New Year New Memories

The First Week of the New Year Has Passed: How Are You Staying Intentional and On Track With Your Goals?

As the first week of the new year comes to a close, it’s the perfect time to pause and reflect: Are you staying intentional and aligned with the goals you set for yourself? The excitement of a fresh start can often give way to the demands of everyday life, making it easy to lose focus. But staying on track doesn’t have to feel overwhelming—it starts with creating the right environment and mindset.

Revisit Your Intentions

Take a moment to revisit the goals and intentions you set at the start of the year. Are they still resonating with you? Have new priorities surfaced? Journaling your thoughts can help you gain clarity and ensure your actions remain aligned with your long-term vision.

Create a Calm and Focused Space

Setting aside intentional time in a calming space is essential for staying focused. Your environment plays a big role in your mindset and productivity. Here are some ways to create a space that nurtures your goals:

• Light a Candle That Matches Your Intentions:

  • For Energy and Focus: Burn our ALIGN Candle, a refreshing blend of rosemary and sage, to create a clear, invigorating atmosphere perfect for planning and productivity.

  • For Relaxation and Reflection: Try our Fig Tree Candle, with its spa-like aroma, to help you unwind and recharge.

  • For Romance or Connection: Set the mood with Slate, a luxurious mix of frankincense, oud, and amber, perfect for nurturing meaningful connections.

• Smudge With Sage or Palo Santo: Clear the energy in your space to invite positivity and focus.

• Bring Your Journal: Use this time to reflect on your progress, make adjustments, or map out the next steps toward your goals.

Harness the Power of Scent to Stay Motivated

Scent is a powerful tool for grounding your intentions and boosting your mood. Associating specific fragrances with your goals can help you build new habits and create lasting memories. For example:

• When you light ALIGN, let its herbaceous blend remind you to focus and stay productive.

• When you light Fig Tree, allow its soothing aroma to transport you to a place of peace and relaxation, reminding you to prioritize self-care.

Tips to Stay Intentional All Year Long

1. Schedule Regular Check-Ins: Set aside time weekly or monthly to assess your progress and refine your goals.

2. Create a Ritual: Light your favorite candle, sip on tea, and spend a few moments reflecting or journaling.

3. Celebrate Small Wins: Acknowledge the progress you’ve made, no matter how small.

The first week of the year is just the beginning. Staying intentional is a practice that grows stronger with time. By creating a calming environment and embracing rituals that support your goals, you can stay motivated and aligned with your vision for the year ahead.

What intentions are you focusing on this year? Let us know in the comments, and explore our candle collection to find the perfect scent to inspire your journey!

Shop Our Intention-Setting Collection

Part II: How Burning Candles at Home Can Help Ease the Transition from Summer to Fall – Relaxation, Rituals, and Ambiance

In part one of this blog series, we explored how candles can create warmth and enhance your mood during the shift from summer to fall. Now, we’ll delve deeper into how candles can support relaxation, help establish comforting rituals, and boost your indoor ambiance as the days grow shorter.

Candles Support Relaxation and Better Sleep

As daylight decreases in fall, our bodies naturally crave more rest. The earlier sunsets and cooler nights invite us to slow down and spend more time indoors. Burning candles in the evening can be an excellent way to support this shift, helping you relax and wind down before bed.

Scented candles with calming fragrances like chamomile or eucalyptus can help prepare your mind and body for a restful night of sleep. Creating a candle-lit evening ritual can ease you into a more relaxed state, reducing stress after a long day. Whether it’s a hot bath by candlelight or simply enjoying a quiet moment before bed, these small practices can make the seasonal transition feel more peaceful and restorative.

Creating Rituals with Candles

The changing seasons provide a natural opportunity to develop new routines or rituals that support your well-being. Lighting a candle can become a mindful practice that signals the start or end of your day. Our Affirmation Crystal Candles are a great option.

For example, lighting a candle in the morning during meditation or journaling can set a positive tone for the day. Similarly, burning a candle during your evening routine can help you slow down and reflect on the day. These rituals add stability and comfort as you transition into a slower-paced season.

Using candles as part of your daily routine doesn’t have to be elaborate. Even the simple act of lighting a candle while reading or having a meal can create a moment of mindfulness and calm, which is especially beneficial during the often-busy transition from summer to fall.

Boosting Indoor Ambiance as Days Get Shorter

As the days grow shorter and darkness arrives earlier, it’s easy to feel the absence of summer’s bright, long days. Candles are an ideal way to brighten your space and create a cozy ambiance as you adapt to the season. The gentle light from candles softens your home’s atmosphere, making it feel more inviting and warm.

Position candles around your home to create pockets of light and warmth in every room. Whether you place them on your coffee table, mantle, or even in the bathroom, the soft glow adds a comforting energy that can help you embrace fall’s earlier nights. Opt for candles in autumn-inspired colors like deep oranges, reds, and golds to fully immerse yourself in the season.

A Final Thought

The transition from summer to fall brings with it changes in mood, energy, and environment, but burning candles can help you navigate these shifts with ease. From creating warmth and comfort to establishing calming rituals and enhancing your indoor ambiance, candles provide a simple yet effective way to embrace the beauty of fall. So, stock up on your favorite scents, light a candle, and enjoy the peaceful glow that comes with this cozy season.

Part 1: How Burning Candles at Home Can Help Ease the Transition from Summer to Fall – Creating Warmth and Comfort

Part 1: How Burning Candles at Home Can Help Ease the Transition from Summer to Fall – Creating Warmth and Comfort

As summer fades and the crisp air of fall settles in, it's natural to feel a mix of emotions. The brightness and energy of summer are replaced with the coziness and tranquility of fall, and adapting to this shift can be challenging for some. However, one simple way to make this seasonal transition smoother is by incorporating candles into your home. In this two-part blog post, we’ll explore how burning candles can help you create warmth, elevate your mood, and embrace the beauty of autumn.

Candles Create Warmth and Comfort

Fall is all about creating a cozy environment. As temperatures drop, nothing sets a warm, inviting atmosphere like a candle. The soft glow of a candle can make any space feel more intimate and peaceful. Combine that with warm inviting scents like our Slate, Gray, Poet or Harvest candle and you’ll have a home that radiates warmth and comfort.

The flickering of the flame naturally draws our attention, encouraging us to slow down and relax. Whether you’re reading a book, catching up on your favorite show, or enjoying a quiet moment with your favorite cocktail/mocktail, candles help create a space where you can unwind and embrace the slower pace of fall.

Scented Candles Enhance Your Mood

The power of scent cannot be underestimated, especially when it comes to influencing your mood. Fall often brings a sense of nostalgia, as we transition away from the high-energy activities of summer into a more reflective and introspective season. Choosing the right scented candles can help support this emotional shift.

Opt for calming scents such as lavender, sandalwood, frankincense or amber. These fragrances can reduce anxiety and help you adapt to the new season with a calm and peaceful mindset. For a more invigorating scent, try something citrusy like bergamot to boost your mood as you adjust to shorter days. By using scent to positively impact your emotions, you’ll find it easier to navigate the transition from summer to fall.

Bringing Nature Indoors

One of the best ways to embrace the change in seasons is by reconnecting with nature. As the leaves start to change colors and the air takes on a crisp feel, burning candles with woodsy or earthy scents like cedarwood, pine, or oakmoss can evoke the feeling of a walk in the forest, even while you're indoors.

By choosing candles that mimic the smells of the outdoors, you can bring the essence of fall into your home. This simple connection to nature can help you feel more grounded and in tune with the seasonal changes. Even if you’re spending more time indoors as the weather cools, the natural aromas can help you appreciate the beauty of fall from the comfort of your living space.

If you or someone you know suffers from seasonal depression/SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) it is important to seek help from a mental health professional.

5 Signs It was Time to Close

In August of 2024, I made the difficult decision to close my brick-and-mortar storefront after four and a half years of business. While this was not an easy choice, reflecting on the past 6-12 months revealed several key factors that influenced my decision to pivot. Sometimes, recognizing when it’s time to shift gears is essential for long-term success. Here are five signs that helped me realize it was time for a change:

1. Declining or Stagnant Revenue

Despite efforts to boost sales, my revenue had plateaued, and in some months, it even declined. When consistent sales growth becomes a challenge, it’s a clear indication that the current business model may no longer be viable. Even with increased marketing efforts and promotions, the return wasn’t significant enough to justify maintaining the physical storefront.

2. Decline and Closure of Neighboring Business's

The decline and eventual closure of other businesses around me had a significant impact on foot traffic. As nearby stores shuttered, the once-bustling area began to feel empty, leading to fewer customers walking through my doors. With less complementary business activity in the vicinity, it became harder to attract new visitors to the area.

3. Market Shifts

The retail landscape had changed, particularly post COVID, customers were at home less which was influencing shopping habits. Consumer behavior was increasingly leaning towards convenience, with many preferring online shopping options. Staying competitive in this shifting market would have required a significant pivot.

4. Location Challenges

The physical location of the storefront began to present more challenges than opportunities. Whether due to foot traffic patterns, accessibility, or local competition, the location no longer aligned with my target audience. In an increasingly digital world, being tied to a specific geographic location limited growth potential and made it harder to adapt to changing customer preferences.

5. Difficulty Reaching New Customers

Another indicator was the difficulty in attracting new customers. While I had a strong base of loyal, repeat customers, the marketing efforts to reach new audiences weren’t as successful as hoped. Over-reliance on repeat business without new customer growth can signal that your business model needs an overhaul.

In recognizing these signs, I realized that my business model, while successful for a period, was no longer sustainable in its current form. Closing the storefront has given me the space and clarity to explore new opportunities and ways to better serve my customers in a changing market. If you recently closed a brick and mortar or considering opening one comment below!

The ISSA Scent Exploration and Release Party

Scented Tribute: Crafting a Candle Inspired by Issa Rae's Prosecco VIARAE

Hey there, scent enthusiasts! If you're anything like me, you were buzzing with excitement when you heard about Issa Rae's venture into the world of Prosecco. As a fan of her diverse talents and dynamic personality, I couldn't wait to get my hands on a bottle. But it wasn't just the taste that got me inspired—it was the entire experience.

After indulging in Issa's Prosecco and savoring every sip, I knew I had to capture its essence in a scent. So, armed with passion and creativity, I set out on a journey to create a candle that would evoke the same feelings of joy and celebration that I experienced with each glass.

It took me just over a week to perfect the scent, experimenting with different combinations until I found the perfect balance. In the end, I created three variations, but it was the one that garnered the best reactions from both store visitors and guests at my home event that stole the show.

Fast forward to the moment I learned that Issa Rae herself was coming to Cincinnati to launch Viarae at Kroger—I saw it as my chance to pay homage to her and her incredible accomplishments. From her work in film to her ventures into coffee and hair care, Issa embodies the spirit of a true black woman. And let's not forget her flawless skin—seriously, it's #skingoals.

Finally, on April 13th, I gathered a few close friends and family to unveil my newest creation. The atmosphere was everything, it felt so good to be around my people. Releasing a new candle scent is much like releasing a new single to the radio. Of course, no event is complete without a killer playlist, which you can check out here

The reactions were everything I hoped for and more, with everyone raving about the scent and its connection to Issa Rae's Prosecco. It was a moment of pure joy and creativity, shared with the people I love most.

Creating this candle was more than just a creative project—it was a tribute to a woman who continues to inspire me with her talent, grace, and unwavering authenticity. So here's to you, Issa Rae, and to the power of scent to evoke memories, emotions, and celebrations. Cheers!

District 78 Candle Shoot

Recently we did a photoshoot for District 78. I wanted to capture the essence of how candles add to the moment. Candles help us create new memories and set the mood. This shoot was the first of a series where my goal will be to highlight the moment with a variety of people that have impacted my brand and life so far.

I personally curated the mood to reflect the feelings that i get when I’m able to celebrate with family and friends. Thank you to everyone involved that dedicated a portion of their day to make this happen. My goal was to use vintage, family heirloom and a collection on African American decor that represent the brand and the inspiration behind many of my fragrances.

All photos shot by Christina owner of 33 West Studio. Makeup by Brittany with the Brushes. My hair was done by HAIRKITCHEN

Who doesn't love pizza!

After a long day of shooting who doesn’t want pizza, featuring a Cincinnati legend LaRosa’s

Game time with friends

Vintage arcade game x friends always makes for a good time!

Ron

Ron always understands the assignment. Dressed in vintage trousers and vintage button up shirt. Its the ankles for me.

Game On

Uno! But make it black, featuring cards by Nina Chanel one of my favorite artist.

Take care of your candle

I get a lot of questions around candle care. Taking care of your candle is important to ensure that it burns evenly and safely. Here are some tips for taking care of your candle:

1. Trim the wick: Before lighting your candle, trim the wick to about 1/4 inch to prevent smoking and to promote an even burn.

2. Keep it clean: Resit the urge to put ashes or other debris inside of your candle. Make sure the wax pool is free of debris like wick trimmings, matches, or any other material that might catch fire. This allows the wicks and wax to burn cleaner.

3. Burn it properly: Always burn your candle on a heat-resistant surface, away from drafts, and out of reach of pets and children. Don't burn your candle for more than 4 hours at a time.

4. Store it properly: Store your candle in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight.

5. Extinguish it safely: Always use a snuffer or lid to extinguish your candle. This will help prevent hot wax from splattering and reduce the risk of fire.

6. Never leave your candle unattended

By following these tips, you can ensure that your candle burns safely and lasts as long as possible. Our 3-Piece District 78 Candle Care Kit provides you with everything you need to take care of your candle.

What Happens in Vegas...

If you follow me on IG or FB you might have seen my reels that show my trip to Las Vegas in October. I took some time to visit the Awana Spa Wellness Spa located inside Resort World. Since 2021 District 78 has been supplying a few of our signature candles as well as custom crystal candles that are featured in the spa right at the desk!

We are excited to continue this partnership and look forward to connecting with more major retail and wellness spa over the next 24 months.

Talk Soon,

Erikka

Owner of District 78-Pitches for Mortar Cohort

Owner of District 78, Erikka Gray will be pitching live with the Mortarx PGxKroger cohort on Thursday, July 29, 2021. She is one of 7 black-owned businesses that will share their story and pitch to the community. Erikka is looking for $75,000 to purchase and outfit a mobile candle-making experience, secure a warehouse where she can increase her production, and expand her private label business. Finally, Erikka wants your support. Support looks like a purchase, a share, or referral for corporate giving. If you want to donate to Erikka via mortar click here.

District 78 Announces community partnership with Girls Health Period

District 78 is happy to announce that effective immediately, 5% of our net profits will be donated to a local nonprofit, Girls Health Period.

GHP was founded on the principle of making sure girls don’t have to miss school due to their menstrual cycle. Over the last 2 years, GHP has donated over 75,000 menstrual products to 40 plus schools, numerous group homes, camps, and other community organizations.

Visit Girls Health Period online to learn more about the work they’re doing!

Did Covid- 19 impact your sense of smell?

If you were one of the millions of Americans who contracted Covid-19, you may or may not have lost your sense of smell and/or taste. I was one of those who lost their sense of smell.

For me, that was terrifying for so many reasons. Among the many reasons, I need my sense of smell to make candles. I was extremely grateful that I made it through Covid-19 with mild symptoms; I was nervous that my sense of smell could take months to return, or worse, forever be impacted.

Almost four months later and my sense of smell is about 90%. Most of my scented candles for District 78 have already been pre-mixed in large quantities, so I wasn't too worried about scents that I'd already created. I was concerned about the custom scents for brands that were in progress. I'm lucky enough to have a strong connection between my memory and smell. But creating a custom scent is such a personal and creative expression for me I didn't want to present something that wasn't my best work. I graciously worked with any pending brands and postponed creating their scent until my nose was ready to go.

On the other hand, I had a customer asking me if I changed my scents' concentration because they seemed "faint." I knew no changes had been made to my recipes, so I asked if they had tested positive for Covid-19, and sure enough, they had.

I write this blog to let people know that even once your sense of smell seems to be back to normal, you may experience some subtle changes in how you smell. Some changes you might notice are how you experience various notes in candles, fragrances, taste food, and smell food. Although this can be frustrating, you might also find that you smell notes that you didn't notice before. As your sense of smell changes, consider this a perfect time to try new candles and food. You might discover new favorites, and I know I did. Chime in below if you experience a loss of smell.

Take care of yourself and be well,

Erikka

The Frida

The Story behind Frida…

In 2020 I was trying to think about two new candles to introduce, I came up with Frida and The Baldwin.

The Frida was inspired by my time living in Phoenix, AZ. Since moving back to Cincinnati I’ve always dreamed of moving back to PHX. It’s just always been something so beautiful and peaceful about living in PHX. Most people couldn’t stand the heat, but I loved the heat and the palm trees.

One of my favorites trips back to PHX was in 2017. I had traveled to PHX for my wife's birthday with a few friends who had never been to PHX or Sedona ( my second favorite place in Arizona). We had such an amazing time, enjoying the company of friends and family that live in PHX. We attended a Frida Kahlo exhibit that was just amazing. Her story is so interesting, just like the Frida candle. It's not what you would expect!

I took the memories that I created that week and held onto them for three years until I could properly capture them into a scent! So in 2020 I finally created a combination that I was proud of, the combination of notes makes me reflect on sampling mezcal, drinking margaritas, hiking in Sedona, and watching the sunset over camelback mountains.

If you haven't had the opportunity to experience Frida, I encourage you to submerge yourself in the journey.

What place gives you the best memories?

I love plants

Over the last few years, I've increasingly been wanting to open a plant shop. Growing up my mom had plants everywhere and I mean everywhere. Watching plants teaches me so much about life, patience, and caring about living. Since March 2020, I have been able to sell plants at PAUSE, a store I co-own with 3 other entrepreneurs. It's been magical. I’ve had some of the best conversations over picking out the perfect house plants.

Most people don’t give themselves enough credit when it comes to taking care of a house plant, sure they can be a lot of work but the process is rewarding. I try to carry plants that in general will be good for most homes, such as snake plants and rubber trees. As the weather has begun to change, so has the availability of tropical plants, such as elephant ears and banana leaf plants. Picking the perfect house plants is like picking the perfect couch pillow, rug, or wall art. Plants are apart of your home, not only do they make your home look great, they bring color and life.

I’m excited to continue and expand our offering of plants over the next few months. We also offer plant consultations for home, office, and businesses. If you're not sure how to stage your plants, let’s collaborate and make it happen! You can schedule a virtual consultation by emailing us at hello@bydistrict78.com

Let’s Pour Up Together

Pre Cov-19 my goal was to begin hosting candlemaking experiences at PAUSE, of course, things began to change rapidly. With that said I decided it would be beneficial for me and you to host a few virtual classes in April. 

I have prepared a kit that will allow you to follow along with me and create your own candle. For me, candle making is like art, it's my canvas, so I’m really looking forward to having some fun with you! The kits are limited so that we can get to know each other and have some fun Pourin’ Up.

You can find the kits here, and for a limited time shipping is FREE!

See ya soon,

Erikka 

ELEMENTS OF STYLE: VI

ELEMENTS OF STYLE:

PART: VI

Imani Smith

3.24.2020

Hello and thanks again for joining me for another installment of Elements of Style. This series has given me the opportunity to demystify concepts that I feel are very clear to some and are completely foreign to others. In past installments of EOS I’ve discussed several correlations between mental health and our style choices, as well as tips on fit, and shopping in general. I’m a firm believer in the notion that our clothing is limitless, however we are the ones with the limits. Clothing has no gender, no connotations or rules unless those concepts are enforced by the wearer. Literally anything is possible. When the wearer has tons of limits, it may appear that the clothes are ‘wearing them’. That’s where the true power of confidence shows itself. 

If you’re uncomfortable in your own skin, it would be laughable to assume that you would ever find true comfort in any clothing. It has been famously quoted by the late Bill Cuningham that “fashion is the armor to survive everyday life” but when the battle is within, the armor loses its strength. Sure, amazing clothes can make your body seem more tolerable, but they will have to come off eventually. As I stated in EOS V.III “I want my clients to make sure that they see the value in what’s underneath their clothes.” As a woman who has struggled with my body image for most of my life, I understand that finding that value can be quite the task. Nevertheless, it is more than worth the struggle. 

In my personal experiences with building my self-esteem from scratch, I found it helpful to evaluate and renegotiate the relationship I had with my body. I started to pay attention to the things that I was doing that were having a negative impact on the way I saw myself. Listening to the words that you say to yourself as you spend time with your nude reflection will help you to decode your true feelings about your body. Is the language that you use with yourself loving or more hateful? Are you hyper focused on your ‘flaws’? Are you resentful of a recent change in the shapes or sizes of certain parts of your body? Are you thankful for the features that make you unique? If someone else said the thing that you said about your body, how would you feel? 

I remember being young and watching a female celebrity, I can’t recall who, being interviewed and she discussed a low point in her life including the difficult time that she was having with her body image, specifically. At some point she mentioned getting out of the shower and refusing to look in the mirror on the way out. That struck a chord with me and I never forgot how sad it made me. How could a grown woman run from her own reflection? A short time later, I noticed that I was no different than she was. I only saw a flesh toned blur as I dried and dressed myself, no details.  When it was time for me to embark on my own journey of self-love, I remembered her confession, and I vowed from then on to always stare a little longer at my reflection. 

Embracing nudity, literally studying your everchanging physical form as often as possible is the simplest way to align your mind with your body. How do you truly know who you are if you don’t even know what you look like? Weight gain, weight loss, aging, pregnancy, injury or surgery can alter the appearance of your body. Sometimes it takes our minds a little longer to catch up with what meets our eyes in the mirror. Taking that time to constantly reacquaint ourselves with ourselves is an important step in staying grounded in reality. 

It’s easy to get lost in an unrealistic space. I mean getting lost in a sea of comparisons of your body to a celebrity’s, unkind comments from family, backhanded compliments from ‘frienimies’ or even unchecked traumas from your childhood. So many people are trapped in that space and can’t find a light at the end of the tunnel. It’s hard to live a fulfilling life while you’re trapped under the weight of the opinions of others. 

Forming your own ideas about your body without the contamination of societal ideals and muting the commentary of others is how to build strength. This process can feel like sorting your laundry before a big wash. Which opinions are ‘lights’. Your own personal thoughts, the things you actually love about your body?  Which opinions are ‘mediums’, Things you’ve heard other people say about your body that you have adopted as your personal truths, negative or positive? Which opinions are ‘darks’, those outside, unspoken rules that have influenced you to evaluate your body, the voice of a critical elder when you were younger? Sort these ideas and keep only what truly belongs to you. I would advise holding on to the opinions that are empowering enough to get you through the uphill battle that is the human experience. Rewrite your internal monologue.

You may not be working with a wardrobe stylist or a mental health professional at this time, but one thing is for certain: Your self-worth will constantly be tested, whether it be by a job, a partner, or a pair of pants that are just a little too small. Without a strong foundation, anything can knock you down. Once you have itemized and calculated your self-worth, you’re not going to accept anyone haggling with you for discounts. If you take anything away from this installment of Elements of Style, let it be that great style comes from within, and there’s no way around that.

Thank you

Imani Smith

StyledByImaniS@Gmail.com

ImaniSmith.FolioHD.com

PAUSE-Focus on You

Whew! Cov-19 freed up a lot more than time. It's been some time since I’ve had time to blog. I wanted to take this time to talk about PAUSE, a new alternative wellness space that I co-own with three other complimentary business owners. Last year in April or May, the team at MORTAR Cincinnati reached out to a few alumni members with an idea to open a collaboration store that houses four businesses that promote wellness. So in July of 2019, we signed a lease for a storefront at 2908 Vine St Cincy OH 45219. We finally opened our doors on February 14, 2020. It was a monumental event. Getting this is point was a long journey. If you are familiar with my company you know that I previously had a store in Covington, KY for 3 years, from 2013-2016 it was always my dream to be able to re-open. And our grand opening did not disappoint, we had close to 100 attendees. If you still haven’t had the chance to stop by our store we look forward to greeting you if you’ve already stopped by we look forward to seeing you again. You can follow us on IG/FB @pausecincy

ELEMENTS OF STYLE: PART V.III

ELEMENTS OF STYLE:

PART V.III

Imani Smith

12.22.19

Hello and thank you again for joining me in another installment of Elements of Style. EOS has provided me with a platform to elaborate on my experiences as a stylist. With this compilation of tips and anecdotes I hope to create thought-provoking content for current and future clients alike. For the last few installments of Elements of Style, I have taken the time to focus on finding connections between the style choices we make and the things that affect our mental health. These two topics may seem unrelated, but from my perspective they align seamlessly. Recently, I have touched on the concepts of Mannequin Styling and Label Worship. There are always reasons why we do the things that we do, whether we choose to admit them or not. Our style choices are never totally random.  

The next Element of Style that I’m discussing is one that a lot of us have probably dabbled in. I often incorporate some components of this element when I want my looks to leave a lasting impression. I’ve heard of it being called ‘peacocking’ but in my opinion, Shock Value styling is a more fitting term. Shock Value styling can be plainly described as stopping at nothing to making style choices for the sole purpose of gaining the attention of others- be it negative or positive. The fastest way onto someone else’s radar is invoking their sense of shock. When a person is feeling overlooked or deprived of attention, dressing in a visibly shocking way can quickly fill that void. The issue with trying to solve internal issues with external solutions is that these effects are only temporary. 

Like all styling techniques, use of Shock Value styling in moderation can make for an exciting and memorable archive of looks. However, when a client’s focus is only on garnering the attention of others, their ensembles become less stylish and more costume. Even if a client has a high profile image to maintain, it is important to keep in mind that there is a thin line between having a signature and a gimmick. Signature styles, if done well, are able to withstand the test of time while gimmicks fade like trends. As I have stated in many previous installments of EOS, without risk, there is little chance of reward. To dive deeper into that concept, it is imperative that said risks be purposeful. When you dress theatrically, expect an audience. Once you get everyone’s attention with your outlandish look, what do you intend to do with it? 

When people dress with Shock Value style techniques at the forefront of their looks and are upset about the attention that they are receiving, as a stylist I see a disconnect. If your pieces are bold, sexy or flashy, it is only logical to expect reaction and commentary. I think that it is of vital importance to be able to dress for yourself despite the opinions of others. However, I find that it is even more important to be introspective enough to trace your motivation behind the pieces that you’re selecting. Are you ready for the potential attention that you may receive? If you aren’t, maybe it’s time to ask yourself what your motivations were when you dressed yourself. Are you trying to get the attention of someone specific? Are you trying to project an image that doesn’t quite align with your actual values? Are you trying to rebel against a person or an institution that feels oppressive? There may be other ways to accomplish these things that are less consuming than altering your personal style.

Using extreme styling techniques like deliberately disobeying dress codes, wearing super revealing pieces, or camouflaging yourself completely are all ways of making others stare. Shock Value styling can temporarily alleviate feelings of anonymity. For some, the attention gained from a shocking look may feel like a sufficient substitute for love and affection. Relying solely on the effects of Shock Value styling techniques and not doing any work to build yourself internally is the equivalent of putting a Band-Aid over a bullet wound. Regardless of your personal style, at the end of the day we all have to take our clothes off at some point. I want my clients to make sure that they see the value in what’s underneath their clothes. 

If you take anything from this installment of Elements of Style I would like it to be the fact that we are all different, and that we’re all navigating our way through life in totally different ways. What unites us is that the way we choose to express ourselves with clothing is reflective of what’s on our minds. I think that one of the most beautiful parts of the human experience is observing how we repurpose our pain. With great suffering can emerge even greater artistry. That artistry can present itself in the form of a strong sense of style. My main intention of highlighting mental health within EOS was to show commonalities between our feelings and our actions when it pertains to personal style. 

Taking some of these seemingly negative Elements of Style and creating a collage of your own techniques is all a part of carving out your own brand of self-expression. As long as your look Fits, Flatters and Fascinates simultaneously, it doesn’t matter how you achieved it. If you’re unable to clearly express yourself with your style and look good while you do it, you may benefit from the guidance of a professional stylist. Sometimes it takes a nonbiased party to help you see what you may be subconsciously projecting through your personal style choices. Remember that there is great strength in asking for help when you need it.

Until next time, thank you.

Imani Smith

ImaniSmith.FolioHD.com

StyledByImaniS@Gmail.com

ELEMENTS OF STYLE: PART V.II

ELEMENTS OF STYLE:

PART V.II

Imani Smith

11.11.19

Thank you again for joining me in my musings on The Elements of Style. In previous installments, I’ve examined these elements three at a time. With this project I’ve uncovered some correlations between our mental health and the style choices that we make. Style and mental health/wellness are two things that are near and dear to my heart. I want to dig a little deeper and explore these correlations individually with their own respective installments because I believe in the importance of this subject matter. In no way am I a psychologist, but I am intuitive, empathetic and very aware of the highs and lows of the human experience.

  As a stylist, I’m being trusted with the privilege to help reframe a client’s image, be it for a quick photo shoot or for their personal wardrobes for years at a time. Regardless of the nature of the task at hand, I never lose sight of the fact that there is a human being underneath the clothes, shoes and accessories. Although our paths feel individual, there are more similarities than differences in our experiences. It won’t be the first or last time I say this: Some of our style habits are what truly unite us.

This next Element of Style almost goes hand in hand with Mannequin Styling, an element discussed in a previous installment. This element is something that I have observed a lot of people struggling with and I have struggled with it tremendously in the past, as well. What is it? Label Worship. Some of us are only moved by high profile designer label items and nothing else will suffice. Only recognizable logos and high markups excite the Label Worshiper. There are several reasons why people only find value in ‘designer’ items, but I can only assume that any reason is in relation to some sort of external pressure. 

A commonly overlooked fact about luxury items is that when wealthy people purchase them, they’re not spending their last dime to have these items. Their wealth allows them to have more disposable income for frivolous purchases like $300 scarves and $10,000 coats. Often people who aren’t wealthy get mesmerized by the illusion of wealth, and what wealth ‘looks like’ based on a combination of advertisements, celebrity endorsement and that underlying need to ‘keep up with the Jones’’. On some level, everyone wants to look their best. To the Label Worshiping client, looking their best is only possible when there are big name labels involved. 

As an eternal student of fashion, I have an undying appreciation for all things luxurious and sophisticated. If my budget allowed for expensive, ornately crafted pieces from my favorite designers, I would most definitely indulge. I value craftsmanship, I appreciate unique details and I covet exclusivity. These are all reasons why it was difficult for me to break away from the notion that just because something was the most expensive automatically meant that it was the most valuable. I had to come to terms with the way that I perceived value. Eventually, I had to choose between having an expansive wardrobe or an expensive one. My budget simply wouldn’t allow for me to have both. Coming to this realization is what helped me to break away from Label Worship. If you know me personally, it’s clear that I chose to go the route of the expansive wardrobe. Fortunately, I am aware of all of the Elements of Style and none of my pieces look as inexpensive as they actually were upon purchase. 

If you actually have the means to afford a well-rounded wardrobe full of luxury items that serve you season after season, you are very fortunate. For the rest of us, it may be helpful to learn to curb the deep seated need to impress others by flaunting designer labels and to find other ways to validate ourselves. Doing something, an act of generosity, helping someone in need or indulging in your favorite hobby all feel just as good as a compliment on the pricey handbag that you may or may not have been able to afford. As I’ve stated in previous installments of EOS, great personal style is rooted in confidence. Confidence doesn’t have to come from a potential overextension of your finances or compliments from strangers about your implied wealth. In this capitalist society, wealth is synonymous with success. The real gag here is that style can’t be bought, only rented.

 If you cut all of the tags out of your pieces, would you still value them? If the answer is no, it may be time to reevaluate the way that you perceive value. It’s easy to forget the timeless cliché: The clothes don’t make the man, the man makes the clothes. At the end of the day, it is you who brings your pieces to life, not the tags stitched inside of them. Personal style is an outward expression of our true selves but if you’re having trouble separating yourself from your wardrobe or other material possessions, partnering with a mental health professional could be a step in the right direction. If you find yourself overspending on items that aren’t really strengthening your wardrobe, the help of a skilled stylist could help with implementing some healthier shopping habits into your routine. 

Until next time, thank you.

Imani Smith

ImaniSmith.FolioHD.com

StyledByImaniS@Gmail.com

ELEMENTS OF STYLE: PART V.I

ELEMENTS OF STYLE:

PART V.I

Imani Smith

10.21.2019

Thank you again for joining me for another installment of Elements of Style. This time around I’m continuing to investigate the correlations between our mental health and the personal style choices we make. In the previous installment of EOS I explored the concepts of Uniform, Time Capsule and Reactive styling. After taking some time to sift through my own personal experiences and those of clients past and present, I realized that there was so much more ground to cover. I'll be discussing some additional methods of styling that are often results of shifts in our states of mind.

When I take inventory of all the different personalities and idiosyncrasies I’ve encountered on my journey as a stylist, I’m always amazed at the core similarities of the human experience. Although we all look, communicate and perceive things differently, sometimes our style habits are what unite us. I have come across numerous people who unknowingly indulge in the act of Mannequin Styling. What I mean by Mannequin Styling is purchasing looks that are exact duplications of what is displayed in retail settings. At a glance, there is nothing wrong with this practice, per se. However, when I notice a pattern of a client refusing to make their own style choices, I can’t help but to be concerned. 

In my experience, I find that Mannequin Styling can be a symptom of a lack of confidence in one’s own abilities to make choices. A client who doesn’t give themselves creative control over their own wardrobe may imagine that they’re eliminating any margin of error. With no presumed ‘errors’ being made, there could come a feeling of safety. With that safety there may be a sense of exemption from any potential ridicule from others. This behavior may feel self-serving, but in my opinion, it’s quite crippling. With no risk, there is little chance for reward when it comes to style.

  As consumers, we see retailers as the ultimate authority when it comes to their products. Who would know more about styling a product better than the entity who conceptualized, designed and manufactured said product? It’s not wrong to trust brands and retailers, but the real magic happens, stylistically, when consumers trust themselves. Just as the brands we know and love are the authorities on their products, you are the authority on the collection of handpicked products that make up your wardrobe. Ultimately, you will be the one who is tasked with wearing these items day in and day out, from season to season. Overindulging in Mannequin Styling techniques allows for big brands to do your thinking for you. There are a lot of moving parts behind the scenes to persuade you, as a consumer, to do exactly that- consume. Brands have marketing teams targeting their ideal customers. To keep a retail business afloat, it is imperative to be able to predict the needs of current and prospective customers. Good marketing can help these businesses to stay several steps ahead in an often fickle and extremely competitive industry. These marketing teams are using various tactics to learn more about you as a consumer. One familiar tactic is as innocent as obtaining basic demographic information collected from customer service surveys. Customers voluntarily supply information like household income, shopping habits and even the names of the other retailers they patronize in exchange for 15-20% off of their next purchase.  Other tactics that are hardly discussed are more intrusive, like buying and tracking customer’s social media data and search histories to get an even more holistic look at their target market. From a retailer’s standpoint, there is way more value in knowing what my customer is liking on social media in comparison to just getting their zip code at the end of a survey.  

While I use the term Mannequin Styling, I’m in no way discrediting the importance of retail merchandisers. I know firsthand that only long hours of hard work and lots of blood, sweat and tears are required to create an enviable retail experience. In this day and age, the retail experience is more expansive than ever before and it goes beyond just mannequins in a storefront. I’m talking about fashion shows, social media content, celebrity partnerships and so much more. Retailers WANT you to buy what they’re trying to sell to you. If you’re following their lead on how to style their product, then their job is done.

Aside from any external pressures or unsolicited commentary, there is no shame in making the occasional shortcut with your personal style. I would only advise making these shortcuts in moderation, though. If Mannequin Styling becomes habitual, you run the risk of losing control of your personal style. If a look is merchandised well, looks great on you, then you should absolutely go ahead and incorporate it into your wardrobe.  My hope is to normalize the concept of making your own style choices.

  The job of the retailer and the job of the stylist often overlap; however, clients must understand that each party has different objectives. A retailer’s objective is to stay in business, by any means.  My objective is to partner with my client to make sure that their needs are met, not just externally but internally. Building the trust within yourself to make your own choices is what brings true uniqueness to your wardrobe. Uniqueness begets self-expression, and self-expression is the essence of great personal style. If you find yourself struggling with cultivating your personal style, partnering with an experienced and knowledgeable stylist is the simplest remedy. 

Until next time, thank you.

Imani Smith

ImaniSmith.FolioHD.com

StyledByImaniS@Gmail.com

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Before You Let Go! Let's Upcycle your candle jar

I’ve had quite a few people ask me the best way to up-cycle their glass candle jars. I want to share a few of my favorite tips.

If your a plant lover this idea is for you, you can check out the short video and final product on my Instagram here.

Before you get started you will need to:

1. Clean out your jar, by removing the metal wicks with a butter knife or a flat edge that can fit in the base of the jar. Once the wicks are removed.

2. Place the jar in the microwave or use a blow dryer to heat the wax. Once the once is warm use a paper towel and rubbing alcohol to remove the wax from the jar.

3. Now you will need a small starter plant, I used a succulent for mine.

4. Then follow the instructions on how to properly get your plant started in your old candle jar. A quick google search will normally advise you of the proper potting soil to us.

5. Enjoy!