My Zebra Print Wall for Office

So after debating for quite awhile about what to do with the back wall in my office, I decided to go with a zebra print. Originally, I actually wanted to use a wall stencil for this really nice Moroccan print I found online....but it didn't necessarily go with my look.  But I plan to incorporate that somewhere one day because I really do love it!! Anywho, back to the zebra print walls. They also sell wall stencils for zebra print but I couldn't find a style I liked ..not to mention, some wall stencils surprisingly can get pretty pricey.  The Moroccan one I really like was $55 for the stencil.  So since I'm a DIY'er... I figured I could just freehand it myself ... and it came out pretty good I think.

I started off sketching the zebra stripes on the wall but ended up free-handing the rest. Zebra stripes are one of the easiest things to do because they don't have to be perfect to look good!

Here is my progression from start to finish: 

I DO Wedding Menus, Programs & Invitations!

The last two weeks, Ive been working on wedding menus and programs for a client getting married next month.  If you are in need of wedding menu, invitations, and programs for your wedding at a reasonable price, contact me for pricing and more info! I'd LOVE to work with you! :)

My Mom's 60th Birthday

My mom back in the day

So this past weekend was my mom's birthday and I put together a very small surprise gathering at a restaurant.  I think she had a hunch that I was planning something but nevertheless, it turned out great! She had a blast!

I got my good friend Kendra of Keshajo Bakes to make the cake.  This is my friend who was on TLC's Next Great Baker reality show.  She does really awesome work and you guys didn't even get a taste on the show of what she is really capable of doing!  I told her my mom loves to sing. She's been in numerous bands when she was younger but now she sings in the church choir so I wanted something with music notes and a microphone. So this is what she came up with:

 

My mom and everyone loved it!! 

I also put together some little favor bags which included some of my mom's favorite snacks.  I decided to use a throwback picture for the bag label. Check it out:

Close up of pic

Group Shot

We had a blast and most importantly, my mom had a great time!! Love ya mama! :)

BrownSugaMag.com Feature

Check out my feature on BrownSugaMag.com!

Sorry :(

My apologies for not posting much this week.  I feel like I have had a thousand things going on! I pray that everyone has a blessed Easter weekend!

NY Mark Your Calendars! June 4 in Brooklyn!

On June 4, I will be participating in The CLB Ultimate Trunk Show in Brooklyn at the Dumbo Loft with a number of other awesome designers! If you are in the area be sure to stop by and check it out!

And if you are wondering what to expect, check out some footage from the last Ultimate Trunk Show back in Dec 2010!! Dont miss it! :)
Chris LeeAnn Boutique Presents: THE ULTIMATE TRUNK SHOW 2010 from Emiliano Styles™ on Vimeo.

Office Transformation in Progress

So as you know Im in the process of getting my office/workspace together so last week I started painting.  Thank God I have finally gotten most of it done.  I just have the accent wall left to do.  The pic above is from this weekend when I started painting my two pink walls. 

My hubby and I also started putting some of the furniture pieces together.  I am running into a slight issue.  I have a pet peeve about finishes being the same.  I knew I wanted to do all white furniture when I started planning this design; however, I learned that not all whites are the same.  For example, "white" furniture at Ikea is not really snow white.  Its more of an off white which clashes with the pieces I have that are truly all white.  But hey, its not that big of a deal I guess... (as I sit here typing trying to make myself really believe that...lol)

As they say, you just have to work with what you got...so thats what I will be doing.  Stay tuned for how it all comes together! :)

Stepping Out on Faith: Fatima Doukoure

Today's Stepping Out on Faith feature is on Fatima Doukoure, owner of Bebenoir Boutique in New York, NY.

Former Job:  Advertising Sales

Passion:  Fashion/Running her own boutique

When did you discover your passion? 

I discovered my passion 10 years ago over dinner with friends at an African restaurant in Harlem. We were talking about dreams and aspirations and my partner mentioned that he wanted to have a fashion house. I thought this was a brilliant idea and I wanted to be part of it.  I am also passionate about educating children, particularly girls in my native country of Mali and also projecting Africans in a positive light. Far too often, we are so accustomed to seeing all the ghastly things about Africa. Yes, we have those things but we also have a fashion conscious and artistic population that is often not talked about.

 

What was your "breaking point" when you knew it was time for you to do your own thing?

My former employer made the decision for me. I was laid off in 2009 when the economy was at its worst. We already had a boutique so I decided to go full force.

What has been one challenge in stepping out  and running your own business?  

There are so many it's difficult to single out one specific challenge but if I had to choose, I would say capital. When I had a job, I could rely on my paycheck. Now I have to work harder for less money. 

What has been the best part?   

The best part is seeing your idea evolve to a finished product and also the amazing people you meet along the way. Best example, I met you Nneka through the business and you have truly inspired me. Thank you!! 

What advice would you give others ready to step out?

I would ask them to take their time. One must make sure they are prepared for it all....the good, the bad and the ugly. The mental readiness is what gets you through the everyday stress that goes along with being a business owner.

For more info on Fatima and her boutique, Bebenoir, check out her website:
www.bebenoir.com
OR
Visit her boutique where they offer cute clothes, alterations, custom work, pattern and sample making, and photo studio/workspace rental!
2164 Eighth Ave
New York, New York 10026
(212) 828 5775

Looking for Summer Interns!

Looking for summer interns in the Philly area. Contact me for more info! Thanks! 

nneka@nnekasaran.com

All White Bridal Shower from Reader!

Recently, I received an email from one of my blog readers, Kiksha Constantine.  She was inspired by the All White Bridal Shower I did for Jackie (here) and sent me a few pictures of how she used it as inspiration for an All White Shower she planned & decorated for a whopping 120 guests!  I think she did a fabulous job on it! Check out some of the pictures:

Atlanta Trunk Show!

This past weekend was my Atlanta Trunk Show held at Crystyles Boutique in Atlanta, GA.  The weather was beautiful down there and I had a great time! I would like to thank the owner, Crystal, for letting me use her boutique to host the show and to all the people who came out to support me as well as those of you who helped spread the word! Check out a few pics from it. Next stop...catch me at the CLB Ultimate Trunk Show in Brooklyn, NY on June 4!

Cute singing group, OMG Girlz stopped by

Check out more pictures on my Facebook page here.

If you are in ATL, make sure check out Crystyles Boutique located at 2115 Piedmont Rd NE, Atlanta GA.

Stepping Out on Faith: Jennifer Lucy

Today's Stepping Out on Faith feature is on author & motivational speaker, Jennifer Lucy. 

Former Job:  Executive Assistant

Passion:  Writing, Speaking, & Empowering people across the nation to live their best life in Christ!

When did you discover your passion? I discovered I loved to write and speak as a little girl. I have always written as a hobby and spoke in front of audiences since I can remember. When I began to live for Christ, that’s when I knew I was to use my gifts to glorify Him. As I began to walk in wholeness, I would write devotionals to myself as the Holy Spirit ministered to me. This is how my first book, Dried Tears, A Woman’s Guide to Overcoming was formed.

What career field were you in before stepping out to start your own business?

I was an Executive Assistant for a non-profit organization.

What was your "breaking point" when you knew it was time for you to do your own thing?

When I was laid off from my job for the second time in 2 years! In this economy it became imperative for me to trust God, and step out in Faith while using the gifts and talents He’s given me. Jennifer Lucy Inspires was born, and I completed my first book project!  In addition, to my speaking and facilitating workshops I have launched an Administrative Consulting, Personal Concierge business called “Personally Yours.” This business was birthed out of my professional background having been an Executive Assistant for 9 years! I also enjoy serving others and seeing their dreams and visions come to pass.

What has been one challenge in stepping out and running your own business? 
The greatest challenge has been getting used to a “different” pay schedule. When you have a 9 to 5 gig, you have regular paychecks that may come every 2 weeks. When you are newly self employed, the money may not come every 2 weeks, but the great part is it could come every other day, or every week! Networking through social media and other avenues becomes a part of your daily tasks.

What has been the best part? 

Having control over my time has been the most amazing part!  I set my hours and my rules. This allows me to promote my book freely and help others through my business! My ability to serve and give of my gifts and talents are not limited. I feel as though I’m walking on the moon! J

Jennifer's book

What advice would you give others ready to step out?

Have a relationship with Jesus Christ! Pray, a lot! It gets challenging from time to time, but because of my relationship with God, I have been able to hear from Him. Not only does this bring me comfort but I am guided to make the right decisions for my business and for myself. My relationship with Christ has allowed me to have peace when stepping out in Faith!

Lastly, count the cost! Being self employed is a lot of work! Yes I am in control of my own time, but that doesn’t mean I don’t work 8 hours a day. In fact, I work more! I’m just working my passions now so it doesn’t feel like work at all.

Check out more info on Jennifer at her sites:

www.jenniferlucyinspires.com

www.unleashingyou.org

www.twitter.com/thepurposedr

My Feature on POSHGLAM.com

Check it out here!

ATLANTA Trunk Show - April 9 !

DONT MISS IT! Next Saturday, April 9 from 6 to 9pm @Crystyles Boutique!!

And if you dont live in ATL area, please be sure to tell all your friends who do! 

Thanks! :)