New Years: How to set goals with time and lists

We will be re-visiting the Master List for 2010.

Before vision boards are to be created you must first know how to plan for your master list (in order to accomplish your goals for 2010).

1. First, write down 12 big tasks you wish to accomplish within a year

A. Commit to Ballet with consistent disciplined practice

B. Edit Season 1 of The Lights and show 10 major networks before setting a Date for The Lights premiere

C. Write handwritten notes to decision makers within the networks.

D. Set a date for The Lights premiere and launch on @NewYorkCityPR is no network picks up show.

E

(ok, so I have 4 so far for this example)

2. Once you have your big vision goals— break down tasks into the month that you wish to accomplish tasks/projects by and then break down the month into weeks until you get it done.

3. it will bypass procrastination if 1. and 2. are followed and done correctly.

Here is what it can look like:

A. Ballet

Meet private instructor by Jan 7, 2010. Write a note and send via mail on your new personal stationary by Jan 1

B. Edit a Lights Trailer by Jan 15, 2010. Edit 3 more by Jan 20.

C.Write 10 letters on personal stationary to 10 decision makers in 10 different television networks.

D. Make sure you really pursued networks before launching on @NewYorkCityPR

Crazy how goals A-D already take up a month.

Perhaps using this strategy in monthly increments is best, but know the overall goals for the year: Get The Lights into People Magazine, Just Jared, Us Weekly, E!, JohnSimonDaily, OK!, Star etc... by the half way point in 2010. That gives me 6 months. I better be pretty far a long in ballet by then too.

Once you start to see yourself meeting your deadlines, this will make you happy. After the 1st goal is accomplished, go ahead and make a visual for that completed goal, this will keep you focused and on track-- (making you start to visualize the 2nd goal) and will bring you a lot of joy and happiness.

The key is to have your goals in sight... on the fridge, in the bathroom, at your desk etc...

Laziness

I really hope I have the case of some Holiday bug, because I cannot seem to get in the mood to work. One of my Video Publicity clients is having a bridal show on Jan 8 and therefore all editing has to be done by then. I definitely don't want to wait till the last minute.

I think the only way to break me out of this "lazycoma" is to take the 5 minutes to pack up my terabyte hard drive, laptop, mousepad and wireless mouse and spend the day at my favorite coffee shop. Putting headphones on to the House Pandora station should get me over the hump to get it done. It's not hard, I'm just not in the mood and that happens with creativity— it can't be constant and overused. Hopefully, I will get in the mood before the New Year. If not, January 1 or 2nd better be the start of a wonderful New Years Resolution of making lists I stick to finishing and having a solid routine.

Business during the holidays?

During the holidays, it is known that business people are out of town and have automatic email responses all ready prepared. The truth is, unless it's a CEO, your contact is skimming emails and probably even at the office. I think sending something in the mail during the holidays is the perfect way to get in the door- so to speak. Send a Happy New Year note on personal stationary to someone you intend to start doing business with. That way, when you follow up with a proposal in a week or two, the chances of consideration and a response is greater. The key after the proposal being sent is persistence and followup... but please know when to draw the line- there is a line between persistence and annoyance.


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Ohio to NY NY to Ohio

Turns out I can afford a place in Ohio as my (continued story line on The Lights WebV Show) is me trying to get back to NY: to be able to afford my own place there. I know I am lucky enough to, however, be able to afford a place in Ohio. If I move into this place ( I'm currently out to a diner still getting to know a potential roomate I just met in craigslist) it would be equivalent to roughly $1200-$1600 a month in ny.

I told her straight up that I have to be able to have my camera man there. She doesn't want to be on a "reality" show-- I told her she wouldn't... Just me on my "reality meets documentary meets gossip girl meets business and the city meet short film show.":- aka "The Lights".

It'll be a huge milestone for me to live on my own and have my own place. I really hope to move in.

It seems as tho the hard work of 11 months is starting to pay off.




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A novel: chapter 1 so far.

Chapter 1: A New York Moment.

Where would I begin? The cusp of the new year-- 2009 front and center at the Nivea kiss and be kissed platform in the heart of times square. We had to have a rehearsal dec 30th. My boyfriend proposed at midnight the next day.

On Dec 30th, however, Sway, a notorious MTV correspondant alum still in the game, was reading his script to memorize while I waltzed over for my approach. I said, "do you mind if I tell you an idea for my/a show?." "sure but I'm going to have to read and multi task but I'll still hear you though.", Sway responded. "it's called "The Lights", myself on point- proceeded, it's about female entrepreneurs trying to make it to NYC."

Sway immediately stood up and looked me in the eye and said: promise me you won't show anyone/ or a network the pilot until I see it.

... My thoughts now, 10 months later: what if that network was my own at NewYorkCityPR.TV?

With a following of over 70k from around the world, I'm faced with my random moment's word to a stranger/tv known personalit.y Now, I have the opportunity to shine and create a network of my own: "vogue air-brushing, vogue editing, vogue lighting, "vogue"color correcting (sex and the city movie anyone?) "vogue everything: except in my parallel world, that "vogue" was my "NewYorkCityPR".

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FudgeHim! For relationship?? Hmm: the development of a timeless brand

Master Lists

So we make lists that get 85% of the work done and then forget about it --let alone -- find it later. Lol

@ivanka trump has it right. Make a list and do the hardest one first: meaning write this procrasting huge project on it first.

I'm adding: custom design a master list and then write out a list with 5 things on it mixed with urgency. 1. Hardest 2. Is for you to decide. Maybe you list in difficulty descending order, making the perceived easiest last. Either way, you'll be pleasantly surprised when that so called hard task wasn't as bad as you thought.

This blog post and your current task at hand is equivalent to the importance of Julie & Julia.

I'll be posting my master list next with my vision board.

purpose: you'll discover who you are and finally make a serious decision about you lifestyle.

Your Vision Board

The worst is over! My room is coming along. My mom and I went to JC Penny and bought curtains and a crystal knob Cindy Crawford Rod. I've been studying ballet videos and have no idea how the heck I'm going to get my body that strong and flexible but it's worth a try. I'm still in my 20s so I think my body can handle it.

Next blogs coming up I am going to post images that represent where I want my lifestyle to flourish. It's important for the mind to see which you want to be a reality.

A brief Novel Rated X FYI

"Where are you going?" "Ouch! My diamond bebe fish nets (that I wore under my dressy skinny jeans) literally got caught on my you know what! Oh my geez-- I am SO mortified here with a Cosmopolitan moment. (yeah, they call me the Carrie Bradshaw of the Social Media age and I so need to get $4 a word at"Vogue" or at @NewYorkCityPR kinda of a thing.

" where are you going?", my just driven drunk (in her own Mercury Car) Bestie said. I didn't even respond (knowing how incoherent she was) so i just threw on my black juicy Couture knock off Sweat Suit, I purchased in Brooklyn-- and postioned myself to start walking on the way to the bathroom to scrub my face and apply Neosporen. I noticed I stood a little taller and aligned my body : looking up, - stepping into the second pants leg- taller - as if my ballet private instructor was watching.

As i I got dressed in the foax jC Sweat Suit, i pictured/dreamt my self walking into the elegantly black, could compete with Chanel black Ballerina flats Tory Burch rubber slipper flats. Meaning, I literally visualized myself stepping into the $95 dollar : I saw earlier at an amazing boutique where I purcuased my new @EmilyBrickelCEO chestnut Ugg Boots: Tory Burch slippers.

Wow. How did Tory burch do it?a master brander that can stump even the best.

Xoxo
C

Xoxo Goodnight.

"it is better to be looked at than to be overlooked." Mae West

The Ups and Downs

Damn. I skipped a day. That's strike two for me as a blogger on the quotidian.

I still haven't gotten organized. I am waiting for my best friend, Pamela, to help me move my dresser from the old house with her car. So, my stuff is everywhere and my mom is getting on my case. Looking around all my stuff ruptured from my suitcase I got a flash back of some of my so- called friends' apt pictures on facebook from Ohio State. They all got jobs and an apt to call their own. I feel like I missed out at times from not being settled into my own place. How did I get here? How did I want to take on a "tv" web show instead of just really focusing on my consumer product line? The only thing I can hold on to is that if The Lights is successful as a global show, then what better advertisement or product placement can I ask for other than that fan base and viewers? That really is the reason why I organized The Lights. I just hope I choose the right path. There's certainly no way of going back now. Writing this has made me feel a little better, because I was a bit down before. I guess there is something mystical and enchanting about unveiling the unpaved road of having my own unique premiere— inviting who I want, design/event planning how I want and just "see what happens". (Sigh).

Your Room— Organized

Rugs really make a room. I wrapped my scarfs around the pole and bringing my dresser down from the old house (that I was going to film at) tomorrow. I can't wait to film in my new room.

It was actually really cool: Last time I was in Cleveland, I jumped on CraigsList and bought items for a set design at my old house that is currently still vacant. I bought a dresser, a vintage bed frame and small end tables. I originally was going to use the set design as a pretend NY apt, but then decided to script in the show the actual truth of my entrepreneurial journey— being back and from Cleveland and NY. Turns out I can film in my parents' new house because I have my own room now that the construction is over. So, it all worked out with the filming schedule.


Being an entrepreneur for 3 years so far, I have learned that there is no way to get to the next level unless your work environment and room are in complete organization. And, I'm not talking about cleaning your room and putting your clothes away. I'm talking, if someone says, "hey, do you have a stapler or a orange scarf or a safety pin." You smile and say, "Why, of course", and within 10 seconds you retrieve the items. You know EXACTLY and PRECISELY where all your belongings are at all times. Imagine how much easier your life will be? Think about how less stressed you will be and how much time you would save. You will be so much happier if you just got into the HABBIT of always putting items back where they belong after use.

Focus on complete organization this weekend and choose something else for your New Years Resolution.

Road Less Traveled

Back in Ohio with my family. I recognized being back in Ohio right away when a baggage helper immediately approached me with a dolly. He was SO nice!

My camera man, Mike, still has one of my hard drives with The Lights footage on it in NY. I need him to capture a tape and film and capture Aimee, Sarah (Sara Claire and Esther) and Elle (Marigo's client of Otrera).

It's perfect timing because I will not be working until I empty out and organize my 3 suitcases. I have to be Feng Suied out before I can even begin to edit the trailer and the pilot.

I really am just going to respect the timing and get the work done without any stress. Im going to make a vision board with what I envision for the premiere and just stay positive and hopeful. I'm going to balance working on my body ( ballet, eating lots of fruits and vegetables), oxygen water with editing The Lights.

Once I'm settled here I'm going to meet with some potential investor sponsors here as soon as the trailer is done. In fact, one of my friends from Ohio State who owns a well known energy drink gave me the go ahead to send him over the sponsorship proposal-- so that prospectus with trailor is on my top to do list. It's all going to work!! I just believe.

What an amazing New Year it's going to be!

Thanks for reading--whoever you are. xo

Post Office

I met with the talented Zara Terez to pick up the Sunset bag in Clementine to carry FudgeHim! product in "Orange you glad you're single." The post office on 33th and 8th is so amazing. So historic. So New York. Find out which celebrities I sent FudgeHim! to in season 1.

I ended up filming with Zara. She has such a fabulous office environment that releases creativity. I am so happy to be surrounded by so many hard working femnetrepreneurs who have risked it all to go down this road less traveled and I am honored to capture the journey in The Lights. Stay Tuned.

Happy Suitcase

As you may know, I chose the life to live out of a suitcase-- a happy suitcase, that is.

I came back from the Ballet ( which was incredible btw) and started packing. I leave for Ohio Tuesday. Living two totally separate lives took some getting used to-- I'm ok with it now though. Sure, flipping through Elle Decor can get me down longing for my own designed apt, but, I just have to keep my eye on the prize of hard work: Ballet and The Lights. Good Night- big day tomorrow...

Transitioning into Balance

Being an entrepreneur means I am back and forth to Ohio and New York a lot. This Tuesday I am back to Ohio for the holidays and to edit The Lights.

I love NY, don't get me wrong, I'm just really excited to go back home and focus on my health and body as I start up intense ballet training again.

I've realized lately that being in front of a computer for 8 hours a day is not the life I want to live. Even though I have a lot of computer coffee shop hours ahead of me as I edit The Lights, I will be balancing this entrepreneurial lifestyle with ballet, intense hydration and quality time with my family and friends.

Take home message: Balance your work so you truly have an enriching lifestyle.

The NY Hustle: What a Day!

Being an entrepreneur is the equivalant to the pursuit of happiness.... A thought I had as I had to start typing on my phone for a clip on camera on the subway.

The vow to blog everyday has been broken thanks to myself for taking on almost too much I can handle. So, sincere apologizes for that.

Thursday was insane. I was on such a tight time schedule.

2:30 meet Aimee and return the Sara Claire and Esther outfits they kindly styled me for The Lights Show.

2:35: Film Aimee and record her saying something exciting about her company.

3:00 walk 7 blocks and one avenue to film @MarigoPR at the magazine store in Bryant Park. The workers were kind enough to go along with everything and were amused by us with the camera and $300 microphone.

3:30 meet the owners of the top teacup breeders in the world who are wanting @newyorkcitypr to help them get more followers-- I may get a teacup baby dolled faced Yorkie out of it.

4:15 meet my cameraman, Mike, outside NBC to pick up the wireless mics.

5:00 take train to Telegraphe Cafe in Chelsea to meet Elle, owner of Otrera (hottest scarfs ever right now)

Film Elle call her social media publicist, Marigo (while Marigo was on camera at Macchiato Espresso bar being filmed by Mike.)

One last shoot this Monday and that wraps up season one filming in NY. I'm really excited to get back to me and my company. Need to start being more selfish. The only vision that keeps me going is walking the red carpet and watching The Lights premiere thinking, yes, Christina, your beyond hard work to pursue this dream was certainly all worth it.

Producing and Starring

I don't think I will truly step into who I am (my element) until I have an associate producer on board and I can actually just focus on being an entrepreneur and attend to my products- solely. The thought of not having to produce/manage/ coordinate the show and just show up for a scene seems like a dream. A dream I'm willing to work towards.

I met with @emilybrickelceo (Emily) today and it really well. We filmed at Uva on 2nd Ave and 78th.

Imagine doing what you're doing AND producing/filming/set designing an entire show!... Hectic mayhem I tell you. Even tonight, Emily said, yet again, that I should FOCUS on my company only-- all I could only think of was, "if she only knew!"--- here I am trying to make HER a star and juggle everything at the same time--Its all good tho.

It was wonderful seeing her--even if it was just catching up on camera. How is she doing with her dress line...? Find out on The Lights. Premiering early 2010.

I wore a Sara Claire and Esther burgundy skirt and never felt more confident.

Editing

Spent all day upping my editing skills and worked on the NewYorkCityPR sponsored Toys for Tots and Model International video. I can't wait for you all to see. This is an example of what Video Publicity can do.

Appearance

Having visited The Tory burch boutique in Nolita to meet Ivanka Trump to wearing Sara Claire and Esther for scenes, it is very important to take the extra time to dress until you feel confident. Confidence is key to being articulate and poised in business meetings and it's time to find the brands that achieve such feeling.

Today's to do list became slightly interrupted when I had to see my dermatologist. I have a scene this Wednesday and need to be camera ready. A chemical peel later, I should be good to go.

It's strange yet exciting to have to focus on my looks so much as I step into being a Lights star. I will look glamorous at times on the show but that doesn't mean that I'm not sitting at my camera man's place in sweats and glasses with no make up on right now. Remember I'm still an entrepreneur and there isn't time to always look your best to strangers.

I had my liter of water, organic juice and stretched and can't wait to start ballet.

What are your fashion and beauty secrets? First to leave a comment receives a special gift. Xoxo

Time Management

If it was any other Sunday, I would stay up and work until I couldn't work anymore. However, as
my new Monday Resolution I, have decided to wake up extra early and start my week off right.

This month is all about finishing the pilot for the premiere and in preparation for the premiere (date TBD early 2010), I need to approach key sponsors to make this happen.








I will set my alarm at 8am, Stay in my black knock off version of a black Juicy Couture sweatsuit and while I heat up water for the morning green tea, I will sit on the carpet and work on my middle splits while downing a liter of NYC tap water before my tea. Just typing this seems like a dream lifestyle way of beginning my morning.

After a warm up i will then do 50 pliés (when I go back to Ohio I am taking private ballet lessons) and then work on the following to do list:








1. Tweet what time it is
2. Research the Tory Burch foundation.
3. Identify who I want to approach as sponsors for the step and repeat
4. Design perspectus for potential sponsors
5. Take 20 min and walk to health food store to order 32 oz of organic vegetable and apple/carrot juice
6. Check Twitter and Facebook
7. Finish perspectus
8. Text Marigo and Email Sara Claire and Esther regarding scenes that need to be filmed
9. Follow up with Zara Terez
10. Call The World Bar and find out if I can film there for a drink filmed meeting with Emily
11. Take a break and finish reading The Trump Card
12. Eat
13. Drink water!
14. Go!!! To the apple store and find the right person to talk to about having the premiere there! That would be a dream!!

Wow. I am really looking forward to my day.

I have to write to do lists more often. I hope it helps my mind focus and manages my time beyond my wildest expectations.

15. Otrera and marigo
16. Write femmetrepreneurs questions to send to femmes to feature them on my blog.









Happy Monday! Xo

Monday Resolution

You probably have had great ideas to do something or plan something but never quite got around to it.

Whether it's writing a handwritten letter to someone you think is out of reach--hoping to get aquainted or drinking more water, take the rest of the weekend to think about how to enhance your lifestyle.






Today, I woke up and drank a liter of Penta, walked to the health food store and drank 32 oz of fresh organic vegetable juice with an apple and a carot), ate a pear and had wild salmon for lunch. (except it wasn't wild, I could tell- the Chinese woman totally lied). I looked in the mirror and my face was supple and plump and glowing and thought, "why the hell don't I do this on a quotidian basis?!"

Whatever is it make this Monday the start of a steller week to really get the things you've been dreaming of started- it'll be a good change in energy and you'll feel really good about yourself.

Have a Happy Monday Resolution

Trump Card— No Excuses

What a day. My back hurts from running around the city. My camera man left me the lavs (wireless mics) and I had to lug them around all day. I went to Macy's to meet with Mercedes from BeChicMag to discuss a deal— she is so sweet and talented. Then I met up with Lindsey at the Chanel counter and we did a 1920s look with red lips to match my Sara Claire & Esther styling.
I went into Louis Vuitton and of course want these $530 sunglasses. One day. One day. While I was in there one of the sales reps, Amanda, was obsessed with my coat and had to know where I got it from. Then another two Iranian? women's eyes lit up and had to know where I got my coat. I have to say that it is certainly worth putting the extra money into pieces that make you feel important and get others to notice and want to converse with you. I felt like a celebrity— better yet, I felt like an accomplished CEO just signing a big deal. Tory Burch flats are a next wish list.

I cannot wait to have a closet full of Sara Claire and Esther!



No Excuses.
I never made it to Zara Terez because I never heard back from her on Twitter. After I got home, I saw a public tweet from Zara wondering why I never showed up! I was shocked and then I realized that she had gotten back to me on the Direct Message (DM) on Twitter! I didn't even think to check that. Later on, I read another chapter of The Trump Card: and being late, stuck in traffic, Yeah Yeah Yeah, LA Ti DA is just so annoying to hear. If you want to be successful and have a edge above everyone else just get rid of the excuses. Check every communication, leave 3o min earlier than early and just be on time. I have to say excuses are becoming pet peeve for me. It's going to be interesting to overcome these habits, but we certainly can start by being aware of how often we have an excuse.

It was a great day otherwise. I went to the post office to drop off "Orange you glad you're single" to Audrina Patridge's publicist— but did something happen to prevent me from sending it?! Find out on The Lights!

Just a quote

Success consists of going from failure to failure without loss of enthusiasm. ~Winston Churchill

If at first you don't succeed, you're running about average. ~M.H. Alderson

You have to know that if don't quit you will get there. You know the feeling of success everytime you look at yourself in the mirror. Believe in yourself and strive to be truly confident.
~Christina Esther

Signatures For Your Email

After my brothers wire transfer, I went shopping at NoLabelSecret in the city. He is an entrepreneur and $800 later will be getting 6 Italian (and other designers) suits, 3 dress pants, 10 dress shirts— one in every color, 4 socks, 3 ties, a tie clip, triangle "diamond" cuff links, 4 going out t-shirts, 4 going out plaid button downs, 2 sports coats, one camel/brown "leather" jacket, a pair of jeans and a partridge in a pear tree.

Turns out that some of the items I put on NoLabelSecret in the men's section ran out of some sizes so I am now going to follow the fate and turn NoLabelSecret.com into private shopping where I work with clients outside of NY to get them a whole new wardrobe without breaking the bank— and charge a commission. At least the videos are done and can be shown as examples of the merchandise to potential clients.

I'll have to get to that after my brother receives his shipment and shows all his friends. He already told me his friends are waiting to see everything and are thinking to have me do it for them too! Are men the secret way to make money with fashion? They seem to be an untapped market— especially for deals.
Today was so excited. I met with Sara from Sara Claire and Esther and had a wonderful conversation about are current situations. I think I talk too much (Ivanka Trump says listening is the secret to success). I had a lot to say and know that once the premiere launches I can be less crazed and develop into the woman I want to be. I will evolve. I hope it works out that I can wear a Zara Terez for my post office scene on friday. (I will spill later for what I am doing). I have to save some surprises for the show!

Deirdre Sullivan, Social Media, PR, & Partnership Director Blog Editor of Ideeli
(invite code: deirdre) signs her emails with, "A well dressed woman, even though her purse is painfully empty, can conquer the world." — Joan Crawford

How amazing is that! We all have to have signatures that show new people we meet who we are. And she's right. I believe that if I start dressing in Sara Claire and Esther, Zara Terez and Tory Burch, perhaps I will evolve into someone that exceeded my expectations. It's so important to evolve and I look forward to stepping into that once the show starts. I feel so blessed to be able to wear amazing designers and support them on the show. I cannot tell you how amazing the footage looks!

Thank you all for reading! I can't wait to interview you for this blog.

Femmetrepreneurs = sisterhood. I can't wait to have a girls night. We'll have to film it for season 2. xo

PS I need to save up for Marigo's new client— an Otrera scarf!— wearing it on the show once JUST won't cut it. They are 50% off NOON TO NOON! Saturday, December 5 at noon until Monday, December 7 at noon - here and here. but still can't afford it! Xmas gift. hmm. They are also new to twitter.

Testing a top CEO's word

The Trump Card (book) has incredible memos from very influential people. Ivanka Trump calls these pages "Bulletins From My BlackBerry". Well, here's what I call "iPhone Gutsy Girl"

The above photo is a paragraph from Roger Ailes- President, Fox News Channel and what caught my eye was what he wrote on the bottom of page 47...

"The barriers to entry in any field are the ones you put up for yourself. There's always plenty of room at the top. The middle can get pretty crowded. The bottom can get pretty crowded. But at the top there's always room. I have about 1500 employees at Fox News, and every day I'm searching for a new producer. For someone great. Any one of my producers can step up at any time, and occasionally one of them does. And when that happens, I find a place for them in a heartbeat."

After getting the chills and turning the page, I couldn't concentrate on Ivanka- all I could think about was what Roger Ailes had said.

"yes, I googled" -confessions of a shopoholic.

I googled "Roger Ailes Fox Contact" and there is was: his blog and email address.

So I emailed:

Ok Mister,

I found what you wrote on page 47 quite inspiring.

I have been filming for 10 months. From carrying tripods and lights to casting, editing, color correcting and a back ache to prove it- All with the "just do it" attitude. I am ready to take it to the next level.

I especially love testing men of their word. I hope to hear back from you- as I really am one of those great producers you wrote of. Do you really look for us everyday?

I have come out of the wood work, so now what?

Have a fortuitous day!!

@christinaesther
Femmetrepreneur.blogspot.com
646.812.7383
--

A note on the "Ok Mister" decision. Remember all those times you hear or read about standing out, being a "gutsy girl" (cosmo girl) and especially being fearless?! Well, that is just what I decided to do to rattle his inbox- keeping in short, true to what I was thinking and enticing with no brown noseing or ass kissing in sight. Excuse the French. That's what a femmetrepreneur has to do: follow your instincts and just get it out without too much sweat and press send.

It didn't matter to me that he probably meant any one of his current 1500 employees could step up to be a great producer. Since it was so rare that one did, I though it couldn't hurt to just reach out. You never know how timing works.

It's not really the hope that he will sweep The Lights show off my hard drive- maybe Fox isn't the home for the show- It's the wonder if he'll get back to me. It's the notion that this man can pick up the phone and tell his respected colleague over at Oh, say, MTV or the CW and say "hey! you have to take a look at this". Or, maybe Just Maybe The Lights is JUST what Roger Ailes is looking for.

@ToryBurch @IvankaTrump

Flying solo at the Tory Burch featuring Ivanka Trump gala was intimidating at first. It takes some femmetrepreneur "balls point pens" to attend a gala alone. I bought the Trump Card business bible and sat down on the low white couch to read. I was immediately enchanted.



2 pages in, the what I assumed to be the book manager of the event approached me and asked if i would like Ivanka to sign the book. I walked over to the book table display and the stunning Ivanka Trump greeted me. She looks the same as she does in her ads and television appearances- just classy gorgeous.



She asked me if I read the book. I have not. I told her I can relate to being born into a wealthy family but in the end it's on me to work hard. She asked me what business I am in and to be honest I didn't know what to say. I wanted to talk about The Lights show but all that came out was that my father is a pioneering physician. I didn't want tonight to be about me- it was all about her. I can't wait to read the book to brush up on modern business etiquette. I handed her her gift that I had designed and gave Tory's gift to her sales rep because I just missed her.


After a couple glasses of the finest champagne and caviar, I started mingling with the Patrick Mcmullen camera man and actor/model side job servers and found out that the author of Rich Dad Poor Dad is speaking tomorrow night in the city.



Then the night became magical. I was speaking to model Emile from Australia by the entrance and as two fabulously dressed young women walked by to leave, I seized the moment and said, "do you mind if I ask you ladies a question." "Sure", they broke stride. I proceeded to ask them if they were entrepreneurs. No, however one worked for Tory Burch.



After exhanging cards I suddenly realized I was closing out the place with the staff. I rushed to take iPhone stills as one of the sales reps complimented by bebe diamond fishnet stockings.

Feeling confident (yes the champagne was that fabulous) I found myself cliquing with Caroline who manages all the Tory Burch social media and online marketing. I am interested in doing a post on Tory and she is interested in @NewYorkCityPR. We can't wait to have coffee at Machiatto next week.





"If you do work that you love, and the work fulfills you, the rest will come". -Oprah Winfrey. First page of The Trump Card.

The time has come to Rock Tradition

Tory Burch
6-8— celebrating new eyewear launch and the Trump Card.
257 Elizabeth Street
New York, NY 10012
(212) 334-3000
Serendipity and energy is a funny thing. For the past week I have been dreaming about Ivanka Trump either guest starring on The Lights (I already wrote out the scene where I am in a dream speaking to her in the boardroom) or narrating the voice overs. What does a femmetrepreneur do when Ivanka Trump tweets that she will be at the Tory Burch Nolita boutique in just a few hours! We drop whatever we are doing and rearrange our schedules to follow this Celestine Prophecy.


Now, I have to re-write the script and nix filming me going to Borders/Barnes & Noble to purchase the Trump Card— Ivanka Trump's latest book about business. I spoke with someone at the boutique and cameras of course are not allowed—I am actually happy about this since it's been a long time that I have been out with just a cocktail in hand enjoying just meeting people naturally without the intimidation of the camera.

With a purchase of her book ( $24.99) you receive a Trump gift bag! I am SO excited! Also, Tory Burch is not only celebrating the Trump Card– she is launching her eyewear collection! Did you all know that my father pioneered LASIK eye surgery?— and yet I am still in glasses & contacts! Ha! I am waiting for his inside the eye contact lens. Can they make me look like Edward Cullen?
(Oh just went to the website and see sunglasses— I wonder if she is coming out with lenses?

Anyway! Tory Burch will also have some items from her spring collection.

Wow. Ivanka Trump & Tory Burch— major femmetrepreneurs.

My plan is to go— even if I am solo, buy The Trump Card and have a reading date with my hors d'ouvres and cocktail. I actually am not going to be on the prowl to network as I am on a great path with my circle of solid femme colleagues, however I will just live in the moment and see how the energy is and where it takes me.

Now, I have about one hour and 15 minutes to shower, choose an outfit in my limited selection of a suitcase, print a card to give to Ivanka Trump and take the 30 min train there from Brooklyn.

It's now 5:10 and I am showered and the design gift for Ivanka and Tory are done. Not bad. Now, the question! what to wear!


I just had to whip up some business cards too! (I arrived at 7:15).

Friends and Favors— When To Say No

My cast member, Marigo (#msmpr) texted me to bring her written proposal to design life. She already did all the work of writing one of her brilliant pitches for one of her clients. I knew this day was coming after she was impressed when she saw the proposal I designed for @NewYorkCityPR's Video Publicity department for Sara Claire & Esther. Without much hesitation I told her it was a go.




After college, the beer pong is put away and the desire to attend the hottest & classiest galas becomes the new networking social hour— especially in NY. It's just a matter of time when your new friends start wanting favors— favors that take time away from your TDL (to do list) and turns their next incoming mail into gold. Here are 3 tips to know when to do the favor and when to JUST say no.

1. ASSESS YOUR FRIENDSHIP
A. You Just Exchanged Business Cards.
If you just met someone and they ask for a favor you need to ask yourself if you need anything from them. Maybe they have a contact you need or they are in an industry that you know you will need to tap into in the next 3-6 months. If this is the case then you can do them the favor with the underlying notion of asking them for one in return in the future.

B. A Friend You've Known For Over 2 Years
For someone that you have known for awhile that asks for a favor— they need to pass the "Facebook Test". If they haven't written on your wall in the past year or texted you in the past 3 months then that should make it easy for you to decline. If it's your bestie then by now of course you say yes to favors because they don't take advantage.

2. Listen to your gut
If someone asks you for a favor and you feel as if you are being used or have the high school feeling that you are being taken advantage of and know that this person would never do anything for you (you would never need a favor from them anyway) then email them and say, "I am sorry I just have too much on my plate to meet your deadline. Good Luck though! It sounds cool. Best, ______".

3. Beyond the 1st Favor
A. You're Becoming Colleagues
Oftentimes, you will dealing with someone who is your friend within your circle of colleagues and they have come to really like what you've got. When they ask for more favors you need to determine if you are getting anything in return. This can be a real advantage for you because a nice barter relationship has evolved. For example, if someone has a lot of twitter followers, contacts or a hot blog—you may be inclined to keep up your end of the favors if you see that you have been mentioned on postings or tweets. If nothing happens, then the next time they ask for the favor you can text them and ask them to do something for you— they will agree if they want something from you. If you want one of their contacts then after you do the first favor and they say "Thank You! I owe you one"— then go ahead and ask for their contact's email.

B. When To Charge
If you really don't need anything from them then you need to write your friend an email stating that you are slammed and the only way to be squeezed in is if they can pay for your time. Let them know that you gave them the friend discount. If you normally charge $50/hour charge $25. This is a really nice way to draw the friendly line. If you find out later that this person starts gossiping about your arrogance then you know they aren't a good friend and you can detox them out of your life.

Organizing

We hear it time and time again that an organized workspace opens a special portal in life that is supposed to be effortlessly flowing with positive energy and progress. It really helps with the 4 quadrants (Dr. Dyer anyone?).

After putting a load of laundry in and picking things off the chair and floor, my desk is still a mess but the most pressing tool for me is to label all the clips in my editing suite. I have to prepare all the footage for the pro editors in the other Lights dept.
See all the Untitled's to the left? I have to sort though 8 months of filming. It will be so much fun though. Sarah Austin and I have determined that December is the final production month before the real fun begins.

I also noticed on my Twitter settings reads web series... hmm, can my subconscious be telling me something that is fortuitous? I already decided that if the tv networks don't pick the show up in a certain amount of time frame then I am going to make a proposal to Twitter and @NewYorkCityPR. MTV, Lifetime, CW, Bravo, Oxygen, VH1, & We are hot ones to receive an invitation for a viewing meeting.

The Lights will be editing like a movie (short film) with a splash of The City and Sex and the City. With LA music connections this show is going to be amazing. It was quite the journey carrying tripods and lights around but I can say that I am proud that I was able to create the first mobile production company. I hired the best camera man in the city and now it's time to get organized so The Lights can launch early next year.

I am also setting up celebrity guest stars who have been successful with their minds.

Side Work

I freelance design for @newyorkcitypr and they have already published their vision as being the first virtual department store. The brand name is No Label— a store for those who are working hard to pull themselves out of the recession. The motto goes, "there is nothing insecure about paying less"—
which was inspired off of Christian Siriano's publicist's decision to do the deal with Payless. Bianco Bianconi just started her own PR firm and we are all so happy for her. She is a real sweetheart.


The next step is to build a section of No Label that houses actual designers. The vision is for each carefully selected designer to have their own unique room.

Here is an example of what I thought of for Zara Terez if she would have a room in the virtual store.
You all must know that I majored in Visual Communications at a very exclusive school. I really enjoy designing and building solid relationships. I definitely miss my close friends. It's really hard to find truly supportive friends who become your sisters. Finding them in business is a dream.

The exciting part about working with the designers who sign on will be writing their screenplay for how their brand will be portrayed in edited video. The idea is to make them their own stars in their own virtual reality show in their exclusively branded rooms on NoLabelSecret.com

I met Zara while filming Lights star Marigo Mihalos at the Zara Terez trunk show at The Shoe Box on Lex.

Secret Aps for the blogger on the go

So.... I've been thinking how to ween myself off the computer. Thoughts of blissful facials and being drivin around in a Lincoln Town car for filmed coffee meetings at Macchiato and to ballet training. A driver = lifestyle.
--
Here I am on the BlogPress app managing this post. I am going to search for a Google image AND color correct it- all from my phone.











Wow it took about a minute to do all this mobilelly:

Recap of what I designed:
1. Search an image on Google images.
2. Crop out the credit
3. Color correct and only make certain portions of the image black and white and other portions in color.

The secret aps and how to:
1. Download "Image Pro" where you can search for any google image and easily save it to your camera library.

2. Download "Photo Daily" where you can easily open an image from your camera media library. There you can effortlessly crop to different sizes and add fun filters and color correct- adjusting the contrast. You press save and it saves the new arty image to your photo library.

3. Last Download "Color Splash" where the image becomes black and white automatically and you just finger point where you want color on your image. Wow this is better than Photoshop to do this technique!

Happy Blogging.

Where is Oprah's Email?!

After watching the CNBC Oprah Effect special I suddenly had a case of deja vu. Why do I have the strange feeling that one of Oprah's producers wrote me or my old intern back something very brief about being interested in FudgeHim! And WHYYYYY did I not follow up with her? The only sense I can hold on to was that I was in disbelief and it was the time where a boutique owner told me to change the packaging by adding a lid design to the jar. I must of thought I wasn't ready not to mention the fact that I am not setttled in my own place yet from living out of suitcase.

Easy thought right—to go through my old emails—except when I tried logging into my old email I could not access it because I had canceled my hosting account with Volusion because $20 a month was added up without any online sales. OMFG! Why is this happening to me? The only sign I have is that I randomly wanted to see who Oprah was following on twitter since she only follows 17 people and @sherisalata happened to be one of them. She is an executive producer for Oprah and honestly, her name is ringing a bell. As you can see, I tweeted her and hope she at least read my tweet. Next I have to send her something everyday. I just filmed a segment for The Lights where my partner in LA, Lauren and I were texting as I was watching the Oprah Effect and I told her that I think we should send Oprah's producers a creative gift a day for a month to see what happens. Fingers crossed!