Character: The Unprofessional Professional

You network with someone and they turn out to be the complete opposite of what you thought they were. Here's the example:

Photo Credit: theicecream.org 

They brag about their past accolades, which intrigues you upon initial contact, so you give them an extra five minutes to see where the conversation may lead. When they start talking about what makes them different from other people in their field, you think that you've struck gold and found a person who understands professionalism like you do because all of the things that make them unique are all of the things that you have been seeking in another individual to work with/for. The fact that they cannot seem to take a breath in between their listings of awful past experiences with other posing professionals is thrilling because it's almost as if you've found your career twin- one who knows exactly what it is that you, too, have gone through and would never want to experience ever again. You drown out their voice for a second to think back to the beginning of your interaction, and start to rate the firmness of their grip of their handshake, the truthfulness that lies in their making eye contact with you at all times, the accuracy for the pattern of pleats in her skirt or the accuracy of the tailor's work on the pants of his suit, the brilliance in their dental cleaning, and the way in which their body language screamed "I am Harvey Spector" or "I am Jessica Pearson" in a sway that only a smooth, New York lawyer can pull off on his best day at work. By the time you've zoned back into the conversation, you're being handed a business card and invited to experience their services. You wait for the moment you need them the most - just so that they know that you aren't desperate.

Photo Credit: workopolis.com

The day finally comes... and they are late, unkempt, unclean - yes, their office/work space is untidy, unacceptable, and above all... (need I say it?)... unprofessional. They give excuses for everything: their alarm clock was either set to the wrong time or didn't go off at all, their pet needed attention for the first time in the 12 years since they adopted it, their hair situation is a result of rushing and not having been able to take a complete shower, as if to say that taking a half shower is even possible! Their breakfast was nonexistent, which left their stomach practically begging for McDonalds, Dunkin' Donuts, or some cheap, fast-food meal that would hold them over until they were finished with you, because their appetite is of the kind that eats too frequently, and medication has to be taken with food. Speaking of!... the medication has them all over the place emotionally, which is probably why they are disheveled, funky and did I mention, unprofessional?

Photo Credit: littleguymlm.com

When you are working with a professional, these things never happen. I repeat: NEVER happen. So, unless you are ready to take ownership of your own brand and have placed your business as a priority over everything, let's be careful with using the term, 'professional' because there is only one way to 'do professional.' And if you're not doing it right, don't claim to be doing it at all.

Best,
MM :)

Celeb Special: Blue Ivy's Hair

I have seen this come up online a number of times and I think if Tamar Braxton, Syleena Johnson, and KeKe Wyatt (celebrities who are, clearly, too involved in the parenting lives of the Carters) can comment on this child's hair, than why can't I? Well, as to not stoop too low, I will not be doing that here. I will, however, make a comment on the situation.

Tamar Braxton, Syleena Johnson and Keke Wyatt's comments here: 

http://cocoafab.com/keke-wyatt-syleena-johnon-tamar-braxton-throw-shade-at-blue-ivys-hair/

Photo Credit: Google

It started here: one of the first published photos of a young Blue Ivy Carter being held by her daddy, Sean Carter (Jay-Z). Her face is priceless and her cheeks are scrumptious. Her hair? Um... Let's say it's not what the media expected from the child of ga-gillionaires.

The criticisms continued as there seemed to be a trend of unkempt hairstyles in her future, considering the "sloppiness" of her hairstyles past. Media wanted it to stop, and headlines made crude remarks about the child's appearance. And if that wasn't enough, they blamed Jay-Z and Beyonce for bad parenting. (Yes, that was definitely an *gasp* OMG moment).

Photo Credit: Google

People thought it a fabulous idea to zoom in on her head when taking photos, and actually expect her parents to comment on their harsh words about their daughter. Talks about African-American all-natural hair was already being discussed on the internet, but the emphasis of her 'nappy' head shined a bad light on the entire idea (at least, for children). 

I am more than disappointed by the fact that other celebrities, reportedly, petitioned with other civilians to have the Carters do something about their daughters appearance. 

*SideVent: Theses people have never even touched Blue's hair! Looks can be deceiving. Her hair texture may just be extra thick*

It was only yesterday that I wrote a blog post about the way the media imposes themselves upon the minds of young girls, and here is a great example of this disgusting cycle at work. 

To the women, and MOTHERS, TB and KW, along with the others who made up this stupid petition: I expected more. To the females who are pregnant, carrying young ladies, I hope you know what values you wish to teach because the moment they take their first breath, there is a world out there waiting to criticize them. 

View petition here: http://www.change.org/petitions/blue-ivy-comb-her-hair 

Photo Credit: KickUSA.com

It is clearer, now more than ever, that females play a heavy role in initiating, and continuing this cycle of defining beauty. While women are motivated for a variety of reasons to alter their looks, it is the female community that pressures other females, who are not following the 'rules of beauty' to succumb to the 'norm.' Blue Ivy is, at most, two years old right now, and is being bombarded with this. I have yet to see a photo of her and her hair that shows that the Carters pay any attention to it. And you know, I hope I never do. Keeping her away from this mess is best, and is what I would do if I were her mother. She is wayyyyy to young to be poisoned with words and photos and makeup brushes. Let her watch Barney in peace! 

To Blue, more power to you, honey!  

Best,

MM :)