I started my blog in October of 2015 without a clear idea of where I wanted it all to go. All I knew was that I couldn’t wait any longer and just had to get started. I had learnt from various thought leaders that clarity comes as you do. If you wait to gain clarity first, you’ll never start. Jeff Goins’ book, ‘The Art of Work’ which had just been released the month before inspired me to take a leap of faith and begin. I had just quite my finance job that summer without a plan, except to take some time off and travel to Europe for a few months to ‘find myself’ so I could live my best life.
As things would unfold, a new career found me out there and I couldn’t be any happier. It really was true what ‘they’ always said, that if you take a leap, a parachute will open up. ‘But how does this link back to fashion’, is a question I mulled over time and again; I just didn’t know where it fit anymore in this new marketplace. I’d previously foray into fashion had been natural and organic, but now I wondered if and how I could leverage the new social media platforms to fulfill my dreams of design and fashion.
I also wondered if and how I would incorporate my newly minted Interior Decorating Diploma which I had earned a year prior. You see, all those many years ago that I engaged in fashion, I also dabbled in interior deco. I remember undertaking an interior re-decorating project with my mum for our home. We’d go shopping for hours, picking out fabrics for seat covers, throw pillows, drapes, carpet, etc. She would teach me everything there is to know about fabric, which ones were durable, which ones fade, which ones wear out easily. Mama taught me everything I know about fashion and fabrics.
A couple of months after I launched my website, I had an insightful conversation with my brother-in-law Terry when I stayed with them for a couple of weeks back home in England. He said something that now makes me realise he grasped my dreams for Grey Dynasty better than I did myself back then. We’d stay up late into the night talking and strategizing, but my mind was all foggy about which direction I wanted Grey Dynasty to take. I would tousle in the wind for another whole year before clarity dawned for me.
If you ask me today what Grey Dynasty aspires to, I can finally say it. I can spell it out down to the last letter. My vision for my brand is now fully formed. I am not an influencer. I am a fashion designer and an interior decorator. Beyond content, I aspire to create and design durable clothing items and home deco products for those that pursue beautiful living and embrace a fashionable lifestyle. My vision embodies a fashion and lifestyle brand.
My brother in-law, Terry, said back then: other influencers have to listen to what the market wants and feature what the market dictates. You, on the other hand, are influencing the market. That was December of 2015. November 1st 2017, I made this post on my Instagram account, quoting Charles Simic: “Inside my empty bottle I was constructing a lighthouse while all the others were making ships.” It was a full circle moment, for in that moment, I had finally understood.
What insights have you had on a topic or a subject that has long evaded you? Share in the comment section, won’t you? Have a lovely day -Cheers, Grey ღ
Ps: Pictures taken on my trip to Paris France July 2018
How wonderful it must feel to gain such clarity, I’m happy for you my dear. The new tiltes totally suit you and I can’t wait to see you what you create? I’m still working on mine and sorting thru the one hundred and one things I’m passionate about!
That is the hardest Tee, the myriad of ideas we’d like to pursue if time was limitless. If anyone will find their way and dominate, it’s going to be you, and what happy days those will be! Thanks for always reading and commenting xx