Networking is Awkward

Why is networking so weird?

I mean it's like the first day of middle school, plus flirting in bars, plus any sort of public speaking; BUT WORSE. In those other situations, aiming for personal gain is frowned upon. I'm okay with that. I believe in building relationships and finding your tribe, but networking seems different. Some how you have to balance what you need, with the needs of who you are trying to network with. In that way this symbolic relationship is beautiful, like a dance. Unfortunately, I have two left feet.

Since I'm using this dance analogy, let's say that I have committed to two stepping my way through the party. Instead of staying in my house, I have filled my calendar with events that connect me with other entrepreneurs, not just designers. I want to take full advantage of my city and meet people who will inspire and challenge me. Worst case scenario I have a new follower on Instagram ( are you following the line on insta? @p29:18 DO IT). Best case scenario I get a gem: an industry tidbit I didn't know; a potential mentor; a sales lead.  Basically new dance partners can teach you new moves. So I'm gonna stay on floor long enough to learn something.

Okay, I know this dance analogy is getting hackneyed. I'll stop.  

So who am I networking with? I attended designer seminars through Seattle Fashion Week lead by a buyer from Amazon. I have attended a number of local fashion shows. I joined two business incubators  Ventures and  Black Dot Union. Both have  helped me set up systems for my business even though neither are focused on fashion.

Maybe I'll get good at all of this. My business card will be pretty and always in hand; my pitches professional and effective; and maybe I'll even have a mentor or two one day. But that day is not today. I'll just keep moving toward that put together, flawless moment.

Conversations in the Nail Shop

The weekend after Halloween, I went to get a fill and color change. While I loved the pewter polish with flecks of bronze I rocked with my Freddy Kruger Costume on Halloween, it was time to freshen my nails. I choose an antique gold color and was placed at the dryer station next to a delightful man named Danny. Danny wasn't old enough to be a silver fox, but he was well on his way to Anderson Cooper-ville with his salt and pepper coif and warm, smiling eyes. He was waiting on his  mani and pedi ( midnight blue might I add)  to dry, while reading the October issue of W.

Normally I keep to myself. A lot of times it reads as standoffish.  I am just big on minding my business and respecting other people's space. But I couldn't help peaking at his magazine. I mean  Iman with curls poppin' like Diana Ross circa 1977? Mary J Blige in black and white profile that  screamed "ALL HAIL THE QUEEN"? What was I suppose to do? To be honest it's a miracle  I didn't hop in his lap like it was storytime.   
                                        

He continued to flip through the magazine until he got to a beautiful shoot of Edie Cambell called "When in Rome" and exclaimed that he didn't "get" her head piece.

Danny said it was overkill and didn't match anything she wore. I hypothesized that it was a throwback to Italian Christian Art.  Maybe it was to create a halo shape similar to what you would see on the Virgin Mary? He liked that idea, but still felt that it was a poor match with the dresses. He suggested that it nod to Elizabeth Taylor in Roman Holiday, a movie I had never seen. Lastly I made the dirtiest of guesses; that this was just paid product placement by the milliner that created the piece. Maybe this art was just a big fancy commercial. Jaded? Probably.

Danny went on to share with me his past life in fashion as a FIDM grad. I told him about the line.  I was impressed by his credentials, and he was impressed by my choice to focus on plus size fashion. Talking to him was a pleasure, When he brought up Project Runway, we talked about the real shit in fashion. I rarely talk about this industry with people, because then the conversation goes hallow, but with Danny in those brief minutes we talked about our dreams, difficulties,  role models in the industry.  It was refreshing. He told me to delegate, and I shared with him that I am trying to, though it's hard. He reinforced that plus size market was a good choice. Without viewing as much as a sketch  he said, "Women are waiting for you." Not to be a whiny artist, but that was good to hear.  

I'm glad to meet have meet Danny. I hope I see him again. Honest encounters like that make me love my city. 

Feelin' Myself

 I'm neither a member of the Behive or a Barb, but time must be taken out for the this video. Because, reasons.