Write with your Words

I haven't wanted to write on here much. I'm not sure why and it's no offense to all of you lovely people, but maybe life is moving too fast. Online dating, giving away books, trying to figure what is my next book, my day job, rent, bills, potentially getting promoted and blah blah blah.

Here are some topics I have pending for you.

1. The Beat Goes On
2. Online Dating Part Deux
3. TSA
4. Chapter from a lost story
5. ...the rest aren't started

Motivation is lacking. I'm not thriving in my creativity. Not sure why. I have SO much material I can use. But I don't want to write it? Very unlike me. Therefore, I'm going to invite people to come write on here. Their words and insight will continue on what I aim to do. Enlighten you about what's right under your nose.

I'm listening to "Soldier" by Gavin Degraw (best lyrics). As much as I sometimes feel like a failure (and I do), I often match or double those moments with times of amazement by my accomplishments. Fortunately I also have friends who look to accomplish their hopes and dreams to the highest degree. 

Last night one of my friends succeeded in what I'd think was one of her highest goals. I personally believe its definitely only the beginning.  And maybe that's something we sometimes forget. For example,  I sent my books to an employee at Scholastic a couple of weeks ago. That was one of the biggest moments for me because I had Scholastic on the top of my list of places I wanted my books to be distributed. And voila, an opportunity presented itself after years of going to networking events. It was unreal! But then I laid back and acted as if I was done. What is that?? There is still more to do. No one is banging on my door. Sallie Mae isn't paid off. And most importantly, my message has not been heard by the world. Let alone the country. So I have work to do.

As I've said, I have friends who are just as opposed to being complacent as I am. Therefore, those are the type of people I want to share this space with to inspire and inform all of you. This is a very exciting and necessary change. There will be a political aspect, hopefully a venturing into the real world aspect, and something fun and girly for my teenie boppers out there. 2014 entries are going to be jocund (my word of the day). 

Get your butt moving.

*I proofread

Why NOT Newark?

In a room of bright driven entrepreneurs and Newarkers, the topic was the City of Newark. There were remarks, suggestions, gripes and many opinions shared. Overall a need for change was felt throughout.

Of course I posed my complaint first (to get the ball rolling), about not only the city but somewhat the state of New Jersey (NJ) itself. At a certain time, usually 7pm, it's a wasteland. No one wants to walk the streets if no one is on them. No one wants to go to happy hour after work if there's an early cutoff. Or travel from neighboring cities like Hoboken, New York City (NYC), and Jersey City just to find out the business is already closed. There is a rise in the need for NJ to become more like NYC in their bordering cities. Why? Because New Yorkers are starting to become more interested in NJ. And as slowly as the window is opening, the faster it may close.

Many of the attendees paused discussion to point out just how many organizations are trying to make movements, but nothing is being successfully accomplished as a result of all masterminds working separately. The residents, businesses, and politicians need to come together. A united front is better than divided. The rest of the group in attendance agreed.

What is it that people want Newark to look like? Well there were a lot of references to NYC and Hoboken. In the end though, the problem may be that trying to look like someone else is part of the problem. Maybe embracing what is historic and true works for this rather large city. Trying to be someone else never works as planned.

There was a sound of defeat in some voices and there shouldn't be. Look at Jersey City. I know people who love the downtown area there. And I'm confident that took time and development. For a place known for its bad school system and crime, its doing rather well in attracting visitors and new residents now. Therefore there isn't much excuse for Newark.

Last Friday in the Elbow Room, there was exposure. Everyone definitely went home thinking, "I can help make this happen". And I believe they can. My team, who all were in attendance, has many upcoming contributions premiering in 2013. Our focus is for people to see the sides of Newark they didn't know existed. Trust me, there are many sides to explore besides their very charismatic Mayor. Don't miss out. 

*I proofread but still may come back to change some things

A Day in the Life of an Entrepreneur- Robyn Leigh Butler

A Day in the Life of an Entrepreneur
By Robyn Leigh Butler
Owner / Creative Director

I’m still getting used to the title “Entrepreneur” for so many years I had been a “Writer”
then “Freelancer”. I thought of myself as an artist not an entrepreneur. Over the years
I’ve come to realize that an entrepreneur is someone who takes defeat and transforms it
into something else finding a way around each NO on the way to the goal. In this case
the goal is a successful business.

I could tell you that everyday is filled with meetings, phone calls and emails. I could tell
you that there are fabulous power lunches and networking socials. I could also tell you to
watch similar reality shows on the Bravo and WE channels. In reality none of that really
matters. What matters is what you do on the days where nothing happens. Rarely does
any of that get broadcasted on television.

There will be those days where the phone is quiet, where the day is open and the Inbox is
empty. There will be days when there are no lunches and the bars are empty. Those are
the days where I push myself the hardest.

On those days I like to figure out how I can go farther, how I can transform what
didn’t work into something that will. I create work for myself. I push myself to write
out a script, to plan out a project, to research my newest idea. On those days I gather
inspiration and information from television, wisdom from books and meditate on
creativity. On those days I get no sleep, hardly eat and watch my daughter pout as I ask
her for one more hour to work. Those are the days where people think I’ve gone too far.

Going too far creates the days filled with meetings, emails and phone calls. It creates
the days for manifesting creativity and accomplishing goals. It pushes a person to learn
more, be better, and overcome obstacles. The poet T.S. Eliot is quoted as saying “You
never know how far you can go until you go too far”. A day in the life of an entrepreneur
should be a day you’ve gone too far.

The life of an entrepreneur.- RC3

When I was asked to write for the SAE News letter I was excited and then she told me what the topic was. I guess I don't really consider myself an entrepreneur or a business man. After spending quite some time thinking about what I was gonna share I decided to analyze how I spend my days.

Well I notice that business is a part of my life more than I ever thought it would be. And it's not easy. But before I go into that let me tell you a little about what I do. I like to consider myself a 'digital artist' because everything I do for clients almost always end up being used online and produced on a computer. Recently I have been working on a lot of film and graphic design work and I must say I am happy creating, but the unfortunate and the not so happy part is when I do not have a client and I am looking for one.

And this is when it become a difficult life, unfortunately I am not a full time digital artist. As of now I am not 'famous' enough to have clients come to me and decide that they want me to re-brand or create their new promotional material. Lets face it I know I have the skills and the talent to create anything for my clients. Unfortunately i cannot say I've worked with Sean Johnor Puff Daddy himself, so people think I'm just some other starving artist. 

Which leads me to my next point! Starving artist I am not, currently I'm am working one part time job, and on call job just so that the bills get paid, do I like working their absolutely not, do I enjoy the people... Yes, yes I do if not I would not be working in these first place. What is important to me is not to give up on my dreams. Does that mean that the beginning will be tough? Yes and I know it. Right now I'm sitting in a Dunkin Donuts drinking some coffee very sleepy because I worked a wedding last night and had a six hour class this morning and I'm waiting for my call time to go and give outstanding service in another wedding. So am I starving, No. And giving up on my dreams is not a choice

@RC3Design

Life of an Entrepreneur 1

Hello there.

As I met numerous people this past month, I learned more and more about myself. For example, I knew I had chosen three things to specialize in (Entrepreneurial stuff, writing, and PR). What I didn't know was that most of what I do has or should have a connection to each. AND this is what all of you would like to see from me. Therefore I decided to make sure all 3 parts have their own times to shine. Liiiikkkkeee Me being an entrepreneur.

If you own a small business or are starting out, you may be well acquainted with a difficult part of it. It's the part where the business is making money; you have clients, you have customers. People are interested in this service, product or whatever it is you have. BUT you're not making money from any of it. Although your employees don't miss a paycheck.

You heard me correctly. And I'm sure the people who have gone through this shook their heads because it is true for many of us. Working for yourself doesn't mean all the money goes to yourself. You have employees you have to make sure are happy. Otherwise, who will take their place if they decide to leave you?

Note: Of course this isn't a situation you stay in forever, hopefully.

This year I vowed that I wanted to be the boss that makes my employees' "fires", my "fires". This means, a worry of theirs is a worry of mine. An emergency for them is an emergency for me. An inconvenience for them is an inconvenience for me.

So far, I think I've been doing a good job. Well... I hope so. I'm trying.

Work Work Work

My mom says, "There are more important things in life" referring to work. 
Grandma says, "I love that you're doing so much but don't forget about a family and kids" 
A bff of mine says, "You work too much"
Another bff says, "Don't forget to sleep"
And another bff says, "You're gonna do great"

I say, I love what I'm doing and until it is stable and can take care itself... I will be diligent in making sure my businesses run well. If that means ACTUALLY staying up until 1am or 2am, I will. These are called sacrifices. Although I still make sure I have my 20-something nights here and there. Work is a priority. 

Lesson I'm learning is that there are some things more important than work. But what I'm finding difficult is figuring out how much more important is work than those things when you're struggling. Does family still trump work when you only have five dollars left? Does a romance trump work when a once-in-a-lifetime chance is offered? Are there exceptions to when work does become a priority over things people put it below?

This may all seem confusing but that is only the TIP of what I've been thinking about for the past week.

I have forgotten that my first love wasn't a Rapper in the Bronx, at 16 years old. My first love was and is writing. But not just writing... its more so about the thoughts that I put together to make something special and unique. Work isn't more important than that. 

My advice to you, Readers, is to make sure you focus on the love you have for your talent, skill, attribute, personality or whatever it may be that excites and warms you. Because even when you are physically alone or feeling lonely, you'll always have that thing. Even work can't be more important than that. 

Fashion Week: Social Rejection

Before Mercedes Benz Fashion Week (#MBFW) actually happens, there are many things to consider before you think you're going to go waltz into the tent and schmooze all day and night. For one, there are a series of emails that have to be sent out. Well for those who aren't an Oscar nominee or Anna Wintour, we have to send emails. And if you don't have an intern or assistant to help you with these... YOU definitely have a lot of emails to send out. And many of these emails will have replies that say as follows...

Hi Selena,

Thanks for reaching out. Unfortunately due to capacity we are unable to accommodate your request for the Richard Chai show.

Best,

Natalie

They vary in how they tell you the news, but they are all along the same lines. And I am here to tell you, do not take it personally. It doesn't mean you have failed to be the best in your field or your invitation request wasn't elegant enough. And ultimately it doesn't mean you're not impressive. The reality of it all is that... you're probably not going to make them money, so why waste a seat? And they are absolutely right; which is unfortunate for you. But you need to be mindful of these things. 

There are of course other designers and fashion shows during "Fashion Week". You need to look for those and support them. Mercedes Benz is the top of their class but aren't the only ones making a buzz. Therefore if you're a photographer, journalist, fashionista, stylist or whatever; you can find other places to exercise your  talent and find inspiration. 

Reminder: Also, don't forget that you can watch the shows live from the runway on Youtube. 

What are your anticipated Fashion Week moments?

Business Woman Wannabe

The good outdoors is supposed to fresh and enlightening. For me its more like stress but I can breathe a little better. 

As I have said before, I want to be honest with my followers. Well... There are five of those but I meant more so the page viewers I get everyday (By the way, yesterday there were A LOT).

Yes, I am a business woman but many times I feel like I am a Business Woman Wannabe. This means I'm into the idea of running my business but in the end of the day "Am I capable?" is the pressing question. I wannabe the best boss, I wannabe the best publicist, I wannabe the best writer (well maybe not grammatically). Either way, I wannabe a lot. So does that make me a wannabe or the actual thing?

Today I went to Pennsylvania to visit both of my stores. Yes, MY stores. I own both. YES, I am only in my early-mid twenties. No, I don't have a boyfriend/husband. Well depends on who you ask. Anyway, I went and met my newest employee. She's very peppy and is a bundle of bubble wrap. Exactly the type of girl I wanted. My Milford branch/location has a great vibe that customers love and keep coming back for without them even realizing. And I wanted to keep that atmosphere by hiring a personality like the New Girl's. 

Then I continued my day by venturing out to the Hawley branch/location. The building it's in is stunning. And  more importantly so was the store. I am very pleased. :)

But as I sat down and thought about the behind the scene issues we are having, I critically thought about what I could do to make it all better. As today went by, I have developed really good ideas to aware the area about the launch of this new store. Because trust me, if they knew, they would come. It's all about innovative publicity and promotion, which is what I am good at. Or am I? This brings me back to me being a wannabe.

I write, I manage, I strategize but what I am not making currently is a salary. And those who know me, I am a woman with a plan ALWAYS. So to be a freelance writer or marketing strategist, it's hard for me. The hard part is not fixating on the fact that you're not sure if 3 months from now, you'll have enough money to live off of.  In my mind, that is what freelancers do. That's what entrepreneurs do. But then there is the excitement of just getting that light bulb over your head and then trying the idea and then the idea ACTUALLY working. 

Am I a Business Woman? Literally, Yes. I own a business, run a business, I am about business. But I wannabe more. My fear is that everything will stop here and never progress further, which I can not allow myself to dwell on. For my business' sake, I need to believe in it because people believed in me. I have the ideas, I have the strength and I have the heart to make these businesses thrive. I think I just had to write all this to remind myself of that.

Here's to the new year of my being vulnerable. 


If you're an entrepreneur, remind yourself that you would have never started this if you couldn't follow through. 

FYI:  If you like the Selena A. Edwards fan page, follow @Sele_Ana on twitter or follow the Just Life blog , You will be eligible for a free eBook copy of My ____ Life. More details soon.