Stepping Out on Faith: Tracy Mourning

Today is our first celeb Stepping Out on Faith feature on the beautiful Tracy Mourning, wife of former NBA player Alonzo Mourning.  I was honored to have the opportunity to interview Tracy and learn a little more about how she pursued her passion.  Check it out!

        Honey Child originally started off as a clothing line, when did you discover your passion for fashion design?

As a young girl I would reassemble my clothes when I no longer wanted to wear them and make something “new”. Even now, I will change a skirt into a dress or a top and wear it like its brand new.

When did you know you wanted to expand and get into body products?   What made you decide to finally step out and do it?

 I have always appreciated quality body products. Growing up, my mother made sure we had the best body cleansers, moisturizers and quality food if nothing else. So when the opportunity was presented, I relied on what I like and what feels good to me and created a line that reflects just that. A line made for the GODDESS, SOULMATE, MOTHER and FRIEND that all women are. It has come down to preparation and opportunity connecting at the perfect time. I feel like I’ve been preparing for this all of my life so I just stepped out on faith and I’m going for it.

  

In bringing your vision to life, what has been the most challenging part?

The most challenging part for me is the day-to-day business and not just being able to create. I recognize the importance of handling both so I’m not complaining, I’m growing.

What is the best thing about being your own boss?

The best part of being my own boss, even when I worked for or with others, is that I always felt like I was in control of my own destiny. Not in a disrespectful way, in a way that I knew it was up to me to create my own happiness. I do love working from home because I can interact with the daily activities of my kids and wear flip-flops all day if I want to. On the flip side, I have to force myself to not always be so comfortable and get be in a business state of mind.

What advice would you give other women looking to start a business or a line of products?

I would encourage all women in any business to simply learn and love what they do. There is no need to reinvent the wheel. All of our answers are out there, we just have to look and connect to those resources and simply do it.

If you had to choose your favorite product in your line, what would it be?

My “favorites” in most things change all the time. It doesn’t mean that it’s no longer my favorite, it just means that I may sometime have a new favorite.  Today, my favorite is KISS & LOVER.  Tomorrow, it may be others.

Anything else you want to share? 

I just want others to know that with God, all things are possible and that we have to keep moving forward. Follow your passion and live your purpose.

You can find more info on Tracy's line of products at www.honeychild.net. Show your support! :)

 

Introducing the Mini Cougar Clutch

Check out a sneak peak of my new Mini Cougar Clutch.  These clutches are smaller than my oversized styles but have just enough room for your makeup, phone, camera, and any other essentials you need! They retail for $79 and are perfect for any occasion.  The style pictured below I made with a textured leather I love and accented it with gold hardware.  This is a limited edition but will be available at my NY Trunk Show next month! Remember the best thing about coming to a Nneka Saran Trunk Show is that you will see styles I don't always post online, some are even one of a kinds and all at a discounted price!!

Stampers & Embossers

Personalized stampers and embossers are great to use when sending out invitations.  Check out these I found on cambriacove.com:

 Personalized stamper runs around $40

 Personalized embosser runs around $60

Uber Cute Party Invitations

In this age of everything being electronically sent, its nothing like receiving an actual invitation in the mail!  Check out some of the cute invitations I found over at fabulousstationary.com. These invites are too cute....but pricey. They run $45 for 20 invitations and 20 envelopes.

Gorgeous Event Design

Today I ran across some beautiful event designs done by Lynn Fletcher Weddings! Check these out..they are to die for!!

Now check out this awesome birthday party she did for a special young lady. The birthday girl even arrived in a horse drawn carriage!

Movie Themed Bar Mitzvah

Check out this cool movie themed bar mitzvah planned by Beautiful Bloom Events in Philly.

My New Project!

Room by Candice Olsen

This past weekend I had my first consultation with a client who wants me to decorate her two beautiful daughters' bedrooms. And let me tell you, I am in heaven with this project!! As yall know, I especially LOVE doing girly projects. I am in the process of drawing up vision boards for the two rooms. I will keep you guys posted on the progress once I officially get started!

And remember, while I am a big proponent of DIY.... I recognize not everyone likes to do things themselves.  Its very time consuming and some simply have no interest in it.  And for all of you out there who don't like to make things/decorate yourselves or just don't have the time... remember I'M FOR HIRE!!!!!!!!  Just thought I'd subtly throw that on out there again! :)

By the way, awhile ago I forgot to share with you all a small project I did for a client. She ordered a beautiful comforter set for her baby but the ribbons on the bumper that tie around the crib rails weren't long or wide enough.  And the material didn't quite match the look she was going for.  She wanted big pretty bows that hung a little long on the corners.  So I took the old ribbons off and used some raw silk to recreate the new ties.  I love the look of raw silk...it has a very regal look to me.  Unfortunately, I don't have any BEFORE pictures but I found a picture of some other crib bedding that has ties that are very similar to those that came on my clients' baby bumper originally. This gives you an idea of how they looked before:

 And this is how it looked AFTER I was finished: 

Big difference right? I loved the way it came out and my client was super pleased which is what matters the most! :)

O.W.L. - Update

Operation Weight Loss is running a little slow these days! I must admit, I lost some of my motivation...not to mention the cheating I do here and there. But through it all, I'm still down about 6 to7 lbs. I just haven't gotten anywhere beyond that.  I know if I refocus and get back in gear, I can do it.  I still want to lose about 10-11 more lbs.  Instead of South Beach, I'm now just counting calories and staying within a good range.  Stay tuned! Hope those of you who are dieting also are doing better than me!

Cool Bed!

Check out this super cool bed I found while browsing Etsy. Its called the Under the Apple Tree canopy bed.  I have never seen a bed like this before! Perfect for a kids room!

However, for what it cost you could probably buy the kid a small used car! Its a hefty $10,600 for this work of art!

Stylish Home Decor

I haven't been to one of my favorite websites in awhile, hgtv.com but while browsing yesterday, I came across some fabulously designed rooms.  Check these out:

This intimate living area is lovely! I absolutely love the custom entertainment stand! HOT! And the warm colors really make this room pop.

 

I love this kitchen & eating area too! I usually prefer a darker wood but I really love the look of this cabinetry and all the accents. I absolutely love upholstered chairs with a cool print for a dining table too!  And the chandelier is a perfect touch!

Now this spa like bathroom is to die for! The combination of zebrawood and maple paint really take this little piece of heaven to another level! I also love the tile they used and the wallpaper and sconces over by the double mirrors. 

 

This master bedroom is warm and cozy.  The dark chocolate accent wall really adds to the tone of the room. This design can also be recreated easily!

I have always been a huge fan of window seats. This long bench seat is perfect! And I especially love the eclectic mix of prints with all the pillows!

Happy Friday yall! :)

My Stepping Out on Faith Journey - Journal Entry #3

Poet William Arthur Ward suggested that the key to success is to:

Believe while others are doubting.

Plan while others are playing.

Study while others are sleeping.

Decide while others are delaying.

Prepare while others are daydreaming.

Begin while others are procrastinating.

Work while others are wishing.

Save while others are wasting.

Listen while others are talking.

Smile while others are frowning.

Commend while others are criticizing.

Persist while others are quitting. 
PASSION is the only thing that will give a person the energy to do all this!!

My husband gave me a book recently called Put Your Dream to the Test: 10 Questions to Help You See It and Seize It. This year my plan is to take time to read more inspiring books. They really do keep you motivated because no matter how passionate you are about something, there will always be moments when the fire isn't burning as hot as it once was.  In those moments, I have to remind myself whats important and why I wanted to pursue this in the first place.  I have to remember how satisfying it is to me to see a pile of fabric turn into something wearable.  I have to think of how happy I get when someone tells me how much they love something I loved making.  I have to recall how humbled and honored I feel when someone tells me I inspire them...little ole me.  That's what keeps me going....what keeps me motivated...what keeps me up until 3 or 4 am working on bags or some other project.  And most importantly, knowing that God has blessed me with a gift and given me this awesome opportunity to do what I love motivates me.   Do I still have days I feel like doing nothing? Absolutely!  Do I fall short some days and give in to that feeling?  Absolutely...I'm human!  But each day is a new day and I'm continually striving to do better and be better!

MLK Day - Community Service

One thing I would like to do more of this year is community service. I think its so important to give back.  On MLK day, my hubby and I volunteered at Germantown High School in Philadelphia, PA.  We helped paint the lockers.  Here is how they looked BEFORE:

And these are the AFTER pics...the kids chose blue for this floors lockers. 

There were tons of volunteers at this location and we ended up painting three floors of lockers all together.  It was a great day of service! 

SAVE THE DATE!!

Stepping Out on Faith: Melissa Mangrum

Today's Stepping Out on Faith feature is on Melissa Mangrum of About Face Beauti based out of Baltimore, MD.

Former Job:  Collections 
Passion:  Makeup Artistry

When did you discover your passion?
I discovered my passion for makeup back in 2005 when I was looking for a part time job and found one as a Prestige Consultant for Ulta Cosmetics & Fragrance. I played around in makeup on myself and figured I should make a little money while doing something I kind of enjoyed. It wasnt until 2007/2008 that I started to take the business of makeup serious for myself.

What career field were you in before branching out and how long did you work in other jobs before stepping out to start your own business? I was a bill collector for about 10 years, working in every field possible to collect payments from consumers and businesses. It wasnt until December 2008 that I finally Stepped Out On Faith to do what I believe is one of my true purposes in life...to beautifully bless someone with the art of makeup.

What was your "breaking point" when you knew it was time for you to do your own thing?
I think the breaking point was just knowing that I had to make time to do the things that I was so passionate about, yet I had all the time in the world  (8-10 hours a day) to work for someone elses dream. I would stay up at night trying to "squeeze" my business(es) in. I found myself not enjoying coming to work anymore.  I wasn't as productive as I had been in previous years, or even months. I prayed and thought, I consulted friends...some said DONT DO IT...while others said if you feel now is the time, then go for it. Ultimately it was my decision, and I decided not to return to corporate America in the next new year, January 2009.

What has been the best part of stepping out and running your own business?
The best part for me is knowing that every day I have choice.  I can either be lazy, lay around and not do anything (which wont pay the bills) or I can get up and build something that belongs to me!  Ultimately, I choose the 2nd option!  I still stay up late and wake up early, but there is not one day that I dread it. I get to see my kids off to school in the morning, and pick them up in the afternoon.  There is no babysitter that has to do that for me...which I LOVE!! In September of 2010, I Stepped Out On Faith yet again and moved from Virginia to Maryland with my dream of being a Successful Makeup Artist (and mommy) in one hand and my faith in the other. Its been 4 months and business is going great! I'm planning the work and working the plan. I have to push myself even harder now because I'm starting fresh, but its soooo worth it to me.

What advice would you give others who are ready to step out?
The advice I would give others who are looking to Step Out is follow YOUR voice. There will be critics, naysayers, etc. but what God has for you is already yours. Fear of the unknown can cripple you if you allow it, so never allow fear to step in. Plan, Pray, & then execute from there. Dont worry about the "what ifs". I have FINALLY done things that I NEVER thought I could do, but I'm doing it...so if it has worked for me...it WILL work for you (with proper planning, prayer & execution-of course) ;)

Check out some of Melissa's awesome work! By the way, she also did my lovely makeup for my wedding! :)

 

Congrats for stepping out on faith Missy (as we affectionately call her)! Keep up the great work! :)

Be sure to also check out her website at www.aboutfacebeauti.com !!