Wednesday, June 11, 2014

Keisha, you better WORK IT!!!!!!!

This week we are honoring Keisha A. Rivers Shorty. She is a strategist, consultant, speaker and author. This amazing woman wears many hats.  She is founder and managing consultant of The KARS Group, LTD, specializing in providing personal and professional strategic development services to small businesses, organizations and individuals. She is also the founder and Executive Director of The KARS Institute for Learning & Collaboration, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide training, resources and support to nonprofits, community organizations, churches, schools and small businesses. As a grant writer, adjunct instructor, educator and administrator she is making moves to help the people around her.  Not only does she have tons of responsibility, she is a dynamic motivational and inspirational speaker and published author.

You must check out her latest book, "Be The Creator of Your Success-NOT A Victim of Your Circumstances" forms the basis for her newly-launched "Released & Ready!" tour which assists participants to fuel their passion, align with their purpose and build their legacy. 

Not only is she a woman with an assignment, she is absolutely gorgeous and a fantastic model!  She had ripped the runways with LaJule Designs at Restore Your G.L.A.M (Giving Ladies A lot More) event and at the 9th Annual Fashion and Beauty Expo.  



Just in case you missed it, one of the outfits Keisha wore on the runway was this black brocade blazer with a white lace camisole and white jeans from Guess. She has accessorized her outfit with a grey Fedora. Her necklace is a LaJule original, and some of her own rings and bracelets to make this outfit pop! Photo by Kim Craven Photography.   It was great working with Keisha, not only did she bring life to those clothes, we had nothing but laughs backstage at the show! 

In capturing one of her most recent photoshoots, Keisha was photographed by Lenora Brown.  Angie Ravenel designed the choker and the bracelet, anklet and earrings are custom from Mexico. But check out that amazing abstract print Maxi from Rue 21. It is giving me life right now! 


 

Every girl needs a little black dress, and this one designed by Angie Ravenel shows you way.  Playing around with some color can always bring flare to your "little black dress". Combining  some versatile plum and gold pumps (Charlotte Russe), with some statement accessories, like this choker by Angie Ravenel, just brings things together. 
Keisha, it's a pleasure to honor you for this week's Work IT Wednesday Spotlight.  Keep doing your thing girl, and can't wait to see you stomp that next runway! 

Wednesday, June 4, 2014

What would you have done?

How do you react during a crisis or when you hear about something that can change your life in an instant? A lot of times, we go into a panic mode or we just totally regress. Are you one of those people that go from 0 to 100 in an instant? Well, some of those things can range from the loss of a job, loss of property due to uncontrollable circumstances, or even loss of a loved one. This week we are proud to honor a woman that has faced adversity and still had the courage to "Work It". We are shining the LaJule spotlight on Donna Pinckney. Honestly, if you don't know her, you should get to know her. She is an amazing mother of 2, who has an amazing spirit, strong faith in God who has mastered how to become victorious after going through a storm. She is encouraging others to not sit in their sadness, but get up and keep pushing. I have had the pleasure of working with Donna, and here's her own words on her experience.

Prior to LaJule Designs, "I had just buried my husband of 13+ years in February 2, 2012. I was just moving with the flow of life to keep things going with working full time and with the kids! With everything happening, I was feeling a little lost! Trying to figure out how to transition from a family of four to a family of three!! I only knew how to be a wife and mother!! Putting others before myself and rarely doing anything for me. I wanted LaJule Design to help me "get my sexy back" and teach me that it's OK to put myself first without feeling guilty that the kids will go lacking!! LaJule Designs gave me a head to toe make over!! Make-up, hair and outfit shopping and photo shoot wearing several pieces of LaJule Designs jewelry!"

"My self esteem was given a boost, my confidence built up more, makeup and fashion tip advice that helped me to know what looks good on me and my body style!! This experience was fun, up lifting and empowering!!"

As you have seen she has been where many of us have also been or may be approaching at any time. A beautiful woman with a beautiful heart. She is selfless and needed just a little boost like all of us do in trying times. As Donna would say "In life, change what you can and what you can't, let it go and just keep it moving!!"





Donna is wearing a Tribal print shirt from Lane Bryant. She is also wearing a LaJule Designs original piece, Anna Belle . Makeup and hair by Denika Virden. Johanna Cooper, photographer. Here is a woman who has re-invented herself and inspired many people (including myself) while doing it. Work It Donna!!