rom the inside, the historic walls of the Princess Hamilton are adorned with an iconic art collection that includes original artwork from artists such as Andy Warhol, Nelson Mandela, Bansky, among many others. And from the outside, the majestic pink walls stand tall and make the perfect backdrop for a serious collection of plants and flowers where tiny lizards live happily. I tried to focus and indulge in the beauty that surrounded me. To be present. And thankful. To not think too much of the travel ahead, my connecting flights, the work that awaited back home, the surgery…

In the past few years, I’ve been really intentional about where I spend my money. From random TaskRabbit* hourly projects to finding photographers, graphic designers and makeup artists for my campaigns, I typically go out of my way to hire a woman of color. A bunch of the art that fills my home are from black women artists, and I do most of my splurging on black designers ( that’s a whole other topic with lots of photos to come!). And through my extensive research and support of these amazing women entrepreneurs and businesses, I’ve noticed two things:

1. They undervalue their goods or services.

2. They’re uncomfortable with giving their rates when approached about a project. They give me the runaround, which gives me (the client) too much to worry about, and so I find another person or solution because often, I have a strict deadline.

This past weekend, I had to pleasure of speaking and displaying my company at South by Southwest’s International Women’s Day celebration in Austin, TX. It was one of the biggest events we had ever participated in so I wanted to make it special and to push myself to do something I had never done before. I designed my very first set and contracted artist and self proclaimed, modern day renaissance man, Moyo to help me bring it to life. I selected and hired two delightful, brilliant women (Alexandra and Cassie) to be the brand’s ambassadors, and I delivered a solo talk about building self confidence. It was a long twelve-hour work day, but I got to hug, meet, and celebrate so many amazing women.

I’ve been called “extra” many times before I even realized or maybe accepted that I was. So when Intermix asked me to choose a look for the holiday season, I selected this multilayered bright red two piece work of art by AMUR. When asked where or what occasion I’d wear it to, I answered: The real question is where could I NOT wear this look? I would wear this to eat dinner with my husband for his birthday. Or I would call some friends and tell them that we’re going out for fancy cocktails and dinner, and yes, I would arrive in this ensemble. I’d even wear this to take myself to the ballet and book a table for ONE at one of my favorite French restaurants in New York. But, since we’re talking about the holiday season, I’d wear this to dinner for NYE too.

This is my current body. At nine months postpartum, without my layers and colors, I look like I’m twenty-five to thirty weeks pregnant. I have to look at this frame in the mirror everyday, and get familiar with the stretch marks and the lumps. I have the accept the marks as part of my growth and journey. They will forever remind me of the fight I went through to keep Zuli safe inside of me. They will forever remind me of my strength. They are lines of the purest love. And I believe they are the greatest example of what life is all about. Beautiful. Raw. Unapologetic. But underneath these lines of strength, love, and life, live nine uterine fibroids and signs endometriosis.

Aight, so boom! I was minding my business one day, and Anthropologie slid in my DMs and asked me if I wanted to be best friends. I was excited about the offer, but I couldn’t really show my eagerness so I responded: It depends… Are there perks to this friendship? All jokes aside, I was ecstatic to partner with Anthropologie to put together five colorful looks for fall. I live in Austin now, and we have MONTHS of fall unlike my old city, New York City. So hunny, I’m serving: eclectic librarian and cat lover, colorful gangster who helps the elderly, romantic dame, sultry art director on a Friday night, and soulful reader and tea connoisseur.

Fall is my favorite season. It’s the perfect time to play with layers, textures, and statement jewelry. I simply can’t resist a good pair statement earrings! I selected some stunning pieces from KENDRA SCOTT, and even challenged myself with getting some dainty options, like the CROWLY NECKLACE. I decided to use all of the gifted jewelry and styled them THREE different ways for completely different occasions.

White shoes have always been a favorite before they became trendy. And to me, combat boots are a wardrobe classic, just like the denim jacket, the black turtleneck, and the gray blazer. When Frye reached out with the their new lookbook, I spotted these white combat boots, and I was ecstatic! I’m particularly enamored by the fact that they lace up all the way without the zipper on the side, and the shade of white is perfect. I knew I could play with them all fall/winter all the way through spring. The shade white is both refreshing and unexpected.

Sometimes, you're sitting down with your family to have dinner, and you make eye contact with a random woman. She smiles at you, and you smile back. Then she comes closer and keeps smiling without saying a word. So you look at your baby, your mom, take a quick look around for your husband who went to look for another table because someone was smoking near you. Because you were sitting outside, and it's Texas. And your eyes go back to the woman who somehow got even closer with her frozen smile and empty eyes. So finally you say, "hello." Then she squats down beside you, puts her hand on your shoulder, and says, "I just want to say that WE LOVE YOU HERE."