SIMILAR PANTS

SIMILAR TABITHA SIMMONS SHOES

NOTE: This post was written when I was formerly known as “OJ AND CIGS.”

Dealing with rejection is hard for me, or for anyone I imagine. I was recently turned down for a gig/collab with a big-name brand that I’m a huge fan of, all because of my blog’s name. Excited I got through the first meeting which seemed overall positive, my eagerness was cut short when I received news that corporate had concerns regarding the “Cigs” in OJ and Cigs – as it may negatively impact any of the brand’s younger shoppers. Next step – respectfully accept the decision, thank them for their time and consideration, and gracefully bow-out. Life goes on. Other opportunities will come a-knocking. But…what about my blog’s name? Should I panic that no one is going to want to work with me? Should I change it? Is this going to be an ongoing struggle? I was having serious self-doubt issues and begging my life-coach/bestie Aileen (aka The Style Boro) for advice. Then one day I said to myself, “You know what, forget it. There are many reasons you SHOULD keep the name. It’s a conversation-starter, and you started the blog not to please everybody or sell-out, but to inspire, have a creative outlet, and to just be you!” Working with brands is a plus, but what I really get a kick out of is meeting new people, open dialogue and putting out cool content. I’ve learned to accept challenges and to stay true to myself. Rejection will happen, and when it does, for whatever reason (hopefully a valid one), channel that energy into doing something else and watch how you’ll soon forget, and eventually grow from it. Photography Yesica Laver Flores of Simply Lively