All It Takes...

Last night I spent time updating blogs, checking my various email accounts, prepping for my upcoming photo shoot next weekend, going over budgets, paying bills etc.. and I got to thinking of what all this (owning, operating, & managing your own brand) takes & you know what......It's A LOT its no wonder as a One Woman Show I can't always get it all done but i'm going to keep trying until as they say the wheels fall off.

As an independent emerging designer with no trust fund or rich family members by my side this is a list of all I'm juggling daily. I used to have an assistant & a publicist but having that outside help costs money I could no longer afford so now it's all me. Here's a list of what I try to maintain daily... 

• 2 Twitter Accounts (1 personal, 1 business) 
• A Facebook Fan page 
• A personal Facebook page 
• A tumblr blog 
• This blog 
• A monthly newsletter 
• Birthday Incentives for Previous Clients 
• An Instagram Account
• Keep my website Updated 
• A Linked In Account 
• A Pinterest Account 
• Finding shows worth doing
• Finding interview opportunities & speaking engagements 
• Maintaining client work 
• Setting up promotional shoots, videos etc 
• Building new collections 
• Working with various Stylists 
• Maintaining an online Store & trying to get buyers 

This is a conservative list i'm sure i'm missing something(s) BUT I'm doing all this while working 40+ hours a week as a shoe designer. Attempting & failing miserably at being outgoing & social both personally & professionally, finding time & money in there somewhere to sleep, eat, meditate (HA I wish!), spend time with family blah blah bah.... 

Now don't get me wrong I'm not complaining this is just A LOT to maintain alone. Am I wrong? But I have passion & determination so I'll get it all done. I honestly can't afford much of a personal life because these things aren't free. Anyone who has a small business knows you put out a lot before you see any return & I'm ok with that. 

Everytime I reach a personal goal within ImaniLia Fashions it's all worth it. Like this rebranding process that is coming together. I will find an investor by 2014 or sooner!! (You have to speak these things into existence)

So thank you all for your continued support and listening ears. Your patience and understanding. Your kind words and warm hearts. Day by day all i'm trying to do is grow and serve you better.

ImaniLia :D

Press Release: YOU DON’T HAVE TO WAIT ‘TIL GRADUATION TO BE A SUCCESS

YOU DON’T HAVE TO WAIT ‘TIL GRADUATION TO BE A SUCCESS

Designer Imani Whyte of ImaniLia Designs speaks to teens about her successes and experiences as a young fashion designer, and inspires them to pursue their goals.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Bronx, NY (12/2/09) – Talented Fashion Designer Imani Whyte was recently invited to speak about her life and experiences as a fashion designer to a group of teens at Christopher Columbus High School in Bronx, NY. Imani has been designing and making clothes since the age of 10, which made her a perfect candidate to speak to the youth about how to get stared and how to keep going even when someone puts you down.

Imani reflected on how she got started at such a young age. All of her experiences of designing her first collection and being featured in her first fashion show were discussed and she gave a brief history of her line from childhood through college. Imani also inspired students to continue to pursue their goals and how to stay motivated on the path those goals.

“Not everyone is going to like what you create, but for every 1 person who doesn’t like what you do, there are 20 more that will!”

After Imani’s speech was over she spent time with the students one on one answering all their questions about the business. She also invited the students to apply to be her intern, as she is currently looking for assistance as her line continues to grow.

About ImaniLia Designs:

ImaniLia Designs is a fashion design house which specializes in unique evening wear, hair accessories, and high quality handbags. Fine fabrics and the most intricate detail go into everything that comes from ImaniLia to define the woman that wears the creation. What is ImaniLia? ImaniLia – adj. independent, supreme, paramount, you. www.ImaniLia.com

Contact:

Alean F. Elston (Marketing/PR Director of ImaniLia Designs)

alean@aleanelston.com

www.AleanElston.com