Kori Dyer & Kirsten Pincket, Founders of Dearest Creative
Read MoreTannis Spencer
WRITER/DIRECTOR/FOUNDER OF THEMICOLE.COM
How does your craft reflect your personal aesthetic?
I think my personal aesthetic has actually influenced my craft more. I adopted a minimalist aesthetic early in my adult life and that comes across in my work relatively strongly. I’ve really tried to focus on noise reduction in everything I produce and hopefully that’s what sets my work apart.
How have the women in your life been instrumental in your life and career?
Women have been immeasurably instrumental to both my life and career. I’ve been surrounded by such excellent examples of strong women all my life. From my mother being my first role model and someone I attain to consistently make proud to the women I work with professionally who inspire me every day. I joined a sorority in college and have been fortunate enough to literally be surrounded by women that are excelling in every industry. They push me to do my best. My linesisters are a constant motivating factor in my life; we’re all very close. We push each other, we cheer for each other’s victories, and support one another in our downfalls. It’s a friendship I wouldn’t trade for the world. Women are among the strongest, smartest, and resilient people on earth, so I’m rarely surprised when we succeed. I just applaud and hope we keep doing it.
"Two" Trailer - Directed by Tannis Spencer
Cultural trends constantly change. What do you do to stay relevant, connected, and ahead of the curve?
First off, I hope to be a participant in these cultural changes so for me it’s always about being authentic and present. Thanks to social media it is a bit easier to stay connected, but to stay ahead of the curve I have to surround myself with people that know more than me. I try to have a diverse group of people in my life that can offer me perspectives I wouldn’t normally think of myself. It’s those sometimes idle conversations that can lead to creating something really innovative and pushing the culture forward.
How do you keep track of your personal and business goals – and stay creative at the same time (even when you’re exhausted)?
My notebook is over flowing with ideas and projects, some of which will likely never see the light of day. I’ve learned to be selective with what I give energy to so that helps keep me on track. Staying creative can be super difficult! We all go through creative droughts but I get inspired when I see other people doing awesome things. That keeps me creative, other peoples success. It makes me try harder.
How important are mentors? Who is your mentor?
I think mentors are very important. Having someone that can help point you in the right direction when you’re at a crossroads can be invaluable. My mentors are generally for less professional needs but they’re people I speak with to find grounding in a lot of my decisions. They’re typically family or very close friends.
What is your advice for women entering creative fields or starting their own business?
No matter, do what you love. I’m still figuring things out myself but what keeps me going is that I’m working towards something I love. I’d also advise other women to really do their research in their craft, do your due diligence and really articulate how you plan on contributing to the culture of whatever it is you’re doing.
Place that inspires me the most... I love sitting on the subway! It’s so fun to imagine what everyone’s life is like, and I draw great inspiration from that. I come up with tons of stories and ideas based on what I think I saw or experienced on the train. You never know what to expect on the subway and I love what that uncertainty can create.
I feel most powerful when... When I’m with people that love me. Not in the authoritative sense but that I feel my most capable, smart, and confident when I’m with those people. That’s powerful to me.
I love what I do because... It makes my heart happy. A funny phrase I know, but it is genuinely true. I’m so fulfilled by my brand and the work I produce because they come from such a pure place. I’m always trying to make my heart happy.
Best advice I have ever received... People are watching even when you think they aren’t.
Connect with Tannis Spencer on the themicole.com!!
Ariel Lopez
Image of Ariel Lopez c/o Innov8tiv.com
Ariel Lopez is a career coach at General Assembly - and founder of 2020Shift, a social enterprise that is designed to educate black and latino millennials on careers in the technology space. I was most impressed by Ariel's work with 2020Shift - dedicated to setting students and recent graduates up for success, but most importantly filling the diversity gap with talent by providing resources and professional development. As an avid public speaker, Ariel enjoys sharing her expertise in digital media and technology and loves connecting people to opportunities. Luckily for Ariel, the things she loves the most is reflective of her day job, which allows her the freedom to cultivate her passion into profitable and innovative ideas to inspire others to pursue their career goals.
CAREER COACH AT GENERAL ASSEMBLY & FOUNDER OF 2020SHIFT
NEW YORK, NY
"I think it's just about putting yourself out there. A lot of business connections have happened because of a tweet or a LinkedIn message. You have to find what channels work best for you/your brand and be active in them."
How does your craft reflect your personal aesthetic?
My craft reflects the things that matter to me the most. I've always had a passion for helping people and as a coach I get to do that. 2020Shift is designed to help people elevate in their careers so I'm doing the same in that regard as well. I would also say I fell in love with tech as soon as I started working in the industry. It's extremely important for me to be a catalyst to help others find success as well.
How have the women in your life been instrumental in your life and career?
I would say my mom has been the most influential person in both my life and my career. My drive and work ethic are a reflection of how I was raised. My mom always said that you can be whatever you want to be and that your current circumstances don't define your future. I held on to those words and it helped shape the determination that has carried me through my career thus far.
"In terms of finding a mentor, network as much as you can and don't force any relationships; let them happen naturally. You'll have a gut feeling on who should be a mentor or not."
Cultural trends constantly change. What do you do to stay relevant, connected, and ahead of the curve?
I think it's just about putting yourself out there. A lot of business connections have happened because of a tweet or a LinkedIn message. You have to find what channels work best for you/your brand and be active in them.
How do you keep track of your personal and business goals – and stay creative at the same time (even when you’re exhausted)?
I make a point to have vision boards for every year; you'd be surprised how things magically come into fruition. I also recently went Being Mary Jane-ish in my apartment - hanging up small affirmations. Success is definitely a mental battle; if you can stay positive and on track, you'll accomplish your goals much easier.
How important are mentors? Who is your mentor?
Mentors are super important and I have a few. I have advisors that are mentors, students and friends. I'm usually giving people advice, but learn the most about myself in those conversations. In terms of finding a mentor, network as much as you can and don't force any relationships; let them happen naturally. You'll have a gut feeling on who should be a mentor or not.
"I have a love-hate situation with NYC, but it's the most inspiring city in the world. When I wake up I automatically think: hustle. It's becomes a way of life."
What is your advice for women entering creative fields or starting their own business?
Go after what you want and negotiate what you deserve (for those entering creative fields). For women starting their own business, keep your purpose and mission top of mind; that helps with riding the crazy roller coaster that is entrepreneurship.
Place that inspires me the most...
I have a love-hate situation with NYC, but it's the most inspiring city in the world. When I wake up I automatically think: hustle. It's becomes a way of life.
I feel most powerful when...
I'm teaching or speaking in public. I love engaging with people and hearing their feedback; it's also an amazing feeling to hear, "You inspired me to do XYZ."I love what I do because...I live in my purpose and I make an impact at the same time
Best advice I have ever received...
"You attract what you believe you're worth." I make an effort to shift my mindset to things that I want and believe I'm capable of doing.Connect with Ariel Lopez on 2020Shift, General Assembly, Twitter, and LinkedIn!
Darling Chuck
ANDREA "DREA" RAMOS AKA DARLING CHUCK
DJ
QUEENS, NEW YORK
I met Drea at a mutual friend’s Ugly Christmas Sweater party in Brooklyn about three years ago. Back then, she was a fashion casting director who juggled a couple of DJ gigs after work - but despite her hectic schedule, Drea kept it going. As we kept in touch over the years, her hobby evolved into a career; she continued to cultivate her love for music and eventually left her 9 to 5 to pursue DJ'ing. This move for Drea was now... or never.
There's just something about women that feed and empower your soul, and it should be reciprocated.
How does your craft reflect your personal aesthetic?
My professional background for the past 10+ years has been in fashion, but it wasn't until recently that I decided to turn my hobby and love of music into my craft. I had a pretty cool job as a fashion casting director, working with the biggest designers, brands and talent around the world. Through casting, I was able to meet a lot of awesome folks, and make some lasting connections. I was lucky to be in the position I was in. But I think the stress to maintain and keep up with the industry finally caught up with me so I decided to pick up DJ'ing on the side. The newness of it felt so exciting, that I found myself inspired to make moves with it. A year later, I quit my day job and dove into this new world of DJ'ing that I barely knew anything about. I'm a lot happier and lighter these days, and it's because I feel like I can be more like myself.
[soundcloud url="http://api.soundcloud.com/playlists/134336465" params="" width=" 100%" height="166" iframe="true" /]
How have the women in your life been instrumental in your life and career?
I grew up in a single parent household, having been primarily raised by my mom, my grandmothers and my aunts. My mom worked multiple jobs, and made a ton of sacrifices just so I could live comfortably and have a proper education. In this man's world, my grandmothers (R.I.P. Inang) are the most emotionally and physically strongest women I know, not letting life's road blocks stop them from achieving what they've aimed for. My aunts have always offered advice and lent their care whenever I needed it without question, teaching me the real definition of friendship. Their teachings are a reflection on how I am towards other women. There's just something about women that feed and empower your soul, and it should be reciprocated. I've been so lucky to share connections with so many other strong women because they inspire me to be better. If it wasn't for these women in my life, I really believe I wouldn't have the guns to be where and who I am today.
Use your resources and research people in the industry that you admire and are doing what you want to do and reach out to them. Make connections with them. People are generally willing to help if you just ask. Stay curious. Realize you don't know it all, and have an open mind. Consume as much as you can, and make it work for yourself. Take risks.
Cultural trends constantly change. What do you do to stay relevant, connected, and ahead of the curve?
Working in fashion taught me to keep up with trends, and with the help of social media, it's made it much easier for us to stay connected. I pride myself in having good taste and knowing how to cut the fat with all the extra crap out there, so the real challenge is being able to mute the noise while managing to staying relevant. I love pop culture, and I stay curious. I like to keep it moving. Nostalgia is good, but there's also so much cool, new shit out there - especially with artists and music!
How do you keep track of your personal and business goals – and stay creative at the same time (even when you’re exhausted)?
It can be way challenging to keep track of both personal and business goals as a creative, but being freakishly organized while developing good habits has helped. I own stacks of notebooks and jars of pens because I like to physically write things down, and if I don't have a pen and paper on hand, I'll write it down in my phone or in my laptop. It's the only way to regulate all the chaos going on inside my head. You can have a long list of goals, but having the discipline to formulate and execute those goals is how you're really going to achieve them. Understanding that if you're hungry enough and have the drive to want to see your ideas come into fruition is essential. Being a DJ nowadays is more than having great taste in music and having the technical skills to back it. You sort of have to be a "social personality" to add value to your brand; you almost have to treat it like your business.
Staying creative is an ongoing struggle, but I'm fortunate to live in a city that inspires me every day. A lot of people in NYC have this "I'll sleep when I'm dead" mentality, but sleep is fucking awesome! I think it's important to stay in tune and listen to your body. As long as you eat right, stay active and allow yourself to be open, you'd be doing your future self a huge favor. You can't create if you're feeling restless or exhausted. The stress just isn't worth it in the long run. Disco naps are fun, too. It's all about maintaining a balance.
How important are mentors? Who is your mentor?
Mentors are extremely important. I'm smart enough to know that I don't know it all, and it's silly to think that you don't need anyone to make it in life. We all need each other to get by. Embrace the people that inspire and challenge you so you can grow. I learn something different from each and every single person I keep close in my life - young and old.
My main mentor is my mother. She's my number one. She is everything.Shawndub and TAP.10 have been my DJ mentors since the very beginning. They've pretty much taught me everything I know about DJ'ing, and the ropes of industry. I admire those two so much. They're possibly the most patient and intuitive people I know.
My boyfriend, Mike Baker has been my life mentor since we started dating. He's really helped me through a lot of shit, and has shown endless support with what I want to do and who I want to be. He is literally my best friend, and I can't imagine life without him.
What is your advice for women entering creative fields or starting their own business?
Figure out what exactly it is you want to do in the creative industry because there is so much to contribute to this world, whether it be in fashion, design, marketing or music. Use your resources and research people in the industry that you admire and are doing what you want to do and reach out to them. Make connections with them. People are generally willing to help if you just ask. Stay curious. Realize you don't know it all, and have an open mind. Consume as much as you can, and make it work for yourself. Take risks.
Place that inspires me the most...
The beach and being near the ocean. It reminds me how small I am, and allows me to open my mind to immeasurable possibilities.
I feel most powerful when...
I can help empower other women.
I love what I do because...
It makes me feel good, and it allows me to make others feel just as good.
Best advice I have ever received...
Nothing is free. Everything comes with a price.Connect with Darling Chuck on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and Soundcloud!
Rana Campbell
Rana Campbell
RANA CAMPBELLCONTENT STRATEGIST & FOUNDER OF RANACAMPBELL.COMORANGE, NEW JERSEY
Earlier this year, I had the pleasure of meeting Rana Campbell, Princeton University alumni and Founder of lifestyle website: RanaCampbell.com. Rana and I instantly bonded over our passion for bridging the gap between vision and reality – as she shared her website’s mission to help individuals shine in their personal and professional lives. Rana’s work has been featured on FOX 5 Good Day New York, The Huffington Post, Princeton Alumni Weekly, and many more.
I tell this to everyone: be a student of your industry. Understand the space well. Understand your future customer's pain points and work on building relationships with them. No one can want your dream more than you want your dream. A lot of people talk about this in terms of “passion”, but I think this goes beyond passion. If you want to enter a field and create something that you actually want to see some tangible results from, you need to really be involved in the system and process of figuring out how to see something from ideation to execution. I think that’s where a lot of people have it wrong. They think talent alone will cause success. It may, but I think that having a larger bird’s eye view of the industry and the little intricacies can help insure long-term success.
How does your craft reflect your personal aesthetic?
I've always been a storyteller, talker, and question-asker. These parts of my persona have definitely translated into what I do now. For me, my site and brand is all about empowering and sharing the stories of others. That’s always been intriguing to me. I’m the type of person who admires and wonders “Why?” How did things get to be the way they are? At the same time, I’ve always wondered, “What’s the best way to share this and share with others? Perhaps that’s why I love marketing so much.
How have the women in your life been instrumental in your life and career?
The women in my life have shown me resilience and strength. I think one of the most influential women in my life has been my mother. When I think of her I think of sacrifice and resilience. My mother went through alot in her life, and despite almost dying when I was a baby, she is still here with us. All along she has supported me and through her sacrifice I have been able to accomplish so much.
Other important women in my life such as teachers, mentors, and even former bosses have been instrumental in my life because they both believed in me and pushed me. They showed me new possibilities for my dreams and also showed me the ways that I can navigate those open waters as a woman.
Cultural trends constantly change. What do you do to stay relevant, connected, and ahead of the curve?
I’m obsessed with reading. I always try to have a book in tow, if possible. I’m always trying to find new information to consume via blogs, news, film, social media, networking events, music, etc… I am like a sponge and revel at opportunities to learn new things. I think if you’re constantly seeking new knowledge, staying ahead of the curve is easy. This is where my love for asking “why?” comes in.
Rana Campbell
How do you keep track of your personal and business goals – and stay creative at the same time (even when you’re exhausted)?
This one is a bit hard for me. Personally, I try to make sure to write everything down and revisit my goals from time to time. By keeping myself accountable, I’m able to keep track. For me, keeping track of my goals and staying creative don’t always go hand-in-hand. I feel that sometimes I have too many creative ideas which can cause an overload, which may cause me NOT to focus on my goals. There you have it… staying focused is what I find to be the most important thing. At the end of the day, I always try to remain positive. Burnout is real.
How important are mentors? Who is your mentor?
Mentors are everything. Having someone who did it already and can show you the ropes can save you a lot of time and also guide your own journey. Mentors are another part of your support system- which every creative needs. One of my mentors is Gabrielle Simpson, who is a director of Communications at NBC. I’ve known Gabby (as I call her) from when she worked at CBS Corporate and I as an intern. She’s always been a great support to me and has pushed me to pursue new opportunities. She also helped open up alot of doors for me, which I would have a really hard time gaining access to (quite literally.) Gabby sees greatness in me – having someone who sees that in you and wants you to achieve that is the best thing ever.
Rana Campbell
What is your advice for women entering creative fields or starting their own business?
I tell this to everyone: be a student of your industry. Understand the space well. Understand your future customer's pain points and work on building relationships with them. No one can want your dream more than you want your dream. A lot of people talk about this in terms of “passion”, but I think this goes beyond passion. If you want to enter a field and create something that you actually want to see some tangible results from, you need to really be involved in the system and process of figuring out how to see something from ideation to execution. I think that’s where a lot of people have it wrong. They think talent alone will cause success. It may, but I think that having a larger bird’s eye view of the industry and the little intricacies can help insure long-term success.
My dad once told me, “As long as you’re awake and have the ability to think, you should never be bored.”
Place that inspires me the most:
I get a lot of ideas while driving without the radio on. There's something about being on the move that gets my mind going. Honestly, I can get inspired from pretty much everywhere. Everything is a story to me. You just have to want to see it. My dad once told me, “As long as you’re awake and have the ability to think, you should never be bored.”
I feel most powerful when:
This may sound crazy, but I love being naked. I think there’s power in loving your body in its rawest form. True power comes from within and I think that moment of nakedness where you have nothing to hide behind is where we can start to build that power.
For the more politically correct answer, I’ll say, I feel most powerful when I’m looking good, feeling good, and am prepared. Those things give me confidence.
I love what I do because:
I get to meet so many different people and hear so many different stories. At the same time, I love inspiring others and helping others accomplish their dreams. This may be because I’m an ENFJ, but I really enjoy seeing other people smile and feel good about themselves. I also like presenting ways that individuals can start challenging themselves to open their eyes to something new.
I read a quote the other day that sums this up perfectly: “If we all did the things we are capable of doing, we would literally astound ourselves.
Best advice I have ever received:
Don’t let what others think weigh you down. I say this is the best advice because it’s something I find myself working on every day. Having courage to pursue a journey that others may not fully support or understand is hard, but if you believe in yourself and start to care less about what “others” may say the possibilities are endless. I read a quote the other day that sums this up perfectly: “If we all did the things we are capable of doing, we would literally astound ourselves.”
Rana Campbell
Samantha Smikle
tnemnroda
SAMANTHA SMIKLEFounder & Creative Director of TNEMNRODA [nem-roh-da] + Style Blogger at O.M.O. Writes
Describe a day in the life of Samantha Smikle:
My day is super specific to my current agenda. But being that I'm a one man army, most times, it's jam packed. Now I'm being trained in CAD design for jewelry so I'm doing that everyday at GIA. Then I usually run over to my usual wholesale vendors on 6th ave for chain and other findings. Then I run over to the jewelry district over on 46th/47th to drop off pieces that need to be finished (polished, plated, soldered etc). After that I could be running to the post office to mail out orders. Other days I'm meeting with stylists for pulls. And I try to attend the fashion events that I'm invited to as much as possible. I def need to develop a team to spread the wealth of To-Dos!
TNEMNRODA
Photo Credit: PynkMag.com - TNEMNRODA - Mia Sunnies
What’s the history behind TNEMNRODA – what propelled you to start it (how did you come up with the name) – and how does TNEMNRODA reflect your personal aesthetic?I originally brainstormed TNEMNRODA as the name of an art exhibit that I wanted to plan for the line when it was called Odd & Even NYC. I was planning the exhibit to be on adornment, my collection and images that inspired it. TNEMNRODA is adornment spelled backwards and when I came across it a year later in the journal, I knew instantly that it was perfect. Until then, the line never felt really complete and settled.TNEMNRODA really represents the woman I strive to be. It's a manifestation of a being who is strong, fun, bold, sexy and powerful... Characteristics that always fluctuate but the pursuit is what makes us alluringly amazing and all of the above.
daggers-bangle
Photo Credit: TNEMNRODA - Daggers Bangle
What were fundamental steps you followed before starting your business?I don't think I followed all the steps. I may have just completely skipped some and come back to them later, haha. That's why I've decided to study CAD design now. But I established things like a website, press and trunk shows very early on. The basis is really having a space whether it's online or physical to sell your pieces and having it featured in the press. Someone said, if it isn't in the press, it's like it never happened.What challenges did you face when building TNEMNRODA from scratch? How did you overcome such challenges?Starting out, I hadn't studied jewelry or had the slightest drop of professional exposure to it, so my biggest challenge was really learning the industry, the jewelry district, and how to run a business: calculating prices, making line sheets and writing up purchase orders. I needed to do this all by myself, but I didn't even know half of the things I needed to do until I worked with actual jewelry design companies, which is how I learned a lot of what I know.
TNEMNRODA
Photo Credit: TNEMNRODA - Top & Bottom Left: Azalea Banks Dancer, EMoney Lopez & Top Right: Stylist, Zerina Akers
It’s empowering to see women making moves in the scene like you — how have the women in your life been instrumental in developing your hustle?I always surround myself with strong people and have a great group of solid women. They all, in their own way just encourage me to be greater. And in being greater I have to always do more and do better than the last time--whether it's a design or marketing strategy or whatever. The encouragement and belief from others that I can achieve more and am expected to achieve more is so empowering.
crown-midi-ring
Photo Credit: TNEMNRODA - Crown Midi Ring
What do you think it takes to make it in this business, especially for women?The ability to be clear on your intentions and dreams and to accept help. The latter I've just realized. But no matter how much we take pride in handling things solo, we need a team who supports us to bring the dream to fruition as it is meant to be and it takes extreme discipline. When you work for yourself, you work for yourself. So all the work you didn't want to do for an employer, you'll have to do for your brand... at least until you build a team.Cultural trends constantly change. What do you do to stay relevant, connected, and ahead of the curve?I absorb style and trends from mags and so many blogs and Tumblrs. Coming from an editorial background, doing trend pieces for FADER magazine and trend reporting for WWD, it was always something that came naturally and that was fun for me. So innately feeling what's next is key in remaining consistently on or ahead of trend. If I had to describe how I do it, it would just be to observe. I notice what has been and I re-imagine where it's going.
TNEMNRODA
Photo Credit: PynkMag.com - TNEMNRODA - Vision Shades
How has social media shaped TNEMNRODA? What’s your favorite platform? Why?By far Insta'! Seriously, one of the biggest smallest blessings in my career has been getting an iPhone and joining the Instagram flock. No one puts their enterprises out on any other platform like they do on Instagram. And the connection level and immediacy is just unrivaled and beautiful. How do you keep track of personal & business goals, prioritize projects, and stay creative at the same time – even when you’re exhausted?It's difficult and I do get burnt out. That's when I automatically step back from emails and social media for a day or two. Everything really happens at once in terms of projects. It's completely normal to be preparing for a shoot, an interview and producing a new line and replenishment inventory for Blake (my jewelry is carried at Blake Scotland in the LES). So I have notes and lists everywhere. On the walls in my studio. In the notepad of my phone. In whichever journal I'm writing in at the moment. I sketch designs and jot down new goals as soon as they come to me. The best things creep into your heart unexpectedly and I'm so afraid of forgetting them.
wings-earrings
Photo Credit: TNEMNRODA - Wing Earrings
What are your must-have tools or apps to run your day-to-day grind? What kind of gadgets would we find on your desk or in your bag?
My iPhone and my MacBook Air are the most techy things you'd find. Depending on the week I might be walking around with my ring sizer, BCBG measuring tape and chain cutters and pliers.As for apps I can't do without Instagram, Pic Stitch and Picfx for photos, BillTracker, Mint.com and Chase for finances and always hopstop or just the iPhone map for running around. In a fast-paced industry where last-minute-anything can happen, what’s your fail-proof, go-to outfit that will last from morning meetings to evening events?All black. I used to be all about color and prints and just believe black was a cop out to being creative. But it's so chic! Maybe because my style icons have shifted from Blossom and Brenda of 90210 in my early 20s to Carine Roitfeld, Tracee Ellis Ross and the whole A$AP look as of late. So my foolproof look would be black skinnys or leggings, black silk tank, black cropped moto leather with an oversized mohair vest for texture. In the day, leopard flats. At night, laced up black heeled boots! Maybe a leather cap or a bordeaux pout...
crown flower sunnies
Photo Credit: TNEMNRODA - Crown Flower Sunnies
How important are mentors? Who is your mentor?Mentors are so important. I don't have a particular one but there have been many women in my life who have advised me and connected me to opportunities in my career. That's what's so important in a mentor. Someone who can guide you objectively and with complete love and intention for you to succeed... to give you advice and selflessly connect you to the perfect opportunity.Define your idea of success.I think success is discovering what your life's work ought to be. Arriving at that place where you are happy and self-sufficiently comfortable from creating something that fulfills a deep need in the world. But I'm not sure if success is ever really reached. Maybe it's just reached a few times over. I think I always I have one foot on overjoyed success and the other on a plan for greater success. What were TNEMNRODA’s top achievements in 2012? What should we expect from TNEMNRODA this year?2012 was a good year. Beyonce wore my Mia Sunnies and posted the pic on her stan-ssessed Instagram. I was also named one of four jewelry designers to watch by Time Out New York magazine at the top of the year and rolled out our first lookbook by the end. For 2013, I'm putting a plan for greater emphasis on a bigger jewelry collection and I am planning on having more private sales and trunk shows, ideally with my fave luxury department stores.
Beyonce_Tnemnroda
Photo credit: Instagram.com/Beyonce - Beyonce wearing TNEMNRODA Mia Sunnies with detachable lens
Samantha Smikle_TimeOutNewYork
Photo credit: Time Out New York - Samantha Smikle of TNEMNRODA
TNEMNRODA
What’s your advice for other women entering creative fields or starting their own business?For women in creative fields, my advice would be to follow your gut. It took me a while to really appreciate my creativity as a gift. It's like singing, not everyone can. And creativity is something that can only be learned to an extent, the rest is unique to you so trust yourself!For women who are starting their own business, I would say the same: trust yourself. Believe in yourself. But believe that you can be as major as your inspiration no matter how impossible that seems. Beyonce was just Beyonce before she was Queen Bey.
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About the brand, TNEMNRODA + O.M.O. Writes:TNEMNRODA jewelry embodies the nuances and intricacies that make you a special version of beauty in this world. Literally ADORNMENT spelled backwards, TNEMNRODA is focused on bold designs and gold plated metals finely embellished with semiprecious stones and other inspiring materials.Created in 2011 by GIA-trained jewelry designer and Boston University graduate Samantha Smikle, TNEMNRODA was the realization of inspirations, influences and experiences that Samantha wanted to capture stylistically. It was Samantha's Caribbean upbringing, outfitted in jewelry that made the ease into design from a career in editorial writing and trend forecasting so seamless.Egypt and India. The '70s and even the raw carnal sexuality of vintage erotica are all inspiration and reference points for TNEMNRODA. Every piece is handled with care and made with love and good intention in New York City. Some pieces are made in limited quantity.O.M.O Writes, the creative online outlet of fashion writer Samantha Smikle, was created in the Summer of 2007 as a written time stamp for her trend-spotting quips.Now expanded to an exploration of style news, influential editorials, and What I Wore posts, O.M.O Writes is delivered via a savvy point of view and scratches below the surface of fashion. Mentions from Essence Magazine and WWD sets O.M.O. Writes as a hub for vibrant imagery and style reporting.