All Things Taj

The summer has been some work but mostly fun times creating memories to treasure for a lifetime!  Here are a few shots from a photo shoot I did with Indulge Magazine

Subconsciously, I’ve been styling, fluffing and re-styling my boudoir this past week.  I would say it’s not related to “V” day but maybe I’m fooling myself.  I’ve never been one to make a fuss over Valentine’s Day…I don’t run around gift shopping, dress shopping, etc.  A heartfelt card and just sharing a quiet moment chatting over a glass of wine does it for me…whether V-day or any other day. 

An ongoing discussion with some of my students and in my mentoring sessions is the lack of diversity in the design industry.  Although the stats aren't anywhere I think they should be, there are still a number of significant designers of color that warrant a shout-out from the rooftops.

I'm launching a new column to my blog titled "Diverse Designers of Influence" ... Why? Well, because these kick-ass go-getters are carving out their own path in what can be an intimidating industry where that's hard to do and, quite frankly, it makes me happy. I. LOVE. IT. 

Although they have plenty press coverage in their own right, there is no collective space one can go to and peruse all of them.  I'm giving myself the task to do just that.  There's inspiration and empowerment in learning one's story.  It's a beautiful thing.

When you listen to Bob's track "Bad Card", the lyric really says "yu a go tiyad fi si mi face, cyan get me outta di race" and it's been an inspirational tune of mine for ages.  Today is Bob Marley's birthday everyone.

Reggae Lovers, are you playing his tunes on a loop today as I am? 

His messages of love and redemption sing true and loud more than ever today, a true legend in every sense of the word.  I've taken Bob along my journey in life, listen and contemplate his words time and time again. 

My fellow designers, have you closed out your books for 2017?  January 31^st is fastly approaching and is the deadline to get 1099’s issued to any subcontractors you used last year.  For me, after reconciling my accounts, I give my accountant remote access to my desktop so she can access my Quickbooks file and run her reports. 

The weight of the word “January” can feel quiet heavy, would you agree? Symbolically, it means so much.  Popular synonyms are “to do list” “resolutions” “goals” “I gotta get my life” LOL and much of the like.  Then, you proceed to make a list covering work life and home life, you're gaining momentum and begin to feel excited about finding some clarity, creating a plan AND it goes right back to feeling sooo heavy again..

• Art and Culture Lover...check!
• Miami Enthusiast...check!
• Décor Obsessed...check!
• Community Minded...check!

As the saying goes, a life well lived is a life lived in pursuit of your passions.