COVID-19... You devil

Before I get into my rant about COVID-19...

Hey guys. Its been a minute. A mighty long minute. 2015 was a very long time ago. I never thought I'd come back to writing but tough times have brought me back. Lets see if I can keep at it this time around.

 

Strength, Courage and Wisdom. That's what I need right now. The funny thing is my dad actually warned me about this a while back and the control freak in me together with the perfectionist, refused to do anything about about it. Dad said I need to grow the business so it's more self sustaining, employ more people (other than yours truly) and that way the business can do more = more money. "Look at other ways of earning an income", he added. He made an example of me getting sick and no work happening because I can not exactly make dresses in hospital or in bed.

Just to be clear, I did try to get an assistant. It took him twice the time it takes me to make stuff happen. Frustrating much! Of course the poor guy didn't have the experience I had considering not everyone started making clothes in high school. But what broke the camel's back was him cutting a garment on the overlocker (which can happen even with the most experienced of designers, seamstresses and machinists) and did not tell me. He folded the dress, packed his bag and left = trust issues. Then I got someone else to assist and a client called me to tell me "I know you didn't make my dress". Quality of work was not the same. So I needed to get someone in, train them, teach them what I do and get them acquainted with BSC quality. Ain't nobody's got time for that! And who has time to think of another income stream when they are continuously snowed under?

⇶ 2020. COVID-19 

1.Shuts down schools, subsequently postponing/cancelling matric dances and graduations. 

2. No gathering of 100 peeps or more. Festivals are cancelled. Weddings are put on hold/cancelled.

3. Shut down for 21 days. Even the garments you have in stores can't sell because wow, kutricky.

Government says "SMME ASSISTANCE" and you look at the form and in the 1st section you must fill in, they require documents you never even thought you needed being such a small company = immediate disqualification. Banks say "CASH FLOW RELIEF". You just need to prove certain things. Document 1, 2 and 3 you have never had. And how do you prove things that never happened? 

I know I'm not the only one feeling the pinch. There are other SMMEs, musicians, event planners, freelancers, and many other professions in the same soup I'm trying to navigate in. Question is: How are you guys dealing? How are you making it work? Who knows when we will go back to normal? One thing I'll say though. This was a rude awakening. 

(I'm grown now. Can't be signing off with XOXO.)

Boundaries

Ladies and gentlemen,  what I do for a living is like any other job. We all (well most of us) wake up early and commute to work. We put in a minimum of 8 hours and sometimes extra hours. Difference is I'm doing it for myself and unlike a lot of  other people, I love what I do. I love it so much I don't mind sometimes doing it on Sundays.

Just to make things clear: Brown Stone Creations is not a hobby.  It's not what I do for extra cash. It's not a side business. It's a normal business with normal trading hours. I value each and every one of my clients but I can not be receiving calls at ungodly hours. Especially on a weekend.  You can not come knocking at my door at insane hours of the day. I will gladly assist you when prior arrangements have been made.

Good life and business relations are built on respect. Let us please respect each other as humans, respect each other's religions and respect each other's professions. 

XOXO

Super Heroes

Everyone has a super hero they like or admire. Be it a book character or movie character or a real life hero. That one person you think of that has rescued you or made your life really pleasant. Although some of my clients call me their hero and sometimes require me to "walk on water" for them; I have a few of my own. And today I'm appreciating 2 of them. Brown Stone Creations would not be what it is today without them doing what they have done. It might seem small to them but its major to me and the business.

First up is my Xena. My Model Worrier Princess. The face of Brown Stone Creations. None other than Anna Chakara. When I first thought of having a shoot I had no idea how well she would do or if she would pull it off. I wasn't even invited to the shoot. The text I got from the photographer telling me I had chosen the right girl excited me. But when I saw the pics I was blown away. No professional training but is totally killing it till today. I couldn't have asked for a better Face. You do me proud kid. Much love!

 

Then there is Wolverine. The beast behind the camera. Vaughan Petersen. As much as he doesn't share the same reckless love/lust for the female species as the famous character, he does what must be done to get the perfect shot. Then takes time out to make the pics look even better. I personally am his number 1 fan. An amazing person all round. Good looking enough to be a model himself. Yes I said it. Just look at the pic and tell me I'm wrong. Feel free to check out his work at https://www.behance.net/VeeMan and follow. I'm sure he would be glad to hook you up with a shoot or 2.

Together they make an awesome team. They have fun doing it and produce incredible work. What more can I ask for? The love i have for these two...

XOXO

December turned January (considering Feb) promo

Hey Guys and Guyesses!!!

Its 2015 and we're still here. Isn't that reason enough to be thankful? I know I am. I am excited about 2015 and what its bringing to me. Super excited  about what I aim to achieve this year. Not new year's resolutions; goals, dreams, aspirations, etc.

So... we had the skirt promotion in December where instead of getting one of the roots skirts made for you at a cost of R350, you could get 2 for an amazing price of R500. That's 2 for R500. Isn't that amazing? The promo got good reception so much that we decided to continue for January. A back to work promo for some.

Thanks to everyone who supported Brown Stone Creations throughout this period. I'm 100% sure you ladies are rocking those skirts! I have been requested to add 1 more month for this promo. Just wondering how many of you would actually take advantage of it. Let me know what you think.

XOXO

Hectic schedules

While many who do the same job as I complain about not having enough work, I find myself needing a double. Someone who looks just like me, speaks like I do, but most importantly, one who works like I do. Wishful thinking I know but wouldn't it be great?

On the real though, its great to have those loyal unwavering clients who speak up when they aren't happy and do the same when they are (which is more often I can assure you).

Then there are those who made sure I'm not their best well kept secret. Those who refer more clients to me and those who proudly tell their friends and family about Brown Stone Creations. We wouldn't be where we are if it wasn't for you.

So... In the spirit of giving back: look out for the December/January special.

XOXO

Respect

In my second year as a student at DUT (Durban University of Technology) I had the honour of being placed with an amazing designer for my 2 months on the job training.

This woman was and still is all round amazing. From her work to her personality to her style. I became an instant fan of her work. Being a white woman and being able to transform known African fabrics, such as shweshwe, into gorgeous modern wear that different age groups could identify with; keeping it clean cut and elegant where needed, she just inspired me.

Having a passion for prints myself I can't help but thank God for that hook up. This woman taught me so much without even knowing it. I appointed get as my mentor and never looked back. She has built business as not only a designer in her studio but as part owner of one of South Africa's best fashion boutiques, giving local designers a home to retail their clothes.
If you do not know her or about her, feel free to google her. Amanda Laird Cherry. I have nothing but respect for her.

A blessed Monday peeps.

BSC 2014 central library fashion show

The 2014 Central library fashion show pictures have finally arrived. It was an amazing experience and I would like to use this platform to thank all my models and assistants for their support and help.

To my models:
Thank you guys for all you did. some of you took time off from school and work without any compensation or expectations. You went beyond your call of duty as friends and family. Your craziness... my word! laughter all around. I appreciate and love yo u guys. Y'all made my year.
Aphelele
Anelisa
Gracious
Nthabi
Zenzo
Lebo
Ego
Cpo
Lindo
Manini
Thandie
Al
Csa
Anna
looking forward to the next show.

To Hlomela:
Hlom... where do I start? You soooo believe in me that you traveled all the way from Port Elizabeth just to witness the first BSC fashion show. Then you got here and became my Assistant, security guard, makeup artist, assistant photographer, cheerleader, and so much more. You're all round amazing.

To Csa:
Big sis, you assisted in putting together the outfits and putting in extra hours after your normal work hours to ensure that my range was finished on time. I appreciate the help.

To Mdu:
Driving me around and sacrificing your sleep just to transport me back home after long hours at the BSC studio, Thanx big bro.

To My parents:
you guys are just awesome. Your presence just does it for me.

To Bullz:
thanx for availing yourself to take my pics and support BSC. I know your schedule gets real but you still took the time out.

DJ Slash... need I say more?

And how could I forget Dee. Came all the way from Somerset to support a friend. Thank you shlobo.

More pictures are in the album.