Friday, September 2, 2011

NY, NATE, and ME.

I bet you guys think I am slow as molasses. I really had a busy week with the kids starting school, and me leaving for NY on that very day. I made the huge mistake of taking a duffle bag, rather than my rolling carry on. I woke up my first morning in NY thinking I slept bad..when actually I was sore from carrying heavy bags on my shoulders. Ok done whining about that.

I arrived at the studio to a super sweet group of producers which showed me my very on space. I was introduced to some food, followed by makeup which was a treat because as I mentioned on here, I never ever wear makeup. I chilled out a bit more in my temporary space for a while until it was my time to sit next to NATE THE GREAT. He was HANDSOME, and very nice. He complimented me, and my what I had done which literally had me blushing inside like a baby to tickles.  I would have loved to pick his design brain a bit, but things moved so fast. Maybe one day I can get that exclusive. After my segment I went back to chill again in my space, wiped off the makeup, chatted with my producers, and hit the streets of NY until my car came to pick me up. There were people on the streets that  saw the show, who stopped me and complimented my home which made me feel very good.

I had 1 hour/30mins to walk. My plan was to hit up REBECCA MINKOFF. Well I didn’t make it. Other stores stopped me, and my of course my love for looking at the city. FOLLOWED BY THE EARTHQUAKE. I had no clue it happened. I looked down at my watch and realized I was walking to slow and needed to run!!! Reality hit, and I knew if my ass started to run, I would pass out, and not make it at all. My throat was dry like the Arizona dessert. DRY. But I made it back to the studio where my car was waiting for me. Off I went to the airport, and back to Dallas.

Overall it was a great experience for me. Just the fact that they contacted me was an honor in itself. Blogs serve a purpose I must say. Thank you GET IT GIRL STYLE. Everyone here (FAMILY/FRIENDS) were so excited for me, and I was just grateful. I have not worked for over a year now in corporate America. But I know that had I been working for the company that I was working for, I would not be able to explore some of the opportunities that have come up for me via GIGS, and design. As they say, everything happens for a reason. I don’t know what the future holds for me. I cant make someone hire me in this economy, but I will eat bread and water before I go back to anything that I don’t enjoy. One life, one purpose, pure fulfillment. Its hard in this field of social media, and interior design. I cant even find a mentor. I am very personal, but my lets face it. My husband doesn’t know the world of blogging, so I can only get so much from him. I decided to reach out to a high profile blogger once and asked for help in the form of just being an ear via email when things get cloudy. I got a NOPE. Reached out to a few designers, and got an even bigger NOPE. The one thing that I will praise corporate America on is their ability to mentor, and actually want to. My last mentors were the Vice President of Marketing, and The Communications Manager for a Fortune 500 company. Talk about lessons learned. I don’t know what all those declines mean, but they only drive me to do me to the best of my ability. But that’s life, and a lesson. Everyone will not want to help you.

I always thank you guys for reading this blog and supporting me. Those of you that are faithful readers, and take me for me. I hug you virtually. I blog because I love it, and you guys are here. So thank you for all the congrats, the personal emails, and comments. It means the world, even when I am clueless as to what's next.

DSC_0724

A special note, and something special for me in my room.

DSC_0702

When I arrived it was late, and I dare not sit in the room. I walked the streets of Manhattan like a real New Yorker. I stopped at Insomnia Cookies, a pizza joint, and NICK’S which was a trip. I was eating with my eyes. I bought a slice of pizza, and burger/fries for $16 just because. I didn’t even eat the burger. SAD.

301101_10150267605341778_567101777_7667238_6050641_n[1]

321478_10150267611091778_567101777_7667288_1317272_n[1]

303990_10150267751321778_567101777_7668928_7014586_n[1]

DSC_0691

I woke up to a beautiful morning. I could literally see the people across the way eating cereal. Totally cool. It was time to get ready as I regretted taking my daughters hair advice. But it was to late because it was wet.

DSC_0713

DSC_0707

The car picked me up..and off I went.

DSC_0718

Check out the line. This is only half of it. They want to see NATE THE GREAT.

DSC_0787

Here is my room!!!! Super cool.

DSC_0725

DSC_0723

DSC_0719

Goodbye makeup.

298867_10150268413171778_567101777_7674654_4993851_n[1]

Walking the streets of the NY.

DSC_0783

DSC_0780

DSC_0779

DSC_0775

DSC_0770

DSC_0769

I think I was born here in another life. Really. Its sad for me to love a city this much. I dreamed of my daughter being a ballet dancer, and moving to NY just for me to visit year ago…Oh until she told me after 3 years of lessons that “THIS IS YOUR PASSION, NOT MINE”…

DSC_0750

DSC_0845

DSC_0853

SEE YA NEW YORK. I WILL BE BACK. TRUST ME BABY!

DSC_0858

So that’s it guys. My trip, plus a little extra real on my brain…

High Fives & Hugs,

Tamara

*ALL PHOTOS BELONG TO TAMARA STYLES.

17 comments:

court. said...

Wow, that was a fast trip! They put you up right in my neighborhood. Hopefully you went into Lees. It's a mish mash of things: art supplies, greeting cards, kids toys...and lighting?? Congratulations on being honored and recognized.

Tam, I've admired your candid and open communication with the blogging world from the start and I know what it's like to be rejected by the 'higher ups' in the blog world. It's a numbers game, baby!! Keep plugging along, doing what you love, and great things will be ahead of you.

(also here for you if you ever need to chat. I'm also exploring the world of blogging and social media without a mentor or a rudder for that matter)

xoxo court

Khalilah said...

Great Post!

Tammy@InStitches said...

I'm so happy for you and I can't wait to see you on TV and I'll be like, "hey, I know her ! "

###### said...

@court Thank you for those words. They mean alot.

Thanks Khalilah for reading!

Tammy lets see if you will be able to recognize me..LOL

Kwana said...

It so unds like a wonderful experience. I can't wait to see you on the show. Please give a big shout when it's airing!

K. Elizabeth @ YUMMommy said...

Glad you had fun in NY. I haven't back in a while. Feeling a little overdue for a visit.

Nikki said...

Great post!
I love NY! Like you, I feel like I lived there in a previous life, also.
Keep reaching for the stars!

Nikki

Sing of Singature Style said...

Thanks for sharing your passion with us. I'm very happy you got to do a segment on the show. Can't wait to see the clip.

SAT said...

Great post! It's unfortunate more people are not willing to offer mentorship/guidance in their fields. Rest assured what is for you is for you....no one can stop it!
-Sonya

Moni @ CL Journal said...

I stand with Court, you have to come back to NY not only to visit Lee's but to go to ABC Home and Carpet, all the great design stores in Chelsea, Union Square, as well as SoHo...

Tam, you were one of the first blogs I had read that I really had to bookmark; those of us that have been fans have see GIGS get more fabulous every year. You don't need the higher ups, they succeeded without anyone (after all, who really knows anything when they first blog). And if they did reach out to someone and they are not being generous enough to return that goodwill back, well, they're not great people. One less worry in the world.

I hope you come back to NYC. Then again, I could always visit Texas! They say y'all do it big in Texas! LOL!!

Arr said...

What a perfect post! It feels great to be recognized for your talents. Keep up the awesome work.

Joi said...

Yay, yay, yay! You so deserve this, Tam! I am happy for you and can't wait to see the segment. When Dave and I were on Nate we ate at Nick's too! What a trip to say the least--our pizza tasted mighty fine at 2 a.m.! xoxo

Tiffany @ Savor Home said...

I'm so incredibly happy for you. I am where you were and need to grasp the bread and water concept. I'm praying and learning...

You are so inspiring and I know that nothing but great things are in store for you. Just keep doing what you are doing. You will see...

Can't wait to see you on Nate! Me and my DVR will be ready!

#1Shopaholic said...

Sounds like your trip was a dream come true!
We all know things happen for a reason, and not being able to get answers from people whom we'd hope would help us the most is hurtful. But that's just a few No's, the many yes's are coming.... Don't give up. Love your blog it's very inspirational.

Jane said...

Meant to say congrats a long time ago. Don't you wish you had someone to guide you through but at this time it is not meant to be, maybe this is preparing you for the book of how to (you couldn't write a insider's book with someone leading you). Maybe this is prep for when you are mentoring a young person who is attempting to follow in your steps. It is discouraging at times in any field but all your blog colleagues, fans, and family believes in TAMS STYLES- continue to do the damn thing.

MJ said...

Tamara...Ive been so busy but had to come and check on your Nate appearance. It seems you had a similar experience to mine. Wondering if you would do it again? Im so glad you found my blog and Ive quickly become a huge fan of yours. Sometimes the struggle makes it all so much sweeter when we accomplish our goals. Well at least that's what I tell myself, it's all in God's hands.


MJ
Lucky 7 Design

Soul Pretty said...

Isn't Nate a cutie? Most people don't look so good in person...I'm glad you enjoyed the NYC and I like your photos...that pizza is making me hungry...I'm going to send Mini to get me a slice as soon as she gets home...and oh, I feel you girl on trying to get a teenager to go left when everyone else is going right...smile.