Tough times ...

"Faith gives us the understanding which leads to our break through during tough times"

Having a business can really test your strengths and weaknesses as an individual, if not bring out the best in you. There is that one moment in time that can determine the destiny of your career, good or bad. That idea sometimes scares me. Because I`ve come to realize when you put so much work into something you love, you don`t want to see it fail.

My business has been in the fore front for the past 9 months, and this is the most work i`ve ever put into it. I know that every step I take can either be great or detrimental to the growth of my company. My company failing is the last thing I want to see happen. As money draws tight, business is slowing down a bit, and things just aren`t coming as I want them to, I slowly begin to feel my hope dwindling. I`m looking at the way things are going in the natural realm and it`s looking crazy. I run my business full time, no other income- so now that things aren`t flowing they way I need them to be I start to panic. Empty pockets can make a person go crazy! Especially when you don`t like to depend on others. Things aren`t looking so good. I need other alternatives.

The dark hour is upon me. I have come to realize that this may be my point of break through. This may be that test that we all get to see what our faith level is. Being human, it is hard to come to a point to step aside and TRUST that God is going to do what he says he will do. 'Never leave you, nor forsake you'. But how can we let him prove himself as Omega, the almighty in our life if we don`t take that leap of faith. I struggle to do so, and I know this- but I don`t want that to get in the way of my prosperity. So I feel it`s that time to let God take the reigns. I am scared - but I know he knows the best for me.

They say that when things get the toughest, that`s when the best in you shows through. Because it will cause things to happen inside of you that will exude out of you. Things you didn`t know you had. But that`s why you always hear people say, 'If I hadn`t went through this I would have never known that I was capable of doing this...' It is so simple- but so true. I have come to a point where I am not going to let the enemy steer me to a path that I am not supposed to be taking. I have to keep my eye on the prize, or how else will I win? You can never get where you are going if you are letting distractions waiver you from your predestined greatness. It`s time to put my faith to work, because as the bible says, "faith without works is dead"

"Don`t let your tough time get the best of you, get the best out of the tough time"

We are crazy about Pirate Romance

The top things that all women love are clothes, shoes, make-up, and accessories (handbags, sunglasses, and jewelry) All women may not be a huge fan of everything I just stated but there is at least one item that all women go goo-goo-ga-ga over. That one item that they will go out and cash out on every season. For me it`s all the above. When you enjoy every aspect of being fashionable you can`t get enough of just one, you enjoy them all.

Of recent, I have had a craze over accessories. After becoming my mom`s secret stylist our focus has been on 'accessories' namely - jewelry. It`s always those final touches that can either make or break your outfit. I was recently introduced through a mutual friend to this super creative jewelry designer. I was told I should check out her work, so I followed the advice and fell in love! From the recent spring collection there were many statement pieces that I felt would go awesome with any kind of outfit and reach many different customers. So I felt it only right to talk with her about this outstanding line of hers.

What`s your name, and where are you from?
My name is Joi French I'm originally from Newark, NJ and Brooklyn, NY.



What is your background in design? Did you always have this passion when you were younger, did you go to school for it?
I am a self-taught designer but I have always done this since I was younger. I used to make outfits for my stuffed animals out of my mom's hosiery! My educational background is communications and PR.


What`s the one piece of jewelry you own that is like your prized possession. One that is not of your own brand.
Honestly I don't have one sad to say. My family used to buy me so much nice jewelry, fine jewelry and I would always lose it! One earring would go missing, a necklace. They and I gave up! I think that's why I make fashion jewelry versus fine.


If you could wear one piece of jewelry for the rest of your life what would it be?
Probably this simple silver lariat I made. It has a feather on the end. It's versatile like me.


Do you remember the first day you decided you wanted to create your brand? What was that day like, and how long ago was it?
I always knew I wanted my own line/brand, even when I was in corporate America. I started it officially January 5th, 2010

* EARRINGS *

 

How did you come up with the name 'Pirate Romance', is there a story behind that?
I wanted something catchy and memorable of course. It's also a nod to one of my favorite brands, Australian line, Romance Was Born.


When you design your items where do you base your inspiration from?
My inspiration comes from everything and anything virtually. I am an extremely visual person so I can see a color, a shape and want to translate that into something wearable. I am also very much inspired by pop art.



What message do you hope to bring to women through your jewelry?
My message is to essentially not to be a sheep. You can wear custom and exclusive pieces without breaking the bank or wearing what everyone else is wearing. Be bold, don't be afraid to have people look at you.


Do you plan to expand your brand past just jewelry?
Yes, I am launching menswear with tee's and crew necks that line is called Crimes Against Thugs. Also a women's dress line entitled MANNEKIN (mannequin). Both will be available in August for autumn, winter collections.



Where can people contact you (facebook, twitter, ect) , and purchase your jewelry from (online, stores, ect)
My company's twitter is www.twitter.com/inpiratewetrust and you can also like us Facebook at www.facebook.com/inpiratewetrust.
I have an online store at www.inpiratewetrust.com and you can find my pieces there and also at various retailers such as Karmaloop (online), House of Adrene (Atlanta, GA), and Number-A (Los Angeles, CA)


                RINGS                  BRACELET                  NECKLACE