Up To Date

This post is full of updates…

During my last trip to New York, I participated in a video shoot for the talented jazz artist, Rajdulari.  Well that video is out and available for you to view.  Please check out her new single, Natural, and share with a friend.  Rajdulari is having a fundraiser for her "Journey of a Woman" album.  She is definitely going places and the Grammys is along her journey.  Watch now…

Remember the Dangerous Curves Ahead  Charity Fashion Show in Chicago, IL?  It was FULL of awesome designs, with a great atmosphere, and for an important cause- homelessness.  Make sure you check out:  Chocolate Sushi Couture, Blair Chic Boutique, Love Verse, Archer Townsend, Knotty Loop, Kiwi's Boutique, Frock Shop, The Eightwentyeight Collection, A'Tia Couture, and Dale and Company to get fashions and accessories for all sizes.

I recently walked in the Day Party fashion show in Nashville, TN and had a great time.  I ripped the runway with fashions from Chic' Closet, A Diva's Fettish, and Guys & Dolls.  I will also be participating in more shows there and abroad.  Please make sure you LIKE my model page on Facebook and follow me on Twitter.  I always post flyers, information for events, castings, inspirational quotes & messages, and whatever else comes my way.  There is a lot more coverage and it would be great to tweet with you, stay connected, and get more feedback.  My links are to your left ß. 

Until next time…Andrea

Shift in the Atmosphere

shift (v)- to transfer from one place, position, person, etc., to another

Have you ever had the feeling that something is going to happen?  The feeling that something around you or in you is about to change?  Lately, as I’ve talked with different people, who have been working hard and pushing themselves toward their goals, I keep hearing that they feel there needs to be more progress.  Its not that they have come to a dead end, as much as they have reached a plateau.  They know that there is another level of success in their future and they are ready for it.  Now there are numerous times in life where we felt like we should be in a certain place, with a certain person, or doing certain things, but we really couldn’t back it up.  Just think about it, if those things actually came to pass when we thought we were ready, we would’ve ruined them or broke down from the responsibilities.  We know that we were indeed not prepared.  But once you have matured, become grounded, educated, focused, and the fibers of your being are almost ready to explode with forward momentum, you are ready for a higher level of operations.  However, just because you are ready, does not mean the rest of the world is.

So what do you do?  Walk, live, breathe, and act in anticipation for the SHIFT in your atmosphere.  Speak life into the things of your future and make moves on preparation and purpose.

Some believe that living in anticipation is more work than going through the motions of a day-to-day routine, but when you are hungry and driven, it doesn’t feel like work at all.  You are actually just doing your part to ensure success and not sabotage.  Your vision, execution, thoughts, and beliefs can cause ripple effects everywhere you go.  When you change, the universe has no choice but to respond.  Think of how much a positive attitude, smile, or compliment impacts the outcome of a situation.  But it is not always about your influence.  Just as you affect the universe, you are also affected.  Your life, if not already, can be changed forever by a simple series of events outside of yourself.  So be ready for you shift and pack light.  There is so much more in store.

Until next time… Andrea

Runnin & Runnin...

I was able to travel back to NY over the weekend and it was full of events.  I worked with an awesome jazz artist, Rajdulari, on her new “Natural” project.  There were so many beautiful and talented natural women there, but it wasn’t just an ordinary set.  Although professional, the atmosphere was light, positive, and loving.  Everyone was confident and we enjoyed each other.  Stay tuned for Rajdulari’s Natural coming soon.  Check out her website, get to know her and her unique sound, and follow her Journey to the Grammy’s. 

After shooting I had a little time to regroup before the evening.  I did a little shopping, went to Penn Station, and got a taste of the NY Knicks fans.  They are definitely die hard and made my NBA game watching experience lively.  Not long after the game was over, I was back on 34^th Street heading to the Hotel Pennsylvania for the Full Blossom Magazine 3^rd Anniversary event.  It was full of surprises, great music, and awesome people.  I loved seeing and working with my fellow professionals in the industry.  It was also refreshing to meet some new faces and of course networking was essential.  This was the first time that the FBM Faces were able to meet and work together.  We ignited the runway and had a blast.  Then time to party, party, party!  Boy I have to say that NY shows out when it comes to night life.  Kudos to the coordinators and hotel staff who transformed the runway to an awesome party scene.  I couldn’t believe that all of this was just my Saturday.  Sunday was full of bright lights, smiling faces, and outfit changes.  It was time for the FBM Faces to hit the studio for some much needed shooting.  We are excited about what we will be bringing you in the next few issues. Spring has sprung and we can’t wait for summer, sun, and more fun! 

There is also much more to come in my work and travels.  Next stop is Chicago, my hometown.  I will be attending the Dangerous Curves Ahead Annual Charity Fashion Show and Women’s Expo on May 4^th.  Get your tickets and come out to support their efforts to empower women and fight homelessness.  I am looking forward to seeing some of my colleagues and making new connections. 

I sometimes get a lot of questions about my travels.  Why do I do it?  Well, most times you have to take steps toward your goals.  They rarely come to you.  If those steps include an email, phone call, walk, drive, or even a flight, you must TAKE it!  Don’t let one of these things be the barrier between your plans of today and your success of tomorrow.  It’s already yours…if you believe.  I do it because I believe.

Until next time…Andrea

Decisions, decisions

I came across an article from the Thought Catalog titled  “10 Decisions That Change Your Life.”  Like most readers, I quickly read each one evaluating my life to see if I’d “been there and done that.”  Some were accomplished or ongoing, but others are still on my list of life’s goals. 

There are some things in life that depend on your interactions with others.  However, YOU are the biggest influence in the course of your life.  You determine what you study, where you work, your interests, hobbies, relationships, and investments.  You decide who to follow, who to lead, and who to let go along the way.  Your decisions will always carry a result.  If the result is good old positive change, good for you.  If the result is a consequence, take a second look and make a better decision. 

What decision(s) have you made that changed your life?  Did it make the list below?  Please comment with the number or list your own.  It may actually help to change someone else’s life.  Be sure to visit the full article (linked above) for more info.  Also, make sure you share this post, start a conversation, make some decisions, subscribe.

Until next time…Andrea

1. Deciding that you have the power to change.

2. When you choose to make your work what you’re passionate about. 

3. When you make your own family. 

4. When you start living within your means. 

5. When you discover the simple things that make you happy, and make it a point to do them every day. 

6. When you choose to give your time and energy to others and not just yourself. 

7. When you work toward embracing what you can’t change. 

8. When you take the time to just stop and enjoy the moment you’re in.

9. When you love who you actually love.

10. When you know you want a change because it’s the first step in changing.