This is 26

If you have ever been overwhelmed by so many mixed emotions you will know what my facial expression probably looks like right now....or maybe not. 

Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah! :) 

Something in me just needed to do that before i actually begin writing sense lol. I am just so happy lately guys, I mean sometimes i feel like i'll trip and fall just because this much happiness bottled inside one human is just not allowed (i am even laughing as i write this post). Sheesh, Hi there! Hello. How are you? How's the family?! 

As is readily apparent, I don't blog with much frequency any more but still have those days that just demand a blog post from me. And this is that day! God has been so so so amazing this year! I am actually very grateful, scared and excited all at the same time. I just came back from London a few weeks ago, and still trying to take that in and explain the feelings that came with it to any ear that receives sound waves, even partially. I have also been submitting to a few good changes at work, little bad ones at the new flat (but i am happy about the independence), and smooth ones in my relationship with my almost 5 year partner who I really appreciate in my life despite the hiccup that had us disconnected for a few weeks! We are seriously learning that love is commitment and balancing differences as we grow and experience life together. But more so with my goals, spiritual growth and life direction - which continues to see small good changes here and there. 

Someone once said faith is like a muscle, the more you exercise it or put it to use, the more it strengthens! And the more it strengthens, you are likely to find yourself taking brave life leaps with confidence. The first time I heard this saying i noted it close to my heart, I made a decision to put it into practice little by little and implement it on the every day encounters. I have also made it a point to enter a few words every week on my journal, this helps me look back and forth at my growth and celebrate each little thing that has come to pass. 

With the amount of fear and tribulation that came with 2014, i have forced myself to learn that everything happens within Gods plan for me, it is never easy to take in the bad times even though we know they are not forever. Honestly they come with an immense amount of growth,so to say i cannot fathom what my life would be without that experience—never mind the faith and wisdom that i reaped out of it all. So with all this, why then not take time to actually soak in the days of happiness when God grants you those? Take time off to say, Thank you, and bask in the smiling of your heart!

There is still so much I want to do and try out this year before 2017, and because i have a personality that falls for new things very easily i find myself motivated and excited to jump in.

Unraveling yourself, on a journey to find your core can be one of the best things one can do for themselves. I love that i am taking the time to learn more about myself, that i recognize the importance of it and that i am so courageous to face things head-on. Whatever the outcome. 

Why Beyonce Wears Kisua // The holy grail for a fashion brand

This right here is my new addition to the stacks/magazines I purchase, all thanks to Russel's good eye on art/design mags to reads. Tomorrow marks their release of issue 007 in Kenya, South Africa and Nigeria.
#4thJuly #Ogojiii

Leaning back to Talia Shuvalov's S/S13

As a designer you always need to have a particular aesthetic that people look to you for. I love small detail, simple almost plain like clothing that speaks more through trialing textiles, functioning fabrics and easy yet unusual silhouettes. The exaggerated wear as well as good quality principle pieces.

Talia's work still awakens my curiosity and affection for all things simple. I have been browsing at  her MA collection for the S/S13 season, (naturally) because my list of must haves is always leaning towards knitwear - irrespective of being a girl from a humid city. I continue to look for inspiration from these young designers who push boundaries, being one who flirts with the idea of starting a clothing line in future. The many archived images of inspiration come together as a form of teaching and creative appetizer, that will hopefully assist me in starting a line that truly unravels my own aesthetic.

In 2011 Talia launched her capsule collection 'Bilinear', sponsored by Zegna Baruffa. Her MA collection for the S/S13 season, was presented in 2012 during NYFW. Talia works on her eponymous label and holds the position of design director at Alexander Wang Inc.
 

Chapter 6 in 12

a catch up on the blog

I can't believe I haven't posted anything since March! (Okay, maybe I can). Mostly, I can't believe that we are already six months into the year, it feels like 2016  only just happened. Damn. 

I have a lot on my plate and mind lately...actually this year has been very busy and with a lot of growth, new habits and many personal changes. This year has me feeling more like an adult (26) and yet I find myself embracing my inner 90's kid more than I have before. So much to be grateful for and yet so much responsible planning required for me to get to where I want to be before i hit the next decade (30). The beauty of youth somewhat still manages to creep in the anxiety of getting older and attaining what I want in life. 

I have so much that i want to do, and yet I would love to do nothing all at the same time!  I have been contemplating starting an online magazine and moving my blog to a whole new site with a new look and blog  address etc.  I am currently designing an App with my brother that we are presenting soon - watch me die if we get funding for it!! Fingers-Crossed* and Super excited about my new position coming up at work, fashion programme manager! (not forgetting that "to him that much is given, much is required")

On the other side...I am preparing to move again - nothing new in that, in fact I love new places & the fresh start that comes with it - though this time, staying where I am has been 90% great times with 10% trials. The new space is so spacious and newly renovated, and it will take many months to furnish it the way i might like to. But all that is fine, life of a single girl in the city seems to holds no boundaries!  I have also been realigning my goals with God and it surprises me to learn how much i have changed, from my priorities, emotions to my calmness towards situations. I get the feeling that i am kind of glad to be seeing the transformation though. 

I have attained a few things I really wanted this year, many may not be material but i am happy with where i am, more so visioning the possibilities of what I can do. The past has given me lots of hope for the future and really strengthened my faith and will power. This only leaves me running towards the next things... currently I've been wanting to experience a different city outside South Africa (and it so happens that i will be going overseas for the first time this year July - excited!). 

4 years ago i came across an interview by Garance Dor e where she spoke to one of my now inspirational black women, Chioma Nnadi. This lady spoke of having taken a brave leap that landed her a job that she had wanted, this story (below) got me taking a few leaps of my own and still reminds me to continue taking chances towards the things i want in life. I am learning not to settle for anything outside what I love - and especially since i am still young. 

I have put certain things on hold to really give my best at getting the career and lifestyle want for myself. Having a child will come much later (i always joked to a friend that my salary & marriage will determine when i can start thinking about babies), a boyfriend/husband/partner will find me already running my own race/on the journey (hopefully he will be fulfilling his own too) and God, i pray that He will continue leading my everyday steps.   

I find myself really excited about life in my mid 20's and only hope that this excitement will grow with age. 

Chioma Nnadi interview quote...
"When I was in college, I was very much into style magazines. This was before there were blogs, so there was no other way to get news other than reading magazines. There was one called Trace and they did an issue on Brazil and I was really obsessed with Brazil at the time. I was so taken by it, I ended up writing them a letter. I decorated it and I painted it; I put a lot of work into that letter. I was super young, like 18 or 19. So I sent it off, forgot about it, and then I opened the magazine 6 months later, and there was my letter photographed in the magazine. " (link to full interview here)

3 STEP Anti-Blemish Solutions | CLINIQUE

In as much as I love makeup and looking like a flawless doll, for me it's unrealistic that I can go through a ''face beat'' process every mornings. Considering having late nights, early mornings, full days of work and studies part time, not to forget personal clients to see to and (loving) nagging friends who still want to hang out. I need not explain how neglected my makeup brushes must feel!

But because looking good is still priority, I prefer working on making my natural skin flawless so I can feel confident without covering up my spots with foundation all the time. My skin is oily and because of that I've found that makes me prone to pimples, (blackheads and whiteheads) that leave dark spots behind - of which I have been trying to combat for a while now.

So today I thought I'd share my current skincare routine. My 3 Step Anti-Blemish Solutions skin care system from Clinique, which I have started using and definitely loving. I have notice how my skin is breathing much better with no more whiteheads on my chin and nose!

HERE IS HOW I USE IT...

1. Step 1 - Using these products twice a day (mornings and night), I lander the Anti-Blemish Solutions bar soap/ foam all over my wet face (avoiding the eye area as it will sting), I let it sit for about 10 seconds then rinse it off with lukewarm water. It gives no tightness feeling, or drying.
2.  Step 2 After washing I then move onto step 2 which is the Anti-Blemish Solutions Clarifying lotion.To use this lotion I need cotton pad to get this step done. Just apply few amount on the cotton pad and wipe it on my face. This lotion will give me dryness if I apply too much. Avoiding the eye area once again. I love the fresh feeling it gives me afterwards.  
3. Step 3 All Over Cleansing Treatment. This my favorite step. The cream feels light on my face, and it is oil-free which is what my skin needs.

Durban StartUp Weekend || From me to me

I could be right in saying this month end is going to be an eventful one for the city of Durban, which is a great thing considering we are heading towards a long weekend soon. I just received an email from one of my friends which got me excited and ready to share with you all.

For me it's never been hard to get excited about the process of starting my own business and working on bringing something fresh and helpful to my city. I am almost always flooded with an array of ideas and things to execute, and knowing how intricate it can be to run a one girl show and keep things growing and clients coming in, maybe Durban Startup Weekend may just be what I need to help me push further with my business, being surrounded by women who think alike. My 26th birthday is coming up on the 27th March and this could just be a lovely gift from me to me kind of thing.

The Startup Weekend is a global grassroots movement of active and empowered entrepreneurs who are learning the basics of founding startups and launching successful ventures. It is the largest community of passionate entrepreneurs with over 1800 past events in 120 countries around the world in 2014.

The non-profit organization is headquartered in Seattle, Washington but Startup Weekend organizers and facilitators can be found in over 200 cities around the world. From Mongolia to South Africa to London to Brazil, people around the globe are coming together for weekend long workshops to pitch ideas, form teams, and start companies.

Hope to see some of you guys there!