O.M.G....

Whoa!!! I've got too many things to do and not enough time. Well I do have enough time, but I'm the type of girl who likes to go, go, and go until things are done. I'm not known for taking breaks. I always strive for the finish line and well the problem with that is...I exhaust myself. So I want to apologize for the lack of postings this week. I definitely miss you guys, but we're almost finish with our move to our new home, I'm still catching up on BSJ orders, and I've been meeting with folks like crazy over the last 5 days or so regarding Sip n' Shop, Girls' Night Out. But tonight I will force myself to take a break! I'm supposed to attend a mixer tonight at the aLoft Hotel where Sip n' Shop is being held but I'm tired...Lol! I'm going to take a hot bath, make me some tea, decide what I want to do for my birthday (which is in 6 days), and catch up on my reading.  I'll be back to my regular blogging schedule next week with a new fabulous Bohemian Business Spotlight for you all. See you next week and if I don't stop back by on Friday...Have a fantastic weekend!

be free,

Myisha

The Weekend...

Hi friends! I'm out and about today as usual on Friday. It's my catch up day for all the things I didn't do throughout the week. Me and my partner in crime (hubby) have simple plans this weekend. Yard sale, packing, church, and time with family on Sunday for Easter.

Wish you all a beautiful weekend!

Be free,
Myisha

Moving on...

Hey there! Hope you all enjoyed the Bohemian Business Spotlight yesterday. Please feel free to recommend any fabulous women that you know or would love to see in the spotlight. I will try and reach out to as many as them as possible to see if they wouldn't mind sharing their story here with everyone.

The other day I mentioned that I would be relocating to a cool new city. It's not too far from where I live now (about 20 minutes) but it definitely offers more of what we are looking for and what we're interested in as a family. Since I quit my 9 to 5 back in 2009 my priorities have definitely shifted. I was so caught up in what success appeared to be that I wasn't able to define what "my" success was. Back then I valued material things and I thought that having all of those things meant I had "made it." But I was really longing to fulfill my passion of designing jewelry full time. It was scary at first to realize that people would judge me once I decided not to work for someone else, but I quickly got over it. Lol! Once I realized what success was for me, it certainly did not include all the stuff I had grown accustomed to. So now that my Keepin' up with the Jones's days are over, I'm able to feel comfortable in the decisions I make for myself and my family. Anywho, we are picking up and moving to a wonderful art loft surrounded by like-minded people that support local artist and independent business. I'm within walking distance of so many wonderful things..african dance, yoga, african drumming, and meditation classes. Music lessons, a kids cooking academy, and science lab academy for Myles, and lots of cute and quaint independent boutiques, coffee shops, book stores, record shops (yes I said record), bakeries, and bead stores :) My hubby and I have been hanging out in the area for years and now we will finally be residents! So exciting!!! So of course I'm excited about the decorating part and since we already have our keys I've started going to the loft and doing a little bit each day. Yesterday I spent 3 hours there just putting things away and lying on the floor looking through decor magazines while listening to Corinne Bailey Rae :) I'll reveal more pictures as I get more done.

Our staircase...I love it! :)

Added a bit of cozy with the buddha statute.

Enjoying my time there.

be free,

Myisha

Bohemian Business Spotlight

Our spotlight today has a skill that we don't often see from women. She knows everything about sports, and she can teach you or any man a thing or two, or three. Gyasmine George is the Female Field Guide! This savvy sister has a niche brand business that I truly admire, but the best part is that she's not trying to be one of the boys...she just has the ability to hang and talk sport with them if she chooses too. Gyasmine's exterior is far from rough and tough (as some may imagine since she is a die hard sports fan), she's beautiful, fun-loving, educated, and very grounded in all areas of her life. As the Female Field Guide, Gyasmine provides education, support, assistance and sports-based relationship counseling to women who desire to increase their knowledge of sports, athletics and entertainment as they co-exist. She talks sport on her Blog Talk Radio show, via social networking sites, and roundtable discussions. Is that HOT or what?!?! She'll even be empowering women at the upcoming Sip n' Shop, Girls' Night Out by providing tips on how women can increase their sports knowledge to get closer to their guy or closer to the guy they want ;). But enough from me...I'll let her explain more about her extraordinary business. Enjoy!

*Please excuse the layout. Blogger is acting very weird today.

1.  I won't ask your age, but what was your favorite TV. show to watch growing up? 

a.     Oooooh growing up, I loved the Cosbys! I loved the T.G.I.F. line up with Family Matters, Step by Step etc.

b.     Cartoons I loved Animaniatics, Tom and Jerry, Power Rangers etc.

2.  What gave you the AUDACITY to start a business?

a.     I can only say that God gave me the courage to do this. God wired me a little differently in the aspect of my love, passion and knowledge of sports. And finally after I graduated graduate school and went on a plethora (yes I said plethora) of interviews and got nowhere, I had to pause and check in with God as to the direction of my life.

b.     Female Field Guide was birthed! Whoot whoot!

3.  Out of all the creative businesses you could have chosen to start, why did you choose Sports?

a.     I have no sisters, only brothers and many male cousins. As a youngster, before my dad passed away, he was the one who put a basketball in my hands. He coached me in the little league teams and we bonded when it came to sports. I can remember going to Raider games when they were still in L.A. with my dad and I had a blast. I miss him every day but I know he is with me and proud of my decision to pursue my dream.

b.     I have the gift of communication and creating an inviting atmosphere for people to want to share and listen to me. I don’t ever want to take for granted. I want to share sports and entertainment to women who may not have an avenue to learn sports in a female friendly environment and vocab. And Female Field Guide is just that baby!!!

Gyasmine interviewing Joe "Jelly Bean" Bryant...Kobe's Dad!

4. Lots of people want to be their own boss, however they don't understand that it really is harder then it seems. What's your typical work day like?

a.     What’s a typical day? Ahahahah. Well it really depends on the day. I write for a newspaper covering high school prep sports so I may be covering a basketball, football, soccer, baseball game etc. I am also a professor teaching Gender, Ethnic and Cultural courses at a University. OR I’m prepping and doing research for the Female Field Guide to Sports and Relationship radio show! It all depends on the exact day, hour or minute. But all in all it’s something regarding sports and I freaking love it!

b.     It’s hard but it’s all about time management!

5. How do you find the strength to persevere when the challenges seem to outweigh the rewards?

a.     I would have to say at times I am exhausted managing all the ventures with the radio show, website and sports writing. But then I sit back and say to myself, “They pay me to do this? Are you serious?!” This is my passion and my dream and everyone can’t do that. So I stop and collect myself and thank God for these moments.

6. What inspires you?

a.     Being an example to people. In particular young girls. When I coached at my former high school, Diamond Bar, I saw the need for positive, driven female role models. It’s getting super ridiculous out there. I want my girls to know that you can succeed with solid morals, God and being yourself. AND you can keep your clothes on and succeed! Hee hee. This day in age you have so many tools and avenues to educate yourself, network and strive to be the best woman or man you want to be. But unfortunately, some people don’t have the support or examples to go in the right direction. If I can be an example as well as a positive entity in someone’s life that is what inspires me.

7. What's your go to wine when it's time to unwind? :)

a.     Girrrrrrl you said it, WINE! I love to unwind by either going to the gym (loooove the sauna) or relaxing with wine (White wine spritzer, Moscato or Lambrusco). All depending on my mood. When I have to recharge my batteries and step away from my laptop, I try to do things that make me smile and laugh. You can find humor in almost anything. J

8. When it comes to the following words, what advice would you give?

*Work: BALANCE (Make time for play)

*Self: BALANCE (please make sure you make time to love and live)

*Life: Seek God; He will give you strength in the peaks and valleys

*Love: LOVE HARD, OFTEN AND AUTHENTICALLY

*Friends: Keep those who add to your spirit and lose those that subtract and divide your energy negatively

9. I define a Bohemian Spirit as someone who is free, unique, and unafraid to make her own stamp on the world. Why are you a Bohemian Spirit?  

a.     Girlfriend I AM a Bohemian spirit because I go by the motto of “Why Not?”. Life is extremely quick and before you know it your 74 with regrets! But-why not live every single freaking day like you have only one more. I leave no stone unturned, I grab all lessons from my past, whether if it was joyous or pain like I’ve never felt, GOD intended us to experience it. I love with every inch of my being, I love with everything I know and don’t know. Now that my dear is what I call a Bohemian Spirit!

 Gyasmine George, M.S.

 Female Field Guide

 www.blogtalkradio.com/female-field-guide 

www.facebook.com/femalefieldguide

Description of what you do: The host of Female Field Guide, Gyasmine George has an online sports radio show on www.blogtalkradio.com called “Female Field Guide to Sports and Relationships” which airs on Sunday nights at 8pm (PST). Ladies, call in to speak with Gyasmine! She discusses sports, relationships and entertainment! The number is 714-816-4766. Gyasmine provides sports education and relationship advice to women in the world of sports and entertainment as it pertains to the relationship they have with the men in their lives.

There is also a website being built to provide women with education on the basics of basketball, baseball and football as well as sports-based relationships advice for women to co-exist with the sports fans in their lives!

Please comment y'all and let Gyasmine know what you think of her interview! Also, if you'd like to be in the BBS please email bohemianspiritjewelry{at}gmail{dot}com. In the subject line put BBS and please tell me a little bit about what you do with a link to your website, fb page, twitter, etc.

Bohemian Style Spotlight

I've missed the Coachella festival again this year, but I always search the web to see who was there and what they were wearing. I love how everyone gets in the bohemian mood and wears such eclectic and stylish clothes. Below are some of my fave boho pictures from celebrities and non - celebrities at the festival.

{Images Source}

And a few more boho looks I found over the weekend...

{Images Source}

be free,

Myisha

My Weekend

Hey there! Happy Monday to you all. Hope your weekend was good and you weren't caught up in any bad weather or that darn tornado in North Carolina. We actually had 80 - 90 degree weather in Southern California over the weekend, but now we are back to rain. We've had the craziest weather here this year, but I'm not complaining because it could be worse. I spent most of my weekend outdoors soaking up the sun. Saturday I attended a birthday gathering for my girlfriend...It was the big 4-0 for her....So much fun! We had a private shopping party at a very cute boutique, then cocktails and girl talk, wine tasting, and we ended the evening with chocolate fondue!

On Sunday my hubby and I went for a drive through the Angeles National Forest and had lunch at Eureka Burger in our new neighborhood. We are moving soon to a cool artsy neighborhood that reminds me of a mini-Berkeley :). I'll share more details on our upcoming move later in the week. Our son decided he wanted to hang out with my mom over the weekend, so it gave me and the hubs a nice break from doing kid-friendly stuff. Sorry but I'm a firm believer that parents need fun time without their kids too! I'm just sayin' ;)

Below are some pics from my weekend...enjoy!

Goodie Bags I made for the party girls ;)

Me & the b-day girl

Sweets

Cocktails

Eats

Drive with the hubby.

All pictures by M. Croom-Turner

be free,

Myisha

Sunny day!

It's such a beautiful day today in my neck of the woods. I'm playing catch up today (errands, orders, home duties) but I wanted to thank you all for your comments on the Bohemian Business Spotlight! Thanks for reading and I hope that the women spotlighted so far have provided lots of inspiration in an area of your life that may have needed a boost! Reach out to them too...I'm sure they would love to hear from you! I have a busy weekend ahead, so I'll be back Monday with some details and pictures...It's party time! Have a fantastic weekend!

Be free,
Myisha

*Post/picture from my blackberry at my favorite bakery :).

Bohemian Business Spotlight

Have you ever ran across a woman who seems to have it all and upon further inspection, you realize she really does!!? Well that's Shatieko Wilson aka Tieko Nejon'. This stylist/designer has fashion sense, common sense, a sense of humor, and sense of self. I met her a few years ago through a very dear friend of mine and the first thing I noticed was what she was wearing. It probably wasn't anything super fabulous, but that is the beauty of Tieko... She can make an ordinary ensemble look like a million bucks! Her talents stretch far and wide (jewelry designer, stylist, crafter, blogger, wife, mother of 2, faithful friend....) and she refuses to be put in a box. She exudes confidence (unapologetically I might add) and I absolutely love her for it! Check out her interview with BSJ and see why she's in the spotlight. Enjoy!

1.  I won't ask your age, but what was your favorite t.v. show to watch growing up? 

Well, Well, that’s tricky because my favorite shows were usually based on what my older brother watched and he is 8 years my senior.  I would have to say What’s Happening. 

2.  What gave you the AUDACITY to start a business?

Probably the same spirit that gave me the audacity to leave a job (twice) with no real plan, other than I did not want to work for someone else.

3.  Out of all the creative businesses you could have chosen to start, why did you choose fashion?

I am clear on what I am good at (and what I am not I am no cook by a long shot) but I love fashion and understand personal style, so it only seemed the perfect fit to be a wardrobe consultant.

4.  Lots of people want to be their own boss, however they don't understand that it really Is harder then it seems. What's your typical work day like?

After mom duties are complete for my 2 and 4 year old, the first order of business is coffee, (grande toffee nut latte six pumps toffee nut, caramel syrup inside he cup, and whip on top).  I then check emails in hopes (of new clients).  I work on putting together my blog post for the week.  I then spend time on researching what’s new in fashion.  If I have a client I will put together a look book of ideas to present to them with ideas for whatever the job may be.  Some days may call for shopping and pulling clothes. And somewhere in there I squeeze in a good lunch.

5.  How do you find the strength to persevere when the challenges seem to outweigh the rewards?

The hardest part for me is the balance between it all; husband children business and me.  I find strength in pacing myself, realizing it is not a race but a marathon and one aspect of my life does not work without the other.  To wake up every morning with the opportunity to live my dream, that’s all the encouragement and reward I need.

6.  What inspires you?

Everything—no really everything, magazines, commercials, nature, colors, jewelry, people, sleep…

7.  What's your go to wine when it's time to unwind? :)

Interesting, I don’t really drink to unwind, but a good game of backgammon with the hubby is the best and a Chai latte from Starbucks.  Hey, if this gig does not work out then I will try my hand at opening a coffee shop.

8.  When it comes to the following words, what advice would you give?

Work: In spite of what people say, avoid getting hungry.  Hunger breeds greed and like with food we never know when enough is enough.

Self: Don’t count yourself out of the game until that final buzzer. 

Life: Be clear of the plan that God has for you and work His plan.  If you thought you were put here to just suck up air, well happy sucking but don’t suck up mine.

Love: It is an action and it feels good to get it and give it.

Friends: Life is nothing without them.

9.  I define a Bohemian Spirit as someone who is free, unique, and unafraid to make her own stamp on the world. Why are you a Bohemian Spirit?  

I believe I am free but the key is free to be me.  It is a doozy to try and be someone else.  I am not afraid of making mistakes and I march to the beat of my own loud drum.  I am determined to be the great person I was created to be, unashamed and no regrets (well a few regrets but none that I will let define me).

Shatieko Wilson

Tieko Nejon

www.tiekonejon.com  

www.mystylishways.com

I am a wardrobe consultant providing services to men, women, new artist, helping to discover their personal style.  I also am editor-and -chief (fancy huh?) of my blog My Stylish Ways, where I provide fashion and style tips for real women with real lives.

*Wanna be in the spotlight? Send and email to BohemianSpiritJewelry{at}gmail{dot}com. In the subject line write "Spotlight."


Be free, 
Myisha

Girls' Night Out...

Hope you all had a great weekend! I was working most of Saturday and half of Sunday on my upcoming Sip n' Shop event. My partner and I were texting each other most of the weekend while putting together the final details of the event! We are currently accepting vendors and goodie bag sponsors, so If you are interested you can email us at ILoveSipnShop{at}Live{dot}com to receive more details. I've been putting together Sip n' Shop Girls' Night Out events since 2007 and they are so much fun to do! I'm excited to be implementing a new aspect to SNS this year (which I will be revealing on our fan page, so please join!) If you live in the Los Angeles/Inland Empire area, I'd love to see and meet with you at one of our upcoming events! Below are a few pictures from past events....Enjoy!

be free,

Myisha

all work....no play

I've been in the house working all day, and I'm starting to go a little stir crazy. Lol! I'm in the beginning stages of planning my next Sip n' Shop, Girls' Night Out event! I'm completing some much needed adjustments to the overall SNS brand, and I've also found a business partner to work with.  I'm really happy to be working along side someone who is just as passionate about my vision for SNS as I am. So of course I'll be a busy bee this weekend working on event details, and filling jewelry orders for my shop. Hopefully you all have some fun stuff planned for the weekend.

In the meantime, I've decided to break out my SATC box set for inspiration! In honor of Carrie, I think I'll wear my "Myisha" necklace that I've been having since 8th while I watch.

SNS fan page

be free,

Myisha

Learning & growing.....

Every now and then I create a list of things that I'd like to purchase for myself. I don't have a lot of wants because I've finally got it...My lightbulb moment hit me a while back and I know that material things will never define me...I define me! I've had the best (houses, cars, clothes, etc.) and what I've realized is that I was never satisfied. Once I had something expensive, I then wanted something more expensive....I'm shaking my head right now at the thought of that foolishness. I've made a lot of past mistakes in my gluttony, but I wouldn't trade those mistakes for the world because I've grown so much because of them. I've since given up that over the top spending and I don't feel like I'm missing a thing! Seriously! Don't get me wrong....I live a great life, but it's much simpler these days. Now I'm more aware of what's most important in my life (God, family, great friends, endearing moments) and everyday I work on letting go of my attachments to material things, because as we all know...they can be gone at any moment! My new favorite loves are no longer buying the latest cars, and most expensive handbags, but now I treasure time spent growing my business, nurturing my relationship with my sister, traveling with my family, increasing my faith, helping others, and doing me!

Me & my sister Tootie

Howlite Faith Bracelet from Bohemian Spirit

be free,

Myisha

Bohemian Business Spotlight

It's very difficult for me to introduce this next woman. Not because I don't have anything to say, but because there are so many things that I want to say. Itiel McVay is one half of the dynamic duo behind Smell Goods '98. She's not only a smart business woman, but I like to think of her as a modern day renaissance gal. Whiles she's whipping up scrubs, and oils to make you smell darn good (I'm a fan!), she's also a wife, home schooling mother of two beautiful princesses, a philanthropist (yep, she gives back to the youth), and if that's not enough....she's a huge supporter of other women owned businesses! It's apparent that Itiel is business savvy and has a great work ethic because Smell Goods '98 has been going strong for over 10 years! If I haven't told you enough already, please check out her interview below.  Enjoy!

1. I won't ask your age, but what was your favorite t.v. show to watch growing up? 

Good Times

2.  What gave you the AUDACITY to start a business?

My will of never accepting NO.  My confidence that I knew I could do it and do it well. My discernment from a young child, knowing that I did not have to follow the norm-way-of-life.

3. Out of all the creative businesses you could have chosen to start, why did you choose Smell Goods '98?

My husband was the seed planter of this business. He is the one that shed light on my entrepreneurial spirit.  Smell Goods '98™ is the right creative business for me; It embodies all that I love and enjoy in life.

4. Lots of people want to be their own boss, however they don't understand that it really Is harder then it seems. What's your typical work day like?

Yes, being your own boss is harder than it seems. My typical day: creating products, shipping orders, updating website, updating social networks, responding to emails, putting ideas into motion, making several to-do lists, working on newsletter, posting blogs, learning/studying more about ingredients and business, sending emails, following up with other business professionals. Plus I am a wife and home schooling mother.

5. How do you find the strength to persevere when the challenges seem to outweigh the rewards?

I focus on past rewards. Knowing that when I persevere fruits are gained.

6. What inspires you?

Inspiration for my product creations are derived from gourmet desserts, gourmet beverages, and confections; Culture is also inspiration for my fragrances.  My creative inspiration comes from big business such as Apple, Target, Cold Stone Creamery , Jelly Belly, and some other big businesses.  The inspiration that keeps me going for what I desire for myself comes from my husband, children, and all women in business that are living their fullest lives.  

7. What's your go to wine when it's time to unwind? :)

A very nice Port (Vinzelo). :)

8. When it comes to the following words, what advice would you give?

Work: Be consistent. Strive for excellence.

Self: Be consistent. Be genuine. Stay healthy and fit. Relax, reflect, rejuvenate.  

Life: Be consistent.  Live. Laugh. Love. Accept life for what it is. Change what you can. Always be willing to evolve.

Love: Be consistent. Love because you want to, not because you WANT it in return. Could you be love and be loved?

Friends:  

Be consistent. Be a friend to those who are friends to you. Realizing that if one hand totals the number of true friends in your life, you are pretty much normal. :)  Be good to that "one hand".

9. I define a Bohemian Spirit as someone who is free, unique, and unafraid to make her own stamp on the world. Why are you a Bohemian Spirit?  

I am a Bohemian Spirit because I am free, I am unique, I am unafraid (as in courageous to conquer my fears).  I was born with those attributes, I don't plan to dispose of them. 

Itiel McVay

 Smell Goods '98™

U http://smellgoodspa.com

Specializing in signature fragrance oil blends, signature hand-dipped incense, and made-to-order, wholesome bath & body products.

Wild Plans

It has been one of those days! My "to do" list has carried over from yesterday into today. I've got so many things on my plate...all of my wildest plans and dreams are coming true! I'm so very very grateful, yet exhausted at times...Lol! I'm excited about all of the possibilities, adventures, and events that will be in 2011. I've been hitting hard since the year began, so I'm definitely going to need a FULL spa day in May (my birthday month...just putting it out there in the universe for all (hubby) to see) :)

Hope you all are having a peaceful day. I'll be back with a better post tomorrow (posting this from my cell). Yep, another FABULOUS and INSPIRING Bohemian Biz Spotlight!

Be free,
Myisha

Lofty Decor...

Hey guys...hope you all had a great weekend! Mine was kinda awesome....I mixed it up with a little bit of work and some play as well ;) But today it's officially back to business! My Monday's are always filled with a long list of to do's, which means I'm in the car for most of the day running errands. I normally turn off my radio and brainstorm, daydream, and enjoy the scenery while driving (not all at the same time...lol!). Today my mind was on lofts and decor. I can't seem to get my mind off of beautiful textiles, comfy pillows, art, open space and cultural pieces.

What decor style do you dream of having or currently have in your home?

{Image Sources}

be free,

Myisha