Shopping Event

So excited about my upcoming JS Creative Minds 4th Annual Summer Shopping & Networking Event.  If you're in the Chicagoland Area, and looking to support Local Small Businesses come to this event!  To find out more info "Like" the JS Creative Minds facebook page here.

I'M A STUDENT!!!!

A couple of months ago I blogged about troubles, because I had received word that I once again was not accepted into a school that I applied for.  This was the 5th School!  I was really upset and I was sort of discouraged, but still determined to see if I can actually make my dream of becoming a therapist come true. Northwestern University was the closest school that I got to actually making it.  I made it to the final round. Out of 200 something applicants I was a part of the 70 something people that actually got an interview and I was proud of that. I was thinking,  what if this actually happens?  When it didn't happen my world was kind of turned upside down. I was thinking why would God put being a therapist on my heart for the last 10 years for it to not happen?  What is the lesson in this? That question was not settling with me so that's why I was determined to just keep going and see what happened. So I did my research and I found one more school that had my program.  I saw that it was an online program and I talked to God.  I said, "is this what you're telling me?  Are you telling me that I need to go to school online because my life is crazy right now?  I mean how would I actually be able to handle going to class in this life and studying?  Is this what you want me to do?  You want me to go to school online?  I imagined him saying,  "Go for it!" (Or maybe I heard him for real ;-)

So that's what I did and now I am happy to announce that I am now a graduate student of North Central University in the Master of Arts Marriage and Family Therapy Program. I was so excited to get that acceptance letter all I could do was get down on my knees and praise God literally. So far I'm in my first week of class and I've done three assignments and everything is smooth sailing (besides a hiccup with fingerprinting).  Financial aid has been all taken care of.  I've spoken to my advisor several times.  Communication is great, and I will meet my instructor via Skype tomorrow morning Everything is great!

You might say what is happening with an Enchanté?  I would say that's a great question.  Enchanté is not going anywhere.  The fact that I am becoming a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist will only add to the success of on Enchanté. Enchanté is all about empowering women to believe in themselves, know their worth, carry themselves with dignity and integrity, and demand for the world to worship them and be encouraged to take care of themselves within.  Being an MFT will help aid me with the work that I can do in the community that Enchanté will be affiliated with. I have so many ideas for on Enchanté and I am so excited to see it on unfold.

Life

I haven't blogged in a while because it's been one thing after another these last 3 weeks, and not necessarily bad things. About a month ago, I believe I had a breakthrough. I'm not really sure what happened, maybe the weather started to be nicer. Whatever the reason is I REALLY (this time) realized how done I was with being upset, waiting on other people to do what they should do, and not thinking about my own needs, and I'm happy to say that 4 weeks later I'm still done, and I'm enjoying this process of enjoying my life more.

I enjoyed myself in New Orleans with my husband. I've been taking the time to thank him more, and taking steps back in these trying times to put myself in his shoes and validate him, although this is still in the beginning steps of the process, but I'm optimistic that this will improve on both our parts. I did have the stomach flu for a week, and was out of commission as much as a Mother of two rumbuteous boys can be out of commission. Then I turned around and got right back sick with a cold, or maybe its allergies? I don’t know I was sick :-)! I'm working on creations, prom dresses, and planning my next JS Creative Minds Vending and Networking event and I still haven't gotten word from North Western University, but I'm learning to Praise God while in my challenges, and worship him before my blessings come.  I  have figured out how to take things as they come, and pull the positive out of the majority of situations I encounter, and whatever else I don't encounter I'll deal with when I do, and I'm loving this moment.  Tell me, how are you doing?

The Count Down

I am so anxious right now. Last week I had my admissions interview with Northwestern University. I was one of the 72 applicants picked to be interviewed out of 260 something applicants. I was not really scared going into the interview in fact I was really confident but I admit that my nerves were high, but I feel that I did well. I've been visualizing how going down this new road would look for my life and I must say that it looks great!

For a few years now, I have had a dream, premonition, daydream; I don't know really what it is, but I have had this vision of myself with salt & pepper locks sitting high on my head in a neat bun, with a lavender tailored business suit, getting out of my car. Now, I feel like I'm going to work at a boutique in this vision but I always felt like, even though I know I can rock this suit, but I always felt like I was a little over dressed to be going to work in my boutique, but going to work in my boutique and also being a therapist I feel that this suit would be perfect! Maybe this is a premonition of what is to come. I so cannot wait to rock my lavender suit!

So I am counting down the days when I get to announce that I am now a student earning a Master of Science degree in the Marriage and Family Therapy program at Northwestern University. Doesn't that sound absolutely wonderful!

Consistency

The word of the day is... Consistency

The word consistency is more and more making an appearance in my life. I'm finding myself getting upset not only with with people around me, including my husband but also with myself in my relationship with my kids, my business, and my marriage.

 We all know that children are sponges and they are watching us. So we have to set positive examples for them. We can't expect big things from them if we're not providing a consistent example of what big things are.

I'm also realizing that I need to be more consistent in my business. This consistency determines how successful I am. I'm currently working on being more active with blogging and having more interaction with fans and supporters on social media. Becoming more proactive on my email listing, and creating more merchandise. This is all an effort in trying to achieve my goal of becoming more consistent, hence becoming more successful in my business.

I'm also making more of an effort to be consistent in

Isn't Marriage spelled wrong;-/

my marriage by not being so focused on the things that are going wrong but being more encouraging, showing acknowledgment, and creating more opportunities for intimacy.

Being consistent is very important in all relationships if we can push ourselves more and show that we care more I believe we'll all be consistently happy. :-)

This Moment

I'm back!!!!!! I promise I won't write this post, and not see you again for another 2 years.  I've learned that writing or reading is needed in my life in order for me to feel like me so, I'm determined to write, but at the same time not feel overwhelmed and pressured by it.

So anyways...

There is so much going on that I don't even know where to start!  Let me just start with the moment...(be more in the moment it helps)

Have you ever wanted to prove something to other people, (and yourself) so bad that you develop tunnel vision and you can't see anything else?

Well, I decided after designing for 15 years and not doing a fashion show of my own, that I was going to make it happen come Spring, but today I just realized I just have to much going on!

1. I'm working on strengthening my relationship with God. I've found a church with Pastors that I adore, and I've joined a bible study with my Just 4 Wives group aka Real Wives of Chicago Sisters, and because of the wonderful movie, War Room, I'm developing my own prayer closet/prayer book. 
2. I recently finished taking a class with a Chamber of commerce retail pilot program that helps Entrepreneurs with resources to open their own storefronts.  Although I'm finish with the class, I still have work to do in making this happen; like networking, scouting locations, working on my inventory, keeping in contact with current clients, trying to get new clients, etc., and did I mention that I just changed the name of my business from The Isis Collections to Enchante and there's so much I have to update, and re-register with the name change.
   
3. I recently applied to graduate school. Hopefully I get accepted (Pray that I get accepted Gods & Goddesses), and if I do I'll be starting September 2016, but there are 2 prerequisite classes I'll need to take before I start. 
4. My oldest son is starving for his parents attention, and I have to make away to give it to him.
5. My youngest son is starving for his parents attention, and I have to make away to give it to him, as well as potty train him, and get him ready and registered to start school in September 2016. 
6. Last but not least I have a husband that is starving for my attention, and I have to make a way to give it to him as well.
7. One more thing, I have to not forget about me, and take care of myself.  Do things that I want to do.  Relax!  Relate!  Release!

So because of all of this, I've decided since I'm getting closer to getting my storefront location, I will just wait until my grand opening and have a fashion show then.  I know many of you, I have reached out to because I wanted you to be apart of my fashion show, and I still want to be apart of it, but it won't be happening in Spring.  I promise I'll keep you updated.  Sometimes you have to make hard decisions and cancel things before they turn how to be a problem.

Pull It Together Tuesday!

On this pull it together Tuesday,  I'm sorry to inform all of my Gods & Goddesses that I am taking a much needed hiatus from blogging.   From time to time, if there is something I absolutely have share with you all, I will.  I was so looking forward my son starting school, with the potty training, and pacifier fairy, it was hard but my son passed all of that with flying colors, only to be put in a class with teachers that are not a good fit for him, and because of this I've decided to keep him home with me for a year, and that involves me teaching him myself. I also need to push forward on my business plan, and I just have to much on my plate right now, so something has to be pushed aside, and blogging is going to be it... temporarily. 

In the meantime, I'll leave you with this:  If you don't take care of yourself, you can't take care of anyone else!

ALSO

Want FREE Jewelry?  Contact me, to Book an online Jewelry Party Today!  Here are the details!  To Shop NOW, CLICK HERE!!!!!

Pull It Together Tuesday! (I Need an Assistant!!!)

As a Mompreneur work never gets done!  There is always something to do!  Fun time with my Son, windexing, pledging, sweeping, mopping, laundry, vacuuming, fun time with Husband, shopping, paying bills, creating, sales, marketing, vending, etc.

Right now as I look around my apartment at the pile of business plan papers, catalog papers, ideas of new projects, laundry, dishes, mirrors with finger prints, dusty figurines, toys spiradically placed, and juice spots on the floor and carpet I can only shake my head, and feel the pounding in my head that is screaming I NEED AN ASSISTANT!!!!

She would be perfectly fine being  paid with Jewelry and food, she would love kids, and love beading new creations.  She would know how to put together a successful business plan.  She would love to go on walks with me during down time and throw ideas off of one another.  She would be a fashionista, in the loop of different events and parties going around Chicago, New York and other fabulous places, and know the next spot to go to Spread the word of The Isis Collections.  She would be a social networking queen!  She wouldn't mind baby sitting at least once a month so hubby and I can get our groove back.  She would not only be a value to TIC, but she would be my good friend...


*sigh* In a perfect world that would be great!  However  its back to reality!

What do you need to pull together?

Pull It Together Tuesday!

I'll be honest, I over analyze things sometimes, and this drives my Husband crazy!  I can over analyze things so much, that I can deter myself from my own dreams, and I kind of did that.  I have been letting loose ends and indecisiveness along with fatigue stop me from acting on my dreams of owning a store front, but now I'm back on it.

I've pulled it together this Tuesday!

I've made my phone calls, sent emails, and put some footwork into The Isis Collections, and I'm expecting some big positive things (Just to put it out there).

Only thing left to do, is grow, and make money!  Would you like to earn FREE or discounted Jewelry?  Book an online jewelry part today!  Click here for details.

Pull if Together Tuesday (Victorious!)

Continuing with change today on this Pull it Together Tuesday, when I quit my job in order to positively strengthen my marriage, nurture my son, and build my business. I knew that it was a huge step that involved major change in my life, but I had no ideal about the level of change. It is indeed a process that is very challenging to enjoy, but I can honestly say that I am enjoying the struggle, cause I know that the outcome for my family will be nothing but success, because my Father God is guiding me! These obstacles will be Pulled Together and we will be Victors!

This week, I'll be continuing to love my husband, and other family, potty training, registering my big boy FOR PRESCHOOL!!!!! Being active on Etsy, updating the measurement descriptions on the website, putting together this seasons newsletter (if u would like go sign up for our newsletters, click here.), working on my business plan, preparing for this coming weekends Custers Last Stand Arts Festival in Evanston, and getting my purses together for the RWOC Volunteer project at.

Whew! I can't wait til my vacation next week!

What do u need to Pull Together?

FINE JEWELRY FRIDAY!!!!!

Are you the kind of person that plays it safe?  Well, I think I am in some ways.  Sure, every once in a while I take a chance and leap out on faith, like when I snuck out of the house to be with boyfriends, or when I went away to  college, and when I married my husband, and even when I quit my job of 4 years, and became a WAHM, but lately I've been thinking I should do it again.  I'm tired of playing it safe. 

I feel that if you want big things to happen, you have to make big moves!  I absolutely feel that big moves should be researched, and be done with smarts. Soooo this is why I've decided to finally stop talking about it, and put some action to it. 

I'm going to finally start the 1st store to my chain of Isis Collections Stores!  However it has to start with a real functional Business Plan!  I have the template,  (The business plan I put together Junior year of college.  Yes, I have a BFA in Fashion Design/Fine Arts) now I just need to update it, and add my current logistics, and do some real footwork!

So any POSITIVE advice or comments, locations, etc. you have will be greatly appreciated! 

Pull It together Tuesday (Obstacles)

Happy Pull it together Tuesday!


Well, I tried hard to finish all of my shopping, but there just wasn’t enough hours left in the day on Friday, and this weekend was full of rest, and work. So in about an hour, I’ll go see how much more Christmas and regular monthly shopping I can get done.

Nonetheless, through all of this holiday bustling, something is plaguing me, of course I want my business to grow, and it will grow, because I’ve dreamt of this for too long, but I’m having a hard time figuring out how I can do this. I have a business plan, so I’ve done the research, and I’m still researching, but I’m just having a hard time trying to figure out, well believing that I can actually do this, be there for my family, and be happy.

Some people are telling me because of the quality of my work, I should raise my prices, and some are telling me I should keep them the same because of the economy. I have so many ideas regarding, the running of my store front, but the actual location of where to buy I’m having a hard time making a resolution.

I know as I practice making my faith stronger, these obstacles will be crossed, but right now they look uncrossable.

What do you all think? How would you pull things together this Tuesday?