On Making Dreams Come True

One Black Saturday
Posted by Tess

Growing up as a middle child (and, I suppose those who are also in the same position may relate), I have always been an independent person. I believe in the concept of proactive, and that goes without saying, that most of the time I don't wait for things to happen to me; I MAKE things happen.   

I remember it was one Black Saturday (of all days), I decided to spend it with a friend in a studio. As a religious practice, I understand that I was expected to be in total solemnity and prayer on this special day - the least simply staying at home if not joining the church tradition. However, believing that the real essence of  said ocassion is "love" indeed, I decided to go and celebrate it in my own special way.   

I and my friend were already at the studio as early as two in the afternoon. While the set, lights, and camera were being prepared by the photographer, my friend could no longer hide her excitement. She kept on smiling at me for no reason at all,  while obviously I was feeling uneasy. A lot of things were running through my mind, but mostly about  how  would I project  infront of the camera.  Heaven knows I never thought of being a model in my life, although I won't deny that I admire their pictures in magazines and bill boards. I tried to imagine all those poses I saw from models in the runway and tried to internalize the role. Oh boy, it was hard!

When it was finally my turn to stand up infront and give my winning pose, I felt a sudden rush of  combined feelings of  nervousness and excitement. I was very conscious of the lens following my every move. The first few minutes didn’t become easy for me nor to my  photographer. It took a lot of wasted films and time before I saw my photographer smiling and giving me a thumb's up (Alleluia!), and slowly I felt  my palpitations slowing down. Only then that I started to really enjoy the process.

I realized modeling is a gift. The beauty comes even secondary. It's a talent and skill combined, which unfortunately are not included in any of my blessings. But who cares?  I realized that love begins inside of us. We have to learn to love ourselves to fully understand it. Afterall,  we cannot give what we don’t have. We cannot force to find love in another person if it’s not there. It resides in our soul; in our total being. If I waited for a modeling agency to hire me as its model, no question and no doubt that my dream would follow me to my grave. However, I don’t have to worry about that anymore because on one Black Saturday I  decided to make myself my own model, and I call it LOVING  TESS! 

             

                                           "OUR LIFE IS A GIFT TO US,

WHAT WE MAKE OF IT IS OUR GIFT TO

       THE ONE WHO GAVE IT TO US"

        - borrowed quotation

      photo from collectibes.about.com

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Posted by May - "On Making Dreams Come True"

I never dreamed of being a shoe designer as what I partly call myself now. But I'm on my way to developing my 5th shoe this month and although I'm not big yet, it is good to see people wear what I once drew in paper. And though I cant draw, the brain matters. I'm a fan of Project Runway and many of the designers cannot sketch but they manage to create. Designing is done in many ways. I'm still learning on how to improve myself and I swear I could use a co-designer as well as Trendygirls manager but I cant afford one at the moment so I'm all-in-one (except that I do have PH sales manager, ha! there's one job title).

So the question, am I making my dreams come true? I dont know. I'm writing now which is always gonna be the love of my life. My column has famous readers and followers from TV and book writers, TV and radio shows, fashionistas, CEOs and then some. When I think my articles dont matter much, I would get an email from someone very established like publishers, designers and editors commending me of my works. So with more studying and hard work, I'd get there. Get where? I don't know. Just there.

Here's a peek of my HALF-DONE current project to be released December-January 2011. I'm still working on embellishments and color combinations that can brighten it up a bit. Any suggestions, sisters?

The Process of Shoe-producing:
1. I sketch and pick materials, details and measurements.
2. I send it out to my manufacturer.
3. They send me the base sample to approve materials, measeurements, quality.
4. I embellish, improve or redesign.
5. I order supplies for design work.
6. I resend the finished sample.
7. Branding (TG logo).
7. Manufacturing starts. (takes 3-4 weeks depending on quantity)
8. Shipping, quality controls.
9. Packaging.

I name this after my sister: "Icy Jen"