Taking the freedom to write your own story can be terrifying and lonely, but ultimately the rewards of living up to your full potential far outweigh the challenges. 2009 will be remembered historically as a very difficult year with economic uncertainty and global struggles abounding. A friend of mine sent me an email on New Year's Day which said, “I’m proud of you Abi.You have great things ahead! Happy 2010, it will be a great year, and then a great decade!” Upon reading this, it dawned on me that my struggle had not just been 2009, but rather the entire previous decade that had just come to a close. It also revealed the new opportunity that was presenting itself, and the hope and inspiration that I can pass on due to the seemingly insurmountable challenges my company and I have survived.
People have commented on my recent transformation. What people don’t realize is the journey I’ve been on to get to this point. On New Year's Day five years ago, my personal recession hit an all time low. I found myself in a small apartment in West Hollywood with not much more than my clothing and a sewing machine. I had finally mustered the courage to leave an abusive relationship despite my credit that he had destroyed, my savings that he had spent and an incredible amount of debt that he had incurred in my name. This is where I developed my own personal mantra, “Persistence beyond what seems reasonable.” I didn’t know what else to do. Giving up my dreams was not an option, so I started sewing. My sewing machine sat next to a window leading up to Sunset Boulevard. I remember many a weekend night watching the stream of revelers going to party on the strip, as I sat there night and day sewing. All I could do was hope that it would one day pay off. If I wasn’t sewing, I was selling. If I wasn’t selling, I was marketing. My first clients were some of Hollywood's finest, from Molly Sims who wore my signature Five-Way top on the show Las Vegas, to Dayna Devon who first wore my items on the red carpet and EXTRA. My business began to grow. After a trip to Dallas to visit my cousin, I decided to make the move and set up shop in her garage. This helping hand gave me the boost that I needed to get back on my feet. The helping hand came after I took charge of my own life and problems my choices had created.
While it has been a challenging five years, the rewards of persistence are unveiling themselves. The Freedom Project and my company tagline, Fashion with Freedom and Purpose, were born through this struggle, and now thanks to the battle I fought personally, my compassion for women in abusive or oppressive environments is enormous. I had to use my knowledge and strength to not only help my company grow, but also to grow within myself. Many people helped me along the way.
Regardless of who you are, or where you’re at in your life, the approach of a consistent transformation is for you. Whether you are a new mom, stuck in a job you don’t love, starting a company, chasing a dream or running away from a nightmare, this new decade marks an opportunity to start from scratch, and take the plunge from the monotone flatness of doing it the way you are ‘supposed’ to. All that is required to take this journey is “a beginners mind and a blank piece of paper,” as small business guru Michael Gerber says in his revolutionary “Dreaming Room” seminars. Many of us get caught up in the daily monotony of what we "have" to do in order to survive safely, and in the process we trade our dreams for a series of life steps which don’t satisfy. I had to empower myself in order to truly understand what it means to empower others. My goal for 2010 is to make pursuing your dreams the fashionable choice! It has worked for me.
Following is a list of Change-Makers and Choices that through consistent application over the past two years, have had a significant impact on my personal transformation.
My life coach Tina Sivinski, principle of Vivezza (translated from Italian “to bring to light”) has made a tremendous impact on both my professional and personal approach. Her methodology allows for personal clarity about what the next right steps are for my personal journey, and provides awesome accountability. I’ve realized being accountable and responsible is what is expected to realize success and make change. Contact Tina at vivezza@me.com.
Living and working at SouthSide on Lamar has also made a significant impact on my life and business. The big picture thinking of the ownership has allowed me to cultivate and grow in a creative environment, with support and collaborative artistic opportunities. Chinook and Barb of Tsada Yoga Studio, on the 7th floor at SouthSide, have kept me consistent and challenged on a mental and physical level. www.tsadayoga.com
When I couldn’t keep the class schedule, Chinook has gone out of his way to make sure I continue to maintain my workout. He even introduced me to Olai Dabock, who’s revolutionary V-Body meal replacement formula has transformed my daily energy and health. For more information about this macrobiotic nutritional formula go to www.vbody.com.
I have also been supplementing my workout routine with weekly Pilates sessions with Kitty Wood of KNS Pilates. She is by appointment only out of her home studio and really focuses on strengthening and toning weak areas of your body. (214) 724-4490
When I met Shirley Cohen, Vice President of Executive Services at InTouch Credit Union, previously known as EDS Credit Union, I had no reason to believe she could help me. I’ve almost grown resigned to the fact that I have to operate my business without any lines of credit or even a simple credit card for the past five years. She came to my studio to meet with me, and after being very transparent with her about my current situation, she took my case to her President Kent Lugrand. It was amazing to find a place that did not simply base their lending choices on a credit report, but also took into account human factors. In October of 2009, they approved me for my first line of credit in five years, which we have used to increase our sales reach and expand into a much needed office space. www.ITCU.org
As all of these things started to work, I decided it was time for a new look. Marissa Belz at Solstice Salon was ready for the challenge, as she is constantly staying in touch with the most cutting edge training. She has a gift to individually suit every client she works with in a unique way. solsticesalon@sbcglobal.net
Medical Aesthetician Sylvia Heimer has also been working with me on skin maintenance and even accenting my eyes with her lash expertise, using Extreme Lashes. Sylvia can be reached for in-home lash appointment or skin consulation at (214) 476-8404.
