As i See IT

Constituent, Customers and Consumers of Digital Product and Services

// March 31st, 2010 // View Comments // Web 2.0, usability

Constituent, customer and consumer… in marketing the goal is to make me a consumer! a constituent has an interest in your product! get me in your store and I am a customer especially if   keep coming back! Get me to Buy… consume  is the goal. It’s a game of strategy that needs to be executed with finesse!

Designed in line with the colors and theme for www.28squared.com for  Sew Social February

I exist in the nexus of fashion and technology; ( I’m a FashionCamp proponent) and have been exploring and testing a lot of the theories that are put out as facts! My specialty custom and customized apparel and accessories and wearables!
I’m also a woman and a Shoes of Prey customer (not a consumer) so I’m uniquely qualified to comment.

I’ll admit it I read the Business Insider a Silicon Alley blog everyday , religiously and I love it! It’s smart witty and at the same time a bit gossipy, perfect for early morning coffee! So if that makes me a geek than I’ll own it!

This post on the viral campaign caught my eye. First of all the numbers are not surprising. Put “shoe” or “handbag and design” and “Free” in any statement and there is not a woman between 5 and 95 that will not take notice… anywhere in the world! It’s in the DNA. It has nothing to do with how attractive the young woman is or how great the video is! Women and their shoes (and Handbags) have a unique relationship!

I found Shoes of Prey in an email, all I saw was ‘Shoes and design “and I forgot all about what I was doing! I have visited the site a number of times and played with the software! I’m on their email list I consider myself a customer of their product not a consumer! Here’s why; I have no idea how the product will ‘fit and  feel’, nor which size to order! It is as simple as that! Before they engage in social media or any type of marketing This company has a key part of their PLM to work out (especially coming from new Zealand, I live technology!)

They are not unique most web 2.0 companies are started by college graduates with  no experience in their product area or sales, and they do little direct research  in the actual industry! The ‘Macro’ of enterprise as opposed to “micro’ of “mom and pops…”

This post highlights a number of factors that I point out

• Social Media Marketing is not working… as it is presently practiced
• The web has an amazing reach
• There is still a lot of work  to be done
• Most web based businesses cannot answer the question “who is your CONSUMER”
• You have  to give to get ( That give away or flash sale works!)
• Video  in marketing  is powerful

Let’s tackle the video, “the problem is the length”; not because, as one commentator stated “ten minutes is a tad too long to keep anyone’s attention (especially 13-17 year olds!)”, but because few outside “early adapters and techies” have computers that can stream 10 minutes without faultering.

People watch and read content that engages them regardless of length even 16 and 17 year olds, TEACHERS TAKE NOTE! Read more: http://www.businessinsider.com/16-year-old-girl-gives-best-day-ever-to-small-ecommerce-site-2010-3##ixzz0jlBlzZ9I

Many simply do not want to hear it, but social media marketing as it is practiced is not working! They have built businesses around it and so admitting that seems risky! Note I am not saying that social media is invalid… what I am saying is that it’s present use is not EFFECTIVE! If that many visitors (400,000, as saw visited the site) stopped by the window of a brick and mortar store and did not buy … I’d say that there was a problem!

Marketing is not about eyes it is about conversion and please do not bring fancy equations to prove “ROI”.  As one store owner said “I cannot take that to the bank, show me the money”… or the sales!

Even if I got the visitors, to come in and take their credit cards out, but could not “hand the product over to them, without  them first handing over  another $40.00,  many would simply walk away, which is essential what happens! I do not know a woman who will buy a shoe at that price without trying it out! That is at the core consumer confidence so I go back to Shoes of prey and wonder will it fit? Returns I don’t want the hassle and I need shoes… especially pretty ones!

EXCEPT FOR T SHIRTS AND JEWELRY and HANDBAGS, fit is an essential factor in higher price clothing especially with consumers who do not fall within industry “Standards!” the customer is willing to go around $50-60 US for a “casual” purchase anything that crosses $100 they place expectation, such as fit! Hit the $ 200.00 and durability, comfort and solid personal aesthetic comes into play. I have no idea as to how these shoes would “FIT”  essentially the process is missing  a core part of functionality! If I’m shelling out $300 on a pair of shoes I expect fit and comfort ! Yes I can return it but the hassle is not worth it!

But luxury  brand are selling look at Gilt Groupe… essentially they are doing online what they are doing offline. Selling at reduced price-points. FIT is still an issue, but the customer does not mind paying extra to customize the length , or adjust the waits if they got it “on sale!”

The larger retailers already have brand familiarity, shipping , customer support , warehousing etc figured out! At that level the price of social media marketing is a steal when compared with traditional methods!   For small e-commerce sites there are lots of challenges! Many ask about the  many sites that sell hand-made items… reporting millions in revenue; how much of that is sale of actual product, and are the sales of those “products”, what’s actually making a profit. Questions few have asked, fewer will answer!

True Shoe of Prey missed their consumer mark in reaching out to this blogger ( though as a parent of a teenage it’s not much higher than some of their sneakers) but their CONSUMER may not be online  yet (and frankly few Bloggers cater to their consumer)  they are selling based more than just on the notion of individuality as a form of expression… That consumer is print on demand Zazzle, CaféPress. What Shoes of Prey is more sell is a customized product, that is a lifestyle choice, that customer also demands customized clothing, and differs from ‘custom” which is a luxury choice!  In this case the site falls under my specialty; selling customized or custom physical products, “wearable’ items in the digital realm! It is potentially and extremely lucrative market but has distinct challenges, (for which I believe) which the core technology exist.  Essentially that of FIT! While that customer does not demand as precise a fit as the “custom” or  ‘bespoke” or  customer, Make the exact dress they want and it is too short or long,  they get angry! This is a passionate group!

Theoretically they should be able to use photogrammetry to match 3d renderings of customer feet to their digital making method! I say “theoretically” since I have not heard of this technology being investigated as a fashion tool , it is currently used in forensics, and what is good for the dead should be better for the living.

Web sites have constituents, customers and consumers. C customers frequently visit a site because they like the content the site owner offers they may or may not buy, Site owners can capitalize on this as Etsy and others have. Consumers actually buy and use the products offered! I am a Shoes of Prey customer they have no product or service that I can “consume”, and they have not figured out how to monetize the huge consumer base they will develop… remember women love shoes! Unlike Zappos that sells shoes from familiar brands and at significantly lower prices. But I am not a Zappos customer, at that price point and their offering, I prefer to go to the store around the corner where I can actually try on the shoe

Moving me from a customer to the consumer; “A shoe maker never has shoes” I like designing shoes, not necessarily wearing them women who want to buy may not have my design acumen. I found Shoes of Prey a little over a month ago and I have been back to the site several times, I eventually figured out the software, I could not save the design and offer it to others without a purchase, at least not that I saw. I like designing shoes, not necessarily wearing them!  The “Shoes of Prey’ site may seem easy and I am sure that these teenagers did some great designs

WHERE IS YOUR CONSUMER AT! Then again the target is women like many of the customers from the custom designers in our project; who love their shoes and want the “unique and individual” and are not only willing to pay for it, they are in control of the credit cards! These designers, dressmakers, cleaners that can connect to the consumers are not online. But they have a client base that would pay and pay well for this product! Till the digital divide is narrowed reaching the right consumer needs to be an integrated approach!

Usability and USER Ability –essentially I have found myself having, not just to teach (more on that later) but also educate the consumers on how to use these sites… after figuring them out myself! That’s not how we shop especially for clothing and accessories. If nothing else people do online what they do offline! Store window and display space is essential in the sales environment!

Educate women on technology and you can change the world! Design with women in mind and your company’s bottom line will improve. Most sites are not designed for or with women in mind! I returned to the site and it has been redesigned  though not with women who shop for shoes in mind! The front page needs to be purely about shoes and it’s display! Much like a store window! If you sell shoes you understand they need to be displayed , to us they are art! If I could try it on or see it “on” engage me! Design for me.. In fact most technology gadgets are not designed for or with women in mind.

Apart from not necessarily reaching the right consumer, social media does not stand on it’s own.  Eventually it can point potential consumers in your direction, but if your ecommerce and M- commerce set up has not been designed to convert, it is a wasted effort! At the core conversion is about selling most web designers have no sales skills or experience especially in the clothing and products. Store display and layout is an artform and as yet not fully explored, as a concept in digital design!

• Social media does not reach my consumer… yet
• The Social media consumer is not my consumer… yet

They are not on the web and if they are it is not USABLE… for them.  It’s not just shoes of Prey… I have a list of these great sites that essential mean little because the customer who would love them cannot use them. Essentially they are designed by tech people who have never been inside a custom design business store has never had a custom item made and have no inkling of the need, the process, essentially “THE CULTURE”  of this sector It is experiential!

I am not ready to change consumers!

Shoes of Prey did due diligence and reached out to a blogger  defined as a “fashion blogger”  and probably  listed on one of the emerging “list” However the definition for “fashion” has changed. So too has the “fashion” consumer. Essentially this is about branded, popular and celebrity! Social media, fashion and blogs, have become about “pop or Popular culture” custom is not! Selling to that consumer sometimes require a change of product!

It is not ready To serve my consumer’s needs!

The Custom culture is about “LIFE”, living and Style, the “custom niche” consumer is busy living… their hands are busy and often there minds and eyes are focused. They still read magazines  (on their commute to and from work) how else can they afford the higher priced goods customized to their liking! Will the IPad make a difference eventually when it comes within their reach! For now they have little or no time to tweet and watch viral video… unless it is streamin on the larger screen that’s running across the room on the airwave, within earshot, essential the internet on TV will make a huge difference…  If they can figure out how to use them.

Whose responsibility is it to bring consumers to social media and the technology that supports it?

There too is a problem as Idan Cohen from Boxee.tv’ said in a discussion we had, “we designed for early adapters, individual comfortable with technology!”

Which is the norm with many new web sites. The fact is early adaptors can make and code whatever they want (whether they have the legal or moral right to do so is another issue or know someone who can! Yet most of the best apps, cannot be used by the “average user and the companies market to themselves!

Social media essentially ask everyone to bring their list to the table, and then proceeds to “own” that list. The average custom designer I know has a list that will give about 70-90% response; their list is their business so they are unwilling to bring it to social media platforms!

The social media consumer is not presently their consumer… and making the social media customer their consumer needs investment and changes in the PLM and delivery of the fashion product that is not being addresses! Whose responsibility is it to reach the customer and educate them, mine, the business that uses the apps or the company that makes it! Frankly it is not in the vested interest of the small business owner! They can survive and thrive without the apps and social media tools apps cannot survive without the small business owner!

Yet off all the investment and VC money being poured into these companies how much is targeted towards “education’ and “digital literacy”. There exist a disdain towards consumers that are not as tech savvy! Few tech teams include the woman’s perspective, or people from various cultures! It is not bias there is a significant difference! Women love their gadgets I just wish they were more attractive and “had a mirror’. I’m kidding on the mirror but all the women I know have the same amounts of gadget s as the men, we just want it in “a pretty case with a handle (no pockets on those sexy dresses”), and with these nail a qwerty keyboard please!

Now If I can just figure out which shoe size to order.

Kujichagulia the quest to Define Self-Determination

// December 27th, 2009 // View Comments // Rants, Web 2.0, usability

Kujichagulia (Self-Determination):

I am often asked what you are… usually it is in reference to my professional definition, Sometimes it is in reference to my dialect! I had Individuals tell me I don’t look “Trini”, I’ve had some say that my designs were not black… Others are quick to define if you let them!

Kwanzaa is new to me and somehow this year I find myself reflecting on its principles and what it means! Earlier today I posted my stream of thought on Umoja! Today is Kujichagulia (Self-Determination):

To define your business, name your business, create for ourselves, and speak for ourselves!

Few adults can do this… our culture has taught us to have absolute control over our children, And sometime it’s difficult to know when or how to help them become the best adults they can be!

Define your business;  how are we supposed to define something of this magnitude if we do not feel entitled to define our style of clothing! The challenge as a parent is deciding what decisions to hand over to them when and more importantly how to raise them to define for themselves! Many young college students enter college without ever having to define a budget for food, clothing and shelter! Too often we leave college with moms and pops taking up the slack and we are adults unable to determine our own spending habits! Economically it is not easy to let teenage make mistakes with the food budget! More importantly letting go of control and allowing them the make choices based on their thinking process is difficult! My 17 old son can now budget and shop… surprisingly he has leaned to use coupons and weekly special something I honestly did not set out to teach him and truthfully there rea days I still try to lay down every decision! This lack of entitlement or discomfort with it reflects in our use of technology! We either go too far, saying and doing as we please regardless of consequences, or not far enough; not speaking up commenting and having our voices heard!

Self determination is a skill formed over time!

My workshops guide creative individuals through defining their business!  For the record I believe in calling, purpose,  mission and affinity! Instinctively, we know what we want to do … as kids we show an affinity but we’re often taught how to behave and act! Unfortunately most education systems , rather than teach us how to optimize our talents, to achieve the most lucrative outcomes; teaches us to choose and prepare for the most lucrative professions!  Over 80% of the artist in our groups have degrees and are social workers… no wonder our support services are so inefficient! Choosing to follow ones dream to live ones calling requires a GIGANTIC proportion of courage! More importantly it needs support! I once stood in a local business workshop as a designers asked, almost in tears for solutions to deal with a husband who made her life difficult whenever she pursued her business goals! The male lead had could not connect with her experience! I have seen that story over and over again!  We need to speak about this to bring the issue of ownership of businesses as a community responsibility and encourage it’s support especially at the family level!

Self determination requires vast amounts of courage

As I thought on what self determination meant as far as “creating for self” and “naming our business”; My mind went back to the projects during the latter half of this year  FashionCamp, and the workshops with Black Media Professionals! What we do not know is preventing us from making effective decisions! In the last few years changes have been so rapid that unless we make it our business to stay current we run the risk of really missing the boat on these two! A few years ago there was no twitter, no such job as content creator! Someone asked me why were there are so many nurses, nurses aides and baby sitters in our community. Most of these hate their jobs yet it’s the only professional choice they were exposed to!

Self determination requires constant research and refining!

A few days ago I receive an email announcing the TED2010 speaker line-up among the intros and how people defined themselves, One  presenter has just fascinated me:- Michael Schemer skeptic! Michael Schermer.com skeptic.com here is a man who dared defined his own profession! Apparently he’s not alone… There are other “skeptics”!  One of my mentees recently asked me, how would she define her job description! When you create your own You can define your own job description! What pain can you solve, what pleasure can you give! I have been thinking about that this year when asked I’ll say I’m a Badasse! It will be the ultimate test self determination! Yes I’m influence by distance childhood references to Pam Grier, to a young girl growing up in the 70’s she was referred to with a certain, hushed reference , she was a BAD girl that did “right”. Simply put she was a trail blazer! B.A.D.A.S.S.E really is an acronym on a project of giving voice around the issues that surround Black, women and/or  business as it relates to creativity! It took a while to claim but I have been an advocate since my late teens! I’ve tried  to walk away but it is my calling! I am not quite a fashion designer, I am much more than a project manager, sure I’m an early adaptor, but I’m not really a geek! So what am I,  I am a Badasse… at the least it will start a conversation!

Self Determination gives you poetic license!

I recently saw a discussion where someone was in a quandary, apparently his facebook account was deleted what and if like most people he has moved his contact to, and subsequently built the rest of his list on facebook! I fully understand his dilemma! Organizing my contacts is core to my definition of self determination! It is the sole reason I’m moving my contact list to www.Gist.com. Their statement that my list was mine struck a nerve! My list my contacts are mine and I should be free to move it whenever possible! At the same time my contacts have a right to determine what info I have access to of theirs and what they receive from me! I encourage people to unsubscribe and will be sending them an invite to update their profile via Gist!

Self Determination demands that we take responsibility for the control our information!

Which leaves me perusing “speak for ourselves”? Communication is especially important, and media in all its present manifestations and forms are important!

Too often we are afraid of censorship and cower behind silence! This year for example the issue of  “black” designers were hot topics, Yet most who wrote on it were whites or writers with no reference to the authentic experiences of designers of African descent! We did not speak for ourselves… sure we have huge conversations huddled together at events, around menus at lounges , or in each others store… yes contrary to popular believe we actually like, admire and support each other and know each other! But to find designers with active collections addressing the topics! Where are the “REAL” Black designers! Maybe they have simply given up or are so busy focusing on surviving that they cannot deal with how or who speaks for them! If there is no other area that defines our freedom is the ability to speak for ourselves! As a young girl in Trinidad I discovered African fashions in one the patterns books and fell in love I had an aunt the girlfriend of my “Rasta” Uncle who wore her “fro” and wore was proudly natural! “I’m Black and I’m proud! Was an image I saw from an early age! We affect others when we give voice!As such as an adult and more importantly as a designer I never had issues of identity! The importance of young girls seeing themselves in the media cannot be overlooked! There are many who claim that the web is devoid of racism… really! I will give you a list of fashion sites they do not reflect the America I know! I was once told that Brooklyn Fashion Gallery was too ethnic and as such designers and the problem will have issues with it! My answer, “If the color of the model will affect your choice, you are not my customer!”

I can say this because I determine my platform! I am not dependent on anyone… if we do not have media, press; televisions programs where we can self determine we will be lost! I am reading on social media and fashion and most of the speakers are marketers, few true ”fashion” people are saying anything! The story that is being written does not reflect the experience of designers I encounter!  History will record something that does not reflect the times! Today I wonder and question the accuracy at historical reports! The man who owns the media apparently writes history!                                                                                           Self determination is a cultural and historical responsibility!

Kujichagulia

Umoja is a Verb

// December 27th, 2009 // View Comments // Web 2.0, usability

The following was written on Dec 26th 2009 , however I got side tracked online!It Is part of a series address culture, creativity  collaboration and commerce and the adaptation, adopting and integration of new media and web 2.0! Observations are solely my own personal views and assessment and I welcome any opportunities to convince me otherwise!

I have seen that word so much today that I want to ask them what does “UNITY” mean, to you and how do you manifest it in your daily life!

UNITY IS A VERB … a doing word much  like faith it is something that needs to be acted on!

If we live the principles we extol rather than just reciting them we will neither be lost or struggling! Please do not confuse sacrifice with struggle! Few realize that for the last six years I have run a totally unfunded project that helps local artist , designers and creators, The results have been great… many have been able to leave their jobs and support their families! It is up to them to acknowledge who they are, their privacy is assured! I have sacrificed for the last six years on this community project, I can honestly say I have never struggled! While I may reference their stories their names are kept private!

First of all what does UMOJA mean to you; how do we go beyond saying it to achieving it!

UNITY is a decision to work together to solve a need or problem that is common! More importantly it is taking steps to put that decision into ACTION! At the core, what works against us, is the notion that we can get ahead of the pack if we work alone, somehow gain some advantage and profit more than our fellow man!

Essentially Unity involves working as one, putting the common goal before your own!

• It can be at a common time, even temporarily,
• It can manifest itself at a common place
• It can be a singular strategy
• It is an action on the part of many to create ONE!

It cannot be stressed enough! Unity is about ONE common goal or purpose; taking responsibility. Frankly it is a matter of what we see as important! The minute we realize that survival (and working in unity as part of that survival), is the issue we will step forward!

The tech industry is a prime example of unity among competitors, working to advance the common cause, yet each able to define what set them apart and stand out!

I promised this series to Barbara Garnes of SoHe Designs last year. Living the principle of our culture, as a guide to succeeding in business! I will focus on how, it can be achieved rather than what is not happening. If I tell of stories of it is to show how they affect solutions. If anything reminds me of our lack of unity and our struggle to understand it… It is the demise of 4W Circle, an institution that housed many artist and was one of the few platforms for the creative in our community! There were managerial and financial problems as many arts groups face! However Unity the principle of Umoja is supposed to provide strength! So instead of rehashing what went wrong, I’ll like to tell of a model that works!

I’d like to introduce you to NYC Resistor here in Brooklyn on Bridge St… It is a hacker space… I love it but due to my community work, I have not been able to attend the workshops etc Simply put a group of friends needed a space to work on problems their creativity and hobbies, mainly of a tech nature but more hardware oriented, They needed tools that were expensive; laser cutters, soldering irons! So they got together created a “LEGAL” corporation and rented a space in downtown Brooklyn! They pay a monthly stipend towards expenses give workshops and have a great craft night! They also host workshops and split the cost with the workshop leaders! TOTALLY SELF SUPPORTED! Out of that space has come one of the best tech innovations Makerbot

Take that concept to our community, and to the fashion and creative sector! Getting  folks together under a unified umbrella is difficult! In October 2003 a group of local designers met to discuss the needs of the industry… again a few years later and essential their have been several such meeting! Invariably you’ll get a call when a designer,  figures they need help on a project! THEY WILL ACT ONLY WHEN IT SERVES THEIR INTEREST… The problem is that their individual interest never all seem to happen at the same time! There is a need for a physical collective; with  space for production, sample design and exploration with the access to the latest technology, tools and resources, not to mention a magazine and media outlets that serves the Design community! We are not speaking of what other think designers need but what designers know they need!

I guess to have unity we need to have or more importantly identify a common agenda… I just assume that growth and positioning , even simple affordability in providing common needs should be enough!

Last week the city closed applications for the designer incubator space! The very definitions and requirements would have kept most designers of color out! It is not till designers come to a common understanding of their needs and work together in UNITY will we see change!

Working In UNITY seems simple so what’s preventing it from happening!

It’s Cultural…

I can’t fully agree… culturally we are familiar with “SouSou’s” Or “Hand’. This is working in unity, It has built and furnished homes !  Why can’t we put that same concept to work…a group of designers and artist come to together each putting a fixed amount, and doing their part (on time and to the best of their ability) They instead of the 3000- 5000 per month for space and marketing, a group of six would pay $500-$635. a group of ten $300-$500, They can then afford to better market as well as hire someone full time, even to get fabrications and better equipment!! They’ll each have more hours to work on their creativity! If they can get past whose name in on the banner!
UNITY IS ABOUT THE BIGGER PICTURE!

I’ve been having discussions with designers on this, as well as on taking in apprentices the hold up;- Many Claim frustration, people come just to “get” and then they leave! Firstly Those people are going to realize they left too soon… and let’s get real that’s growth! My mother always had an apprentice and the day she had extra work or did not want to do a job she had a selection of places to send the work! I am a designer who sends people to designers all the time! I am not afraid of “Losing a Customer”, there is just so much I can handle!
UNITY IS ABOUT THE COMMON GOOD!

Another scenario a designer wants to save her space and asks to help, the discussion turning it into a community “so-working” design space where the cost is shared; the hold up I must control all the clients that walk through that door… this is my space! Or on the flip side artists who refuse to understand that sharing the benefits mean sharing the responsibility!

UNITY can so change the landscape for businesses! Instead of thinking I gave a few dollars so I do not have to do anything but show up! Think of how much time, money and effort you saved by working in UNITY! Don’t just show up, ask what else, you can do to help
UNITY is about sharing the cost and workload and effort!

Or several artists wanting to vend at a street fair the space was donated by a local business the hold up! One vendor wants to charge the others full cost “EACH” for the cost of the donated space, … I need to make money, It’s my tent!

In most cases unity is used as a tool only to cover cost not to share in the gains! Unity has to have balance to work! I have heard artist say they are going to shows to get “another businesses client list”. When next you sign up to an event make sure you send invites to YOUR list and add to the overall success!
UNITY needs balance and needs to be fair!

We speak of unity yet I cannot find a project based on the principle and please I am dying for someone to correct me! I send out invites for project s artist and designers are having ..all voluntary (I am NOT PAID, but will notify you if and when I am, as per FTC rules)! What I get with each is a stream of individuals telling me what they are doing! Do they support the others, even by sharing it with their list… no! A simple solution would be a common space to post so— BTW Do NOT SEND ME YOU EMAILS TO POSTS or BLAST! I no longer post I have set up spaces where creatives can post their news… I have been moving away from emails artist will have to opt-in to receive news!
UNITY is sharing Knowledge…

Then there is the other problem hustlers who see groups as a money making venture!
Yes, Unity still requires work and someone has to do that work, a well organized group that serves artist and visionary endeavors is a lot of work and deserves to be supported, via direct subscriptions donations and sponsorship! We cannot let those who organize unified projects go unsupported, or we loose them! However I am speaking about those promoters, who have no idea of what they speak, refuse to do the research and get educated, and yet sell expertise and promises of large numbers; they work solely in pursuit of personal gain! Unity is about balance! I have worked so many projects where others knew of past indiscretion, and said nothing, seeing members taken advantage of!Eventually these bad apples erode thecommon trust.
Unity requires truth and protection and support!

Too often we have and pass along only the story of struggle! Many of us are afraid to sacrifice to make choices and let go of the unnecessary weight that holds us down and back! We need to change the language we use! I was reminded of this video I discovered via a facebook link on the impact of a single story, when this week when I reconnected with a designers who had started the workshops I gave at 4W Circle Of Arts and Entertainment about a year before it closed! Her words were- can’t, fear, don’t, won’t! Those of us who are making change who have found solutions need to share! Tell the stories of victory and encourage others! Their are artist and visionaries who are flourishing, finding and living their truth , passion and mission.
Unity is Positive!

I was recently asked why they won’t speak up and give credit or testimonials that’s part of the issue I am who I am because of those who came before me! I have mentors, teachers, even those I did not meet laid the foundation for who and what I am today! The artist I work with each taught me something new and I acknowledge that.
Unity must be respectful!

For me unity means taking a day out of my schedule to help another in need! It means sharing what I have learned and giving references to other designers and projects when someone seeking that help comes my way! It Is the steadfast determination that the next generation would have a stronger platform from which to leap and build their dream! It is getting 28 Designers together to defy the myths on African design Heritage! It Is coordinating across sectors, nationalities, geography styles It is 20 hrs a day 6 sometimes 7 days a week. It is looking at artist and designers who know their actions are self centered and gently steering us together! It is being firm and protective and telling those who know they’re doing wrong, “if you keep doing that BS and taking advantage of the innocent, I’ll call you out”!

Unity is precious gift that needs to be nurtured protected and more importantly executed!
UMOJA