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! :)