3.15 Reflection, life updates and more

This past Thursday, I wanted to try out a new nail salon and to my surprise, the person assigned to do my pedicure was a black man (& on women’s history month, I love this!). I know some people don’t like to interact while working (and most times, I don’t either) but I was led to ask him how he ended up working in a nail salon – more specifically, doing pedicures. He ended up sharing his entire story with me and concluded with “That's my story, so, what's your story?”.

What's his story?

Long story short, he was in a different field and almost got his dream job but he failed a urinalysis. After hearing the news and feeling low, he decided to go to a nail salon to get a pedicure. Unfortunately, the salon he visited had no one who worked on pedicures. After speaking to the owner, she asked if he was open to taking a job, and out of curiosity, he took the job. That one decision he made, whether he considered it his gut or God, led him to his passion and where he is today.

So, what is my story?

As I listened to his story, I thought about my story as well. One day I’m in New York working as a marketing coordinator and teaching dance, then one decision later, after getting my master's, I’m a Communications Manager for an Arts organization in D.C. It’s crazy but a few years ago, a friend would always say “stop complaining about your work now, you’ll end up being a Marketing Manager and run your company on the side”. At the time, I would always say “that won’t be for a while” and now, would you look at that, a while is here!

Some of you may know that I’m the founder of Madeforkobina, the Afro-dance Company, but what you may not know is that my current 9-5 (12-9 Tbh) consists of all things comms, marketing, and outreach. Within the next few years (God permitting), my current project at my company will be completed. This project is building Washington DC's first-ever Green Arts Complex with net-zero carbon emissions and affordable housing for artists above. Can’t believe they hired an unserious cow like me to help do this. LOL

TAKE THE RISK

Advice: The decision always seems difficult until you make it, so make it, TAKE THE RISK– like others and myself have. If it doesn’t turn out the way you want, please don’t go around saying "Thelms made me do it". But in all seriousness, whether you have a plan or not, be ready to pivot and be patient because nothing happens overnight. Now that I shared one of the pivotal points in my life, I want you to take some time, reflect, and/or share yours by commenting below. Still in the midst of making a decision? Pray. I'll be praying for me and you too because sadly, these adult decisions don't get any easier.

Quick pivot haha-–we should be talking about my birthday right? There’s nothing tangible I wanted for my birthday this year (except money), but there were and are things I have been asking God for over the last few years– my wellness and the wellness of my loved ones, my obedience, and more opportunities to inspire people in whatever way that looks like; whether it is through dance, or through giving Creatives advice about their brands (alignment). I truly hope this post gave you a little bit of that inspiration today. If you read this whole thing, thank you and I just might (heavy on the might) start sharing more stories, resources, and advice.

...Now for the fun stuff because I know some of y'all want the Birthday details!

(More pictures and videos are on my Instagram)–

Dress: Bershka Paris

My nails were done by Lihn at Sassy Nails in DC (Black Owned cause DUHH)

My nail design was inspired by Chx.8 (My friend Milly is the artist and her birthday is also in March. Because I was not able to purchase her art, I turned my nails into her work)

Shoes: Asos (Still not sure how I feel about these, give me two weeks)

Hair: (Nadia - Blessed braids, since 5evaaaaa):

P.S - I celebrate my birthday all month long and will post all my activities…After!