YES, YOU READ THE TITLE CORRECTLY. With all of the fun avatars floating around several social media platforms, I wanted to join in on the fun for my business. I found MARLEY ART through Black Business Focus Group. I reached out and my process began the same day. Less than 24 hours later my brand became a cartoon.
I can’t wait to use my cartoon logo on a few of my social media platforms and a few fun marketing tools for the business. I do have one other design in mind but I want to test the waters with this one first.
You all let me know how you feel about my cartoon.
I used to want the words ‘She tried’ on my tombstone. Now I want ‘She did it.’ ~ Katherine Dunham
I LOVE TO READ; it is very relaxing and allows me to drift into another world of no worries. My 9 to 5 job consumes a lot of my reading time; therefore, I have to rely on audiobooks and podcasts for my drift away time. Recently I was listening to the February 13, 2020 episode of Steve’s Daily Inspirations on the SHMS Shenanigans Podcast (Steve Harvey Morning Show Shenanigans). This episode hit the core of my soul. I stopped to take notes, but later my spirit said “you must blog these notes because someone else needs this just as much as you”.
STATISTICS SAY: while this may sound like good advice, it can set you up for failure. It’s people who have lost who try to justify why the lost who say “statistics say”. One the spiritual side, you have to realize this is not scripture (in the bible).
When I heard this, all I could say was WOW! THIS IS SO TRUE! I have to be honest; I was one who “believed” in statistics because someone took the time to do the research. Ohhhhh but when I entered college, that thinking went OUT THE DOOR and OUT OF MY VOCABULARY. As an African-American Woman, I am always a “statistic” to the world. While attending Grambling State University, I learned QUICK to change my way of thinking because I was the “statistic” the world said did not attend college. Here I was enrolled, attending and graduating from one of the top HBCU’s in the country.
I do not totally disregard statistics; I do pay attention and conduct my own research. There are positive and encouraging statistics (ex. Entrepreneurship among African American Women is on the rise), while the negative statistics push me to further myself and my community to a better light.
MAYBE IT’S NOT MEANT TO BE; I GUESS IT WASN’T THE LORD’S WILL: Don’t blame God for something you may have not done yourself. Because YOU did not get the proper education, do the things you were supposed to do, stay the task, quit, turned around and went the other way.
I AM GUILTY OF THIS STATEMENT. When things do not work out the first time and someone quotes one/both of these statements to me I respond by saying “Yeah you right” or “Maybe this was meant for someone else and not me.” I NEED TO STOP IT RIGHT NOW! I need to re-evaluate the situation, see what went wrong and what I need to do to execute this mission a full 100%.
DON’T PUT ALL YOUR EGGS IN ONE BASKET: If you don’t pour all your efforts into one thing, how are you going to be great at that one thing.
This is another statement that hit home for me. I would hear people saying this when growing up, but never fully understood until adulthood; and it took the children I worked with for me to understand it. I worked with children who were labeled as having ADHA (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder). This group of children felt as if they had to do everything to blend in, but in actuality if they remained focused on one task, they were able to master it and move on to the next. None of their peers really cared if they could not multitask, it was only the adults. The same adults who used “statistics”. I learned then, if I don’t put all of my “eggs in one basket” how can I remain focused and master the task ahead.
WHAT IS YOUR BASKET MADE OF? If your basket is made of Faith, Hope, Hard Work, and Belief then you have a GOOD BASKET. Your basket is woven by God
After hearing this, there was nothing more to say! This statement alone canceled all the negativity of the first 3 statements
These gems are not only for my personal life, as I listened all I could vision was my business and the work I was and was not doing mentally and physically. This entire blog post is will be posted to my affirmation wall as daily reminder.
YES I AM A DREAMER!
YES I HAVE ASPIRATIONS!
YES MY BASKET IS WOVEN BY GOD WITH FAITH, HOPE, HARD WORK, AND BELIEF!
THANK YOU MR. STEVE HARVEY FOR THESE LIFE GEMS THEY ARE GREATLY APPRECIATED!
*Disclaimer: These are my personal takeaways from the podcast. You may check out the podcast on your favorite podcast app.
Here is my spin on the Cancer Awareness Graphgan by Crochet Treasures
This project was very personal to me and very emotional to complete. I made this for my sister friend who is currently taking chemo for her 3rd battle with ovarian cancer. God places people in your life for a reason. When we met, we click right off and have been good friends since. When she called me the first two time to tell me she was ill, I could not go and help out because my immune system was very low. I would have been more of a danger to her than the actual cancer and chemotherapy itself. But when she called to inform me the cancer returned, I cried like a baby when we got off the phone. An illness I spent most of my life running back and forth for check ups and prevention methods due to other medical issues has now hit my family/friend circle again.
As I Thank God for covering me all these years, I asked Him to in to step in and cover my sister friend. Since her chemo session are very long this round I thought it was be comforting for her to have something while in chemo to remind her her pray circle has her covered. So I presented her (well mailed since she is quartined) this beautiful lap blanket to take with her to chemo. It is very light weight for her to carry and warm enough to cover her when she gets cold.
Pattern Sizing: 55 in x 55 in with boarder, but mine finished at 42 inches x 43 inches
Did it look like the photo/drawing once you were done? Yes it did even though I used different colors and smaller size crochet hook
Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes this is a super simple pattern.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I love that the pattern came as a graph I was able to print out and actually see the blocks
Yarn Used: Color #1: 1 skein of Teal Never Enough by Craft Smart; Color #2: 2.5 skeins of Coffee Late by Red Heart
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I used a J hook instead of an L hook as suggested. For my border I crocheted 2 rows.
Would you crochet it again? YES I WILL. I may try this as a single crochet and make a pillow.
Would you recommend it to others? Yes; Crochet Treasures did an excellent job creating this pattern. If you scroll through the blog, you will find another pattern alternative available. I think I will try that one next.
SUPPLIES I USED:
Color #1: 1 skein of Teal Never Enough by Craft Smart
Color #2: 3 skeins of Coffee Late by Red Heart.
Size J crochet hook
Scissors/Snipers
Tapestry needle
This pattern really works up fast. This was completed after a Saturday watching a marathon of my favorite tv show.
I really love how the colors are so warm and rich. Just the right amount of cozy for the days my sister friend is not feeling well.
…and here we are all complete with two rounds of a border. Washed on a light wash and ready to mail out. It finished at 42 x 43 Not sure how is did not manage a 43*43 but is ok, I still love the completed look and it will look awesome on my sister friend’s lap.
One last picture for all the social media sites….lol
Pattern Sizing: 40 in x 40 in with shell, but mine finished at 33.5 inches x 33.5 inches
Did it look like the photo/drawing once you were done? Yes it did even though I used different colors and smaller size crochet hook
Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes this is a super simple pattern.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I love that the pattern came as a graph I was able to print out and actually see the blocks
Yarn Used: Color #1: 2 skeins of Gold Never Enough by Craft Smart; Color #2: was an unfinished project I had. Never finished it because I could never find that color again by Red Heart. I was so happy there was enough to do the letters and boarders
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I used a G hook instead of an I hook as suggested. For my border I crocheted 2 rows and not the shell. I you want the shell border, keep reading though the original blog and you will see the instructions for it.
Would you crochet it again? YES I WILL. I think the next time I may use a H hook instead of G.
Would you recommend it to others? Yes; Coffee & Crochet Goals did an excellent job creating this pattern.
SUPPLIES I USED:
Color #1: 2 skeins of Gold Never Enough by Craft Smart
Color #2: was an unfinished project I had.
Size G crochet hook
Scissors/Snippers
Tapestry needle
With this project I am doing a 50% stash busting. I have a lot in unfinished projects due to discontinued colors.
Making great progress but ooowweee this color changing is a beastI appreciate the fact the color change started early in this project. I tried to keep the bobbins in order, but I did have a tangled mess a few times.
24 Hours into this project, I’m done. I have this was a quick crochet once I got passed all the color changing for the letters. I did frog on the S but was able to catch it before I was too far past it.
Now it is time to hide the thread. Grab your favorite beverage, movie and “enjoy” this process. Most people hate this process but it was relaxing. Took me about 2 hours to complete. Be very careful in this process. I snipped a stitch and had to repair it. Quick fix but I did freak out at first.
My favorite snipers and yarn needle got the job done 🙂Thread buried, now its time to add the border.I think adding the border took longer than crocheting the actual blanket…lol, but at the end, I love the look. Time to wash it (gentle wash) and get it ready for its new owner.
Draped it over the sofa, just to get a better viewSee you all for the next project
I know I’ve been MIA for a while, but there is a think called LIFE and it hit me.
One would be disappointed at set backs but I must say it was the best think that happened to me. As many know I work a 9 to 5 and then come home to focus on my business. It took a horrible mental toll on me to the point I could not remember what projects I had line up even though they were written down. I was an example of #TEAMTOOMUCH. All of the self help books, articles, and podcast I love so much now had to be applied.
Just when I had a work balance here comes a very severe and traumatic shoulder injury (muscles and tendon shredded). When the doctor told me surgery and a one year recovery time, I died inside. WHAT WAS I GOING TO DO? God spoke to me a week before my surgery and all of my fears and concerns were put to rest.
So here I am 6 months later post surgery. Not fully recovered but making great progress. I am not back to the sewing machine just yet, but my crochet hook has helped with my recovery and strength training. In my downtime I’ve read and taken a few classes to improve the Aysun Taylor brand. I think January of 2020 I will do a relaunch, but in the meantime I will continue to post new blogs, remain active on my social media platforms and continue to make and improve the Design portion until I am able to start the Fashion side again.
To anyone who has experienced a setback in your business, DON’T GIVE UP! Take a break (as long as you need to), refocus and come back stronger than ever. If you feel like coming back my not work, I suggest investing in our children. Teach the knowledge and skill to a young person and watch the knowledge and skills blossom for the future generations #generationalwealth.
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Aysun Taylor Studios 