Pressing towards the Mark; Close & Personal pt. 1

So, I`ve been on this pursuit of happiness. Trying to find that comfortable balance between my personal life and my business life. Something that I`ve found to take time, patience, and above all God`s unchanging hand. It`s always funny when you see how much better life can run when you keep God involved. A realization I`ve come to many of times after I try to do things my way. However, after you are proven wrong so many times you finally just come to a point where you give in, and surrender. I`ve waved my white flag - and am trying things differently this final time around.

Personal Life: 'If you don`t take care of yourself, what good are you to anyone else?'

     When it comes to the end of time, all you have is yourself. The decisions you make determine the life you will live. Ultimately, you have to know how to manage your life. A statement that may seem so simple - but in reality it`s not. You are the ruler of your own mind so you must know how to control it. Otherwise, your mind will be the ruler over you.
     Taking control of my life is the most liberating thing I have ever done. So many times I`ve found myself letting others influence me, which led to wrong decisions being made. You can say it set me back, but there were lessons to be learned indefinitely. I have been taking time out to see that life is all about your perspective. When bad situations come I no longer dwell on the fact that it`s something bad, but instead I try to look at what is the good from it? Which has helped me be able to deal with things that have been happening in my life.

Business Life: 'If you want something of great value, you have to invest time to get it"

     Nothing will come easy in the world of business. Whether if it means that you have to spend years in school accumulating the education you need to fulfill the position, spending endless nights working on projects, or dealing with unbearable people. It all comes with the territory. You have to know your purpose, be ready to put up a fight (if need be), and be willing to put in time.
     Beautiifash & Co - is my business. Ever since July of 2010 this has been my full time hustle. A business that has been running for almost 3 years now. But, when it came time for me to figure out what my next path was going to be, the only clear answer was that I start putting time into my future. The way I seen it situations panned out the way they did because it was already preordained to happen. Things are working out awesome! I`ve been able to reach more people, linking up with other great networks, and sending out a message that is truly touching people.
     I`ve had more people telling me how they`ve been keeping up with my blog (me not even knowing) and how what I have said, or what I am doing is awesome and inspiring to them; or that they have gotten a word that is helping them. To hear that, is such a blessing. My business is my life, and to know that my vision, my words, and my work are making a difference in peoples lives makes all the 'time' I put into this company worth it!



Image ; Je`Torr Original piece worn by me

"United Virtuoso Presents; Where is Hip-Hop -- Cypher Competition VOL. 2"

When you think of Hip-Hop most times you think of the

main stream artists. But before they became the artists that we know with the money, the cars, and the fame they all started at the bottom. Where they had to put in extended amounts of hard work, endless hours, and probably had to sacrifice things just to get to the dream of 'making it'. Before it all they were looking for exposure, looking for that next possible fan, looking for that one moment that would change their life. February 12th, 2011 MC's came out to The Alexandria in Downtown Los Angeles to get that recognition.

The event was hosted by none other then Mr JOJOISKINGSWAG aka JoJo (some may know him as Justin`s best friend from BET's Baldwin Hills). The Judges of the competition consisted of VOL 1 cypher competition winner Buggsy Capri, Audio Push, Kentmoney & B.Carr of Surf Club as well as some other rising artists and known names within the industry. The competition was one that you had an idea of who was going to be out, and who it was going to come down to. When it was all said and done there could only be one winner; and it came down to a 3 round battle between "A-Dog & Verbs". When it came to the last few bars before the judges had to crown the newest winner the choice was clear - A-Dog came out victorious. His flow was dope, his punch lines were on, and he had energy behind what he said that made you that made you say 'OOOOOOOH'. Personally I thought he had it after the second round, but when he was done with his third round it was definitely clear as to why he was dubbed the winner. 

Judges Circle

The Host ; JOJO

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The event was put on by United Virtuoso, KS Consulting, and Lasia Lynnai. United Virtuoso is a management company that manage artists, book shows, and photo shoots amongst other categories. KS Consulting is a Fashion Consulting company that helps with branding, marketing, and image consulting for all things fashion. Lastly, Lasia Lynnai is an artists who is managed under United Virtuoso.

The event not only consisted of the Cypher Competition, but it was also a forum for other talents to come together and network. There were also other designers who came out and set up as featured vendors. Lucratif Clothing, 1TWO Clothing, Snap Back Shack, and BLOW. All of which are doing awesome things with their companies. I had the pleasure of speaking with all but one of the companies, and plan to get some personal features of each company.

The over all event was great and an experience that couldn`t be missed. With guest Performaces by Sophia Fresh, Jay Are Kay Dance Krew, TIU, and Buggsy Capri. The energy the whole night was nothing but positivity and support for all forms of creativity. This being a monthy event that is held, I recommend everyone to come out to the next one and get in on history.

FOR MORE PICTURES FROM THE EVENT VISIT (( HTTP://BEAUTIIFASH.TUMBLR.COM ))

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THE TEAM;

Jeantel ; myself (Fashion Designer/Blogger/E-magazine/Beautiifash & Co Business owner) @Beautii_FASH

Brandon ; (Photographer/E-magazine/Designer) @AzuritaV3

Gina ; (Music|Fashion PR, radio Personality)

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My Letter to Mr Valentine

Dear Mr. Valentine,



February 14th is a day when u bring out the true emotions of every individual that tries to mask it the other 364 days of the year. This is a day when you can see those who truly aren’t happy being alone, and depend on someone to bring them happiness. You deceive them to believe that- in order to have special things done for them, and let alone to feel loved they need ‘someone’ to have it.

 I don’t find myself to be one of your victims this year. I have served time in that prison many years past - but not this one. I’ve come to realize that before someone else can make me happy, I have to know what makes me happy. I’ve found that putting all my hopes in any individual to give me an emotion that I can get ahold of myself- is a waste of time.

 Mr Valentine … God is my happiness. No man can ever give me the happiness he gives me. I always know I can trust him, that he knows what’s best for me, and will never do anything to hurt me or steer me wrong. I’ve come to realize Mr. Valentine that in this time of my life, this season - I am growing to find love. Not just for myself but for him. I’ve spent so much time trying to find love with a man, that I forgot about finding love with him. A love incomparable to that of a man. In this time and in this season I am looking for a different kind of love. I don’t want a man to love me just enough to get what he wants, I want a man who will fall in love with me without measure. That’s something I can’t rush and I’ve learned that now. So in this time and in this season I’m learning to love God so that one day when its truly meant to be, a man will come along and fall in love with me.

 So I didn’t succumb to you today Mr. Valentine I was happy on this day. Because I have a heavenly father who loves me, my natural father who loves me, mother, brother, family, friends, and most importantly me. This girl isn’t lonely nor sad - so I’ll be taking my happiness back!

53rd Annual Grammy Awards - Worst Dressed

I have no words - I just want to get to the photos.

So she`s pregnant - and this is what she decided to wear. I`m sorry - but this was a major miss. There have been many occurrences of pregnant celebs on the red carpet. There are definitely a list of things to wear and not to wear. This was a major situation of what NOT to wear. It`s not flattering, or appealing to the eye. The design of the dress alone didn`t even make the cut. Maybe next time the person behind this look should do some homework.

So I love the bra top. I felt that was the only part of the gown that I enjoyed, the rest of it was a train crash. I understand the artistry of things that celebs try to portray sometimes. On the other hand, I feel like this wasn`t the time to be experimental with that. Even so, this wasn`t a very good choice to do it with on top of that. If this look would have been executed a lot better, this could have been a flawless look. Better luck next time.

I just don`t know about this. I think this is more of an MTV awards kind of look. Has a hint of glamour/spunk - but eeehhh I don`t know about this one for the Grammys. It was one of those looks where you had to cock your head to the side and squint your eye, and double look it. Just wasn`t right.

No Nicki, why? I always love to see what she is going to wear to different events because she is an artist of experimentation. Maybe not on the same level as Lady Gaga, but she likes to be daring. However, this look made me shake my head in disappointment. It was seriously just overdone with the Leopard. The shoes, leggings, dress, gloves, hair. It made me want to scream. Flop!

I seriously want to talk to the person who styled this woman. There is such a thing as confidence, but there is such a thing as knowing what your body type can and cannot wear. This my friends is an example of the importance of knowing this critical rule of thumb. This was a major fail to me, on so many levels that I don`t even know where to begin. So I won`t. I advise for her to get a new stylist or have a major talk with him/her.

53rd Annual Grammy Awards - Best Dressed

When celebrities get ready for any kind of award show (let alone any kind of public appearance), most times they have a team behind what you see on the red carpet. I find it very rare to know any celebrity that may go out on their own and pick out what they want to wear to such an event as an award show. However, I`m sure there are some who do it. When it came to this years hit and miss list I enjoyed a few looks, but I didnt like a lot more looks then what I liked. Kind of disappointing. To start things off, we are going to go on a good note.

Jennifer Hudson ; Versace

Ever since her recent weight loss, I am with out words of her transformation. She is absolutely breath taking, not anymore then what she was before. However, you must say she is doing it, and you can tell by the glow of confidence she radiates now. This red carpet was owned by her and this beautiful Versace dress to show off her new shape. I give two thumbs up for the look, hair make-up and all.

Heidi Klum ; Julien MacDonald

Now if any of you seen the Golden Globes you seen that Miss Klum missed it majorly! I was nervous to see what she was going to come out in, and was hoping she was going to redeem herself. As I seen her dress I was ecstatic! She looked great, and the dress was just right. It showed off her great shape (after having 4 kids), and showed off just enough. Showing a little back never fails to amaze the cameras, and always gives that extra punch. Loved it!

  

     

Jennifer Lopez ; Emilio Pucci

Can I have this look right away?! She was definitely one of the best dressed and hit it out of the park with this one. It was Simply Stunning. Although, it was a simple short mini dress the fabrication that the designer chose for it was amazing- let alone brilliant. With a look like this she definitely had the legs to complete the look, and make any woman jealous. Gotta have it!

Do you know my company ... Beautiifash & Co ?

I am Jeantel Torrence owner of Beautiifash & Co. I hail from Rancho Cucamonga California, and am an alumni graduate from The Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising (FIDM). Even though I only twenty-three, I am on a mission to change the fashion world greatly. My company holds heavy influences of positivity, creativity, and a vision to make a difference not only through my product, but through my company - my brand. Some may only know my company for its products, but what many don`t know is that I want my brand to extend past just that. As I try to strive and live my life right, I know that my talent supersedes just to be a benefit to myself, but that it is for the people I am trying to touch. I believe strongly that if I can use my brand to spread positivity, hope, and love that great results will follow.







“I don`t do this for me, I do this for that little girl – that little boy who is like me. Just trying to be accepted, just trying to be successful, and just trying to make a positive influence. I grew up being made fun of because of my originality and I want to encourage those who are going through the same. You can do it if you trust in God, embrace your individuality, and always remember that what you go through is for a greater purpose. To be a light of guidance to those who are going through the same thing you went through, and made it out of. I made it – and I’m here to spread a message. If I can make some kind of difference in one person’s life I feel I’ve succeeded. However, I strive to make a difference in millions, billions, even trillions because I have a purpose. That purpose is to show people that God is the only reason I have made it to where I am, and do what I do. We all have our stories – and he has played a major role in mine. I am not ashamed to say. So I’m here – are you ready for me?”

He comes along side us ...

"He comes alongside us when we go through hard times, and before you know it, he brings us alongside someone else who is going through hard times so that we can be there for that person just as God was there for us." (2 Corinthians 1:4 *message bible*)

Often times when your on a path of greatness, there will be a lot of obstacles to over come to make it to your destination. It`s never going to be an easy road to follow. You will always have the people around you who you feel should be  avid supporters - aren`t. You will be discouraged to believe that you can make it big, and be successful. You are going to feel like you just want to give up on hard work and patience to get to success the quick way. But I believe that those things that come quick - leave quick. However, if you can persevere through adversity then the reward of your accomplishments will be that much greater. Those same dreams that seem impossible to reach - You WILL reach them. At the same time, it will be encouragement to someone else who is trying to do the same.

As of lately, i`ve found myself becoming discouraged. Situations that are going on in my life right now, is making my dream seem to fall farther and farther away from grasp. Sometimes it almost seems pointless to keep going. It`s hard when you hear so many people say "anything is possible, just follow your dreams - and you will achieve". However, it`s not until you find out how much work is required to get to those dreams that sometimes makes you fall away from those dreams. Settling for that regular 9-5 just to get a paycheck to survive. Disappearing into the crowd of billions. That`s when having your support group, and people who are striving for the same goal as you is important to have. I`ve found that the more I find people who are wanting to get to the same place as me, it keeps me going. I may be running my business alone, but that doesn`t mean I have to try and make it alone. Some of the people that I am surrounded by who have their own clothing line, business, or are just living out their dreams as we speak truly inspire me. I have told some, but not all. I watch by silently and gravitate towards their energy. Because if you`re surrounded by positivity you are bound to have positive outcomes. However, if you`re surrounded by negativity you are bound to have negative outcomes.

It`s always at the times when you feel at your lowest that you have to push through. Don`t fall into the trap and lies of those who are "hating". H.A.T.E.R.S = Having Anger Towards Everyone Reaching Success. You will have those who don`t want anything for you, but to be miserable just like them. That`s why its important to protect your blessings from those who just want to bring you down. It doesn`t include just strangers, but it`s even those who are closest to you; family & friends. The best thing you can do to the haters in encourage them in something. Most times I feel like haters have a dream, but they are lacking support, encouragement, and positivity. As we look for someone to be those things for us, we should try to be those things to someone else.






Until Next time,
Keep it Beautiful
Keep it Fashionable
xoxo