My First Brand Trip!
People like to think that influencing is “EASY” work…. that if you post enough pretty pictures and dancing videos on Tik Tok people will come knocking at your door with opportunities and follows by the thousands. In my experience… that is not the case.
I have been creating and producing content for several years now and only recently have I discovered a formula that seems to work for me (this social media game is CONSTANT trial & error). I knew that I was on the right track (as in my efforts were producing results that I actually wanted) when I got invited on my FIRST EVER brand trip in collaboration with Jack’d, which is a gay dating app for People of Color.
In May, Jack’d the sponsors of Sizzle, invited me out Miami for Memorial Day weekend to help them celebrate Miami’s Black & Latino pride. I had the most PHENOMENAL time! I got to attend my first gay ball marks off bucket list! I dined with the team at Jack’d…I met all types of interesting people within the LGBTQIA+ community. I heard the most touching love stories (of men who met on the Jack’d app) and coming out stories. I had some of the best cocktails on the east coast….. I took a dip in the Atlantic Ocean and danced into the wee hours of the morning!
Overall……
I would say my first brand trip was a success! If you'd like to see more be sure to check out my Vlogs (Part 1& 2) on Youtube.
Foodie Adventures in the Big Apple!
If I had to choose my favorite type of cuisine… and i’m talking gun to my head here people I would HAVE to say it would be Italian!
I am obsessed with Italian culture, art, fashion, and especially food! I first visited Italy in 2015 on a solo adventure to Venice for my 22nd birthday! And I was shocked by how different the food customs were. Instead of eating your full meal at one restaurant you would often find that locals would frequent 2-3 establishments in one evening. In much of Europe actually it is typical to go to one specific restaurant for appetizers or drinks, this is known as aperitivo (in Italy). In Spain it might be referred to as Tappas. Early in the evening you head to a local spot or two for aperitivo— you might try fried rice balls, cuts of meat, or a refreshing aperol spritz. After which you head to your restaurant of choice for your entree and a nice glass of wine; followed by dessert at either the same establishment or you might choose to shop around for gelato on the street.
I have dined at dozens of “Italian” restaurants but there are few places in the states that compare to the traditional experience of an Italian meal. However, I think I might have found a new favorite Italian spot right in the heart of New York City!
And It’s name is EATALY!
It’s funny because my friend Genna often raves about this restaurant for its modern conveniences (it’s a super market and a dine in restaurant) but if I’m being honest I never felt compelled to give this place a shot until my favorite Youtuber— Kelly Stamps mentioned Eataly in one of her vlogs!
And of course, me being the benign foodie that I am I just had to stop by while I was in the city! I had my friend Douglas with me and we dined to our hearts content! We sampled a delightful red wine and ordered a couple of glasses might I add lol! As an appetizer we had the braised meatballs with an awe inspiring remoulade sauce! And for our entrees— I had the most delicious lasagna with a creamy béchamel sauce and Doug had a mushroom pasta (I believe it was linguine or fettuccine). Overall our experience was fantastic! The service was TOP TIER and the food felt very authentic to the Italian cuisine that I have come to know and love!!
I cant wait to go back! And this time I'll leave space for dessert…. I hear that the tiramisu is OUT OF THIS WORLD! #nycrestaurants #sirnicholasadventures #theelegantman
NYC Restaurant Adventures
As a traveling content creator I spend an absurd amount of time in new and exciting locations! But out of all of the places that I have traveled New York City has to be one of my all time FAVORITE destinations! This is mostly due to the fact that New York has some of the BEST restaurants in the world! You can taste practically every cuisine imaginable in this bustling city!
Last month, while I was in the Big Apple my little sister and I decided to try out this new restaurant called: The Smith. Due to the fact that my sister was on spring break I thought it was only fair that she be allowed to pick the restaurants we dined at. And I am so glad that she did!
On the last day of our weekend together she found this gem located on Broadway right near our hotel! The Smith has 3 locations within the city so you should be able to find one in your area. While it may be spring it is still pretty cold in New York during this time of year so my sister and I decided to try out the spiked hot chocolate for starters. Of course they were delicious and we sat at the bar so we got to look on as they prepared our beverages— which aways adds to the experience!
For our meals, I decided to try a salad (because we had been eating fried for all weekend lol) with freshly seared Salmon and my little sister opted for the baked Mac n cheese with Brussel sprouts as a side. The Mac n Cheese came overflowing and piping hot in this incredible cast iron skillet. To say I was envious of my little sister would be an understatement but luckily she let me get a bite..or two… or three! And my salad was perfectly balanced with notes of freshness from the lettuce and sweetness from the goat cheese.
If you're going to be in New York in the near future I couldn’t recommend this place more!
Let’s Explore New York City!
Welcome to Foodie Adventures!!!😆🍔🥗✨
The series where I highlight my FAVORITE new food discoveries and or restaurants!
I recently discovered a great burger spot while exploring New York City with my friend, Brittni!
Britt and I have a long standing tradition of trying out new Poke Bowl spots whenever I’m in the city…. However, our last attempt at getting Poke didn’t go so well due to new covid restrictions at our fave restaurant. Instead of getting discouraged we decided to find a new spot to try and I’m so glad we did!!😆
We happened upon this burger joint in Brooklyn called Black Iron Burgers! We ate, drank, and were EXTREMELY merry! Their cocktails were delicious, their wings TO DIE FOR, the fries were impeccable (TRUFFLE & SWEET POTATO!)! And the service…..DAMN NEAR PERFECTION!
If you’re in the Crown Heights area give them a try and thank me later!
OH! And check out my new vlog for more fun with me & Britt!
There are NO rules for Content creating…..
“There are no rules for content creating”
Everyday I get on social media to find yet another cynic referring to social media as a sign of the “impending rapture”…..Or ranting about how people suck and they hate the internet….
There’s always some new “wanna be influencer” crying about how they can’t seem to bring themselves to log into Instagram without feeling the need to compare themselves to another. Or whining about their low engagement rates and unengaged following.
But then I take a look at their profiles to see that they haven’t posted since 2021…..
Or I head to their stories and all they have up are “thirst traps” or read their mission statements that go something like “I want to inspire or I am here to empower” but ALL of their content is self motivated and self serving!
And I realize that what these people hate so much are themselves. They hate the fact that they can’t make a move without worrying about what someone else has to say about them. They hate the life they lead but are often too lazy to change it. Or they just feel stuck so instead of doing the internal work they scroll down their timelines judging the people who work tirelessly to show up and put themselves out there!
Trust me….. I get it!
It’s easier to judge someone who you only know via the internet than to sit down and create a branding strategy or to get in front of the camera and actually start recording. It’s easy to hire a team and outsource all of your work to someone else. It’s easy to show up once a year with your annual “it’s my birthday IG” Post!
It’s easy to pretend you don’t know the rules of social media so you don’t have to do anything….So you can continue to sit at that 9-5 pissed about your life rather than actually taking steps to change your reality.
If you’re looking for a blue print there is NONE! No one can show you how to do you better than you! No one can execute on your ideas better than you can! It’s time for you to stop looking for rules and excuses. It’s time to stop WASTING TIME judging others and judging yourself and simply execute!
If you need to pivot do so but don’t let a lack of know how be your excuse for not giving your dreams a chance!
Follow your Intuition!
As a content creator I have had to master the crucial art of not giving a fuck. Whilst as an ever evolving human I am still learning to decipher what it looks like to follow ones own intuition.
One of the things I love most about being a content creator is the fact that I get to create WHATEVER and WHENEVER I want. And when I’m creating I am forced to ask my highest and most courageous self to step forward and assume control!
That highest version of myself is TAPPED IN! He feels the intuitive nudges and listens to them. He trust himself! He trust the process! And even the universe at large….
Whether that means mustering up the courage to pose in front of hundreds of staring people or recording voice over when I’m insecure about my voice—so be it! Because the boldest version of myself doesn’t GIVE AF about what other people think or have to say about me! In fact, the highest version of myself doesn't even care about what I think of me! It’s just here to get the job done!
And Get er Done we shall!
Because when my star-power takes over I turn into a SUPERNOVA!!! And there is no stopping me!
I can’t explain the feeling that takes over my spirit…It’s this euphoric state of pride and fear and gumption that mingle together to produce one BAD ASS CREATOR
And that creator is IS IN CONTROL OF HIS OWN NARRATIVE !
He doesn't wait around for other peoples approval or support because he approves of himself! He supports himself and he believes in himself!
The more I trust that I know what I’m doing and adhere to the best version of myself the better I get at following those intuitive nudges. And those intuitive nudges only lead to bigger and better things!
I dare you to stop giving AF about what other people think about you and see what happens! You might come to find that you’re an entirely different person than you’ve ever even imagined yourself to be! #sirnicholasadventures #theelegantman
Let me Reintroduce Myself!
Allow me to introduce myself! Hi! I’m Brandon Nicholas Baker otherwise known as Sir Brandon Nicholas via my Internet friends! I am a social media content creator, vlogger/blogger, and brand ambassador! I love all things fashion, food, and travel! For me every day is an adventure and there is nothing I love more than sharing my experiences with fellow adventure seekers & creatives!
Allow me to reintroduce myself…..
My name is Brandon Nicholas Baker but my friends on the internet call me Sir Brandon Nicholas!
I happen to love and I mean LOVEEEE social media and the entertainment/ media/ fashion/ culinary/ travel space and have experience working within these various industries as either an influencer, creative director, brand strategist, social media manager, image consultant, and or personality!
I have been blessed to be able to yield my talents in the service of multiple creative projects & campaigns! I have been a mentor and been mentored by some of the best in the industry!
TBH I’ve been in the social media game for quite some time now (and I mean years) but I’ve just arrived at the point where I feel confident in the direction of my brand/ career! Of course I’ve had amazing opportunities but I don’t DO ANYTHING (and I mean not SHIT) FOR A CHECK OR FOR HOW IT WILL LOOK ON A WEBSITE AND/OR RESUME!
My clients, friends, and family will ALL tell you that if I sign on to do something it has to move me! I HAVE TO BELIEVE IN IT! I have to believe in what I’m doing….I have to feel propelled by a mission greater than myself!
Because I believe we can all do worthwhile work so I NEVER settle for doing that which I hate or have no actual passion for!
That is the sincerest form of slavery, in my opinion, and I refuse to shackle myself to any life that I would not pick or choose for B.B. (that’s me lol)!
Adventure is my middle name and if I don’t feel a sense of adventure I won’t even bother! After all this life thing is a journey, so why not enjoy it???
Anyways!
I just stopped by to say “HI!” 👋🏾👋🏾👋🏾and to remind you all that a worthwhile life is absolutely possible for those that are willing to believe in themselves! So keep those dreams alive people!
Dreaming is STILL how the strong survive!😆❤️✨
The Holidays are underway…
With preparations for the holiday season underway I know it can be pretty easy to get swept up in the traditions and customs that we carry out every year— we decorate the tree, complain about prices and crowds, shop for those we cherish and those we don’t particularly enjoy😂😅, we neglect our diets/work out routines and then proceed to beat up on ourselves.
We often manage to squeeze the “holly” and “jolly” feelings right out of the season. Sometimes I get so stressed out over the festivities and traditions of the season that the holidays are no longer even enjoyable. But this year I would caution us all to remember that the holidays are a time to remember and celebrate what we value and to send love to anyone under the sound of our voice, the reach of our hand, and the sight of our gaze. (AND THAT INCLUDES OURSELVES— self love is even more important at Christmas time).
The human race has endured a great deal within the past few years. And we ALL need and deserve to be uplifted, supported, loved, remembered, cherished, and celebrated whether we’re homeless and hungry or wealthy and surrounded by people! Whether we’re a dead beat dad or a stand up mom. Baby, WE ALL are in need of and worthy of grace.
I’ve come to learn that I am no more or no less human than anybody else. Therefore, I am no more or no less deserving of love than the next person. So if I want to be loved I must be willing and open to giving it out. If I want to be forgiven I have to be willing to forgive. If I want peace I have to be a person of peace. I cannot expect from another what I am not willing to be or give to myself. I cannot judge the next man but expect to be seen, understood, or even respected. So this season BE THAT which you wish to experience. Be the JOY! Be the PEACE! Be the LOVE!
Be it! Embody it! Exude it!
A lot of the instructors of manifestation fail to remind people that you must RADIATE FIRST that which you hope to attract! So become that source of light this holiday season and carry that light with you into the new year!
I promise you that light will serve you well!!✨
Wishing you all so much love & light my favessss! Take care of yourselves this holiday season and if you need an encouraging words my DMs are always open!
Love you Always,
B
Halloween should be inclusive, TOO!
Happy Halloween my favessss! We've made it through yet another October! Isn’t that Amazing?!? This season I have been particularly intrigued with the notion of equality and inclusion as it applies to the celebration of this “frightacular” holiday.
Each Halloween season myself and my peers, of a similar complexion, face a very unknown form of discrimination. As we struggle to throw together the perfect Halloween costume we are often confronted with a lack of inspiration. Which can be credited to the massive disparity of black and brown representation within American Media. And even more so a lack of positive representation of minorities within Westernized culture.
When you’re a person of color you realize just how important and necessary representation is… As a little boy when all of my peers were able to dress up as super man or barbie or the little mermaid my siblings and I were pushed to think outside of the box. We had to come up with even more unique costumes because there just weren’t a lot of black or brown characters to dress up as.
And there is nothing worse than trying to dress as something or someone for Halloween that you JUST KNOW you can’t pull off… IF YOU DON’T RESEMBLE THE CHARACTER in the least bit it’s REALLY difficult to portray them in a convincing fashion.
And after a while you get sick of seeing the Green Lanterns, the Michael Jacksons, and the Princess Tianas. So this year I made it my mission to celebrate diversity and create Halloween looks and fashions that were symbolic of the whole. That allowed for the representation of the great melting pot that we call America!
If you review the images and videos below you will find characters from all walks of life represented. I had so much fun crafting these looks and taking time out to celebrate the great people and characters that have helped to shape the culture of our great nation…
My first costume was, Cody Griffin from The Thirteenth Year… This is one of the few films that utilizes male characters to represent mermaids and actually celebrates them in a positive and creative light!
For this particular look I decided to celebrate the incomparable Will Smith and Chris Garner whose story is told through the film, “The Pursuit of Happyness.”
Up next…..The great ZORRO as portrayed on screen by the Legendary Antonio Banderas!
Last but certainly NOT least I recreated two day of the Dead looks for Halloween & Dia De los Muertos inspired by the Pixar film, Coco.
My First NY Pride…
I went to New York Pride for the FIRST TIME EVER…. and here’s how it went! #sirnicholasadventures
In my friend group Pride events are a pretty typical conversation piece (well amongst my gay friends any way lol). So you can imagine my chagrin when my friends wanted to plan a trip to New York for world pride only minutes after returning from Miami pride. The level headed version of myself said “HELL NO!” While the adventurous free-spirited me said “LETS GET IT!”
The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic really forced me to lean into my wants and desires with an open mind. Meaning I say yes to A LOT MORE. And don’t get me wrong, I MAKE MISTAKES ON THE DAILY but i’m learning to love doing so. As Beyoncé says “i’m NOT afraid of making mistakes they make you who you are.”
So mistake or not my friends and I booked an airbnb and went off to New York for yet another pride. And my first EVER New York PRIDE!
We had an AMAZING time! Of course it wasn’t all uphill—we were kicked out of our Airbnb for reasons that are STILL unbeknownst to us. Our friend Eric lost his phone in an Uber, luckily we were able to retrieve it. We overbooked, over spent, and over exerted ourselves (it wouldn’t have been an adventure if we didn’t get into some form of mischief). #sirnicholasadventures
However, thanks to our go with the flow friend group we were able to make the best out of a topsy-turvy weekend. And we have memories/stories to last a life time!
To witness our crazy pride adventure first hand check out the vlog: NOW ON YOUTUBE!
P.s. If you’re ever thinking of doing Pride PLEASE BE SURE TO DRINK YOUR ELECTROLYTES!
Miami was a BLAST! And I have the pictures to prove it!
Check out my Miami Adventures! Vlogs! Pics! Content! YOU NAME IT! I HAVE ALL OF THE MIAMI FOOTAGE FOR YOU GUYS! #Sirnicholasadventures
In late March my best friend, Deion & I— fed up with the complacent energy of quarantine— concocted a plan to get OUT OF TOWN! We happened upon a pair of cheap round trip flights to Miami and decided to jet set to Florida for Memorial Day Weekend! We booked a cheap Airbnb, packed our bags, and took off for MIA! At first we were a bit hesitant because we normally travel with a group of 4 or more. BUT we were determined to make this a worthwhile experience and we did JUST THAT!
WE HAD A BLAST AND HERE IS ALL OF FOOTAGE TO PROVE IT!
Check out my Miami Part 1 & 2 vlogs on Youtube for an even more in-depth look at our trip and explore the photo galleries below to see all of the Insta-worthy pics!
And thanks again for tuning into another episode of #Sirnicholasadventures !
Everything Tastes Better Over Candle light…..
Who said taking your self out couldn’t be romantic? I do it all the time! In fact, last summer when I got stood up I knew it was yet another opportunity to #TREATMYSELF and proceeded to take myself out for a lovely night on the town!! Like a true romantic I dined over candle light and was serenaded by the sounds of the city (Manhattan, New York). If you want to see how my date went you can check out my vlog! Trust me it was a grand adventure! #sirnicholasadventures
I am convinced I was French in a former life because I am the most adamant of romantics!
I prefer the intimacy of a candle lit dinner or a peaceful stroll through the park over a grand gesture ANY DAY! Which is why when I was stood up last summer I took myself out for a romantic evening on the town (In Manhattan, New York: The Financial District specifically).
I decided to vlog my evening and document my entire solo date. I know a lot of people that are afraid to go out by themselves… Some consider themselves too awkward, some are afraid of being spotted alone, some think they’re too boring to enjoy an evening out by themselves.
BUT!
I am here to prove to you that you can!
I kept it very simple and went for a stroll through the park and took myself to dinner but you can do WHATEVER you like! You don’t even have to spend any money if you choose not to.
If you’re in New York, I suggest taking yourself to dinner at Bobby Vans Steakhouse… I happened upon this gem of a restaurant while lost in financial district and I am so glad that I did! If you don’t like the awkward feeling of dining alone you will love this spot because the intimate and romantic ambience make dining by yourself an adventure rather than a death sentence lol!
I had the MOST lovely evening!
Seriously! I beg you!
Please try taking yourself out, AT LEAST ONCE?! If you don’t have a good time at least you will have dared to do something different! And that is a grand accomplishment within itself!
Check out my vlog below to see how my night went and enjoy the few pics I did manage to snap! #sirnicholasadventures #theelegantman
A Day in the Life of an Influencer….
What makes up a day?
Is it the moments of productivity? The minutes of procrastination? Or the time spent in joy?
As a content creator, I must admit, my days are filled with continuous “busy work.” From administrative duties like emails & pitches to calculating engagement rates for campaign deliverables and updating media kits. Most days it feels like I run a small company ALL BY MY DAMN SELF!
With so much responsibility on the shoulders of ONE person its easy to forget WHY I do what I do.
Why it is I even love content creating….
Which is why I decided to start vlogging. I wanted to be able to look back on my day to day activities and feel some sort of groundedness. I wanted to have my memories at my fingertips— there to remind me that ALL IS WELL! To help me see the purpose in hard work (and hopefully progress as well).
Most importantly, I wanted to capture the moments of joy where I feel tapped into the flow of creativity. I recently released a “Day in the Life of an Influencer” vlog and as I rewatch this footage I am reminded of my love of creating. My love of transposing ideas into digital mediums to share with all of you! I love social media for so many reasons but I am most attuned to the feeling of community, purpose, and freedom that digital storytelling provides me with.
I hope to spend every day of my life creating, imagining, daring, and sharing love & light with those that need it most.
If you’re interested in following along on my adventures be sure to check out the vlog and follow me on Instagram for more #SIRNICHOLASADVENTURES
I love you all so much!
ALL HAIL, QUEEN B!
Today we send loving birthday wishes to an icon, a legend, a change agent, a mom, a wife, a friend, a colleague, and most importantly an INSPIRATION TO US ALL! This love letter I write for you, Beyoncé Giselle Knowles-Carter.
Today is September 4th…. Bey Day! In case you’re unaware (I DON’T KNOW WHY YOU WOULD BE…. BUT JUST IN CASE YOU ARE) Beyoncé is officially the big 4-0! So yes, i’m over the moon excited and you should be too! It’s not every day we get to celebrate the woman that transformed a nation merely by sneezing on a beat (Beyhive insider).
Honestly, at this point, September 4th should be ordained an international holiday….. OR SOMETHING! But until then I thought I’d celebrate the formidable Yoncé by constructing this love letter. I figure it’s time we gave the Queen her flowers.
So here goes nothing:
Dear Mrs. Carter,
Im not sure if you’re a fan of Maya Angelou but I once saw an interview she did for Super Soul Sunday that truly transformed my life. In the interview Oprah asks Miss. Angelou “what is love to you?” Angelou replied “Love is liberation, Love liberates…” Those words hit my heart with a fierce fortitude— setting into motion a journey of TRUE self discovery. It’s funny because we often think we know what path we’re supposed to be on. We have this cookie cutter idea of a life in our mind— that’s not even our own— and each day we go about the business of either assimilating or crafting a life that is Uniquely ours. Though, at times we can’t exactly articulate what that looks like. We think we know what a well rounded life is supposed to be but often we have NO CLUE! We have these faint ideas of what we “think” love is. We have mere inklings of what success is supposed to feel like. Until, by some miracle, life (God) shows us that we’ve got it ALL WRONG! Our idea of love, success, happiness, and fulfillment doesn’t even scratch the surface.
When I first happened upon this life-altering interview I was a graduate fresh from college. I was just trying to figure out what my so called purpose was. I was over praying and I was through with soul searching. I wanted answers! I was desperate for some form of direction! And just when I was ready to give up the search I hear Maya Angelou whisper “Love liberates.” And I realized at that moment that whatever I was to do on this planet it would involve the liberation of others. I would not only liberate myself but I would free the masses. I would make space for everyone to feel free within themselves— much like you! Beyoncé, I have found immeasurable freedom in not only your body of work but in your embodiment of love, grace, and compassion. You have endeavored to do the unthinkable in a world where many are quick to determine something “impossible.”
You've dared to dream….To seek freedom for yourself and in turn free others merely by being YOU! You have created space at your table for ANY AND EVERYBODY. You value the lives of others and it shows…. You give way to compassion and empower us ALL to believe in the best versions of ourselves. There are very few people who have not been impacted by your legacy in some way, shape, or form.
I know it hasn't been easy….
I know you juggle a great deal.
I know being an uplifter requires more humility and restraint than seems available at times but I thank you for holding fast to your values. I thank you for daring to be yourself. I admire your heart for your craft and your love of humanity. I admire your spirit & tenacious sense of integrity! The standard has been set with you, Queen B.
You make possibility feel accessible. Bey—You are proof that if you listen to your heart, believe in yourself, spread love to others, and PUT IN THE WORK there is nothing that you cannot be, do, or have. I pray you continue to lift the masses… to be a voice for the voiceless and provide hope to the hopeless. The work you do is not only appreciated but necessary. So keep doing what you love and know that we are cheering you on! I pray that God continues to watch over you and your loved ones. That he/she fills your life with endless love, joy, peace and abundance.
Thank you so much for sharing your light with us! Thank you for loving on the world….
Here is to the next to the next 40 years of your Queendom!
* raises glass *
May they be extraordinary!
Sending you tons of love & light on your special day!
Love,
BB
My first time in the Hamptons….
Summer 2021 has proved to be something of a surprise. A period of great newness. The season has made way for many grand adventures and new experiences. In fact, just last month I had the chance to road trip it to the Hamptons with a few of my friends!
And what an impressive adventure we had!
Visiting the Hamptons has been a bullet point on my bucket list for some time now; so I was thrilled to receive an invitation from my Bestie who informed me that she’d be going for a birthday party.
To commute to and from the Hamptons, my friends and I rented a fully loaded SUV via Uber (Yea! You can do that!) There is a train that goes from the city to the Hamptons but this proved to be the cheaper and more efficient route for us. Our friend group met up on a groggy Saturday morning with beach towels, swimwear, and liquor in hand (REAL HOT GIRL SHIT!) After a few minutes of skillful packing and re-organizing we managed to cram 8 adult bodies into our rental and set out for the Hamptons! The journey was about 1.5 to 3 hours, i’m not sure exactly because I was knocked out majority of the journey LOL.
POINTER: If you ever decide to go be sure to bring a neck pillow!
Once we arrived we were greeted by new and old friends for a great day of fun and relaxation. We had a BLAST!!
And I have all of the cringe-worthy footage to prove it!
If you want to get a closer look at our day in the Hamptons you can check out my Hamptons vlog on Youtube! #SIRNICHOLASADVENTURES
How to LEVEL UP in 2021 (Part 2)
So you’ve had your champagne toasts, you’ve made your vision boards, you bought your 2021 planners but now you’re at a crossroads….. “What do I do next” you ask?
Well I am here to help you answer that question. I am here to make that transition a little bit smoother and to make trusting yourself a little bit easier. I know how confusing and daunting the task of change can be; which is why I am here to hold your hand! I can’t tell you what will work for you. I can't make you LEVEL UP. I can only share with you the tools I implemented that have shifted my mindset, productivity, and heart posture.
These 4 principles that I am about to share with you in addition to the guidelines from my last blog post have transformed the way I see and interact with the world and consequently the way the world sees and interacts with me.
If you too would like to see the world through new eyes I suggest you try these on for size…
Welcome Change
I almost lied to you guys. I almost said “Change is difficult'' but I had to stop typing mid-sentence because I know that to be a lie. We tend to look at life through this ever fixed lens that others have placed in front of us. From birth we are told: Relationships require a lot of work, Love isn’t easy, Money is hard to earn, and Change is difficult. ALL OF WHICH ARE LIES! Some old man in 1682 found it difficult to change and decided to impose his impediments upon the rest of the world. Which is BONKERS! In reality, change is one of the easiest and most fundamental truths of life. We are changing EVERY second! Honestly, even faster! Our bodies morph at warp speed— killing off old cells to replace them with new ones. Our brains create new ideas & pathways every day and our soul/spirit/heart (whatever you wanna call it) generates new emotions and feelings all the time.
We are not the same person we were last year, last week, or even yesterday!
Yet, we treat change like it’s something to be feared rather than celebrated. We close our hearts off to the newness of life in fear that we will suffer the same wounds we did before. However, our hearts are stronger than they once were, our bodies more agile, our intuition more developed. We couldn’t make those same mistakes if we tried because we are no longer the same people!
I happen to believe that “when you know better, you do better.” And you are better. I am better. We are all BETTER! We are not doomed to repeat history, “as they say” but we can definitely learn from it. We can learn to embrace change instead of resisting it. Because the faster we welcome or embrace change the faster it becomes our friend. I don’t know about you, but I want change to be my friend!
I want life to treat me well and to shower upon me all that I desire and more. I want to make an impact on this planet but I can't do that if I’m afraid of my own shadow. I can't feel the embrace of life if I’m pushing it away. And I can't let change serve me if I won't let it do its job.
Transition is natural and change is certain. So why not greet each day, each transition like your long lost Bestie here to take you on a surprise road trip? Of course the journey may lead you to some strange and unfamiliar places. You could get a flat tire. You could forget your camera in a bar. You might even lose all of your money— which most of us do anyways! But regardless you are guaranteed to have a good time as long as you have your friend by your side. That friend is change. Yea, she may get a bit rowdy, at times, but at the end of the day she’s always got your back!
2. Respect ya Self, Respect ya Vessel!
Exercise is something we love to make a chore or resolution out of but what if we actually used it to empower us to create everlasting change? I know we all have those sluggish moments where we don’t feel like working out but I think in order to transform your life you have to change the way you treat and see your vessel.
The human body is one of the most neglected and abused objects on this planet. We call it STUPID, ugly, fat, atrocious, disgusting you name it….. yet we expect this so called body to show up and perform for us every day. And it does just that! It shows up for us every single day without even a please or a thank you. The human body doesn’t complain one bit! It sits there daily taking the abuse we whirl at it and still it does its best to serve us and our life styles.
Well just like us our bodies went through an ENTIRE pandemic last year and I think they deserve a little TLC. Our bodies deserve to feel loved, safe, protected, and whole. You owe your body a little less fast food and a few more crunches. You owe your vessel that extra glass of water. Let your body be free and celebrate it in all of its glory!
This is not about being “SNATCHED” this is about honoring the one constant in this life— our vessel. This outer shell of skin and bones will be here through every high and low. Your body loves you even when you don’t love it back. It’s time we regarded our bodies as the divine blessings they are instead of the burdens we made them out to be. So celebrate that beautiful body of yours. Treat it well and it shall serve you well.
“Without a healthy and happy body it's really hard to lead a healthy and happy life.”
3. Reimagine your Future
The future can be a scary concept for most. Much like graduation or Mike Wazowski in the closet (Monsters Inc.) the closer it gets the scarier it feels. But what if it didn’t have to? What if the future was something we could eagerly anticipate?
I happen to think it can be. In fact, it should be eagerly anticipated. Because everything we desire will continue to unfold as the future unfolds. So if we want a brighter future we have to allow ourselves to envision it.
So feel it out….
What does your “bright” future look like? What does your perfect day feel like?
If it's difficult for you to imagine, try this exercise…..
You know what it's like to feel lost, right? Well imagine you’re lost at this very moment. You’re stuck in a foreign country… by yourself…waiting for your friend to arrive. You don’t speak the native tongue whatsoever. Oh! and your phone isn’t working for some odd reason.
Okay, now capture this moment in your mind. Feel the uncertainty pulsating through your temples. Sit in the fear for a few seconds (or as long as necessary). You’re feeling anxious now, aren’t you?
A little scared? Maybe even a little hopeless, huh? Now imagine you’ve just been found… your friend miraculously shows up and rescues you. You’re safe and secure!
Are you feeling a little relieved?
See! I told you! You do have the ability to visualize! You’re just used to doing it in the reverse.
Humans are insanely relative beings…. we think of everything (including ourselves) in the context of relativity. We can only imagine joy because we once knew sadness. We can only experience love because we first knew pain. We don’t look at ourselves through our own eyes but through the perception of someone else or some past experience.
So when you visualize what you want your life to look like just reverse the negative perceptions…..
If you feel stuck what does being free look like? If you feel poor what does being rich look like? If you feel ugly what does feeling beautiful feel like? If you feel lack what does abundance look like? If you feel like you’re not enough what does being worthy feel like? If you feel weak and defeated what does invincibility look like? What does the courageous you look like?
Now that you have a vision of the REAL you, the EMPOWERED you write it down!
Write down whatever comes to mind! And get detailed! I mean what colors this empowered person wears, where you live, who you love. ALL OF IT! Give me all of the juicy details! Once you’ve defined what you want carry this sheet of paper around with you everywhere! That way if a new dream pops into your mind you can write it down instantly.
Go over your vision EVERYDAY! Meditate on it! Pray about it! Make copies! (And Tell No one unless you really, REALLY trust them with your dream!) Keep your focus on your vision. Imagine yourself already living this life of freedom & happiness. And watch in fascination as your mind reconfigures itself to bring about that which you desire!
4. Give your Dreams a Chance
This is probably the most important piece of advice I can give any of you. So hopefully you made it this far…. if you did I can promise that your life is about to make a turn for the best! And I know this from personal experience!
I believe that all good things start out as a dream. Your home… your car… your spouse… even you started out as a dream. Our dreams as big as they may seem are actually fragile little things. Which explains why most people's dreams never see the light of day. To us they feel too gargantuan to realize yet too frail to touch. But that's only because you’re looking at the macro instead of the micro. Which I get it— I have big dreams too! HUMONGOUS, IN FACT! I have dreams of working with Beyoncé, of being the first Billionaire in my family, of being a best-selling author. You name it and I've probably dreamt it!
That may seem crazy to some people but to me and God that's just touching the surface. Because I have developed the ability to focus. I strategically focus on the micro while dreaming of the macro. I dream of working with Beyoncé but first I have to actually take, edit, and post my Ivy Park images on the gram (Which I did and I was reposted on @Weareivypark so clearly I’m headed in the right direction)! I can dream everyday of being a best-selling author but in order to figure out if writing is really my “jam” I have to keep blogging, don’t I?
Greatness is not something achieved overnight. Greatness requires great patience. It requires believing in yourself when no one is standing in your corner (and being okay with that!) Because contrary to popular belief big dreams sometimes require more than one viral post. Big dreams are often those visions that ONLY make sense to you. And those Big Ole dreams are often accomplished by those people who decided each day to take one more step toward their vision. Every day they had one little dream to put up one more YouTube video. Or one little dream to sign that contract. They had one little dream to pay the light bill. Or one little dream to keep posting even when their last 3 Instagram posts got 3 likes—collectively!
Big dreamers who consciously focus decide every day to give themselves a fighting chance regardless as to what others may think or feel. It's not even about the applause. All though the claps will come! It's not about the external validation! The gratification will come too— trust me! But none of that really matters. And I know people say that all the time but it's true! I have learned that it feels so much better to be proud of yourself for believing in YOU than it does to be celebrated by someone else. Especially someone who doesn’t know your journey.
So if you want my advice, I say follow your intuition to the ends of the earth! Your intuition will never fail you. Following your intuitive nudges will help you find that thing that makes you forget the world even exists. That is called the flow. Right now I am in the flow. The words are spilling out of me and I could probably type a novel at this very moment (but I won’t do all that cuz y’all came here for a blogpost lol).
Seriously though! Do what you love! Connect to that endless flow. When you do you’ll find the greatest joy in your smallest wins. And in turn the wins will get bigger and BIGGER! Until one day you’re staring your dream dead in the face almost forgetting that you even dreamt it!
So put that dream out there! Write it down! Create a strategy! And believe in yourself!
Each day take another step towards that dream of yours. Some Days you’ll make more progress than others. Some days you’ll actually feel yourself regressing—but you’re not!
You just have to trust the process! Trust your process because it won’t look like anyone else’s. And when you feel all hope is lost KEEP GOING and trust that you’re doing just fine! Trust that there is a miracle waiting just on the other side of that failure. Because there is—I promise! It's okay to slow down and catch your breath, I get it! But if you really love your dream don’t give it up. And Don’t give up on yourself!
Always remember that you can’t plant your seeds and reap your harvest in the same season. Sometimes it takes a little more will power and a little more patience. Nevertheless, you need to put a seed in the ground if you expect to reap a harvest…. so start planting. Gather your seed. Stick it in the ground. Water and tend to those dreams of yours. Sing to them if you must (I heard it makes plants grow faster). Once they are planted firmly in the ground begin to eagerly anticipate the miracles that are guaranteed to spring forth. And if you happen to think you’ve planted the wrong seeds that’s okay! You can always plant a new crop and birth a new dream. It's never too late for the dreamer to start anew because anything is possible when you believe.
So it's time you started believing. It's time for you to put that belief into action….I know 2021 is OUR time to LEVEL UP! So get to planting kiddos! You might be pleasantly surprised come harvest time…!
How to make 2021 your BEST year yet!
By: Brandon N. Baker
I have to say despite all of the chaos, drama, and khlafama of 2020 I had an AMAZING year! 2020 treated me very well. In fact, I learned more in the last 12 months than I did in all 12 years of public schooling!
I gained new wisdom every single day. And the more wisdom I acquired and PUT INTO PRACTICE the better my life got! And honestly it keeps getting better and better and even BETTER! So I thought it only fair that I share my secrets with you all. If you put on your listening ears and really take heed of what I'm about to tell you you will find your life to be barely recognizable by 2022.
Disclaimer: I don't know it all but I do know enough to put my wisdom into practice and trust me these tidbits of knowledge have served me WELL!
1. You are NOT the Victim!
I know this may be a lot to digest on the first Monday of 2021 but it needed to be said. You are responsible for your OWN life! You are in the predicaments you are in because of your own decisions— no one else’s. It is not your parents fault, your teachers, the stranger down the street, that ex that broke your heart, your siblings, your disability, white supremacy, Donald Trump, or even God's fault that you are where you are. I understand you can't help what may have happened to you in the past or what you came into this world with. However, you can help whether you take ownership of your own life or not.
So assume responsibility.
Remember you are NOT weak! You are invincible— literally until death! Meaning you have the power to turn this thing around and a whole lot of time to do so. Not to mention endless possibilities at your feet… so tap in Sis!
Once you assume responsibility for your life, your emotions, and your actions you can move forward into the process of creation. You cannot authentically create from a space of victimhood. If you want a life worth living you have got to empower yourself to take the lead instead of letting your old stories of fear lead you. You are not the same neanderthal you used to be.
You are much wiser, much stronger, more loving, more kind, and more of a badass! So you owe it to yourself to give your dreams a chance! You owe yourself a life of liberation.
2. Tune out the Noise
Put your phone on Do Not Disturb. Do it… Now! This trick has literally TRANSFORMED my life! I am a naturally social person so unlike a lot of you complainers on twitter my phone is never dry. I have texts, zoom calls, facetime dates, and group chats out the ass. Which is great and I totally appreciate it but it can prove to be a major distraction.
I am the friend that shows up for everything and everybody but I had to learn that IF I WANT TO REALIZE THE LIFE I'VE ALWAYS IMAGINED I'M GONNA HAVE TO SHOW UP FOR MYSELF FIRST! For me showing up looks like focusing on what matters to Brandon. It's me granting myself the space to create and articulate my dreams. I go to sleep with my phone on do not disturb so that my sleep is not interrupted and I have more energy to take on the day. I start the day in meditation and prayer instead of responding to thread after thread. I create more deliberately because I am totally present within the process of editing, or writing, or shooting instead of getting caught up in time consuming convos.
Im not gonna lie… at first this will feel odd. And your FOMO will start acting up. You'll have withdrawals and want to reach for your phone but trust me you will get the hang of it and you will feel so much more peace because of it. You will become so focused that your phone will be a mere afterthought.
I promise you're not missing much. Unless your wife is about to give birth in which case you should just ignore this rule.
Now, If you already have kids (depending upon the ages and levels of maturity) you can find a way to impart this rule as well. Choose a few hours within the day when you know the kids are taken care of and turn your phone off. Or put it on, do not disturb and set a timer. Trust me the world will not cease to exist if you take a nap or focus on yourself for a change!
3. Cut the Chatter
This next rule definitely may not be easy but it’s a TOTAL game changer!
Stopppppp GOSSIPING AND MIND YOUR FUCKING BUSINESS.
PERIODT!
Lol no but seriously! I understand it's what your mom did and her mom did and her momma did. I know you grew up in the South where your neighbors business served as the 5 o'clock news. Or in boring privileged circles where Gossip proved to be small talk & idle chatter. I get that it’s easier to look at what someone else is doing wrong rather than to examine your own shit but trust me gossiping is NOT the way to go.
It's a Big time waster not to mention it puts you in a low vibration of energy. Now some of you may say: “what if the person is driving you crazy but you don't want to hurt their feelings?” Well to that I say:
“either build up the courage to say what's on your heart in a compassionate way OR set up the necessary boundaries and they will have to comply regardless.”
We often get so upset by how people “mistreat” us when in reality we are the ones who attracted and allowed the mistreatment. Something within us is attracted to the drama, the abuse, the neglect, the narcissistic behaviors so we allow them to continue and we let other people deprive us of our joy and steal our power without them even knowing it.
Again this goes back to assuming responsibility for your own life! People are people and there will always be another person on the planet that you may not mesh with or that might annoy you. Nevertheless, gossiping is never the answer. Not to mention it always comes back to bite you in the ass.
“Therefore, if you don't have anything nice to say go read a book…...!”
B. (Be Impeccable with your words)
I hate to do this to yall but hey it's 2021…. Were leveling up people! And if you really want to uplevel your life this year I suggest you also start monitoring your language. I'm not saying you gotta stop cursing. What I am saying is that you should learn to be impeccable with your words sorta like Don Miguel Ruiz. If you're not familiar with Ruiz he wrote a phenomenal book called the 4 agreements that shifted the nation's consciousness. In his chapter, be impeccable with your words, he discusses the power of language and how our thoughts and words in turn create our life. Meaning, that if you want to have a stellar life you must cultivate your use of language. As in speaking power over yourself and others, claiming victory instead of defeat, and using words that lift your vibration. We all know those word dumpers that are so negative that the second you have a conversation with them you have to go mediate or take a nap.
I get it…we can all be a negative Nancy from time to time….
but NO ONE likes a Negative Nancy, Pessimistic Patty, Angry Al, Projecting Patrick, Judgmental Jacob, Narcissistic Nathan, Burdensome Betty, Gossiping Gertrude, Miserable Mildred, Stressful Sally, Complaining Cam, or Malicious Matt.
So if you wanna keep your friends or gain any new relationships in this lifetime I suggest you start looking at the ways in which you use language.
Take a few days to just observe how you speak to yourself… how you speak to others…
What is the intention behind the words you say?
And is that intention being felt by you or the people you love?
If not then it's time you tried something new…..
They say that out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks so if your words are not filled with love you might want to start examining how you can more adequately “love on yourself” and your community. And remember you're not a bad person you're just expanding, evolving, and gaining new wisdom. So be patient with yourself…. You are doing just fine. Continue to take it one day at a time. Moment by moment if you have to. Remember Rome wasn't built in a day so your transformation won't be instantaneous but the fact that you are working and willing to change is what will make all the difference. The universe always applauds genuine effort!
4. Love Yourself. Forgive Yourself. Be Yourself.
Last but certainly not least: LOVE YOURSELF , FORGIVE YOURSELF, AND BE YOURSELF!
This is one of my newest mantras! It literally came to me one day as I was lounging my life away in Mexico (The Best Ideas come when you're in a state of relaxation). I happened to be in the pool sipping Pina Coladas with my friends and I felt so at peace and so much bliss that the words just came to me. “Love yourself, Forgive yourself, and Be yourself,” just stumbled off my tongue. And in that moment I knew I had found my new mantra. Now I keep these words on rotation to remind me that I don't have to take life or myself so seriously…. That I can leave the past in the past and enjoy the present for the glorious event that it is.
I can let myself BE HERE on this magnificent planet and explore and grow and figure out life as I go. I have endless grace for myself so I have endless grace for others.
I pour love into myself more and more each day so that I can more adequately love my family, my friends, my community, and consequently the world!
I suggest you let go of all of the drama and Khlafama of last year and make the conscious decision to choose peace over chaos in 2021. Put these tools into action and I promise you won’t regret it!
I can’t wait to see how each of you levels up this year!
Sending you light & Love my Favesss! Happy New Year!
Why Mexico is the Perfect Place to Visit Post Quarantine!
You've been imprisoned with your annoying relatives, crazy roommates, and aggravating zooming co-workers for months now. You're thinking “I want to be healthy and cautious but I HAVE to get out of here before I kill someone!” No worries…. I'm here to help you out! My name is Brandon Nicholas Baker but you can call me Sir Brandon Nicholas and I will be your personal travel guide. I LOVE TO TRAVEL! In fact, I consider myself an adventure aficionado. I have been circling the globe embarking on solo and group travel adventures since 2015; so I have a very unique perspective when it comes to travel. And if you've ever been bitten by the travel bug you know that even during a pandemic sitting still is not a realistic possibility for you. You get antsy just thinking about staying in one location for too long. You hate having your freedom cut off. But with the world opening back up and restrictions lifting in various countries its time for you to get out there and do what you love… as long as you're safe about it.
I am not naïve. I understand that disease and danger is real. I understand you're hesitant but in my experience if you do it the right way… travel can sometimes be safer than staying at home.
Last month my best friend, Salma, asked me to accompany her on a trip to Cancun. Surprisingly, it was my first time in Mexico. And Im not gonna lie I was a bit nervous. I have never been to South America and the thought of visiting at this point in time was a little scary. However, I knew I didn’t want to pass up the opportunity to travel with my best friend to her home country. So I did tons of research and found that Mexico’s COVID numbers have dropped tremendously since the summer. Not to mention as a nation they are taking every precaution to ensure the health of their citizens and foreign travelers. (Be sure to do your research before you go ANYWHERE!) The low COVID-19 numbers really put my heart at ease so I booked a flight and went on a shopping spree for the perfect speedo!
I flew from JFK in New York and the airport was totally empty! I arrived at the airport an hour before departure and had ample time to spare before lift off. WHICH IS UNHEARD OF FOR AN INTERNATIONAL FLIGHT! I literally got through security in less than 10 minutes. And it only took that long because security took 5 minutes to throw away MY ENTIRE SKINCARE ARSENAL! Once I arrived at my gate I was greeted by a kindly Delta Flight Attendant who handed me clorox wipes to further disinfect my seat. Delta is very particular when it comes to social distancing so absolutely no one is allowed to occupy a middle seat (which I greatly appreciated). The cabin attendants provided each customer with a complimentary snack pack enclosed in a large sandwich bag like package. Even the wine was packaged in a tiny shot glass. The flight attendants wore gloves and instead of pouring our drinks handed us all disposable cups. Wearing masks throughout the duration of the flight was required for everyone boarding. Being an avid flier, I have been on my fair share of good and bad flights and I have to say that this was one of the best flights I have ever taken. In fact, I even had a first class seat due to the various free seats on board. *I PROMISE THIS IS NOT A SPONSORED POST, I JUST REALLY LOVE FLYING WITH DELTA!*
Once, I landed in Cancun I was greeted by a driver from our resort, Ocean Coral & Turquesa http://www.oceancoralturquesa.com . The driver of course wore a mask. He was super nice and accommodating--he carried my bags for me and offered me a selection of complimentary beverages that he had chilling in a cooler. He didn't speak much english but he was a great conversationalist. (If you don't speak Spanish do not worry the majority of resort staff is bilingual). I had the large resort van all to myself so I decided to take a tiny nap in the back. Upon arrival, I was instructed to check in at the front desk. The staff was incredibly kind and welcoming! They checked me in within minutes! Everyone from the janitors to the managers were wearing masks, even if the guests weren't. Due to the open concept plan of the resort, masks are not required for guests but you are more than welcome to wear them if you'd like. Throughout my stay at the Turquesa I didn't see many guests with masks on nor did I wear one myself. But like I said before Covid is real so I suggest you do what feels most comfortable for you. The resorts in Mexico are very accommodating so if you want to stay somewhere with stricter health guidelines there are plenty of options available. I had a wonderful and safe experience but I know that may not be the case for everyone. (And I was blessed to return to the states healthy and Covid free)
Thankfully, the Turquesa took great care of me and my friends. The food was divine! I gorged myself on endless room service, dined at a few buffets, and tried out practically every restaurant on the facility. The fresh fruit, succulent steaks, and decadent desserts were my kryptonite and the main cause of every food baby! During each meal we were provided with pre-packaged utensils and disposable paper place settings. The chefs all wore masks, chefs hats, and gloves. Each waiter, waitress, and indoor bartender wore a mask and gloves as well. Poolside bartenders were only required to wear gloves due to the open spaces and humidity. However, most of the poolside bartenders took it upon themselves to wear a mask. The maids were cautious as well, wearing their masks & gloves and visiting only when the guests were out.
If you're reluctant to be surrounded by people so soon you will find it comforting to know that there are 3-4 pools on the resort. AND THEY ARE HUMONGOUS! So if you don't want to be around other humans you definitely don't have to be. There is a massive adult pool where children are not allowed. Servers circulate the pool practically every 15 minutes taking orders so guests can avoid jumping in line at a crowded bar. Each server wore a mask, gloves, and those see through face coverings. The adult pool is very secluded so If you are hoping to relax in solitude you most certainly can. However, if you are looking to get “yo party on” and socialize there are smaller pools and restaurants where staff members host aquatic exercise sessions, dance competitions, and cool giveaways. In fact, I was entered into a contest for “The Sexiest Man on the Resort” and won! If you like pool party vibes you will LOVE Cancun. The people are so warm and inviting. (and they know how to turn up!) Not to mention they genuinely love to celebrate people! I cant even lie, being in Cancun made me feel like a local celebrity.
Now If the spotlight isn't your thing- Mexico also has some extraordinary private beaches. I spent a lot of time on the beach and every time I would stroll down to the shore I would find no more than 10 people occupying it. You were lucky if 10 people were even in the water. So if you want a secret get away and an amazing tan the ocean is going to be your hang out spot. And if by some odd chance you don't like water you can take a private van into downtown Cancun to check out the restaurants, clubs, and even explore other resorts.
Mexico has something for everyone and for every type of traveler. Of course traveling post quarantine is going to be a bit of an adjustment but if you're flexible, safe, and down for a good time you will come to find that adventure is still accessible. You don't have to stop living… you just have to be aware. (Which if you were traveling pre-covid you should have been doing anyways)!
BASICALLY… book your trip now and Thank me later! A Mexican vacation may be everything you need and more!
The Start of Something New!
This feels likes a dream! For all I know it might be! Because never in my 26 years of life have I allotted this much space for myself in the world. Never have I been so deliberately determined to live full out. For a few years now I have operated my small sector of the “influencer” space. I have collaborated with phenomenal brands. I have traveled the world (Solo mostly). Ive made tons of worthwhile connections. Yet, in all of this so called “dream living” that I was doing I never pushed myself to put my all into my personal brand. I did just enough. And the bare minimum worked for me. You see when you live a big life like myself and you possess great potential & wit people can mistake your 50% effort for their 150%. Audience members and friends see you succeeding and make a “hard worker” out of you. Automatically, the “Hardworking man” label is stapled on your forehead. Now instead of being an average hustler you’re considered a ball busting super hero.
I was born with charisma so the role: super hero fit me well but the hard working bit not so much. For most of my life I was that hardworking guy but I reached a point (post grad) a few years ago where I realized that life was about so much more than achieving the next goal. I got fed up with the chase. And who wouldn’t be…. I had done school my whole life, 4.5 years of college, and studied abroad. In undergrad I served as a President, Vice President, social media director, and at large senator. I went greek. I made way too many friends! And I graduated. I did what was expected of me… and by the time I was able to sit down I realized I was BURNT OUT! BURNT OUT AT 22?!? Yes! There is such a thing and I was it!
Life was just beginning for me and I was already slowing down. I was the real life Benjamin Button. As exhausted as I had become I was adamant about one thing. I was going to be a BIG SUCCESS! People were going to notice me…. and if they didn’t I was going to make them take notice. So I did the logical thing…I started applying for jobs. I wanted a corporate marketing position and I was going to get a corporate gig if it killed me! However, my life took an unexpected turn. I submitted application after application but the corporate world eluded me. I couldn’t understand. They wanted experience. I didn’t have any. Needless to say, the search for belonging and purpose seemed grim.That was until social media content creating fell into my lap!
Making considerable money on Instagram was a fairly new concept in 2017 but I had been following the big league bloggers and influencers since 2012; so when I got my first brand email from Godiva I knew what I was getting into. I knew the hard work and dedication it would require and I was ready for it… or so I thought. What I figured out fast and what they don’t tell you on the youtube videos though is just how difficult it is maintain a brand with a team of ONE! I often felt like and still do feel like a one man corporation. I am responsible for client outreach (brand proposals), administrative duties like scheduling and organizing. Im the CEO, Director of marketing, Social media manager, personal shopper/stylist, data analyst, copywriter, creative director, personal photographer & videographer. The list goes on and on….
Don’t get me wrong I happen to love every bit of my job. However, it can be extremely difficult to focus when you’re juggling 17 plates at a time and trying to look “fashionable” in the process (for years my to do lists looked like something out of the Old Testament). Focusing was hard. I was moving in every direction but forward. I didn’t realize though that clarity wasn’t going to surface until I stopped moving. Ive recently learned that clarity is next to Godliness! I not only needed to focus but I NEEDED TO BECOME CLEAR ABOUT WHAT MY INTENTION IS AND WAS WITH THIS PLATFORM! So I sat down. I stopped working with brands for a little bit to clear up my schedule and make room for whatever creative ideas were to spill out of me. I sat in the stillness. And the Stillness saved me. Breathing and finding focus led to clarity and clarity led to a new direction. My intentions are crystal clear now. I intend to play full out in the world and to hopefully inspire the next person to enjoy the journey and focus less on the end goal. My life has been consumed with looking forward to the future but this website and this space will serve as an escape from the pressures of the world. Here we shall be so fully present… so full of joy… so terribly authentic that we inspire each other to shine even brighter than before.
My space….this space…. Is for the creator who was afraid they couldn’t have everything they dreamed of and more. This space is yours, mine, and ours. May we endeavor to create magic here. May this space surprise and delight you. WE ARE FINALLY CLAIMING WHAT BELONGS TO US! WE ARE CREATING OUR OWN SPACE IN THE WORLD! THIS IS THE START OF SOMETHING NEW!
And trust me we are just getting started…