Different by Design......Dare to Dream.......

I'm dedicating this blog to my daughter, my nieces, and all the young girls out there that are certain to run into "Can't". I'm hoping that no matter what obstacles they face; no matter how hard the journey to their destiny becomes, that they'll never succumb to the dreaded "Can't". I hope that when the snickers, negative remarks, rejections and failures face them, that they'll reach deep down inside and remember the joy that they received from the hope of endless possibilities and then dare to DREAM. Dream without ceasing until it becomes reality. One of the best assurances of that is to always surround yourself with positive people with positive intentions.

Almost 11 years ago now, a very dear friend and I would sit in the very structured confines of corporate America's ho-hum cafeteria. Over a lunch of her yogurt, fruit, and sometimes pretzels and my occasional salad, we would divulge our fondest dreams. Madison, a former dancer, dreamed of one day being in fitness competitions and eventually become a celebrity fitness trainer. Of course I don't have to tell you that I wanted nothing more than to be a designer.

A few years would pass before Madison actually moved to LA to pursue her dream and eventually career moves would force me to move towards my own passions. Over the years we would remain in touch, continuing to lift each other up and to celebrate the small things that would inevitably lead to bigger moments. I'd like to say that both roads were extremely easy and that we quickly made it to the pinnacle of our careers but that would be a "story" indeed.

With any dream there will come rejections. There will be times when it seems as though your hard work is in vain. Giving up will tempt you at every corner. At times it will seem so hopeless, especially when the ones we deem as less deserving or getting ahead by any means necessary. (If I had a nickel for every time that I witnessed that one.) Ahh but anything worth having is worth working hard for.

In spite of the nay-sayers that would constantly say, “You can’t because___________” . I always moved forward. "Can" was fused into my brain from the moment I can remember. I can only assume it because my mother knew how much I'd hear the word "Can't" being tossed in my direction. Trust me….There is such joy when your dedication begins to pay off.

Ok, so a few years ago, I did Designer's Choice and things suddenly turned around. I was invited to showcase my collection on the LA fashion circuit. Wow! Was I happy!! Meanwhile, my friend Madison has become a very well-known celebrity fitness trainer. I’d been seeing her face on TV and magazines. In the course of my trip she takes me to a star studded play that just happens to co-star a young lady that she has whipped into sickening shape. There we are; front row, VIP, the works. The curtain goes down and the next thing I know we're standing in room with Vivica Fox, Boris Kodjoe and his wife Nicole, Richard Roundtree, Nicole Murphy, Jennifer Lewis, Wendy Raquel Robinson, Kim Whitley and the list just went on.

I was elated that night. But not because I was star struck. (Confession- meeting Tyrese could have changed that...just saying as I bat my lashes innocently) Honestly, I was so proud to see that Madison and I had fought through all the disappointments, setbacks, and downfalls. We had each planted a seed, stepped out on faith and we were,” we are”, walking in our dream. I'm so grateful to have positive friends in my life that continue to encourage me and lift me up. Just this year, my dream manifested further as I launched at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week in New York.
So now comes the fun part. In the weeks to come, follow me as I prepare for my sophomore debut at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week for the Fall 2011 premiere. You’ve got to hear my story about putting everything on pause to send one of my dresses to be a possible red carpet possibility. I’ll let you know next week!!!

Fashionably Yours,

Linda

P.S You can also log onto the website each week to view pictures that accompany each blog. (www.romasdesigns.com)