This fabulous friday hopes to provide you some inspiration both for your spirit and your wardrobe!! About a week ago, I was visiting my chiropractor. It was one of those crazy busy days when just about every patient was trying to get in, and there was a bit of a wait. Fortunately, there was plenty of reading material. I was working my way through O, The Oprah’s magazine. I was finding some worthwhile tidbits that I was trying to mentally file, since I left my purse and thus all my writing/recording/what-have-you implements in the waiting room with the hubs. Luckily I managed to remember the most important tidbits, one of which I am sharing with you right now!
There was a small piece about an amazing line of bow ties. I’m sure you’re trying to figure out what could possibly be that special about bow ties. I’mma ’bout to tell you. See, there was this young man in Memphis who admired the way the men in his family dressed. The suits, the ties, he longed to dress the same way. Now, when I say “young man,” I don’t mean presidential age. I don’t mean college age, or even high school age. This kid was a grade schooler, looking to up his sartorial game. At the age of eight, he asked his grandmother to teach him how to sew. He started making his own bow ties, since what he could find in stores just wasn’t quite right for him. By the tender age of nine, he was running his own business, selling his super rad bow ties. Now, at eleven, he has a very successful Etsy shop, a professional website, and, as I mentioned, Oprah’s seal of approval.
Whoa.
By seven, I would tell anyone who asked that I was going to be a “rich and famous fashion designer.” Unfortunately, I couldn’t sew, and my mother didn’t trust my wee orangutan self with her beloved sewing machine. I sketched a lot, I mixed and matched anything and everything (clothing item or not) into inventive ensembles. But, I couldn’t make very much, even when I tried with needle and thread and my two hands. I certainly wasn’t running a business!
I could look at this kid and wonder what I have done with myself. I could think that clearly I’m washed up. Instead, I am choosing to be inspired! First, he gives me hope that not all young people leave the house in pajamas or pants that show mostly underpants. There might be hope for the younger generation to leave the house looking like ladies and gentlemen. There might be hope for the rest of us to follow suit, so to speak, and up our sartorial game. It’s a nice reminder that it’s worth it to pass up the jeans in my closet for something sassier. Second, he is proof that no matter your age or your resources, you can live your dream. When most kids his age are playing video games or watching TV, he is actively creating. He is pouring his passion into something, and sharing it with the world! He is putting his heart on his sleeve (or, I suppose, around his neck), and making the world a nicer place to be, one bow tie at a time.
So, take a moment and check out Moziah’s site, Mo’s Bows. Read his stories, admire his ties, and glean some inspiration. Throw your age out the window. What is your dream? What is your passion? What is it you want to do above all else? I would love to hear all about it in the comments. I would be thrilled to support you on your journey to whatever your version of Mo’s Bows is.
Happy Friday, friends! xoxox