On a Mind Diet

I was in a lounge area of an office waiting on some paperwork to be completed. In the waiting area, they had about three flat screen televisions mounted on different walls, and on each television set was some tragic news. On one television set a lady had been killed by her daughter, on another a veteran had been robbed, and on another one Trump was throwing a tantrum. Although I wanted to turn my head away from the television sets, I couldn’t. I was engrossed in the calamity, and slowly but surely worry started to creep into my soul. Then I reminded myself of some profound advice a dear friend shared with me years ago; “monitor what you monitor.” Pondering over his words, I declared right in that office that I was putting my mind on a diet.

Of course all negativity isn’t avoidable but if I can help it, I refuse to participate in anything that’s not going to inspire me, make me feel good, or make me laugh. My mind is the portal through which my dreams are born. Why would I cluster it up with anything that will stop that process? Just like I so carefully monitor what foods I put in my body, I need to do the same thing when it comes to my mind. I wouldn’t constantly feed my body junk food throughout the day because I know the results would not be in my favor. The same thing goes for the brain. Constantly feeding it figurative junk food will only put the mind in an unhealthy space.

Always remember that you are what you consume…..watch your mental weight.

Peace & Blessings,

- Samjah Iman

Picture Credit: @d.braz_photography

Outfit Details: Blazer // Distressed Crop Top // Red Vans

I Know Me

Lately, my main focus has been self-awareness. I’ve been totally engrossed in not only studying my many emotions, insecurities, securities, moods, desires, hangups, etc. - but most importantly, healing the things that are off balance within myself. And what I’m discovering in this process is that when a person knows themselves and accepts who they are, absolutely no one can disturb their peace.

There was a time in my life when I used to blame everything outside of myself for my reactions and emotions, when the truth was my reactions had nothing to do with the outside world but everything to do with what was going on inside of me.

There’s this girl who imitated almost everything I did, and it drove me nuts!! I was extremely flattered that she admired me, but it got pretty annoying at times. At first I would blame her insecurity for her actions and act as if my reaction to her actions were normal. Then when I got on this self-awareness journey, I was forced to turn the mirror on me and ask myself why her actions would make me so upset. Yes it’s annoying when people infringe upon my entire swag, but it shouldn’t evoke anger within me. So I began to pay attention to what I felt when she would copy me, and eventually I came up with the answer. I discovered that the irritation I experienced had nothing to do with her actions, but everything to do with what I felt about myself. Her copying me did not upset me because she was insecure, it bothered me because it triggered an insecurity that was swimming deep down inside of me. I felt I wasn’t great enough or worthy of that type of admiration. So whenever she copied me, I was actually getting frustrated with my insecurity - not hers.

By simply knowing myself, I’ve been set free from so many opinions, and I am very seldom bothered by the actions of others. There was a time when I used to ask myself what I did to make a person react how they reacted, now I’m learning that most people’s actions have nothing to do with me - but everything to do with what’s going on inside of them.

Know yourself, and then act accordingly.

“An unhealed person can find offense in pretty much anything someone does. A healed person understands that the actions of others have nothing to do with them. ”

— Unknown

Peace and Blessings

- Samjah Iman

Living Without Expectations

Years ago, I was having an in-depth conversation with a friend about relationships and expectations. During the conversation, he revealed to me that he doesn’t expect anything from anyone. He also went on to say that he doesn’t even expect his wife to come home every night. He said that his wife has a choice on whether or not she wants to return home that day and vice versa. They come home to each other not because they are expected to, but because they want to. Expectations do not govern their relationship…..love does. At the time of this conversation I was in my late 20’s. And by that time in my life I had been repeatedly let down by unmet expectations I placed on people. However, I still couldn’t digest what he was saying or the concept of living without expectations. But as life kept happening and I kept maturing, I totally got it.

People will fall short and things are always changing. Parents will forget, children will fail, wives will mess up, boyfriends will leave, friends won’t always answer the phone, etc. I’ve been in numerous situations where I’ve said, “I can’t believe he or she did that!” And now I think back to those times and wonder why I couldn’t believe it….he or she were human, and they did what we humans do - be imperfect.

I’ve come to realize that living without placing expectations on people is a more peaceful and less stressful way for me to go about life. And besides, placing expectations on people doesn’t give them the chance to reveal who they really are. I’d rather people exercise their free will and operate in their full truth instead of them faking the funk by trying to live up to the expectations I placed on them.

Take some of that unnecessary stress off your shoulders, let those expectations go.

Peace and Blessings,

- Samjah Iman

Outfit Details: Vintage Lillie Rubin Jacket // Fringe Sandals

The Answers Are in Your Gut

You know that feeling you get in your stomach when you’re in a situation that you know you shouldn’t be in or should be in? I’m not talking about stomach cramps or butterflies. I’m talking about that deep tugging you feel in your gut that causes you to pause and wonder if what you’re feeling on the inside is showing on the outside…..yea that feeling. There are numerous times in my life when I’ve experienced that feeling and ignored it - and of course, I ended up saying, “I should have gone with my gut!” Learning from those moments, I made a vow to never ignore my gut again, and let me tell you all - so far that vow has saved me from a lot of hardships.

Quick Story - a few months ago, I was in the process of trying to become a homeowner. After what seemed like 1,000 searches, I found a nice home that was in my price range….but something wouldn’t allow me to fall in love with it. Instead of listening to that feeling (my intuition), I got advice from several people regarding the home buying process. I asked them if it was normal for me to second guess a home that I was about to purchase. Some brushed my feelings off as jitters since I was about to make one of the biggest investments of my life. Others told me to get the house because it was reasonably priced and nice, and it would eventually grow on me. I went over everyone’s advice in my head, but I still didn’t have the peace I needed to feel totally good about the process. Something was nagging at me internally. I ignored the feeling and concentrated on the fact that I really wanted to become a homeowner so I went forward with the process. I signed a contract, got an inspection done, and was on my way to close the deal. I figured my excitement would grow as the closing date approached - it never did. Actually, the internal nagging grew louder - so loud that my sleep began to be disturbed. I called my mother to explain the feeling I had and her advice was, “listen to that voice inside.” That was all I needed to hear. The next day, I called the entire process off. I lost some money from the inspection and a few other things, but that didn’t bother me one bit. Having peace meant way more to me than losing money.

Words can’t express how grateful and proud of myself I am for paying attention to that persistent feeling inside of me. I’m currently still renting, and I’m totally fine with that because I sleep like a baby at night knowing I made the right decision. A friend once said to me that building equity in your peace is way more important than building equity in a house. Boy was he right.

When something doesn’t feel right in your soul, it usually isn’t right - and vice versa. Trust your gut feeling, it’s there for a reason.

“If prayer is you talking to God, then intuition is God talking to you. ”

— Wayne Dyer

Outfit Details: Top // Leggings // Boots

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

Voting in Vintage

I would be remiss if I didn’t do my part to stress the importance of voting tomorrow and show off this vintage blazer I got for $24! LOL!

Anyway, If you’re following this blog then I already know you are extremely conscious and have all the sense in the world (smile); therefore, voting in the one of the most crucial elections is on your agenda tomorrow. But just in case you’re tripping and thinking about not voting tomorrow, below are five quick reasons that will hopefully get your mind right.

1. Your life and your family’s lives depend on it. Too much craziness is happening in this world for you not to use your powerful voice.

2. Trump

3. Your ancestors went through hell for you to have the right to vote, honor them by using it.

4. Trump

5. Voting allows you to decide what will happen with your life regarding laws, healthcare, equal opportunities, etc. Not voting puts the decision in the people’s hands who could care less about our lives.

If these 5 reasons don’t move you to vote, I have a few more that I wrote about here. Check it out.

Also, you can grab a blazer like this vintage one here. And my boots are Steve Madden.

Happy voting loves!

Don't Forget About Your Past Blessings

The other day I was agonizing over a few things I’ve been manifesting that have yet to materialize.  I felt myself growing frustrated and impatient.  I tried to shake the feeling, but it wasn’t going away easily.  I even began to think about my plant post from last week for some encouragement. That didn’t help much this time either.  I decided to say a silent prayer then let my worries go. 

Not too long after doing that, I drove into a parking garage where I was forced to park on the rooftop.  I got out the car, and the New Orleans’ skyline hit me dead in my face.  I stood there for a second in awe.  Not because of the beauty it presented, but because that skyline reminded me of the time in my life when I was praying to live in this place and do exactly what I am doing for a living, and now it’s happening. 

After receiving that subtle yet powerful reminder, I quickly got my attitude all the way together.  I begin to think about all of the other stuff I had prayed for and gotten.  I instantly became encouraged.

Oftentimes when we are in need of something, we tend to get impatient and forget that we were once praying for some of the things we have right now. And if God came through then, He’ll definitely do it again in due time. So the next time you find yourself tripping on what you’re lacking, just take a second and remember the blessings you were once wanting and now have. I guarantee you’ll feel a glimpse of hope about what lies ahead.

Peace and Blessings,

- Samjah Iman

Outfit Details: Felt Hat (sold out, similar here) // High-Waist Skinny Jeans // Crop Top // White Slides // Oversize Blue Jean Dress worn as shirt (sold out, similar here)     

Nurture Your Blessings, Starve Your Problems

When I received my first house plant, I really didn’t pay too much attention to it because at the time, plants weren’t my thing. I just sat it on my coffee table and watered it every now and then. Even though I neglected the plant, it still grew - just not as fast as it would have had it been nurtured properly.

On the flip side, there are these pesky weed looking plants (or whatever they are) growing in my backyard. I used to pay attention to them daily because I DIDN’T LIKE THEM! I would open my back door often to gaze at them with disgust in hopes that they will just disappear. They didn’t…they actually seemed to have grown bigger at times.

I grew tired of staring at those weed looking plants. But since getting rid of the plants was out of my control (too many bugs back there plus I’m currently renting), I decided not to give them my attention anymore. I began concentrating on my house plant. I talked to it, positioned it to receive sunlight, and watered it on a weekly basis. And sure enough it began to really sprout. The more I nurtured that plant, the more it grew. And as for the weed looking plants, they are still back there. They just don’t bother me as much anymore because I stop giving them life.

Ladies and gents, the method I applied to my house plant and those weed looking plants can be applied to our real life blessings and problems. What we nurture grows and what we starve doesn’t.

It’s a known fact that whatever we give your attention to expands. If we are constantly concentrating on the negative things going on in our lives, that will become our focal point and that is what we will continue to attract. But if we concentrate on the positive things we have going on, then that becomes our main priority and in turn our spirits will be lifted. We will then create a habit of looking for the blessing in all situations which will eventually lead to attracting more blessings.

Let’s work on watering our blessings and starving our problems. The issues probably won’t go away completely, but at least the beauty of the blessings will overpower them.

Watering my blessings,

- Samjah Iman

Outfit Details: Boots // Top // Jeans // Sweater

The Art of Waiting...

I consider myself a pretty adventurous, bold person to say the least. I’ve moved to another state with no job before. I’ve jumped on a stage and talked in front of hundreds of people. I’ve quit an eight-year job to live out my passion. I’ve started businesses. I’ve even traveled to foreign places by myself. It’s funny that I had/have the courage to do all those things and more, but when it comes to WAITING - I sometimes fall short.

If there’s something in my life that I’m waiting on whether it be extra income, a business to jump off, a house, new this, new that - I find myself getting pretty impatient and trying everything to make sure it comes to pass. I sometimes feel like I’m not hustling hard enough or looking for opportunities in the right places. But as soon as I shake that feeling, step back, and let everything unfold on its own - I’m reminded that letting go of a situation is just as valuable as working hard for it. It’s the divine intervention aspect of the process….the part when you allow a higher power to intervene.

“With waiting, comes learning. ”

— Unknown

I often notice that when I’m NOT looking for something, I find it or it comes to me. And when I’m looking super hard for something, it’s nowhere to be found or if I keep looking hard enough, I end up finding the wrong thing. This is where the art of waiting comes in.

Once you’ve made your needs and wants clear and have done everything in your power to bring those needs and wants to fruition, the best thing to do after that is nothing. Surrender, trust that it will all work out, then move on to the next thing. Taking your hands off a situation that you can no longer control is saying that you trust the Universe/God to work everything out accordingly. Waiting not only builds faith, it sets you up to receive exactly what’s meant for you to have.

While everyone is telling you to turn your hustle up since it’s October and there are only 90 something days left in the year, I’m telling you that if you’ve done all you can do, then wait. What’s meant for you will come to you.

Being still,

- Samjah Iman

Outfit Details: Green Jumper // White Boots (Urban Outfitters…sold out) // Vintage Dooney & Burke Purse

All You Have to do is Just Be

As soon as you log into your email each morning or on your social media accounts, messages like get money, hustle hard, stay on the grind, hurry up and succeed, are pushed in your face.  I totally get those messages, am sometimes motivated by those messages, and have even emailed/posted those types of messages in the past as well.  However, I woke up the other morning and said that on that day (and the days to come) I will just be.  I won't be hard on myself, I won't try to overachieve, I won't let the world or internet rush me or tell me what success should look like. I will just simply just be present, do the work my way, and let the chips fall where they may. 

Sometimes we need to take all of that stress off of our shoulders from the world, get a clear picture in our heads of how success looks to us, and just be.  Be in the moment, be in spirit, be appreciative, be reflective, be content, be patient and everything will come together. Let the pressure of succeeding and the world go sometimes.  This is your own race, no one else's.  Just be.   

Outfit Details: T-shirt // Neon Pumps

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)

He's in the Neighborhood

Have you ever looked out your door or window in anticipation of an important package from the mailman, and all of a sudden you see him pull up to your neighbor's house to deliver their package so you get excited because you know he's on the way to your house eventually?  That's exactly how I feel when my close friends receive blessings.  

There used to be a time when a friend of mine would come into a huge blessing, and I would be happy for them....but I'd ask God, "when is my blessing coming?" or "I work hard too, why didn't I get that blessing?"  Then it dawned on me, I'm His child just like my friend is.  And whatever He does for one of His children, He is capable of doing for the others in due time.  Because I am associated with positive people (my friends), their energy rubs off on me.  We hold each other accountable and keep each other on the correct path.  Therefore, we are abundantly blessed (in different ways) usually during the same season because we operate on similar, positive wavelengths....or in this case, we're in the same neighborhood.  

So from now on when a friend calls me with great news regarding a huge blessing, my heart instantly fills with joy not only for them. but also because I know this - He's at their house today delivering their package which means He's in my neighborhood....and one day soon, He's going to be at my front door with my gift.  

Rejoice....even when He's just in the neighborhood,

- Samjah Iman

I absolutely adore this African Print dress!  It was a special gift, and it's available at Raydarten.com.  My comfortable yellow mules are from Shoe Dazzle.  My leather clutch comes from here.  Happy Shopping! 

Faith is a Muscle

I used to be the person who declared I had faith because it was what I was supposed to do.  Claiming faith was an integral part of my culture, and I learned from years of Sunday school to profess it every time I dealt with hardship or to lend it as advice when someone else was going through something.  But what my culture and Sunday school teachings didn't stress was that faith was a muscle, and the only way for it to get stronger was to exercise it.      

If I work my muscles out often, they will automatically get stronger.  I will be able to lift things I couldn't lift before, my stamina will increase, and I'll feel more healthy and energized.  But if I don't use my muscles at all, I'll lose them.  It's the same with faith.  

I can recite the "faith of mustard seed" scripture until I am blue in the face, but if I'm not exercising that faith, then I really have none.  I wasn't aware of how faith truly worked until I just jumped out and totally depended on it.  And when I didn't sink after jumping out there, I decided to do it again and again.  And each time my faith muscle grew stronger.   

I'm no longer throwing the word faith around or quoting faith scriptures because it's the appropriate thing to do, I'm out here living it, testing it, and seeing what it's worth.  And while I'm still growing in the faith exercising aspect, I can tell you this - the workouts are coming in handy, and I haven't encountered a situation yet that my faith couldn't strong arm.  And for this reason alone, I'm staying in the gym.   

Flexing,

- Samjah Iman

Outfit Details: African Print Tee // Jeans (vintage) // Red Heels (sold out)

Life is Something like Football

Today I thought about all of the obligations/work I had in front of me, and it made me want to sit down in the middle of my floor and not move until winter.  I called my mother and told her that I felt like throwing a fit.  In true Big P (her nickname) form, she recited a quote.  

“Inch by inch, life’s a cinch. Yard by yard, life’s hard.”

— John Bytheway

She went on to compare life to a football game.  She stated that it's very rare to make a touchdown on your first attempt - which is why a team is given four tries to gain only 10 yards.  Each inch counts and plays a crucial role in getting the team closer to those 10 yards and then closer to the end zone. 

I got it.  Day by day and inch by inch is the best way to live this life.  If I look at my end zone from 100 yards back, I'll definitely get overwhelmed and maybe even discouraged.  But if I celebrate each inch as progress, then gaining yards and reaching my end zone becomes way less stressful and more attainable.  As I wrote in my Here and Now post, looking too far in front or behind can be stressful, but concentrating only on what we can cover in a day or moment makes life that much more doable.    

Conquer the inches, my people.  Don't trip on the yards.  

Peace and Blessings,

- Samjah Iman

Picture Credit - michaelsentino.com

Outfit Details: Leggings (sold out) // Sports Bra // Cap // Jordans

When I'm Consistent, The Universe Responds

I'm often asked what my end game is.  When I'm introduced to people, and we discuss our passions/careers, they always end up asking me what I would like this blog to ultimately turn into.  About a month ago I linked up with some accomplished colleagues who enthusiastically discussed their future entrepreneurship "end game" plans while we ate lunch.  Everyone took turns revealing their blueprint to success, and when my turn came to discuss my "end game" I simply said, "I don't have one. I'm just doing what I love and floating."  Of course that wasn't the answer they were looking for, but it was my truth.  I didn't and still don't have an "end game."

After the lunch encounter, my mind became occupied with the whole "end game" situation.  I was thinking that maybe I should have some sort of plan for this blog and my fashion.  Yes I love writing/reading and wouldn't mind being an editor/content manager for a popular magazine one day.  I also love fashion and wouldn't mind becoming a buyer for a savvy clothing brand as well; however, I wouldn't consider the aforementioned aspirations my "end game" goals.  I called my loved one to discuss the "end game" plan thing, and as I was talking, it came to me....I said, "you know what, scratch this whole convo, I don't have to search for an "end game" goal, it'll be revealed sooner or later."  

“When I’m consistent, the universe responds.”

— Samjah Iman

The growth of this blog had a lot to do with me being consistent and having a true affinity for my work - and in turn, the universe opened up many doors.  When you do what you are passionate about doing just for the sake and love of doing it, good things will eventually come.  This theory is tied to the whole "you get out of it what you put in it" truism.  I truly believe that if you are continuously sowing good seeds, doing the work, and putting positive energy in the atmosphere....good things will come your way and your "end game" goal will eventually fall in your lap.  When you love and nurture something, it has no choice but to grow.   

“Everything I’ve done has grown simply from refining and cultivating it as opposed to aiming it in a particular direction. ”

— Nesby Phips

I'm discovering day by day that it's okay to not have an "end game" plan all the time.  I remember Oprah once saying to just do what you love and the money will come.  Those words have sat in my pysche and heart forever.  I live by them.  As long as I continue to put my soul into my work and be as consistent as possible, I won't have to chase the "end game," it will find me.  

Trusting the process and letting the universe do its thing,

-Samjah Iman

Side Note:  I got this dress for a Girl Boss Dinner in Nola.  I was in need of cocktail attire, and I didn't want the ordinary look.  I contacted Washington Ave because I knew they would have a funky, unique vintage ensemble that I would like, and they did!  Shoes available here.  

Don't Blame Them, Check Your Self-Love Meter + Just Fab/ShoeDazzle Summit

My girl Marsha from Introvert N The City came to Nola for a conference last week, and we had the chance to catch up and kick it.  Riding through the bumpy streets of the Crescent City while eating snowballs, we discussed our past and other things we've encountered during our years of living.  We got on the subject of our exes, and Marsh made this statement, “All of the things I put up with while dating my ex shows how much I DIDN’T love myself.”  The choir started signing because church was about to commence.  I praised Marsha for her self-awareness and for making that mature declaration.  I thought about how we often refer to the people who mistreated us in our past as “no good,” “trifling,” “disrespectful,” etc. and they may very well be all those things, but what we don’t talk about is the lack of love we had for ourselves which, in turn, allowed those people to operate in our space.  

I’m totally guilty of not valuing myself enough at times in the past.  I look back at certain situations and I simply ask myself, “Sam, how in the hell did you allow yourself to go through that??”  I know now that some of it was a lack of self-love, and as the saying goes - when you know better, you do better. 

Self-love is not only treating yourself with the utmost respect, it’s also not allowing yourself (when possible) to deal with anyone or anything that doesn’t.  Self-love is staying away from negative people, exercising your mind and body, spending time alone, spending time with loved ones, eating the right things, meditating, detoxing, laughing, being kind to yourself, being kind to others, being in healthy relationships, etc. 

Before we blame someone or something for mishaps that have happened in our adult lives, let's all check our self-love meter and make sure it's operating on high.  

Peace and Blessings,

- Samjah Iman

Outfit Details: Bardot Bell Sleeve Top // Just Float On Flare Jeans

Oh and one more thing....I was invited to speak on the Just Fab and ShoeDazzle panel for their ambassador summit in New Orleans, and it was sooooo fun!  What's so cool about this opportunity is that earlier this year, I wrote in my journal that I wanted to begin empowering people using other platforms and share my knowledge and experiences as a fashion blogger and writer on panels - and look what happened!!! Manifestation is real ya'll!! Check out some of the pictures from the event below.  

Of course Ma Duke showed up and supported as always! 

Kelli Saulny of styleandtaste.com and Cymande D. Ford of shopplusisaplus.com

Thank you to Just Fab and ShoeDazzle and all of the extraordinary women I met at this event!!! 

Photos by - sharonpye.com

I Quit Part 2 - The Update

It’s been over a year since I threw in the towel at my job of eight years and started out on this faith journey.  I’ll wait a few more months to give you the entire spill because the story is still unfolding, but for now I’ll tell you this – leaving my secure job is one of the most gangster things I’ve ever done!!

Before this experience, I never really exercised faith to the fullest.  Now I have a deeper understanding of what it means to have nothing but faith in your corner; and because of this new understanding, I have matured tremendously.

“It’s easy to be independent when you’ve got money. But to be independent when you haven’t got a thing – that’s the Lord’s test.”

— Mahalia Jackson

Below is a quick summation of the things I’ve learned after quitting my job to pursue my own endeavors.   

1. Your journey will not look like everyone else’s – Before I decided to leave my job, I researched blog articles on what to expect after doing it and talked to others who had done it.  While they all gave out great advice, most of it didn’t apply to my situation.  My journey was not theirs, and I learned quickly that I had to set my own parameters and do what was best for me. 

2. You question your choice – The week or so after I quit my job, I was pumped and dancing all over the house….a few months later I asked myself, “what in the hell did I just do?”

3. It gets scary – Depending on your business, brand, or savings, it can get a little frightening at some point because you’re going from a steady paycheck to depending solely on yourself to make money moves and sometimes not knowing when you’ll get paid or where the next check will come from. 

4. You’ll see the light – If you hang in there and keep striving for what you set out to do, you’ll eventually see the light.  When your mindset is in the right place, when you consistently put in the work, and when you have faith that it will all work out – it will.  It may not look how you thought it would look, but it will work out.   

5. You’ll be proud – Despite the tribulations you experience after leaving your job to pursue another career or your personal endeavors, in the end you will always be proud of yourself for making that bold move.  Leaving my job to pursue a career in writing (and other things) was one of the best decisions I've ever made.  No matter how hard it gets while on this journey, the mere thought of me going back to a place that doesn't allow me to do what I love and what I've been formally educated to do makes me shiver in anguish.  And that thought alone keeps me on the path I am on.

Stay tuned for a more detailed story later….believe me when I say it’s a rollercoaster ride that I haven't gotten off of yet! 

Peace and Blessings,

- Samjah Iman

Outfit Details: Jumper // Slides 

My Biggest Stress Reliever

The one thing I do that helps me tremendously when I feel anxiety or stress is reminisce.  I begin recalling the past times I've felt defeated and how I overcame each time.  

It seems like whenever a stressful problem arises, I initially began to act brand new like I hadn't made it through anything.  Then I stop myself and say, "Girl did you forget about that time when blah blah blah happened.....and you thought it was the end but things suddenly turned around?"  Reminding myself of how I knocked down hurdles in the past gives me the courage to face any present opposition with confidence. 

The one thing that usually stresses us out in situations is uncertainty.  Not knowing how things will pan out can literally make us crazy.  But we must remember there were times in the past when we didn't know how we were going to overcome a tough situation - but we did.  The next time you find yourself tripping over your current status, think back to the stressful times you made it through, and I guarantee you'll feel a glimmer of hope.

Peace and Blessings,

- Samjah Iman

Outfit Details: Clutch // Vintage Blazer // Yellow Pumps

You Don't Need New Clothes, Just New Ideas...

I was once the girl who would always claim she had nothing to wear when it came time to get dressed for an occasion.  I would often go out and buy a new clothing item every time I was invited to an event.  Then I got more creative when it came to putting together an outfit and my "I have nothing to wear" days became few and far between. 

Each piece in the outfit on this post is old.  I was looking for something to wear one day so I began piecing things together.  I found an oversize shirt that I made into an off-the-shoulder top by tying it up, a black and white skirt to offset the the top, and yellow pumps to make the entire look pop. 

Looking good doesn't have to be expensive.  All you need are a few staple pieces and a bit of creativity.  I'm sure there are many pieces in your closet that can be transformed or mixed and matched.  For instance, if you have long dress with a split or a short skater dress, wear it over some jeans and add some heels to jazz up the look.  If you have a huge t-shirt, tie it up to create an off-the-shoulder top or wear it alone as a dress with your favorite sneakers. 

These days almost anything goes with fashion.  So before you go shopping next time, see what you can dig up in your stash.  There's nothing that a few staple pieces and a little originality can't solve when it comes to style.   

Peace and Blessings,

- Samjah Iman

Outfit Details:  Oversize Top (old, similar here) // Black & White Skirt (old) // Yellow Pumps

Still Kicking in My Casual Bodycon Dress + Red Leather Chucks

I was having a conversation with my 93 year old grandmother the other day, and I asked her how she was doing.  Her response was, "I'm still kicking....just not as high."  I giggled.  And I told her as long as she is kicking, then everything is flowing.  I then thought about how I've been feeling a little uninspired and mentally tired lately, but despite those feelings I still get up and do what I have to do.  Sometimes I get a little hard on myself when I feel like I haven't accomplished as much as I think I should.  But then I'm reminded that as long as I'm pushing myself to do something, even if it's small, then it's all good.  

The words my grandmother spoke resonated with me.  It reminded me that there will be times I won't be at my best - my kicks will be lower than usual, and that is totally okay.  As long as I am still kicking, then I am still in the game - and that is half the battle.  

Keep kicking my people...   

- Samjah Iman

Outfit Details: Bodycon Casual Dress // Red Leather Converse Tennis