Interesting situations

Its the 1st official work day for this month (nevermind that I was at work yesterday) and I'm looking forward to the day. My "roomie" is scheduled to move and I am to have the whole studio to myself, I have awesome dresses to make today, and I'm inlove... With BSC. Happy space indeed.

1. The queue leading to the train ticket window was unbelievable. But Mdu and I made a plan to get to Bellville where we waited for the delayed train in the dark.

2. Train eventually arrives and for the 1st time since I started using it, some music is playing. Awesome! Not. The song selection is amazingly inappropriate and too loud. I feel like I'm in a Durban taxi only it was very appropriate then.

3. With the loud music playing, the train has beeeeen parked outside our destination for almost 20 minutes. People in the train next to ours are jumping out and running on the tracks. There isn't any movement in our train. Snobs.

4. Then I get a Whatsapp message from the ex roomy who was supposed to move yesterday that she can't move today either. Cramps she says.

But for some reason I'm still smiling. I realise that life could be worse. Like Jamie once said: "you can either choose to react to life or respond to it." Well I choose a positive response. I am happy to be alive! And so should you.

God please guide and keep us through today.

Everyday my younger brother and I wake up before the sun and make our way to the new studio. It has been a good experience thus far. God has continually been opening doors. We are still adjusting to the sensation of a new workspace but it is thoroughly welcome. Brown Stone Creations is growing and exciting things are happening. It is a special thing to watch your dreams come true one stitch at a time. There are of course a few challenges on the way but we are building a dynasty that can one day be left for the children one day, maybe. Until that day comes Brown Stone will just keep making the world pretty, one person at a time.

Photo Shoot results

A few weeks back I mentioned that Brown Stone Creations was having its first ever shoot... Well it happened. And I missed it. The model (Anna Chakara) and the photographer (Vaughan Petersen) decided to go off and do their thing. Safe to say they did a great job. I am super excited and grateful to them for being very professional and creative about it. Here are a few pictures for you to sample. Do give us your opinion. All items are BSC originals and are available upon order at brownstonec@gmail.com.

Life changing decisions

Ever since Brown Stone Creation started, way back when it was MaNdebele Designs, I have worked from home. I figured it is a convenient location.

1. I could roll out of my bed and get straight into it. Or I could sleep in and make up for the time lost later in the day.

2. I don't pay rent for the space I use so all the money made is mine.

3. I can wear whatever I want to wear to work, then occasionally clean up/dress up for a client appointment.

4. I don't worry about running out of food at work.

While all these points are good and awesome reasons to continue invading my mama's kitchen/dining room, the time has come for me to do the right thing.

1. Rolling out of bed for work means I work in a dreamy state for half the time. And I have to do house chores during work hours.

2. Not paying rent means I'm sometimes careless with BSC money thinking its my own.

3. Not having to dress up means I can lose my image without even noticing (what kind of does that?).

4. Food just expands the body. Take it from me, that not a good thing.

So...I am currently looking for a new home for Brown Stone Creations where she can call the shots and be grown up. Just like you cant stop an infant from becoming a toddler, there is no stopping BSC from growing.
Please do visit once the new home has been found.

XOXO

Always a first time

In life everyone has to experience a first. First word, first step, first kiss, first time wearing a bra (lol), first pay cheque, first car, first home, first love, first Brown Stone Creations item... had to add that!

The first I am experiencing currently is the first preparation period for my first ever photo shoot! Excited as I am I think the model and the photographer are WAY more serious about things. It is an exciting time for Brown Stone C and I am happy to have reached such a point.

To those who will be visiting me to try and catch a glimpse of what the wardrobe looks like; you're going to have to search the whole house. Best kept secret...

Here's to the first time...

XOXO

Ungrateful clients

Have you ever had that one client that assumes that because they are your regular client they get preferential treatment? Or the one client that was your friend then became a client; the one that expects "friendly" rates and forgets that you are running a business?

Well recently I've had to deal with both. They left me drained and second guessing myself. Those 2 chapter have been officially closed and Brown Stone Creations has taken a new stand. You book your time, pay for the services at standard rates, and we all remain happy.

It hasn't been all gloomy though. There are regular clients as well as what I classify as friend clients that not only abide by the rules but make it all worthwhile. To those ladies that appreciate BSC and have a good working relationship with me, let's soldier on looking as pretty, sophisticated, and absolutely gorgeous as ever.

BSC
XOXO

Frustration

When matric dance/ball/banquet season comes I always end up frustrated. Its sometimes because people do not understand their body types and refuse to listen to reason. Sometimes because the client can't put what they want into words or pictures. Sometimes because the client doesn't understand that all these Hollywood artists have silicon for boobs and therefore that dress without support will sit differently on them.

Before you decide on that Janet dress, or Kim dress, or Beyonce dress, or whoever's dress please consider the jobs done on them to look the way they do. I speak for most designers/ seam stresses when I say: I may work miracles on fabrics but not your bodies.

XOXO