I am so thrilled about the submissions I've received for Fly Girl of the Week. Keep 'em coming! Click here to learn how you can nominate someone or yourself. It's a great way to promote your own talent, to inspire others and to connect with other fabulous fly girls.
As you've probably noticed Fly Girl of the Week has been on hiatus (for my own personal reasons), but I have decided to bring it back. Before, it was pretty much based on women whom I admired and/or thought had inspiring words to share. Now I would like it to be all about who you admire and find inspiring. Here's how you can nominate your mom, sisters, friends, and even yourself.
Here are the requirements:
1. Nominee must be at least 18 years old
2. Nominee must have a creative background or creative interests
3. Nominee must be able to submit at least 2 pictures
4. Nominee must answer all the Fly Girl questions
Here's how you nominate:
Please answer the following questions. Keep them brief and note that submitted answers will be edited down as necessary.
Who? name, age
Where? where you live or where are you from
What? what do you do for a living or things you would like to do
What inspires you?
Why are you fly?
Advice you can give to other young women.
Send your pictures and answered questions to flygirlblog@aol.com. All submissions must include at least two photos of the nominee. The nominator will be notified if and when her submission is posted.
I love these photos of Adrienne Fidelin, the first black model to be featured in Harper's Bazaar Magazine. While breaking color barriers she was also showing the world her elegance, beauty and stylish fashion sense through the eyes of world renowned photographer and friend, Man Ray. Read more about this modeling pioneer here.
Who: Rosalina Czarnomski, 37
Where: Born and raised in West Java, Indonesia. Currently live in a suburb north of Providence, RI.
What do you do? I'm the owner/designer of an artisan jewelry line named Serasi Jewelry. You can find my stuff at serasijewelry.com and balahu.com. I also love knitting. Lately I've been adding wirework and textile technique in my work. After having years of career in engineering I'm finally back at school, trying my hands on web design.
What inspires you? Colors, colors, colors! I try to add an element of surprise in my design. Sometimes it manifests in the color combination and sometimes the composition. The design comes out clean yet not minimalist, engaging yet not too busy. I use bright colors and some muted colors to balance the contrast. Music also gets me going (I'll be on the dance floor).
Why are you fly? I try not to linger on my mistakes. I move on knowing that I have learned a great lesson no matter what.
Advice: Take risks. Try new things. Be patient. You'll be amazed at how much you learn about yourself and how capable you are. Scared? Me too, and so is everybody else, but think of how much happier you are once you conquer your fear. And oh, call your mom.
Who? Quineice Harris, 28, Owner of Queen Sized Divas
Where? Philadelphia, PA
What do you do? I have created Queen Sized Divas, a social networking group for plus
size women. My group celebrates the beauty, fashion, and curves of the
plus size woman by hosting events, seminars, and charity events that
benefit plus size women.
What inspires you? My inspiration comes from many things over the course of my life. Such
as, the looks in my grandmother's eyes after seeing me drive for the
first time, something she never did in her short 54 years, watching as
my mother balanced her career, raise a handicapped child and still be a
wife, but most importantly being the role model of younger siblings who
thrive off of my desire to succeed and never give up attitude.
Why are you fly? I have taken a demographic of women who are literally ignored in
society and created an atmosphere where we can socialize, relax, and
have fun.
Advice: I once read a quote that said "dreams are only goals unreached," so my advice is dream often to keep busy.
Who? Jean Roat AKA Crystal Kini, 37
Where? Suburbs of Philly. Born here, and lived here most of my life!
What do you do? I do all kinds of artsy and crafty
things! I'm a Tribal Style Belly Dancer and I design and make
Bellydance accessories and costume pieces including my exclusive line
of Interchangeable costuming accessories... Clippy Bits (they are fun
for non-dancers too... check them out www.crystalkini.com).
One day a week, you'll find me in front
of a quilting class teaching people who are older than I am! It's fun
to show them all the in's and out's of this diversified fiber art!
Traditional or Art quilts... doesn't matter – they can all be
funky! It also gives me a feeling of connectedness with women of that
past. I
coordinate a monthly sewing group
that makes quilts for kids in need, every month I design a quilt and
cut about 30 quilt kits... our fabulous quilters sew them up. They
are distributed to children in hospitals, in the 'system' and anyone
who needs them! I am the primary in a quilt making
business. www.quiltmasters.net. We are a cooperative of woman who make custom quilts... Ask Andrea
about our quilts... she has one!! ;-) In addition for fun I've been known to
pick up some yarn and play with it... I've designed a few loom
knitting patterns, knit a few sweaters, and crocheted a bit! But, most importantly... I'm a mom and
I am guiding my children's young minds. The greatest creation -
children.
What inspires you? OH... Inspiration comes from
everywhere. It could be the colors of the sunset or a book of
ancient architecture; a piece of fabric or a new yarn can inspire me!
I got into the yarn arts because of one skein of yarn that was on
clearance! I never had an interest before that... but from that one
skein, I had to learn! I learned how to crochet, knit and loom knit
all in one week! I had to use that yarn- I ended up making a sweater
out of it (and 14 of it's sisters- gathered from 3 different
stores!). Since that point... many other yarns have inspired me too. Sometimes inspirations become a compulsion...I just have to make it. It gives me so much happiness
to create unique things...designing is my primary joy (for now). Inspiration can also come from the
desire to see how 'it' will turn out-whatever 'it' may be. It's
exciting to see how something will work up in a design and the
surprise when it's different from what you expected, yet still
awesome!
Why are you fly? I'm fly because I can't be held down.
I just have to do things that compel or inspire me. I have always
lived by Nike's slogan 'Just do it' (even before it belonged to
them!). I follow my heart and my gut and it seems to work for me.
Advice: Follow your dreams... They will lead
you to where you should be! Find your confidence and surround
yourself with those who are confident, as well as supportive of your
confidence. You can do whatever you want if you put your mind in it.
I know it sounds so cliché ... but it's true- REALLY!
Who are you?
Sally A. Edwards and Sarah J. Edwards
Where are you from and where are you now?
We
were born in Plymouth, Devon – we're twins and had quite a nomadic
upbringing in many places throughout England and Scotland, we settled
in London in 1994.
What do you currently do at BLAG Magazine?
Sarah: Co-Publisher, Co-Editor and Photographic Director. We also put on events and are creative consultants. Sally: Co-Publisher, Co-Editor, Design and Art Director.
What kind of schooling and experiences prepared you for the creation of BLAG?
Sarah:
I didn't love school, in fact I hated every minute. I was pretty much
an academic failure – when it came to exams. Except art, so I
definitely used that as a time to get inspired. Experiences
that led to the editorial and photographic aspect of BLAG are
originally from more of a observational point of view. I used to do
music PR for bands like Beastie Boys, Foo Fighters and I still look
after Public Enemy, so just watching their shoots and interviews made
me think about how we'd approach our subjects for BLAG - no gossip,
just honest conversation and honest shoots (and there's a lot of fun in
the honesty.)
Sally:
I couldn’t wait to be a grown-up from the age of 7 and was always
making things and being creative. My main childhood memories were
drawing and painting. I was average in English, Maths and Sciences, but
like Sarah, Art was my strong point. I don’t really remember the
transition of wanting to be a graphic designer, but in my mid to late
teens this was the route I chose for a career. I was always really into
magazines right from as soon as I was old enough to get a weekly order
from the local newsagent.
As soon as I was old enough to travel to London, I’d buy international magazines that weren’t available where I lived. They included Raygun, Bikini, Interview and the original Details. These were really inspirational, that and my love of music drove me to want to start a fanzine – BLAG. It introduced me to loads of people and through it I landed work experience at i-D magazine when I was 18 (the youngest person they’d accepted back then). I learned so much in two weeks and it was great to have mentors who were fun and rebellious. I went onto the London College of Printing, but hated every minute I was there so I left after three months and through BLAG found myself working in the music industry. There we handed over the design to Yacht Associates for three issues and a book. Sarah and I kept BLAG going whilst we worked in various jobs until it became full time when I started designing it again in 2004.
Who? Jennifer Ramos age 34, Owner/Designer of MadeByGirl
Where? I live in Henderson, N.V. about 6 minutes from Las Vegas. I'm
originally from Manhattan, New York, lived there for 15 yrs and loved it!
What do you do? I'm a greeting card designer and manufacturer. Currently running my own
online business and hoping to become quite successful in the paper goods
industry. My goal is to establish MadeByGirl.com as a well known brand
identity.
What inspires you? My inspiration comes from many areas in my life. Mainly from Love. Love of love. The love I feel for the planet we live in as well as the animals who touch our lives everyday and even the ones that don't get a chance to. Inspiration comes from books, fashion, people, magazines, sometimes even a broken heart. I hope to inspire others with my work as well...
Why are you fly? I'm fly because I'm smart and I care about my art, my business as well
as the people around me. I feel lucky that my inspirations are strong. Strong enough to motivate me to act upon them. You clearly see the
outcome of this inspiration throughout my card designs. I'm fly because
I always get up if I feel that I've fallen....its so important to keep
going and surround yourself with positive people that will feed your
drive and ambition.
Advice: A little of what I've already said above...when you feel you have a good idea, share it with a couple of close friends. See what they think and go for it! There is nothing worse then the feeling of never even trying. Do research online about your product and your market, see what is out there and what type of competetion you may have. Ask other business owners for advice, most people don't mind and will be happy to offer help. Ask a lot of questions and keep a folder at home with all the info you've gathered so that you can use it as reference to start your own business. Follow your dream, don't take no for an answer.
Who? Erin, 22 and Tiffany, 24
Where?
ERIN: Queens, New York all day everyday.
TIFFANY: Born and raised in Queens, NY. Relocating to Brooklyn VERY soon
What do you do?
ERIN: I'm a children's wear designer but I enjoy making art dolls. I loooove fashion and being creative. I graduated from Fashion Institute of Technology majoring in Fashion Design, specializing in Children's Wear. My ultimate goal is opening my own " Mommy and Me" stylish boutique!
TIFFANY: I'm currently a coordinator at Warner Music Group. I love
art, design and children! Recently I applied to an Art Education
graduate program. I would love to become an art educator at the
Brooklyn Children's Museum.
What inspired you to start Love, Mama? WE
LOVE DOLLS, ART, COLOR,FUNK, SOUL and FUN! We grew up with cloth dolls
in our home. Our mother began collecting cloth dolls when she had us.
She found the dolls in TOY R US didn't represent her black daughters
and were not unique. So when she attended her first black doll show she
FOUND HER ANSWER! Soon our grandmother began her own doll line named
Mama Love dolls. It was their goal to have positive images in our home
to refer to. And our dolls were some of those images. They were brown,
stylish, colorful, well made and individual. It's our goal to continue
that legacy. Therefore we began Love, Mama in 2001 with the guidance of experienced doll artist like Adrienne McDonald. Currently our dolls can be found on lovemamadolls.etsy.com
What inspires you?
ERIN: Art and people.
TIFFANY: Frida Kahlo, textiles, NYC, music, African and Indian art, children and my elders.
Why are you fly?
ERIN: Because I'm a down to earth, intelligent,creative, funny and loving young black woman.
TIFFANY: I'm fly because I acknowledge the FLY in everyone. I'm
open-minded, supportive, caring, funny, happy, stylish and focus! And
because my sister and I are the youngest black doll artist I KNOW! Doll
making in our community was once essential because dolls of color
weren't produced. Doll making is a dying art form now. But I hope some
more creative people join us by learning the craft. Now that would be
REALLY FLY!
Advice:
ERIN: Education is your freedom. Love and stay true to yourself. Don't talk to boys haha. Don't be afraid to go after what you want. Don't wear black and orange together, you'll end up looking like a Halloween decoration.
TIFFANY: Erin said it best EDUCATION IS YOUR FREEDOM! Everyday
challenge yourself to learn something new. Acknowledge the past so you
know how your present was created and so you know how to make a better
future. History is so important! Keep an open mind because you can
learn a great deal from simple conversations with your peers and
elders. Follow your own path. Keep positive images & people around
you. Don't be afraid to be an ARTIST! Create every moment you have.
Find your voice and love who you ARE FIRST! And loving yourself may
take time. Be patient with your growth! Don't rush life! And yah orange
and black is a hard look to carry off. However hard never means
impossible.
