Stepping Out on Faith: Shemeka Brisbon

Today's Stepping Out on Faith feature is on Shemeka Brisbon out of Richmond, VA.

Former Job: Actuarial Analyst
Passion: Cosmetology

Shemeka took an interest in doing hair at a young age. She attended Richmond Technical Center and graduated high school with her license in cosmetology. By the time she went off to college, she actually lost the passion so she put things to the side. However, she didn't let her license expire just in case she ever wanted to get back into doing hair down the road. Good thing she did that! In January 2007, her passion came back. She started doing hair on the side while continuing to work full time as a Actuarial Analyst.

Shemeka worked in corporate America for about 6 years until it got to the point that she was consumed with work even at home. She would come home and constantly stress about all she had to do the next day. Tired of sitting behind a desk and looking at a computer every day, she decided that she was no longer going to waste her life doing something she didn't love. Shemeka wanted to start pursuing her dreams and that's what she did. She listened to what God was placing in her spirit and held on to her vision. She didn't let anything stop her, not even the fact that she had just purchased a new home around this same time! Shameka stepped out on faith, put her 2 weeks notice in at work, and haven't looked back since!

Shemeka says the best thing about stepping out is the freedom and flexibility she now has. When asked what advice she has for anyone who is ready to step out, Shameka says "I believe God gives us all a vision or a passion for something. If there is something that God keeps speaking to you on, don't ignore His call. Hold on to your vision and persevere. In time you will reap what you sow. When your vision finally becomes a reality, I'm sure everything you went through to get to it will have been well worth it. Everyday will not be easy, but when you're doing something you love and you know it is truly what you're meant to do, its always worth it."

Shemeka's contact info is below:

Shemeka Brisbon
www.myspace.com/hairbymeka
(804) 683-4732

Shentells
11170 Hull St Rd
Midlothian, VA 23112
Genito Crossing Shopping Center (near Food Lion & Mulligans)

Home Design Inspiration

One of my many passions in the world of creativity is home design! I am addicted to HGTV and DIY Network! And I absolutely love Home Goods! Its the greatest place ever for inexpensive yet chic home decor. When Im in home design mode, I literally will go there every week! lol

Its kind of hard to describe my personal design aesthetic because I like alot of different looks and I love color. I would definitely go alot bolder with color in my own home if the hubby would let me...lol. But the great thing about decorating is that you can do whatever you want as long as you like it and are comfortable going home to that look every day!

So along with featuring my own projects, from time to time I'll be featuring some home designs from various interior decorators.

Here are a few that I'm feeling today!

Design by Kim Myles.
In this design, I love the way Kim uses color to accent the column and wall and I like the symmetry she creates with the 4 pictures. She also ties in the blue with throw pillows on the bench against the window. Lighting fixtures really add pop to a room. The one she chose for this design is perfect! I love the finish and look of it.


Design by Gregory Augustine
I like the look of this room. Some may run away from a dark grey sofa but I think Gregory really brings it together nicely with the rich dark wood. Im a huge fan of dark wood especially in living areas!


Design by Troy Beasley
I love the look of this bedroom. I love everything from the padded headboard to the window treatments to the sofa at the end of the bed. It has a very warm and cozy look. Who wouldnt love going to sleep in this room everynight?


Design by Troy Beasley
I love the double fabric shade chandeliers he used in this dining room design. The beautiful windows accented with pinch pleated drapes really adds a great touch!

Cute Bridal Shower!! LOVE IT!

Yesterday while perusing one of my all time favorite blogs, www.hostesswiththemostess.com, I came across this super cute bridal shower! I absolutely LOVE the look of this shower. You can definitely mirror a similar look on a budget but to get this look exactly could be costly! Check out all the custom linens and place settings!! They are gorgeous! And I absolutely love the chair cover that looks like a wedding dress!! Uber cute!!

Here are a few pics:

NEW FEATURE: Stepping Out on Faith

Today, I've decided I will start something new..a 'Stepping Out on Faith' feature. Im really excited about this because it will serve as a way to highlight people who have stepped out on faith and pursued thier passion! I truly believe one of the biggest travesties in life is to wake up everyday and go to a job you hate (or maybe you dont hate it but you definitely dont love it). Although, I realize this is a reality for probably at least 80% of the country, there are some people out there who choose NOT to accept it. They have left thier comfort zones and pursued whatever it is they love to do which I think is awesome!! And nothing is more inspiring than to hear about it!

'Stepping out on Faith' is a perfect title for the feature because that is exactly what it is. Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. So in essence, when you step out, you really dont know whats to come. You are putting your trust in God and believing He will work it all out! That takes courage and sometimes everyone won't be rooting you on. But I truly believe the Lord wont bless you with a gift or passion and be okay with you not using it! So to all you people out there who have stepped out on faith career wise (or in any way for that matter) and are operating in your gift and passions....hats off to you! :)

If you know anyone who would be great to feature, please email me at nnekah@gmail.com

Stay tuned!

The Cakery - Cakes by Keshajo

Today's vendor feature is on my good friend, Kendra better know as KeShajo! She is beyond talented and designing cakes are just one of the many many things she excels at. She also sews and makes clothing, draws, paints, dabbles in graphic design, writes, I mean seriously the list goes on and on. We are soooo much alike in that we both always have our hands in so many different buckets. We are truly creative beings! So today I am featuring my 'sister in creativity'! Check out some of her cakes... and please remember she JUST started doing this a few months ago literally! She took one class at Micheals when she first started and everything else is pure talent!! Just imagine how awesome she is going to be in cake design by this time next year!!! :)















Check her out at www.keshajo.wordpress.com

Cake Stickers - Gogocake.com

I came across cake stickers after my friend, Christina, whose kid birthday parties I featured awhile ago, told me about this website she ordered them from. Pretty much you send them your design/picture or use one of thier already made designs and they print it up for you on edible paper. Its about half the size of a 1/2 sheet cake so if you want to cover the entire cake, then you have to order two. Once you recieve them in the mail, just sit them out room temperature until you are ready to use. Right before using, place them in the freezer for about 30 to 45 seconds. If you try to peel the sticker off sheet without putting it in freezer first, they will tear. Trust me I attempted to do it! lol

You may say "well I can get my local grocery store to do the same thing", but alot of grocery stores limit what they will print out for you so I guess thats the benefit. You can send them whatever you like!

I created this logo and ordered two sheets for my husband's graduation party and here is how it came out!


Photo by www.girl-photography.com

This is the cake sticker my friend got for her daughter's party. She also ordered two and put them together on the cake.


The only downside when you use two sheets is the line in the middle...but its barely noticeable. Overall, I think its a cool thing and pretty inexpensive!

Real Wedding - Nneka & Armond

Today's real wedding feature is FINALLY on yours truly! :) My hubby and I met the summer of 2001 during an internship in NY. We immediately connected as friends and after the summer was over, we stayed in touch and remained friends over the years. A few years ago we both ended up living in the same area and he became one of my best friends. In the beginning of 2008, our relationship turned from friendship to something more after realizing that just maybe we both were what each other had been "searching" for! All that time we were right under each others nose and didnt even know it! We have been inseperable ever since! What made our union even more special to me is that we committed ourselves to remain celibate until we got married. ALL BY THE GRACE OF GOD!!

In April of 2009, I had my Spring/Summer launch party in DC for my handbags. Immediately following, me and about 15 of my friends went out to Ruth Chris to eat. I thought it was kind of strange they gave us a private room but I didnt think much of it. Long story short...I was blindfolded and when I opened my eyes...Armond was down on one knee! I was totally surprised and filled with joy! Needless to say, I said YES! ;)

We got married on Oct 17, 2009 in my hometown of Petersburg, Va at Gillfield Baptist Church in front of about 210 people. Before entering the reception, we had a video (created by a good friend) played with various childhood pictures as well as pics we have taken during our relationship. When we were announced as Mr & Mrs Mosley...we entered our reception to "Crazy in Love" by Beyonce. Our first dance song was "The Point of It All" by Anthony Hamilton. The father/daughter dance song I chose was "Isnt She Lovely" by Stevie Wonder. The mother/son dance song was "Mama" by Boyz to Men. Of course the bouquet toss song was "Single Ladies" by Beyonce (which has been played at every wedding Ive been to since the song has been out...lol)

All in all, our wedding was everything I dreamed of and more (and on a budget...lol). Everything was perfect! I had the time of my life and most importantly, I married the man I know in my heart God truly made for me ...who could ask for anything more!

You've already seen most of the decor pics from my wedding. Enjoy a few other pics from our big day! :)