enticing to others because who I am and what I do is enough.  As long as I am doing what's in my heart and living out my visions then I'm good.      

So here's to year 36; I'm keeping it simple, just being, and living the life I've designed for myself.  It may not be picture perfect to the world, but it definitely feels good in my soul - and that, to me, is a high achievement.    

Peace and Blessings,

- The Birthday Girl

Photo Credit: shotbyclipz@gmail.com

Enjoy Each Phase

I was sitting at an empty bar one day holding a casual conversation with the bartender.  In the middle of our conversation the bartender said, "Man it's slow in here today...damn!"  I sipped my martini then politely asked him what was wrong with that.  He responded, "I want that money!"  I nodded my head in understanding.  I then finished my drink, paid my tab, and said my goodbyes.  A day later I passed by that same bar and saw that it was jumping with inebriated, seemingly impatient people.  The bartender was all over the place juggling several things at once.  I paused at the open door of the bar to wave at him, but he didn't have a second to look up.  I thought to myself, "I bet he wishes he would have enjoyed that down time he had the other day."   

I remember as a child wanting to be grown in a hurry.  And now that I've reached adult status, I sometimes find myself wishing I would have enjoyed every childhood moment that I didn't have any bills to pay.  I hear parents sometimes say, "I can't wait until my toddler begins walking or eating on their own."  Next thing you know the child is driving themselves to the prom, and the parent is wondering where the time went.   

As humans, we have the tendency to complain about our current situations especially if they aren't progressing like we want them to.  Whenever I start to do this, I remind myself to find the blessing in that current situation and enjoy it until change comes.  I used to get antsy when I didn't have any work to do because I felt the need to stay busy.  Now days when I get free time I cherish it, because I know my schedule will flip to full within hours.    

No matter what is going on in your life (good or bad) know that it will change.  Nothing will be the same way always.  Therefore, enjoy each moment of downtime, each phase of busyness, and each second of solitude - because you never know when the bar will get chaotic again. 

Peace and Blessings,

- Samjah Iman

Photo Credit: keithshoots.com

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

When You Gone Get Up?

Jamming to my neo soul playlist the other day, I came across an admired song by Amel Larrieux titled Get Up.  In this particular song, she sings, "I know you're down, when you gone get up?"  That chorus alone sparked a much needed fire in me.  I instantly got inspiration from those words.    

A lot of us are not in the positions we want to be in and haven't been for quite some time.  Although everyone wants to accomplish something, not everyone wants to put in the work.  But as my intelligent friend so eloquently communicated to me last week, how do we expect to have a seat at the table when we haven't made reservations? In other words, how do we expect anything to change in our lives when we haven't made the effort to change them?

Some people wallow in being down.  They make 356 excuses as to why they can't get up and do what they've been meaning to do for years.  They love to tell any and everyone that will listen about how life has dealt them an unfortunate hand and blah, blah, blah, blah.  All that is cool or whatever, but when are you going to get up? 

I'm learning more and more on this journey called life that it only works when we work it, and what we can't handle is left up to the Higher Power. We have the ingredients in us we need to succeed.  All we have to do is tap into that greatness.  Complaining about being down is just like panicking when you've fallen in shallow water.  Sometimes you're in a situation you feel is too deep and could possibly drown you.  However, if you just calm down and stand up, you'll find that you're actually in shallow water and getting out and back on your feet is easier than you know. 

When you gone get up?

Peace and Blessings,

- Samjah Iman

Photo Credit: shotbyclipz@gmail.com  

Exaltation

A photographer and I went to what used to be a confederate monument to take the pictures you see above for his "Enthroned" project. When we got to the location which is in the middle of a busy New Orleans intersection, I got nervous.  The stone is as tall as it looks in the pictures above.  Plus I was cognitive of the recent protests and threats surrounding the removal of the statue that once sat on the stone.  The photographer looked at me and asked, "are you down to do this?"  I looked back at him and simply said, "you got the right one today."  However, my inner Sam was saying, "Ummm, no he doesn't!"  He grabbed a chair and ladder out of his car and off to the tall stone we went. 

In an ankle length skirt, I proceeded to climb all the way to the top of the stone.  People began honking, some recording me on their cell phones, some were yelling "go girl!", others were frowning and possibly yelling expletive language.  But here I was, perched on top of the tall stone, drowning out the noise and posing every time the camera flashed. 

While up there sweating with my legs shaking, I thought to myself...."this is exactly how it feels when I'm reaching new heights and growing." - uncomfortable, unsure at times, constant noise, go girl shouts, voyeurism, shady judgment, and sweat.  But I stayed up there and kept shooting, because I knew that with exaltation comes hard work and awkward feelings.  When I finally came down and saw the pictures, I was grateful for the entire experience. 

Welcome any challenge or chance to be exalted in your life.  Rise to the occasion, sit firmly in your position, handle your business, drown out the noise and wait for the beautiful picture to unfold - it will be all worth it.  

Peace and Blessings,

- Samjah Iman

Cross Choker by www.intuition.la. 

Photo Credit: www.visualalchemyphoto.com

Free Yourself

I had a guy friend once tell me that his success rate with getting the women he approached was high because his rejection rate was even higher.  He said once he renounced his fright of being rejected, he had no problem going for the gold because the fear of being turned down wasn't holding him captive any longer.  Failure didn't scare him, it actually freed him. 

One of my favorite former players of the NBA was Allen Iverson.  He obviously was an exceptional basketball player, but that was just one of the many reasons I admired him.  He was partly my favorite player because he displayed this dogmatic, no fear kind of attitude on the court.  He would try any move or shoot a shot from anywhere because he wasn't afraid to miss.  The result?  A Hall of Famer.  Same with Babe Ruth, he had the most home run hits during his time because his strikeout record was even higher.

My mother once said to me, "when you're not afraid to fail, it frees you."  And I'm saying to you all today, free yourself.  Jump out there and swing.  If you strikeout 30 times, I guarantee you will hit it at least once.       

“A mistake is evidence of effort.”

— Unknown

Peace and Blessings,

- Samjah Iman

Drive Slow Homie

I was recently approached by someone who wanted to assist me (for a fee of course) in growing my brand at a rapid pace.  I was tempted.  I started thinking, "man I could come up quick and things would really start popping off like I want them to."  Fast success seemed enticing at the moment; however, something about the proposition didn't sit right with me.  So I obeyed my intuition and took a few days to ponder.  During those days, I decided to do my weekly pampering which consists of washing my hair, doing my nails, a facial, etc.  While engaging in this routine, I usually turn on some music and vibe out.  This time I turned on some Kanye West b.k. (before Kim), and when I hit his name one of my old jams Drive Slow came blasting through my speakers.  I immediately went into concert mode and began rapping to the mirror.  

After my performance, I started thinking as I went back to combing my hair.  Kanye b.k. was right.  What's the rush?  I thought about Style & Energy and how it took me a while to birth it.  It may not be the biggest blog out there yet, and I'm totally fine with that because it's authentic.  It's a byproduct of hard work, consistency, trial and error.  And in my opinion success, much like your favorite dish, just taste better when it's been marinating for some time.  The flavor is more distinct.   

Always remember that your race is just that - YOUR RACE.  Do everything at a pace that makes you comfortable.  When you start rushing because you are influenced by how fast other people are moving, that's when you began making unauthentic moves that aren't aligned with your passion.  Remember the story of The tortoise and The Hare?  The Hare just knew he was going to win the race because he was faster than the Tortoise.  So the Hare took the competition lightly and even boastfully rested during the race because he was so far ahead.  But while the Hare was sleeping, the Tortoise was working.  The Hare ended up resting a little too long, which resulted in a victory for the Tortoise.  From then on, the Hare told himself-  "Don't brag about your lightning pace, for Slow and Steady won the race!"

“The race is not always to the swift … but to those who keep running.”
”

— Unknown

Drive slow homies....

- Samjah Iman

Photo Credit: keithshoots.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)

Keep Going

Hey loves.  I'm back from Denver, and I would be lying to you all if I said I'm ready to rock and roll.  I'm actually mentally drained.  I feel like laying in the middle of the floor on my back and staring blankly at the ceiling.  These days it seems like life is a pitching machine and someone turned the speed dial all the way up.  As soon as I catch one ball, another one is coming - fast.  

While in Denver, I got the chance to see my 97 year old great aunt Thelma who lives by herself and still drives daily.  While conversing with Thelma, my mother asked her to bestow some words of wisdom upon us.  Thelma hesitated then spoke in her loud, thunderous voice, "Well Pam, I would have to say....keep going.  No matter what comes your way, keep going.  Get up in the morning, toast the toast, turn the coffee pot on and keep going."   

Even though my mind is weary and the floor is calling my name, I will keep going.  I will rest when I need to then get back up and keep it moving.  Now if you all would excuse me, my tea pot is whistling and my toast is done.  I got things to do and people to see.  

Good day folks!

- Samjah Iman

With A Child's Heart

When I got my first apartment sans roommates, my friend and godson (who was about 3 years old at the time) came to visit me.  They slept on an air mattress in my living room because I didn't have all the necessary decor/furniture to fill my new space.  I had one couch, a small table, some kitchen equipment, and no curtains.  It didn't bother me that I only had enough furniture for a college dorm room, but what did irk me was that I had no way of blocking the glaring sun in the morning.  Although I am a person who loves natural light, I am also a person who likes to sleep late from time to time and having no curtains prevented this daily.  When my friend came to visit, I apologized profusely for not having curtains because I knew her morning rest would be cut short as soon as the sun peeked its head over the horizon.

When the inevitable morning came, as usual, I rose with the sun.  While furiously pulling the cover over my eyes to block the harsh rays, I heard a small eager voice yell - "Mommy, somebody turned the light on outside!"  I couldn't contain the huge smile that swept across my face.  That was about 11 years ago, and I have never forgotten that profound observation made by my godson.  While I was dreading the morning because I had no curtains to block its contents, my godson had a different perspective.  From that day on, I made peace with my no-curtain situation because I allowed myself to view it as my godson had.  The sun coming up didn't mean less sleep, it simply meant somebody (God) had turned the light on outside.  

Every now and then I feel that it's best to take on some of life's matters with a child's heart.  Children are uninhibited, imaginative, and carefree.  They view the world through the most simplistic, yet philosophical lens.  They don't care what anyone thinks of them as they dance their little hearts out in public.  They don't limit their thinking - they imagine themselves being anything they want to be in this world.  They see and appreciate the beauty in everything around them.  This, my friends, is how adults should handle life as well. 

Let's get back to taking on this world with a child's heart.  Let's dance like no one is watching, use our wildest imaginations, and be grateful when God turns the light on outside.  

Have an awesome weekend love bugs!  Talk to you soon!

- Samjah Iman              

I Quit

I walked in my house and slammed the door behind me.  My shoulders immediately dropped from exhaustion, yet relief.  I was finally done with another lengthy day of drawn out meetings, chatty co-workers, and repetitive emails.  After eight tedious years of being employed at this place and finding my passion within that time frame, work was starting to feel severely unfamiliar.  It felt like I had been invited to a sophisticated all white soiree, and I showed up late - clad in black from head to toe.  I was out of place.  I didn't belong.  Although the work day was behind me, I cringed at the thought of returning to the same old routine the next day.  Something had to shake.  I began drawing the blueprint to my escape plan from my job.  I eventually settled on a six month strategy that would give me enough time to seek out employment elsewhere.  Unbeknownst to me, while I was sketching my plan out, the Universe had its own plan already set in stone.  I was gone from my job two weeks later. 

Before leaving my job, my mother and I fasted and prayed for guidance.  Towards the end of our fasting and praying journey, I received some insight from my spirit.  It felt like a pound of courage had been strategically placed in my gut.  I experienced an "ah-ha" moment.  I thought to myself, "If I'm miserable, no one else can change that but me.  I am in control of my life." On that following work day - with no full-time job to go to, a part time writing gig, unshakable faith and a little money in my savings to hold me down - I walked into my job with my head held high and gracefully submitted my two weeks notice.  If I've never felt proud of myself before, I was damn sure bursting with pride on this day.  For I had my big girl panties on, and I was twirling my destiny in my hand ever so stylishly.  It was a day I will never forget.  

It's been two weeks since I've turned the page to my next journey, and I'm admiring my new found bravery.  I've been writing more for my other gig and exploring other promising opportunities as well.  I'm not sure if this will be my full entrepreneurial sprint, but if I do get another job it will definitely be one that encourages and enhances my talents.  I will no longer work a job just to get a paycheck.  Life is too short for mediocrity.  

By no means am I telling any of you to quit your jobs and follow your passions.  This is my faith walk.  You have to run your own race and do what is in your spirit.  However, what I am telling you is to act like you know and understand that you are in control of your destiny.  You have the power to change any situation in your life that isn't nourishing.  The ball is in your court.  What's your next play?

Peace and Blessings,

- Samjah Iman

Dress by Candiedgirlboutique.com

DNA

Right now in my life, I'm somewhere in between thinking positive and cussing someone out lol.  I'm currently crossing some major hurdles and it gets hard occasionally.  At times I feel like throwing in the towel, but I know I have to keep moving.  I've learned in the past that when I gave up too early, what I had been working so hard for was right around the corner - and if I would have kept going just a little while longer, I would have received my blessing. 

I was feeling a little overwhelmed the other day so I went for a bike ride to clear my mind.  I turned on that new Kendrick Lamar album and listened to the song DNA.  It had me thinking about what my bloodline was made up of.  I come from a long line of strong people that persevered through some harsh times, and I have every ounce of their blood running through my veins.  I sat on that thought for a minute and immediately began to feel some strength.  I came to the conclusion that whatever happens, I will come out on the other side.  

When adversity comes your way, stop for a minute and recall what your bloodline is made up of.  Pull from that and keep it moving. 

What's in your DNA? 

Peace and Blessings,

- Samjah Iman   

Stay Out of Your Head!

Have you ever feared something then decided to go ahead and face that fear only to find out it wasn't as bad as you thought?  That's because you were tripping off of what was in your head versus what was reality.  A lot of our stress comes from the "what ifs" we have swimming around in our brains.  What if I can't pay the bill, what if he/she doesn't like me, what if it doesn't work, what if I mess up....etc.  We think ourselves into failure and then act accordingly.

I'm willing to bet that 90% of the things we are currently stressing over right now are in our heads only and haven't even occurred yet.  The mind is super powerful.  Thoughts become feelings.  We have to be careful what we think and feed our mind because it definitely absorbs what we give it.  So let's release the "what ifs" that are in our minds and focus on what is and the positive visions that we want to come to pass.  If we change our mindset, we change our worlds.

 Side Note:  Before I jump back into my day, let me give a quick review on the organic mask I introduced here - three words, IT IS FANTASTIC!  It consists of bentonite clay and everlasting essential oil, and it works (see benefits of bentonite clay here)!  It is good for oily, acne prone skin.  You can also do it as many times as you need to without over processing your skin.  I'm in love with it!  Check it out here.

Have a wonderful rest of the week my loves, and let's stay out of our heads!

Peace and Blessings,

- Samjah Iman

Organic Mask + Courage

Selah Organic Skin Care

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

Mardi Gras 2017

I never thought in my life that I would drink any alcoholic beverage before 11 a.m. in the morning.  However, on Tuesday, I found myself on Basin Street in New Orleans at 9:33 a.m. gulping down Apple Crown Royal.  After the first sip of the tasty beverage, the adult side of me questioned my priorities and ability to make sound decisions.  Then bounce music came blasting through some nearby speakers, and the adolescent side of me spoke.  And it specifically said, "Heffa, it's Mardi Gras....party your a$$ off!"  And party I did. 

Apparently Mardi Gras in New Orleans is Christmas.  It's a cultural tradition that the city takes pride in celebrating.  During this time, everyone is floating about the city inebriated and as happy as ever (everyone is actually like this here all year round lol).  I have been to a few Mardi Gras events in the city before moving here, but living here and being immersed in the culture is a different story.  I was amazed at everything I saw.  The best part of Mardi Gras for me was having the wonderful opportunity of spending it with the Uptown Indians.  I was able to kick it at their headquarters while they finished sewing and preparing their Indian suits (they begin sewing these suits a year in advance) and then I walked miles with them to their Mardi Gras destination where they met up with the Downtown Indians for an Indian square off.  It was incredible.  I had a blast!  See what my camera caught below.        

A young Indian in training. 

The Chief and his wife. 

I believe I have done enough partying for at least two months.  I will now try to hibernate for a bit and get my life back into some sort of order, but it is good to be able to experience new things and let loose every so often.  It makes the grind that much more enjoyable.  

Have an awesome week everyone!  Chat with you soon!

- Samjah Iman

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

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

Power to the P!

I knew there was going to be a Women's March and many other protests in Washington, DC, but I didn't think about any march going on in New Orleans.  So imagine my face when I walked out of my door to go to the grocery store on Saturday, and I see droves of women marching towards downtown with everything from p$%^& signs to pink hair.  I put my grocery store appointment on the back burner and started following the crowd for a second.  It was mesmerizing. 

Photo Credit: The New Orleans Advocate. Retrieved 01/22/17. http://www.theadvocate.com/new_orleans/news/politics/article_a7c5b7a4-e040-11e6-aefa-bf1c2ceb3854.html

To see that many women (men and children) come together for human rights made my soul smile.  On yesterday, my skin color didn't matter, my socioeconomic status wasn't a factor, no one cared about my religion or spiritual practices, nor did anyone ask my political affiliation.  It was all about what was right and fair for humans.  

Photo Credit. Bestofneworleans.com. Retrieved 1/22/17. http://www.bestofneworleans.com/gambit/womens-march-new-orleans-and-march-for-revolution/Slideshow/3096069/3096100

Being that I was on my way to the grocery store, I didn't have my camera.  However, I found a few pictures online for your viewing pleasure.  See below.       

Photo Credit: Bestofneworleans.com. Retrieved 01/22/17. http://www.bestofneworleans.com/gambit/womens-march-new-orleans-and-march-for-revolution/Slideshow/3096069/3096076

Photo Credit: The New Orleans Advocate. Retrieved 01/22/17. http://www.theadvocate.com/new_orleans/news/article_b6a63598-e002-11e6-9066-575bd82cb3da.html

The sign above was super funny to me lol! 

Photo Credit: Bestofneworleans.com. Retrieved 01/22/17. http://www.bestofneworleans.com/gambit/womens-march-new-orleans-and-march-for-revolution/Slideshow/3096069/3096081

Photo Credit: Nola.com. Retrieved 01/22/17. http://www.nola.com/politics/index.ssf/2017/01/new_orleans_politicians_trump.html

Photo Credit: Bestofneworleans.com. Retrieved 01/22/17. http://www.bestofneworleans.com/gambit/womens-march-new-orleans-and-march-for-revolution/Slideshow/3096069/3096076

Photo Credit: Bestofneworleans.com. Retrieved 01/22/17. http://www.bestofneworleans.com/gambit/womens-march-new-orleans-and-march-for-revolution/Slideshow/3096069/3096093

I'm proud of women.  I'm proud of the human race.  Times like this show the world how we can come together and make a huge impact.  Fish Plate (my friend) mentioned that he can't wait to see what happens these next four years.  He stated that hard times bring courage and creativity out of our people.  We show the world what we are made of when we are faced with adversity.  Pressure makes diamonds.

Get Your Minds Right....

- A Stylish Feminist