WHO IS SHE: RECAP

This month I decided to do a little recap of all of the wonderful ladies I've had the pleasure of interviewing thus far. The recap will be a special quote/the most eye-catching message I personally received from each interview. Feel free to comment and share with me your most memorable message from any of the interviews. I would love to hear what you think!

DANE BROWNE - FASHION STYLIST

I asked Dane ... What is the biggest mistake women make when they go shopping? 

They tend to shop what they like and never go out of the box. This is how you end up with four pairs of flats that all look the same and no versatility or statement shoes. They also don't buy what they need but what they like. This leaves their wardrobe full of mismatched pieces. I always suggest you go on blogs, magazines and fashion sites. Start to create a collage of what you like most. Then create a list. This will be the items you need to focus on when you shop. It revamps and freshens your style. Also don't shop trend heavy! These pieces become outdated. Your closet should be 70% classic and 30% fashion.

KATHERINE NTIAMOAH - FOREIGN SERVICE OFFICER

I asked Katherine ... How do you stay motivated? 

Everyday is different. I try to tell myself that wasting the day is not optional. If at least did something that made me happy or I accomplished some small goal, then I am good.  Some days I just call my parents, siblings, or my partner and talk to them. That is motivation enough for when I cannot motivate myself.

I also asked Katherine .... How has this career changed/molded you?
This career has taught me to be flexible, quick witted, culturally adaptable, among other things. This career has also sped up a lot of life decisions that I think I otherwise would not have been in a rush to face if I stayed in the U.S. It also taught me to grow up very quickly. But I also think this job has taught me to appreciate my relationships with others, to slow down, and to appreciate my culture and the culture of others. 


SIREN - DANCER 

I asked Siren ... What is the most valuable lesson you have learned throughout your journey as a dancer?I've learned to differentiate between business and personal relationships. Often I find myself working with the same people over and over because I'd much rather have a small circle of people I trust and rely on. However, this can be tricky because naturally friendships and relationships are formed and you become really close with these people. With that being said, I've gotten a lot better at establishing with everyone that I work with a mutual understanding. By doing this, we understand that business is business and that if we are indeed friends, that's kept separate from any projects, shows or creative processes we collaborate on. At the end of the day, when we come together to work, it's time to work and when we want to have dinner and share laughs that's separate. 


MOSHOODAT - MAKEUP ARTIST

I asked Moshoodat ... How do you keep a loyal and steady clientele?

Be you! As cliche as that may sound, people love knowing that they aren't dealing with cosmetic robots! I hate going to a makeup counter and hearing too much information! It pushes me away from the product and the artist! 
Also, treat every client like they are Beyoncé! This is very important. You have to make your clients feel like they are queens! Of course things happen but remember they are always right! It takes one bad experience to ruin your name! and reputation. Bite the bullet!


KELLI FLOURNOY - CEO/PUBLICIST

I asked Kelli ...  If you had to name two things that contributed to your success thus far, what would those two things be? 

One of the things that has contributed to my success is my fear of failure which has pushed me out of my comfort zone many times in order to get the job done. The other contributing factor to my success has been an amazing and supportive network. I’ve built very solid and mutually beneficial relationships over the years.

Personally, I learned a lot from interviewing each of these ladies and I hope you all did too! I look forward to more great interviews to come! Feel free to comment or email me about your most valuable lessons from these interviews.


xoxo JO

Smell The Roses

Hey Everyone! Sorry, I've been kind of neglecting you all. Things have been quite hectic and busy around my way this past week. Last week consisted of a work trip, my personal life, and a mini vacation. This past weekend I took a road-trip with some friends down to Savannah, GA for some fun in the sun. I had never been to Savannah before so I was super excited for the experience and for a chance to getaway.

Sometimes, life gets so busy and we get so wrapped up in our responsibilities that we forget to take a second to smell the roses. We actually kind of forget that there are roses there to begin with. This Savannah trip was an awesome decision because we had A BLAST! From the beach, to great restaurants, to a wonderful hotel, and yummy adult beverages, I definitely smelled all the roses there were to smell. 

When you decide it is time to take a vacation, I'm sure Savannah, GA isn't the first place that pops in your mind. Never say never because after this weekend, Savannah has become my new favorite mini vacation spot. I loved every second of it. After working so hard and grinding for so long, it is a healthy decision to escape your responsibilities even if it is only for 48 hours like we did. Also, when you decide to go on a vacay, it is important to go with the right people. Don't take vacays with a frenemy or someone you don't like. We had a drama free and blissful 48 hours of laughter, drinks, great food, and genuine fun and that is how it should be! Thank you ladies for a great weekend! 

My outfits during the Savannah trip were very relaxed. I decided I wanted to be cute but comfortable. I only packed comfortable shoes like wedge sandals and jellys (yes, I brought jellys back). I opted for fluid high waist shorts, a jumpsuit, and a dress for my outfit options. Comfy but cute was the mission.

DRESS LIKE JO

I got A LOT of inquiries about my woven sun hat. I purchased it at Express and you can purchase your own HERE! 

"Peace is a journey of a thousand miles and it must be taken one step at a time"

Jump Jump

Today is the OFFICIAL FIRST DAY OF SPRING so you know I was out and about acting like it was 80 degrees out. Here in Atlanta, we had some beautiful first day of Spring weather. It wasn't too cold but it also wasn't too hot -- the weather was perfect. It kind of made me want to JUMP JUMP -- like the Kris Kross song!

Speaking of JUMP, this Spring, in the fashion world, there are a couple haute trends that I am definitely excited about. One of these trends is the jumpsuit/playsuit. I love love love love love jumpsuits/playsuits for the simple fact that they are so comfortable. They are so easy to wear in the warm/hot weather because there aren't extra layers to worry about or pieces to move around. You simply slide it on and boom ... there goes your whole outfit.

I also enjoy jumpsuits because I feel like they come in the most exciting prints and colors. Now with this playsuit I am sporting in today's post, I opted for an all black chic look. The all black gives me room to play around with which top I want to pair with it without being restricted by prints or colors. With that being said, hardly ever am I restricted by prints and colors because I am the QUEEN of mixing prints ... OKAYY! lol

Hurry along to your favorite store and stock your closet up with at least two or three jumpsuits. It is definitely one of Spring 2014's haute trends so I can guarantee almost any clothing store you go into is selling their version of the jumpsuit/playsuit!

DRESS LIKE JO
Jumpsuit - Similar from ASOS HERE
Sandals - Cathy Jeans Shoes HERE