RevelAtion Spirit
Tainted mind blind to truth until sunlight activates
Tickling at first, now second nature
Blessed child the elder of the family though they know not
Chosen ether 9 being
To correct the mistaken bloodline
The ancestors show pride now
Lost before in drunken stupor
Revived to the living perpendicular
RevalAtion spirit has arrived
Ashe*

Greetings!

You know, I have just learned a very valuable lesson in business that I will never forget. Let me rewind a bit for you so maybe you can benefit too!

1. I am invited to participate in a fashion show that would be showcasing 5 designers. Sounds great right! I jump at the opportunity and begin the creative process to have about 50 new jewelry pieces for an elaborate display of my talent.

2. I begin emailing the 2 young coordinators with questions. I emailed them about 5 times with many questions that they could not answer. Red light....but I keep going on. I always put my best foot forward so it may not matter what other people do right??

3. My creativity takes me to new heights, I add inseparable sets of earrings, necklaces, rings and bracelets as well as hand painted purses. Mind expansion happening in 5,4,3,2.

4. Still none of my significant questions have been answered. Things like "Is there a theme for the show?" and "What type of crowd can we expect?" and "Can I have a display table?" I am in the dark about what exactly to expect. They tell me the name of the venue, a Miami Beach location. I do not research the venue, I trust that people who are organizing a fashion show should find a suitable venue, right??

5. I have been getting ready for about 3 weeks. It's the week of the show and I am so prepared that my wings are poking through my clothes. Cloud Nine.

6. It's fashion show day and time to perform! I pack my car and relax in the tub at 5pm for an 11pm showtime. All of my models are prepared to arrive at the venue for 8pm call time. My phone rings. One of the organizers suggests that I arrive at 9:30!!! For doors to open at 10pm!!! Are you kidding?? I have a table with an elaborate setup to put together. I will be there as planned at 8pm, Thanks! RED ALERT RED ALERT!! Sirens are going off here ladies and gentlemen.

7. I arrive to the venue and it's a SMALL bar!! I haven't been this furious in years, I can't even remember the last time! Are you kidding me! Table space WHERE?? This is clearly not a fashion show venue! My models are arriving and my anger is most definitely written all over my face. Calm down please.

8. I speak to one of the event planners about their poor choice of venue and SHE gets an attitude with ME about how free venues work!! She says "Well the other venue was double booked and this was our last minute free arrangement so if you don't want to participate you don't have to." HELLO! How about some communication when the venue change happened!?!! My anger cannot surpass what I have come to do. I am the bigger person. I level my head and prepare myself and my models to perform.

9. Performance goes quickly and painlessly. My models enjoy themselves. They embody the confidence my accessory line demands. I take some pictures of the crowd, sell enough to pay a bill, and then pack up and leave (still infuriated but doing my best to recover).

10. Get home, relax, and think about what you've just done young lady. You have devalued your time! BIG MISTAKE.

So I realize the importance in the correct contemplation of "To Participate Or Not" when an opportunity is thrown my way. I have learned the hard way about the importance of doing research before jumping at opportunities when they knock. You can't open the door for everybody. Lesson well learned. Also, I will never say yes to participation at a venue without looking up the venue's website, making a phone call to one of the venue's contacts and/or making a pre-show visit if possible. How will YOU better prepare yourself for every situation? Preparation is a key to success.

Hopefully my experience is helpful to somebody. Have a phenomenal day!

Sincerely,
Innovative Arts by Tracy Ann
www.IABTA.biz
Quality Artistic Expression