Monday, March 30, 2015

The Superhero of Words


The most sacred thing in life is to cherish your small beginnings and embrace the road bumps. We speed through the road bumps hoping to arrive at our destination quicker but we do ourselves an injustice because learning to slow down, enjoying the view will help us appreciate the journey ahead. When I first started my journey as being a self-published author I was focused on producing content quick, thrusting it out to the public and becoming a household name – to my surprise it did not work that way. I encountered many humbling experiences just to learn that is was never about me. It was my role to impact someone’s life with my words.

When you are a writer you have a responsibility to be able to communicate written and verbal effectively. Sometimes as writers we have poor communication with those around us. I have learned that writing creates worlds which produce reality. Words are powerful they have the ability to alter someone’s life permanently. Writers are like superheroes we have the power to inspire, uplift, educate and empower someone who reads our written work. We can never take our talent lightly it holds a lot of weight. Since I have been writing professionally for the last six years I came to the conclusion that being transparent is powerful.


People who are looking for the answer to their life problems need transparency, authenticity and honesty. As a writer if we cannot write from a place of sincerity it leaves the reader feeling empty searching for a solution. Our mission as writers is to connect the dots mentally, emotionally and visually for our readers. I encourage you to never leave the reader hanging if God has given you the gift to write, write without hesitation but most of all write with a purpose! 

The Superhero of Words


The most sacred thing in life is to cherish your small beginnings and embrace the road bumps. We speed through the road bumps hoping to arrive at our destination quicker but we do ourselves an injustice because learning to slow down, enjoying the view will help us appreciate the journey ahead. When I first started my journey as being a self-published author I was focused on producing content quick, thrusting it out to the public and becoming a household name – to my surprise it did not work that way. I encountered many humbling experiences just to learn that is was never about me. It was my role to impact someone’s life with my words.

When you are a writer you have a responsibility to be able to communicate written and verbal effectively. Sometimes as writers we have poor communication with those around us. I have learned that writing creates worlds which produce reality. Words are powerful they have the ability to alter someone’s life permanently. Writers are like superheroes we have the power to inspire, uplift, educate and empower someone who reads our written work. We can never take our talent lightly it holds a lot of weight. Since I have been writing professionally for the last six years I came to the conclusion that being transparent is powerful.


People who are looking for the answer to their life problems need transparency, authenticity and honesty. As a writer if we cannot write from a place of sincerity it leaves the reader feeling empty searching for a solution. Our mission as writers is to connect the dots mentally, emotionally and visually for our readers. I encourage you to never leave the reader hanging if God has given you the gift to write, write without hesitation but most of all write with a purpose! 

April Series: Writings, Writers & Musing


In the month of April The Inspirational Corner theme is "Writings, Writers & Musings". In this series we will cover the duty of a writer, different places where you can get inspiration to write and how these places can become your muse. Also we will conduct an interview with a writer/author/poet to celebrate National Poetry Month. 

April Series: Writings, Writers & Musing


In the month of April The Inspirational Corner theme is "Writings, Writers & Musings". In this series we will cover the duty of a writer, different places where you can get inspiration to write and how these places can become your muse. Also we will conduct an interview with a writer/author/poet to celebrate National Poetry Month. 

Recap of March Blog Post

 

In this month our theme was "The Three F's: Feminism, Fitness & Fashion" as we discussed the definition of feminism & redefining the concept of feminism, we also discussed embracing your body at every stage during your fitness journey & we wrapped up this series with a dynamic interview with Abi Ishola for our fashion series. Below we have provided the links to give you a recap of March articles to inspire you to embrace feminism, love your body no matter what & get the scoop on women who are changing the world in their industry!

Feminism Is The New Black:
 http://www.theinspirationalcorner.net/2015/03/feminism-is-new-black.html  

Chasing The Ghost of Skinny: 
http://www.theinspirationalcorner.net/2015/03/chasing-ghost-of-skinny.html  

Fashion Interview with Abi Ishola: 
http://www.theinspirationalcorner.net/2015/03/interview-with-abi-ishola-creator-of.html  

Recap of March Blog Post

 

In this month our theme was "The Three F's: Feminism, Fitness & Fashion" as we discussed the definition of feminism & redefining the concept of feminism, we also discussed embracing your body at every stage during your fitness journey & we wrapped up this series with a dynamic interview with Abi Ishola for our fashion series. Below we have provided the links to give you a recap of March articles to inspire you to embrace feminism, love your body no matter what & get the scoop on women who are changing the world in their industry!

Feminism Is The New Black:
 http://www.theinspirationalcorner.net/2015/03/feminism-is-new-black.html  

Chasing The Ghost of Skinny: 
http://www.theinspirationalcorner.net/2015/03/chasing-ghost-of-skinny.html  

Fashion Interview with Abi Ishola: 
http://www.theinspirationalcorner.net/2015/03/interview-with-abi-ishola-creator-of.html  

Wednesday, March 25, 2015

Fashion Interview with Abi Ishola, Creator of Beyond Classically Beautiful

As we close out our series entitled the Three F's: Feminism, Fitness & Fashion this week we will focus on Fashion. In this post I had the pleasure to interview Abi Ishola, the creator of Beyond Classically Beautiful. She is also the creator of  Script & Sightings and making big moves in her industry.



The Inspirational Corner: It is such a pleasure to interview you and connect with you. I was captivated by your movement when I stumbled upon your profile through Twitter. Thank You for being our Fashion feature.

Abi Ishola: Your Welcome!

The Inspirational Corner: For people who do not know who you are please give us an idea of who you are and your business?

Abi Ishola: My name is Abi Ishola.  I’m the creator of ScriptsandSightings.com, a style blog that covers people of color.  I’m also the creator of Beyond Classically Beautiful, a new beauty movement that started as a photo story to celebrate the diverse beauty of black women.  The idea for the project came to me after the New York Times referred to Viola Davis as “less classically beautiful” than lighter skinned black actresses.

The Inspirational Corner: This movement is powerful and truly needed for African American women of all shades. What was the concept behind your fashion brand and why was it important to convey this concept?

Abi Ishola: The concept behind my brand is capturing real people who own their unique style and beauty as they move about in the world.  Street style and my writing are the main focuses (hence the title, Scripts and Sightings). It’s also a space where I highlight style and art projects I produce, such as Beyond Classically Beautiful. It was important for me to convey that concept because it is the kind of blog I would want to visit.  I want it to be a source of inspiration and thought for people.  It’s not just about highlighting fierce style.  The goal is to celebrate black people in all of our glory.

The Inspirational Corner: We live in a world where fashion is consistently defined by outer appearance, how would you define fashion and why?

Abi Ishola:Fashion and style are a way of life.  The way we dress usually determines how we feel about ourselves on any given day.  It also gives the people around us an idea of who we feel we are.  It is truly an expression that speaks louder than words.

The Inspirational Corner: Where do you draw your inspiration from when it comes to fashion and beauty?

Abi Ishola: I draw inspiration from my friends.  I draw inspiration from my family. I draw inspiration from New York City and all its highs and lows.  I also draw inspiration from the beautiful brown women I encounter everyday.  There’s nothing like seeing a beautiful black woman moving about, looking confidant, and owning her style.

The Inspirational Corner: As a woman how important is fashion to you and how do you utilize your own personal fashion into your fashion business?

Abi Ishola: Before I started my blog I went through a period of not really following fashion.  A part of me thinks I lost myself in that sense. I maintained a cool and polished appearance, but I lost my passion to push the envelope when it comes to style. I moved to New York City to pursue a career in the fashion world and I worked in the industry years ago.  I left the fashion world with somewhat of a bitter taste in my mouth.  So I think as time went on, I also lost my passion for shopping, reading magazines, and following the who’s who in fashion.  But after I had my daughter, I rediscovered my love for expression through dress.  There’s something about becoming a mother that reignites you in every way. So now I use my brand as inspiration to reacquaint myself with the fashion world, but on my terms, and embrace a rebirth of my personal style.

The Inspirational Corner: Who is your favorite fashion designer and why?

Abi Ishola: I really don’t have a favorite fashion designer when it comes to what I choose to wear.  I wear what I like no matter who made it.  However, I do admire the work of Alexander McQueen.  He was a true artist.  His work was complicated, dark at times, yet beautiful.  He was a true visionary.

The Inspirational Corner: Do you believe your fashion brand has impacted the world around and why?

Abi Ishola: I’m so pleased with the response to ScriptsandSightings.com .  I also believe I’ve made an impact through my latest project, Beyond Classically Beautiful.  The response to the project has been awesome.  It was received well by the press.  But the best part is that so many women reached out to me and simply said thank you for representing us.  I treasure that.

The Inspirational Corner: What fashion legacy do you plan to build?

Abi Ishola: I want to build a legacy of being a champion for black women.

The Inspirational Corner: The Inspirational Corner slogan is Live Bold. Live Loud. Live Authentically. How are you living bold, loud & authentically?

Abi Ishola: I’m living bold, loud, and authentically because I’m living a purposeful life.  I’m also allowing myself to take risks and let the chips fall where they may.  Most importantly, I’m using my fears to push me closer to my goals.

The Inspirational Corner: What would be your advice for those who have a desire to have their own fashion business or brand?

Abi Ishola: Begin today, take risks, and have fun!

For more info on Abi Ishola go to :

Fashion Interview with Abi Ishola, Creator of Beyond Classically Beautiful

As we close out our series entitled the Three F's: Feminism, Fitness & Fashion this week we will focus on Fashion. In this post I had the pleasure to interview Abi Ishola, the creator of Beyond Classically Beautiful. She is also the creator of  Script & Sightings and making big moves in her industry.



The Inspirational Corner: It is such a pleasure to interview you and connect with you. I was captivated by your movement when I stumbled upon your profile through Twitter. Thank You for being our Fashion feature.

Abi Ishola: Your Welcome!

The Inspirational Corner: For people who do not know who you are please give us an idea of who you are and your business?

Abi Ishola: My name is Abi Ishola.  I’m the creator of ScriptsandSightings.com, a style blog that covers people of color.  I’m also the creator of Beyond Classically Beautiful, a new beauty movement that started as a photo story to celebrate the diverse beauty of black women.  The idea for the project came to me after the New York Times referred to Viola Davis as “less classically beautiful” than lighter skinned black actresses.

The Inspirational Corner: This movement is powerful and truly needed for African American women of all shades. What was the concept behind your fashion brand and why was it important to convey this concept?

Abi Ishola: The concept behind my brand is capturing real people who own their unique style and beauty as they move about in the world.  Street style and my writing are the main focuses (hence the title, Scripts and Sightings). It’s also a space where I highlight style and art projects I produce, such as Beyond Classically Beautiful. It was important for me to convey that concept because it is the kind of blog I would want to visit.  I want it to be a source of inspiration and thought for people.  It’s not just about highlighting fierce style.  The goal is to celebrate black people in all of our glory.

The Inspirational Corner: We live in a world where fashion is consistently defined by outer appearance, how would you define fashion and why?

Abi Ishola:Fashion and style are a way of life.  The way we dress usually determines how we feel about ourselves on any given day.  It also gives the people around us an idea of who we feel we are.  It is truly an expression that speaks louder than words.

The Inspirational Corner: Where do you draw your inspiration from when it comes to fashion and beauty?

Abi Ishola: I draw inspiration from my friends.  I draw inspiration from my family. I draw inspiration from New York City and all its highs and lows.  I also draw inspiration from the beautiful brown women I encounter everyday.  There’s nothing like seeing a beautiful black woman moving about, looking confidant, and owning her style.

The Inspirational Corner: As a woman how important is fashion to you and how do you utilize your own personal fashion into your fashion business?

Abi Ishola: Before I started my blog I went through a period of not really following fashion.  A part of me thinks I lost myself in that sense. I maintained a cool and polished appearance, but I lost my passion to push the envelope when it comes to style. I moved to New York City to pursue a career in the fashion world and I worked in the industry years ago.  I left the fashion world with somewhat of a bitter taste in my mouth.  So I think as time went on, I also lost my passion for shopping, reading magazines, and following the who’s who in fashion.  But after I had my daughter, I rediscovered my love for expression through dress.  There’s something about becoming a mother that reignites you in every way. So now I use my brand as inspiration to reacquaint myself with the fashion world, but on my terms, and embrace a rebirth of my personal style.

The Inspirational Corner: Who is your favorite fashion designer and why?

Abi Ishola: I really don’t have a favorite fashion designer when it comes to what I choose to wear.  I wear what I like no matter who made it.  However, I do admire the work of Alexander McQueen.  He was a true artist.  His work was complicated, dark at times, yet beautiful.  He was a true visionary.

The Inspirational Corner: Do you believe your fashion brand has impacted the world around and why?

Abi Ishola: I’m so pleased with the response to ScriptsandSightings.com .  I also believe I’ve made an impact through my latest project, Beyond Classically Beautiful.  The response to the project has been awesome.  It was received well by the press.  But the best part is that so many women reached out to me and simply said thank you for representing us.  I treasure that.

The Inspirational Corner: What fashion legacy do you plan to build?

Abi Ishola: I want to build a legacy of being a champion for black women.

The Inspirational Corner: The Inspirational Corner slogan is Live Bold. Live Loud. Live Authentically. How are you living bold, loud & authentically?

Abi Ishola: I’m living bold, loud, and authentically because I’m living a purposeful life.  I’m also allowing myself to take risks and let the chips fall where they may.  Most importantly, I’m using my fears to push me closer to my goals.

The Inspirational Corner: What would be your advice for those who have a desire to have their own fashion business or brand?

Abi Ishola: Begin today, take risks, and have fun!

For more info on Abi Ishola go to :

Wednesday, March 11, 2015

Chasing The Ghost of Skinny


Running on the treadmill trying to get rid of the fat I was tired of my fat legs and muffin top. I was bombarded with images of women that had no curves like me. It seemed as if I was chasing after someone or maybe something on this treadmill. I was beginning to wonder if I was becoming fit to be healthy or becoming fit to get rid of the fat. I was tired of my roller coaster behavior when it came to plaguing allegiance to exercise. To be honest, I am literally burnt out. Who was I kidding? This sweat dripping on me was tiresome I just wanted to be skinny. However, chasing skinny was not worth my sanity!

Have you ever felt like your fitness journey was endless and reaching your goal was impossible? Well, if you shook your head yes while reading this I definitely can relate to you. Last year, I was consumed with so much stress that once I came back from my summer adventures I had no motivation to workout. I did not understand why but then I realized there was a mental block. I needed to get to the root of why there was absolutely no motivation to exercise.

I finally got the answer after being honest with myself; I was chasing the ghost of skinny. When I was in my 20’s I ate what I want and worked out three time s a week due to military standards. However, I was no longer in my 20’s and definitely did not have a mandatory routine regiment.  My workout journey was solely dependent upon my own motivation.
I decided that I needed to be happy with where I was physically and find solutions on how to embrace my new body at 35. In reality, I needed to stop looking at old pictures of myself. I was no longer that girl, it was necessary to embrace the woman I had become. 

Six months later, I made the choice to renew my relationship with myself. My exercise journey was more of a mental stigma I had to confront. Whether I am 145lbs or 160lbs I understood I have to be happy with myself at every stage. I can either make strides and celebrate my small fitness milestones or continue to chase the ghost of skinny.

In the end you cannot fully be happy with your fitness journey until you learn to embrace where you are at this very moment. Every part of your fitness journey is a step in the right direction. So celebrate yourself, embrace your curves & have fun in your fitness journey!



Chasing The Ghost of Skinny


Running on the treadmill trying to get rid of the fat I was tired of my fat legs and muffin top. I was bombarded with images of women that had no curves like me. It seemed as if I was chasing after someone or maybe something on this treadmill. I was beginning to wonder if I was becoming fit to be healthy or becoming fit to get rid of the fat. I was tired of my roller coaster behavior when it came to plaguing allegiance to exercise. To be honest, I am literally burnt out. Who was I kidding? This sweat dripping on me was tiresome I just wanted to be skinny. However, chasing skinny was not worth my sanity!

Have you ever felt like your fitness journey was endless and reaching your goal was impossible? Well, if you shook your head yes while reading this I definitely can relate to you. Last year, I was consumed with so much stress that once I came back from my summer adventures I had no motivation to workout. I did not understand why but then I realized there was a mental block. I needed to get to the root of why there was absolutely no motivation to exercise.

I finally got the answer after being honest with myself; I was chasing the ghost of skinny. When I was in my 20’s I ate what I want and worked out three time s a week due to military standards. However, I was no longer in my 20’s and definitely did not have a mandatory routine regiment.  My workout journey was solely dependent upon my own motivation.
I decided that I needed to be happy with where I was physically and find solutions on how to embrace my new body at 35. In reality, I needed to stop looking at old pictures of myself. I was no longer that girl, it was necessary to embrace the woman I had become. 

Six months later, I made the choice to renew my relationship with myself. My exercise journey was more of a mental stigma I had to confront. Whether I am 145lbs or 160lbs I understood I have to be happy with myself at every stage. I can either make strides and celebrate my small fitness milestones or continue to chase the ghost of skinny.

In the end you cannot fully be happy with your fitness journey until you learn to embrace where you are at this very moment. Every part of your fitness journey is a step in the right direction. So celebrate yourself, embrace your curves & have fun in your fitness journey!



Saturday, March 7, 2015

Feminism Is The New Black




Everyone stared at her as she wore the highest heels embodied with the reddest lips accentuating her beauty effortlessly. Her style was impeccable as she wore clothes that molded the silhouette of her curves. When she entered the room all eyes were on her. The attention she commanded came naturally. This woman was not your ideal poster child for what a feminist looked like but she didn't care because feminism was not a look but a movement for equality.

In the past couple of decades society has created the wrong stigma on what feminism is, what a feminist should look like and how feminist are portrayed. Somehow the word "feminist" has become a dirty word misinterpreted by societal ignorance. Feminism has evolved over the years but yet the stigmata of the movement has caused many women to denounce that they are feminist instead of embrace it like a new pair of Louboutins.

Feminism in the 20th century has become more prevalent due to women deserving equal pay, the right to education in different countries, the right to say they do not want to get married or have kids for that matter. I believe a feminist is a woman who cares about empowering other women, who desires equality for women and men. These particular women are not scared to embrace their authenticity. A woman who proclaims she is a feminist is brave enough to let her voice be heard in spite of the negativity she encounters with society. Women celebrities such as BeyoncĂ©, Patricia Arquette, Emma Watson and even First Lady Michelle Obama has helped us redefine what the word feminist really means to millennial women.

Over the years, I never really understood feminism, embrace feminism or thought I was a feminist. However, after I reviewed my life and thought all the barriers I have broken as a woman I began to realize I am true feminist naturally. I remember when I was in high school I did a paper on African women getting their vaginas circumcised and how cruel that was in certain African countries. I did not know it but even then I was making my voice heard on women issues. Feminism to me is about women empowerment, having the right to create your life on your own terms without societal validation and ultimately embracing the woman you are without feeling the need for an explanation.

I can proudly say I am a feminist, I love empowering women to know that being who you are is a gift and knowing who you are is important. A feminist is not a woman who hate men, who hate makeup or stilettos but a feminist is a woman who is liberal enough to break free from enslavement of inequality in all forms.

Here is another article related to this subject:
Am I A Feminist? http://www.theinspirationalcorner.net/2014/08/am-i-feminist.html






References:
Picture Reference: http://michaelurbina.com/

Feminism Is The New Black




Everyone stared at her as she wore the highest heels embodied with the reddest lips accentuating her beauty effortlessly. Her style was impeccable as she wore clothes that molded the silhouette of her curves. When she entered the room all eyes were on her. The attention she commanded came naturally. This woman was not your ideal poster child for what a feminist looked like but she didn't care because feminism was not a look but a movement for equality.

In the past couple of decades society has created the wrong stigma on what feminism is, what a feminist should look like and how feminist are portrayed. Somehow the word "feminist" has become a dirty word misinterpreted by societal ignorance. Feminism has evolved over the years but yet the stigmata of the movement has caused many women to denounce that they are feminist instead of embrace it like a new pair of Louboutins.

Feminism in the 20th century has become more prevalent due to women deserving equal pay, the right to education in different countries, the right to say they do not want to get married or have kids for that matter. I believe a feminist is a woman who cares about empowering other women, who desires equality for women and men. These particular women are not scared to embrace their authenticity. A woman who proclaims she is a feminist is brave enough to let her voice be heard in spite of the negativity she encounters with society. Women celebrities such as BeyoncĂ©, Patricia Arquette, Emma Watson and even First Lady Michelle Obama has helped us redefine what the word feminist really means to millennial women.

Over the years, I never really understood feminism, embrace feminism or thought I was a feminist. However, after I reviewed my life and thought all the barriers I have broken as a woman I began to realize I am true feminist naturally. I remember when I was in high school I did a paper on African women getting their vaginas circumcised and how cruel that was in certain African countries. I did not know it but even then I was making my voice heard on women issues. Feminism to me is about women empowerment, having the right to create your life on your own terms without societal validation and ultimately embracing the woman you are without feeling the need for an explanation.

I can proudly say I am a feminist, I love empowering women to know that being who you are is a gift and knowing who you are is important. A feminist is not a woman who hate men, who hate makeup or stilettos but a feminist is a woman who is liberal enough to break free from enslavement of inequality in all forms.

Here is another article related to this subject:
Am I A Feminist? http://www.theinspirationalcorner.net/2014/08/am-i-feminist.html






References:
Picture Reference: http://michaelurbina.com/

Sunday, March 1, 2015

March's Series: The Three F's Feminism, Fitness & Fashion



In the month of March, The  Inspirational Corner theme will be centered around our series entitled: The Three F's: Feminism, Fitness & Fashion. In this month we will discuss modern day feminism, chasing skinny and what's in for spring fashion. The articles will inspire you to embrace feminism, love your body no matter what and prepare for the beauty of spring in a stylish way! 

March's Series: The Three F's Feminism, Fitness & Fashion



In the month of March, The  Inspirational Corner theme will be centered around our series entitled: The Three F's: Feminism, Fitness & Fashion. In this month we will discuss modern day feminism, chasing skinny and what's in for spring fashion. The articles will inspire you to embrace feminism, love your body no matter what and prepare for the beauty of spring in a stylish way!