The 5th Year

Ya’ll I can’t believe it’s been 5 years. They say time flies when you are having fun and I have definitely been having fun. From working with big brands to getting to model for Target…yes Target in New York, this journey has been everything. Someone recently told me I should conduct an e-class on how to run a successful blog, I said aww ya’ll really think I have it all figured it out..haha. In all seriousness everyone’s journey is different but the one rule that remains the same across the board is BE CONSISTENT. You have to be consistent in order to grow.

Some people look and see this as just taking pictures, but a lot of work happens behind the scenes in order to produce these great photos. We all start off and still spend our money to purchase products or clothes and give you all our honest reviews. So if you enjoy seeing beautiful content and getting opinions on items before purchasing, show your favorite influencers some love.

That can be done in the form of liking their posts, subscribing to their blog or YouTube channels, sharing their posts, or clicking their affiliate links. Now mind you I love this so much that if I didn’t get a dime, I would still be serving ya’ll these good ole looks..haha. But this is a career for many including myself and this is how we pay our bills.

This year I wanted to celebrate my Blogaversary a little differently. I wanted to not only celebrate me but also the people who have played vital roles in helping my brand develop. My family, friends, blogger tribe, followers, and readers have all been an important part of this journey. So thank you! I decided to thank everyone by doing a photo shoot and a giveaway for my followers on Instagram.

I’ve always loved brunch but The JD Brunch Series’ initial mission was to bring bloggers and vloggers of color together over brunch to share ideas, collaborate, and ultimately support one another. I am so thankful for each and everyone of these ladies and all the other influencers who have constantly showed love to The JD Series. How poppin are my girls in their orange?! My top can be found here and the pants here.

My family my family…I truly understand how blessed I am because not everyone has that strong family support system. My mom has always supported my creative dreams. She never forced me to pursue medicine or business, she always encouraged me to follow my dreams. A few people always ask about my confidence and how am I so confident, well I have my mom to thank for that. She has always built me up and told me how beautiful I was since a child.

My mom has always been my original hype girl and portable closet holder upper..haha. My brother was my first photographer. He’s dealt with all my “I don’t like that one, take it agains”. My precious “nanny baby” who is my number 1 supporter. She says she wants to be a “fasanista” (spelled incorrectly on purpose) like her nanny lol. She also likes to tell her mom to consult with me about her outfits..haha.but I think her mom does just fine! My auntie holding down the door at all my events and collecting tickets and money. My uncle holding down the security just in case anyone gets fresh and my cousins and Brother’s girl friend letting me boss them around while decorating.

I chose all white for my fam and they showed up and out. Like I was thoroughly impressed that they listened..haha. I was happy I could finally wear this beautiful dress that had been hanging in my closet since last year. You can find the dress here.

Last and certainly not least, my girls! Some of these women I have been friends with since grade school and some I have met as an adult. No matter what I ask of them they do. If I am ever in a crunch, I can count on every one of these ladies. Trust me I know good friends are hard to find so I am blessed.

From being my first makeup artist for my shoots, to event promoters, worker bees to wearing themed outfits. These ladies always show up and out. How popping are they in their pink. I swear all these photos can be Essence covers!

Sorry this amazing suit is sold out.

Shoutout to my photographer Miesha and creative director Christian. I told them what I wanted and they took it and ran with it. I was so please on how this shoot came together.

I hope to continue to create and influence for years to come and I hope you all will continue on this journey with me.