Different by Design.....The making of me

Someone asked me the question, "Who do you admire? Wouldn't you love to be the next Versace and would you do anything to get where you want to be?"
That question or questions merits a lot of thought, but then again, not really.

I absolutely love Coco Chanel! She was a visionary before her time. Versace is a definite favorite. I adore Valentino, Oscar De La Renta, Alexander McQueen, ahhh and Dolce and Gabbana...all the greats that will forever be engraved into the fibers of fashion history. My blood pumps in living vivid colors. I live and breathe fashion and I'm so eagerly chasing my own position amongst the world's most renowned masters of design. My greatest inspiration however is my mother. She embodied strength, integrity, faith, and tenacity with such zest that it was undeniable. It is those traits that strive daily to exemplify. You'll often find her inspiration intertwined within my words because that is just what she means to my life; inspiration.

In fashion Donatella Versace did something for her brand that most design houses would probably sell a first born to achieve at any phase of their reign. Donatella took her brother's vision and not only kept it alive but in my opinion, propelled it to greater heights. Now there’s some industry wisdom that I myself would eagerly intake in high doses if given the opportunity. Yet and still, the next Versace though? No.
I think where we make our biggest mistakes when seeking our own success is desiring the gift that God has placed upon another. Let's face it...there will never be another Oprah, Jordan, MJ, or Coco Chanel because God instilled those remarkable gifts into those specific individuals. Will there be other great talk show host, or another awesome ball player, or sensational singer and designer? Absolutely, but each within their own rites.

What God has for me is for me and what He has for you is for you. But because I know that faith without works is dead, I will diligently pursue my destiny and strive to perfect my craft. Though I truly adore respect Donatella's gift, I want what God has designed specifically for Linda Rowe Thomas.

It's quite unfortunate that this industry is filled with "takers" that will say and do whatever it takes to get to the top. It's been a long hard road for me because regardless of my accomplishments or gifts, there are still those that will doubt me at first glance.

True story - I once interviewed with a major retail corporation (I won't put them on blast, even though I should). They literally raved over my vast experience. The first phase of over the phone interviews left me as a shoe in for the position because as the interviewer stated, they hadn't been able to find anyone with as much experience as I had in Little Rock.
My major was fashion merchandising with a minor in marketing. I was head buyer for Belk stores by the time I was 24 years old. I managed yhe Kasper department for Macy's Galleria and then managed the entire western half of the United States retail territory for IBM. Needless to say, I was and am confident in my ability to perform my job professionally as well as creatively. Back to the story though.

The final face to face interview was set to take place in the laid back comfort of the lounge area at the Peabody hotel. Yes, they were that certain that the position was going to be offered to me. From a distance I spotted the well-dressed woman awaiting my arrival. I introduced myself with a firm professional handshake but I immediately knew that the tables had turned. Although she tried, flustered cheeks and all, she couldn't conceal the fact that she wasn't expecting this face to go along with such an impressive resume. As the interview proceeded, she tried harder but failed to be inconspicuous in her ogling of my hands. I honestly give most people the benefit of the doubt and count it as curiosity. At this point in my life I can read a person's first impression of me, whether good or bad, like a Dr. Suess book. Long story short, a day later I was told that they were hiring someone with "more" experience. A week later that same company offered me a much lesser position. (Ok so they really could have found a more suitable candidate on their final day of interviews). But my, does God have a way of bringing things to light.

I took the job, figuring I'd just get my foot in the door and give them the opportunity to see my ability in action. I'm used to having to prove myself. Sooo here's the kicker. I wound up sitting next to the person that was hired into the first position instead of me. (To protect the innocent, we'll her Sue.) Through all the Monday morning buying reports that Sue would soon ask for my assistance with on a regular basis, neither of us knew that she was the person hired because she possessed "more" experience. It was not until one morning after walking Sue through yet another required report and (I kid you not)the oh so difficult task of changing her split screen view back to normal, Sue says to me with the utmost sincerity, "Linda, you have so much more experience at this job, you should have applied for my position."

Well DUH!!!! I did. Funny how not fitting the norm can trump education and experience. (Said with much sarcasm)LOL. Yeah, I was hot when I had the proof of what they'd done staring me in the face, taunting me like a villain as he made his escape. Though it wasn't easy to accept, not getting that position pushed me a bit farther down the road to feeling a little bit more unfulfilled and even more determined to build my label.
To answer that last question; I accept what God allows because it’s all in His grand design to get me to my destiny. There's no lying, cheating, betrayal, stealing or any other crooked thing that could possibly aide in skipping me to the head of the line. I can't take what God has in store for me before my time. As bad as I want to make my mark in fashion, it’s not worth my integrity. That's where my mother's light always shines the brightess in my life. My faith propels me forward each time a door is closed in my face and I'm so grateful that I'm strong enough to keep fighting for my dream with her unwavering tenacity. The setbacks were only setups to the true making of me. The best was yet to come.

Regardless of how much harder the road is when you allow God to take the wheel, it’s so worth it all. I say again, the best was and is yet to come. God opens doors that no man can shut and closes doors that no man can open. Our job is to be trusting and accepting to which ever way the door falls.
Stay tuned....next week, I'll share the first time I stepped into a room filled with stars from Jennifer Lewis, to Boris Kodjoe, to Vivica Fox and so many more.

Fashionably Yours,

Linda