I Give Up

As an artist and entrepreneur, I’ve find myself questioning whether or not to pursue certain endeavors. When I first made the decision to leave corporate America in pursuit of my entrepreneurial path, reality kicked in when I first experienced hard times. When the lifestyle I was living based, pretty much based on a consistent paycheck, dissipated.

In the beginning I often had to remind myself why I left and what was most important. My children.

Although entrepreneurial and life challenges has periods of difficulty, I wouldn’t give up the freedom of peace of mind and time spend with my husband and children for anything.

As I continue my journey as a first time filmmaker, I admit that it hasn’t been easy. Not that I’m expecting it to be but I can’t help but notice and feel the challenge of being a woman of color breaking into a new industry, which has been pointed out to me multiple times on multiple levels.

I’ve tried my best not to let the lack of support for my fundraiser and opportunities that seem to not be a “right fit” (yes I’ve been told that), get to me. At times it’s hard. And during these times I’ve thought to myself…

Then it hit me…

I thought about my mom yesterday. She was 25, married with 3 children (2, 4 & 6) and had an aneurysm on the right side of her brain. The aneurysm caused her to have a stroke and left her paralyzed on the left side of her body. She told me she went through periods of “Why me?”, anger and bitterness about her diagnosis. But all I remember about my mom is that paralysis on the left side of her body was never an excuse for her to NOT do anything.

She drove by herself, cooked for her family, went to and from work on the busy streets of Manhattan, NY, and was so determined to keep going, despite her stroke. My mom set the tone for me when it comes to determination.

If she never made an excuse, how can I?

In no way am I comparing my moms illness to the frustration I feel about my art. Instead I am drawing a comparison to the level of difficulty she experienced and what I feel personally about my art.

I have no excuse and giving up is not an option.

Despite the negative comments I’ve received from various women (yes women) about I Am More Than My Hair, there is an entire community of girls and women involved in my project, that are not only counting on me but sincerely believe in the mission of my work. Of OUR work. And if I give up, we lose.

Today gave a speaking engagement and presented my work to young ladies of Albion College (Albion, MI) Women’s and Gender Studies. The positives responses and questions during the discussion about embracing who are are and learning to love ourselves just as we are, was another confirmation that I am on the right path.

Taken at Albion College (Albion, MI) during my presentation Embracing Your Natural Beauty, for the women of Women’s and Gender Studies. 

In the end, my lesson learned is what will be must be. What is for me shall be. What I am born to create, has no option but to be created. I’m allowing life to takes it’s course. Thank you for taking the time to read.

With just 15 days left for my fundraiser, your support is appreciated. Contribute via Indiegogo – https://igg.me/at/MoreThanMyHair

Thank you,

Alyscia

Media Attention… it’s Bitter Sweet

Seriously?

Since the launch of  my crowdfunding campaign, I’ve been contacted by several major media outlets with hopes to write an article on my project. I followed up to the emails requesting the status of the requested interview articles.

Fortunately, one media contact provided me with honest feedback. She said…

Your campaign is great and we really love what you’re doing, but you haven’t raised enough funds for us to make it “newsworthy”. 

I was so excited to receive the attention I feel I Am More Than My Hair deserves but I must admit…that moment was bitter sweet. I couldn’t help but think…

Isn’t that what media attention is all about? Raising awareness on news and social media platforms so others can become aware and support?

This is the unfortunate reality of being a “not-so-known” artist.

Regardless, I’m moving forward. Somehow or another I’m going to give birth to this baby because my heart and soul tells me this project (along with past and future projects) is something I was born to give birth to.

For this reason I’m still asking for your support.  PLEASE DONATE, SHARE ON YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA PAGES AND ENCOURAGE FRIENDS AND FAMILY TO SO THE SAME! If only 50 people help raise $500 (among their connections), I will reach my goal.

Help me continue to raise awareness of one of our many transitions that the media choose not to discuss.

My project is simply redefines the beauty of female baldness. Here’s the link – https://igg.me/at/MoreThanMyHair

Thanks in advance for your support!

Alyscia