Gesphania

Sweater Dress from www.shopgesphania.com

For years I dreamed of the day I would leave that 9-5. That corporate hustle working for some anonymous millionaire. I would go into somewhat of a progressive trance, envisioning my last day. How I would walk out humbly but internally would be doing back flips. Well my Rising Roses, that day has finally come. This lady right here is an official full time entrepreneur.

It has been a long time coming.

Days, months and years of waiting for the right moment to take that leap. The perfect strategy to execute. I was patient. I waited, waited some more, and became comfortable in just waiting. Until it hit me that the right moment would never come and there's no true perfect strategy. You just have to make a decision and go with it.

I started packing my desk weeks ahead.

My spirit was pulling at me and screaming "time is up Gess! The time is now!" By the time the decision was made, I didn't even need one box for my things. I just had my jacket, my purse and the huge grin I was attempting to hide as I walked out of that building. The building that I had no future in. The building many of my now former co-workers claimed as their own, using phrases like "We have made 2 billion this year". While in my head I always would rebuttal, "No THEY have made 2 billion this year".

I'm not made for the 9-5

Not that there's anything wrong with those who do love to work for a company. Companies would fail without employees. Nothing would get done. People would hate speaking to an automated system and the world would probably blow up in anger and chaos because of it. So I have much respect for the 9-5ers.

For those like me who want to march to the beat of their own drum, I encourage you to go for it. Whatever you're passionate about and want to share with the world, go make it happen. There isn't a perfect moment to seize the day. You only have one day that's yours at a time. Tomorrow may be too little too late.

What am I doing now you may ask?

• I am continuing to build my fabulous fashion website www.shopgesphania.com 
• I am officially a certified wedding consultant (your girl was low key in school) and plan to use this passionate skill to further build our Bridal Boutique Storefront and wedding decor service www.susesweddings.com
• I also will continue to let my artistic side flourish as the 2nd photographer for our Production business, QREV Production

Dear Rising Roses, have you ever played "Build-A-Man"?

In the dating game as a woman, I have observed one common mistake among many of my fellow sisters. We meet a man that we may be interested in, make the decision to date after getting to know him for a short period, immediately recognize what we like about him, and make it our mission to change what we don't like about him. This "I'm a fix him" mentality has to come to an end.

In the "fix it" relationship we start to invest. Give all of ourselves and sacrifice with the hopes that this man will become the prince charming we have been looking for with a little... or a lot of our help. We groom, invest, pay off his debts, and show him how great of a wife we are though ring-less (side eye). And sometimes all that hard work we put in starts to pay off. You see he's changing, improving, excelling... everything is seemingly great... Until it's not. Until he tells you you're not the one. Then a few months to a year later he's married off to another woman, being the great man that YOU built him to be... but for someone else. I know some of you can tell me some stories of this exact situation you or one of your girlfriends went through.

This coming new year I challenge you all to stop playing "Build-A-Man". Instead of focusing on how you can improve a potential mate, set your sights on what you can do to improve yourself. Think about it... You spend all this time completing him to your standard and when he has reached that standard and looks to you, are you even meeting the same criteria? Then you become surprised when he looks to his left and sees a woman who is complete all on her own. Your focus should be working towards being the best version of you that you can be. Your potential mate doesn't need you to complete him or vice versa. We should be complete without the need of a man's companionship and our mate should be a compliment to our completion.

I'm NOT saying you should be selfish in your relationship. Just do not consistently do for someone that they can clearly do for themselves. It will cripple you both in the long run. Instead, be each other's motivation and encouragement. Be that push for each other to get things done. Set goals and check in with each other towards the completion of those goals. Challenge each other towards progression individually and as a couple. Doing it this way you will be more so grateful for the growth instead of bitter in the case things do not work out.

And if you're in a situation where you are already in the middle of the Build-A-Man game, it's never too late to hit the "game over" button and start the Build-Each-Other version.


Love & Light Rising Roses

Jacket: www.shopgesphania.com Photo Cred: QREV Production

What is it about being sexy? That moment when everything about you is just on point and has you feeling some type of way. When a woman has that "I'm sexy" moment, her walk is different. She marches to the beat of a different drum and can't anyone tell her otherwise. Why is it important for a woman to feel sexy? In a system where society is over sexual, it is a challenge for a woman to express and explore her sexy without being labeled as promiscuous. But what is sexy really? What if I told you it's more than what meets the eye initially?

Being able to feel sexy doesn't necessarily mean flaunting your intimate areas with a front row seat audience. Sexy is also a moment of self acknowledgement. Being aware and appreciative of your natural beauty. Being conscious of the power and influence we have as women because of our sex appeal, and using that power to positively influence others. For example, naturally society tends to give more attention to attractive people than those they find less attractive. As a woman, you automatically have the attention of the opposite sex. Because you are aware that your appeal commands this attention, there is a possibility of having an impact on those that find you aesthetically pleasing. Feeling sexy exudes confidence, self esteem and a unique energy that can permeate one's surroundings.

A great way to hone into your sexy is taking time to pamper yourself. And I'm not just talking about bubble baths and spa days (though those are great too), I'm also referring to pampering your insides by eating healthy and exercising. Pampering your mind by reading books (NOT of the 50 shades variety). Pampering your spirit through prayer and meditation. Being aware of current events and what's going on in this world. It is important that your inner self compliments your fabulous outer appearance.

To be a well rounded woman that works on her being in every aspect, you will find confidence encompassing that woman. She will no longer have the desire to put forth the effort of sexiness for she is sexy and she knows it. In turn she will know how to utilize her sexy to push her agenda in all avenues.

So now that you have a better understanding, I would like you to look at the areas of your life lacking that sexy spark. Is it your physical health? Your mind? Hygiene? Physical appearance? Whatever it is, work on it, nurture it and use it to it's highest positive potential.

Love & Light Rising Roses