Not a lot to say today. Just blessed. Truly Blessed. Moving through challenges. Defeating doubt and insecurity. Helping and Loving others. Working to be a vessel of the Lord. I just wanted to share a few videos with you to get your day started. They are songs of love, hope and encouragement. Keep your heads up brothers and sisters. Open your hearts. Feed your mind with HIS word. Be full of purpose.
Love your sister,
Mo
Friday, September 23, 2011
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Starting From Scratch
Unmotivated. Stagnant. Lazy. Settled. Angry. Disappointed. Happy. Pleased. Satisfied. Motivated. Relieved. Honored. All these emotions, and probably a few others I've left out, have all consumed me in the last four months. As you see I haven't been consistent. Circumstances surrounding my career have caused them all. As I mentioned in my last blog, I've pretty much been the HOLD queen for about 8 jobs. Been released for them all. How frustrating is that?
I just feel at this level in my career the bookings should be more consistent. But am I doing what's necessary so that it is. I've experienced "A" level of success but am I at "THE" level to proceed onto bigger and better. Without much contemplation, I realize, that I haven't. Yes I've put in some work, but it doesn't stop once I've booked a few national commercials or print ads. Sometimes you have to go back and remember the dedication, sacrifice and passion it took before you started getting those jobs to keep you rising to the top.
We can get so comfortable and tied up in what's happening now, that what's happening now turns into what was happening then and you wind up feeling like somewhat of a failure. Not cool. Of course I'm not a failure but if I fail to let my own inconsistencies get in the way of progressing my career or in life for that matter, than I will continue to spiral down into this whirlwind of insecurity and doubt that is absolutely not a good look if I want to continue with a rewarding career.
I must admit though, down time does give you the opportunity to see the areas you need to work on. Where you need to step your game up and be more about your business. It definitely humbles me. No one successful, no matter what their profession made it by getting comfortable.
So I'm gathering my tools. Mixing up a new batch of energy, self-love, determination, sacrifice, dedication, heart and prayer so that I may continue to RISE UP!
UNTIL Next Time ... remember what it took to get you to where you are! It may help you get to where you want to be.
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
They've Got the HOLD World in Their Hands
This past summer was really slow in the industry. From what I'm learning, that's pretty much how it is. And in the Fall it picks up. I think I didn't notice as much in previous years because I was working a steady promotional job. So that money in out-shadowed the money that wasn't coming in from it being so slow. I decided to give that job up this year as it was time for me to move forward with my career. That meant assessing its importance to my career, cutting down the travel back and forth from Maryland to New York and move to NYC full-time. It was definitely a blessing but sometimes you have to let go so that you can progress.
So auditions and castings picked up tremendously. I've been auditioning quite frequently every day with a couple or more a day. GREAT right? Well it appeared that I'd be booking a lot more as most of the auditions I went I was placed on HOLD. For those who don't quite know what that means it means that a person is being highly considered for the job. They usually want you to hold the dates of the shoot so that they have first option on hiring you in the event you have another client interested in booking you and/or you decide to make vacation/personal plans.
So goodie. I was placed on hold for several jobs at a time, some shooting within the same week. I've got to at least book one of these bad boys. Well, the phone calls and emails started coming that I was released. By now, I should be used to this "rejection" and not feel a certain way about it. But I believe no matter how long you've been in the business, you still want the job, you still want the money and the fact that you were being highly considered makes you wonder what was the one thing you didn't have that caused them to pick someone else.
Sometimes they pick a man instead of a woman, sometimes they cancel the project. It could be a number of reasons and you can't drive yourself wondering what that one little thing was. And in actuality, it is a very little thing because as I've always tried to maintain in my thinking is, "what's for me is for me". PERIOD. Keep it moving Mo!
Sometimes GOD doesn't open doors for you because it's not your time, you're not ready, you need to be focusing your talents somewhere else or it just ain't meant to be. The important thing is that you're being seen. And when you are being seen its important that you leave an impression. The fact that I got placed on hold or got the callback, shows that I did that part of the job.
Until Next Time ... HOLD on to your DREAMS. HOLD on to your FAITH. GOD HOLDS ALL OF IT IN HIS HANDS.
So auditions and castings picked up tremendously. I've been auditioning quite frequently every day with a couple or more a day. GREAT right? Well it appeared that I'd be booking a lot more as most of the auditions I went I was placed on HOLD. For those who don't quite know what that means it means that a person is being highly considered for the job. They usually want you to hold the dates of the shoot so that they have first option on hiring you in the event you have another client interested in booking you and/or you decide to make vacation/personal plans.
So goodie. I was placed on hold for several jobs at a time, some shooting within the same week. I've got to at least book one of these bad boys. Well, the phone calls and emails started coming that I was released. By now, I should be used to this "rejection" and not feel a certain way about it. But I believe no matter how long you've been in the business, you still want the job, you still want the money and the fact that you were being highly considered makes you wonder what was the one thing you didn't have that caused them to pick someone else.
Sometimes they pick a man instead of a woman, sometimes they cancel the project. It could be a number of reasons and you can't drive yourself wondering what that one little thing was. And in actuality, it is a very little thing because as I've always tried to maintain in my thinking is, "what's for me is for me". PERIOD. Keep it moving Mo!
Sometimes GOD doesn't open doors for you because it's not your time, you're not ready, you need to be focusing your talents somewhere else or it just ain't meant to be. The important thing is that you're being seen. And when you are being seen its important that you leave an impression. The fact that I got placed on hold or got the callback, shows that I did that part of the job.
Until Next Time ... HOLD on to your DREAMS. HOLD on to your FAITH. GOD HOLDS ALL OF IT IN HIS HANDS.
Monday, August 29, 2011
A Dream Not Deferred
This past weekend I had the honor of interviewing some pretty spectacular people. Celebrities, politicians and civil rights icons. Everyone came out in celebration of the official unveiling of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. memorial site in Washington, DC. I wasn't able to get by to see the memorial because of all the ruckus Hurricane Irene caused, but she had not yet hit the scene on Friday. So I was able to experience one of the best moments of my life.
Before attending the event, I did a lot of research. The information I gained was really a GOD-send as I had forgotten about those who laid the foundation for me ... for us. As most of us are aware, years ago black people weren't able to do a lot of things. We couldn't eat at lunch counters, we had to enter through back doors and even drink from a separate fountain. Can you imagine if we still couldn't do those things in addition to the things we hope and dream for.
So many people fought, marched, and were killed so that we could have equal opportunities. It took an enormous amount of bravery and faith to be a voice for an entire race, to make justice and equality a reality for us. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s legacy will forever be remembered for years to come.
We don't live in a perfect world, but he fought many societal imperfections that would have otherwise kept us uneducated, poor and inferior had he not done so. He wasn't just a beacon to black people but for all people and thats why now there is a memorial in his honor. An african-american man, who wasn't a president or veteran, but a man who fought effortlessly so that we could stand together as one equal nation under GOD.
I thank Dr. King and all those before me, who have helped shape and mold a path for us to be able to have opportunites, dreams and aspirations. I will be making every effort to remember and acknowledge everything he and others have done in everything I do.
Until Next Time ... Remember those who fought tirelessly, even died, so that you may Have A Dream.
Before attending the event, I did a lot of research. The information I gained was really a GOD-send as I had forgotten about those who laid the foundation for me ... for us. As most of us are aware, years ago black people weren't able to do a lot of things. We couldn't eat at lunch counters, we had to enter through back doors and even drink from a separate fountain. Can you imagine if we still couldn't do those things in addition to the things we hope and dream for.
So many people fought, marched, and were killed so that we could have equal opportunities. It took an enormous amount of bravery and faith to be a voice for an entire race, to make justice and equality a reality for us. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s legacy will forever be remembered for years to come.
We don't live in a perfect world, but he fought many societal imperfections that would have otherwise kept us uneducated, poor and inferior had he not done so. He wasn't just a beacon to black people but for all people and thats why now there is a memorial in his honor. An african-american man, who wasn't a president or veteran, but a man who fought effortlessly so that we could stand together as one equal nation under GOD.
Until Next Time ... Remember those who fought tirelessly, even died, so that you may Have A Dream.
Monday, August 22, 2011
POWER in Numbers
It's amazing to me how GOD works. How HE allows certain things to happen in your life. Putting you in certain situations that may turn out to be life changing. I'm not sure what the future holds, but after a friend put together a group of women, including myself, to help push, promote, encourage and pray for each other ... the possibilities are endless.
It just goes to show how working together ... BUILDING... is more beneficial then just trying to go it alone. Often times, Ive been asked how I deal with competition. And I've always answered, I don't consider my counterparts competition, or anyone for that matter. Because what GOD has for me, will be. And no one can take that away from me. And vice versa.
It's widely known that black women often times don't support each other. We tear each other down. Exude jealously and envy. Traits that are unattractive and can be detrimental to our careers and friendships ... Life in general.
So after having such a successful second meeting of our creative group, it was apparent that GOD was all up in there. HE always is though. ; ) Everyone is so talented, beautiful, smart and ambitious. But we can all use some help staying consistent, focused and on top of our games. But more importantly, we realized how as a unit we are stronger and a force to be reckoned with.
Not just black women, but all women need to work harder to find out how they can work together to build successful personal and professional relationships. You'd be amazed how collectively, you can build upon each other and increase each others value.
Until then ... thanks for the motivation ladies!!! A fire has been lit and my thoughts are blazing!
It just goes to show how working together ... BUILDING... is more beneficial then just trying to go it alone. Often times, Ive been asked how I deal with competition. And I've always answered, I don't consider my counterparts competition, or anyone for that matter. Because what GOD has for me, will be. And no one can take that away from me. And vice versa.
It's widely known that black women often times don't support each other. We tear each other down. Exude jealously and envy. Traits that are unattractive and can be detrimental to our careers and friendships ... Life in general.
So after having such a successful second meeting of our creative group, it was apparent that GOD was all up in there. HE always is though. ; ) Everyone is so talented, beautiful, smart and ambitious. But we can all use some help staying consistent, focused and on top of our games. But more importantly, we realized how as a unit we are stronger and a force to be reckoned with.
Not just black women, but all women need to work harder to find out how they can work together to build successful personal and professional relationships. You'd be amazed how collectively, you can build upon each other and increase each others value.
Until then ... thanks for the motivation ladies!!! A fire has been lit and my thoughts are blazing!
Sunday, August 21, 2011
GOD's Red Carpet
When I started my journey to being a professional model I'm not sure I really thought how far I would go. I've added actress because of the commercials I've done, and now consultant, host and mentor. But since I've settled into my positions and continue to grow them, I made the decision that I was not in it for the money but because I loved it. I wasn't in it to become famous but to make my life meaningful by doing what I loved.
I know as a child of GOD that all of my gifts won't be equipped with a pay check. I know that to become a real star I have to seek GOD's will by continuing to stay in prayer, apply what I've learned and trust that HE is Faithful. And in turn my relationship with HIM will be strengthened and because HE is faithful the blessings will flow.
GOD has blessed me with so many opportunities. I know I'll have a gazillion more. I'll be in positions that will help my career continue to flourish. I'll meet, interview and mingle with celebrities. I may even become a celebrity myself, maybe become a household name. But my goal is to become a brand that GOD can promote and be proud of. Whether its making moves in my career or moving on to raising a family. As long as I maintain my relationship with HIM, I will always be a star.
Until Next Time ... Represent the ONE who has the power to make you shine. After all, HE's super famous. ; )
I know as a child of GOD that all of my gifts won't be equipped with a pay check. I know that to become a real star I have to seek GOD's will by continuing to stay in prayer, apply what I've learned and trust that HE is Faithful. And in turn my relationship with HIM will be strengthened and because HE is faithful the blessings will flow.
GOD has blessed me with so many opportunities. I know I'll have a gazillion more. I'll be in positions that will help my career continue to flourish. I'll meet, interview and mingle with celebrities. I may even become a celebrity myself, maybe become a household name. But my goal is to become a brand that GOD can promote and be proud of. Whether its making moves in my career or moving on to raising a family. As long as I maintain my relationship with HIM, I will always be a star.
Until Next Time ... Represent the ONE who has the power to make you shine. After all, HE's super famous. ; )
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Humble Beginnings
I know I know. I've been slacking on the blog entries. Just been kind of unmotivated and lazy. After a slow period in the industry, a wonderful vacation, visits home to Maryland and some other things in between, I just completely got out of the loop. But I'm starting to move and get busy. Slowly but surely. It's been 4 years and 5 months since I decided to quit my 9 to 5. And from reading my entries, you know what I've endured, a bit financially, some personally but more professionally. One of the weekends I went home, I came across a poem I wrote when I first started out on my journey. I thought this would be a great way to jump back in. Enjoy.
MY DESTINY
Did I make the right decision?
Quitting my 9 to 5 to enter this world of indecision
Thought my looks would get me right in the door
But in this industry
It takes so much more
You gotta have more than just talent
But IT!
You have to be just what they are looking for
All that and a bag of chips
This is harder than getting up to a job I use to hate
But this is my calling, what I've dreamed of doing
My fate
No one believes in me more than myself
But constantly being let down
Doesn't help
Beating the pavement to castings and auditions
Crossing my fingers
Saying prayers, in addition
Everyday running to my mailbox
Looking for a check, some money, some dinero
And all I get is junk and envelopes
With statements showing how much I owe
Leaving that consistent pay check
Am I stupid?
Why would I leave that security?
OH, that's right ... I decided to see out the plan
GOD has for me
Right now I'm living on hope and my dream
That one day I'll see my face on a billboard
Big or small screen
I can't give up now
I refuse to let "NO" tear my soul up
Just because,
A couple of doors shut
Naw, Blessings are what they are to me
Because if I didn't get that job
It just wasn't meant for me
I know I have to work harder
To see this through
If I don't work damn hard for myself
Than who?
I will stay focused
Keeping my eyes on the Prize
Even if they fill with tears
I'll continue on my grind
This business IS taking its toll on me
But this is my calling, what I've dreamed of doing
My Fate
My Destiny
Until Next time...remember where you were and how far you've come. HE didn't bring you this far to leave you.
MY DESTINY
Did I make the right decision?
Quitting my 9 to 5 to enter this world of indecision
Thought my looks would get me right in the door
But in this industry
It takes so much more
You gotta have more than just talent
But IT!
You have to be just what they are looking for
All that and a bag of chips
This is harder than getting up to a job I use to hate
But this is my calling, what I've dreamed of doing
My fate
No one believes in me more than myself
But constantly being let down
Doesn't help
Beating the pavement to castings and auditions
Crossing my fingers
Saying prayers, in addition
Everyday running to my mailbox
Looking for a check, some money, some dinero
And all I get is junk and envelopes
With statements showing how much I owe
Leaving that consistent pay check
Am I stupid?
Why would I leave that security?
OH, that's right ... I decided to see out the plan
GOD has for me
Right now I'm living on hope and my dream
That one day I'll see my face on a billboard
Big or small screen
I can't give up now
I refuse to let "NO" tear my soul up
Just because,
A couple of doors shut
Naw, Blessings are what they are to me
Because if I didn't get that job
It just wasn't meant for me
I know I have to work harder
To see this through
If I don't work damn hard for myself
Than who?
I will stay focused
Keeping my eyes on the Prize
Even if they fill with tears
I'll continue on my grind
This business IS taking its toll on me
But this is my calling, what I've dreamed of doing
My Fate
My Destiny
Until Next time...remember where you were and how far you've come. HE didn't bring you this far to leave you.
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