Letter From The Editor ~ Authentically Amazing

I’ve spent quite a few months trying to decide on what my first letter of the year would be. I wrote one that I thought was befitting, but I decided to publish it later. Just as I am an emotional dresser, my letters must be authentic and true.

On this past Saturday I attended the first champagne tea at TASCHEN for My Forward Life (MFL). MFL is a global community created for professional women on their journey to becoming fun, fearless and fabulous. It is a collection of experiences, ideas, education and events designed to equip women with the tools needed to be the best versions of themselves, both personally and professionally. Not only is MFL’s mission in line with that of TJC (fun, fearless and fabulous), the brilliant creator, Jasmin Brand, happens to be a close friend.

The MFL tea was held at the beautiful Joule hotel in downtown Dallas inside the TASCHEN library. The tables were adorned with dainty colorful china. We were surrounded by mid-century mosaics and the cozy backdrop of the TASCHEN Library provided an ideal setting for afternoon tea. I couldn’t keep my eyes off the books of fashion such as Valentino, The Colors of Fashion 2015 and the colorful Pucci book collection. Next to the china and glass of champagne was a beautiful blank card which sparked all of our curiosity, but no one dared to ask, “What’s with the blank card?”

Although the champagne tea was a tool to get a group of fabulous women together for fun, the ultimate purpose was empowerment. As cliche as it may seem, getting a group of powerful, smart, energetic and uniquely different women under one tent can truly cause a creative, inspiring and strengthening explosion. As each of us spoke briefly about our dreams and visions for 2015, I couldn’t help but notice how the other’s eyes gleamed with hope and anticipation for the speaker. As each woman sat down, I silently prayed for her strength in the process. I know first hand how hard it is to hold on to your dreams. I spent most of my time encouraging the ladies in my group to fight past the failure. Because the truth is, a true dream chaser will face a failure or two before the dream lives.

I commend Jasmin Brand for the MFL dream. I left the tea not only with a beautiful MFL tee and other goodies, but I left with a sense of empowerment, a greater appreciation for women in business and a few new friends. At the close of the tea Jasmin asked us to open those beautiful blank cards and write a note to the person sitting next to us. My note came from Suzanne Branch, President of LuM Lighting Design Consulting. Her kind words were heart felt and I cried as I read the card. I value her words so much that I have placed the card on my desk and every time I forget my light, I will read her words. There is power in the love and sincerity of a stranger. This month I not only want to continue in my quest to live a fearless life, but I also want to continue making a difference in the lives of others.

(LtoR) Suzanne Branch, Jennifer Vasquez, Neki Bosh, Marchalla Simon, Laci McKinney, Lauren Farruya, Jenny Anchondo, Marisol Beltran, Maureen Locus, Carissa Loren, Jasmin Brand, Akilah Wallace, Azure Saunders-Dillon, Paulomi Patel

Most consider February a month for lovers. I consider it a month for love. So this month, I vow to spread more love and encouragement. I vow to live an authentically amazing life every single day. I challenge you guys to do the same. ~ xxxooo

Neki Bosh