Here’s a personal story of a journey which unfolded and continues to unfold simply because I said yes....
Roughly, 3.5 years ago, I was randomly offered a contract position to staff fashion expos at Jacob Javits here in NYC. I mean, seriously - this offer came out of nowhere. At the time, I was a full-time director + a 15 year veteran at a creative arts college. My campus was going through a HUGE transition, which meant my plate was already pretty full. A fashion expo, really? Truth was, I always favored the graphic design world over the fashion world. There was so much I did not know about the fashion world. All things considered, normally I would have respectfully declined and continued with life.
Something told me to be open and just consider it. I felt this little flicker inside & the next day, I decided to go for it, didn't ask many questions and, said yes. A week later while signing the contract, I read through my responsibilities and expo dates.
Responsibilities
OTHER THINGS TO NOTE
I thought about backing out but then just signed quickly, all while thinking this is absolutely bananas but I will do my best.
I did my best and it all thankfully came together. I felt moderately confident before my trip. The flight home was a total different story - I was still holding onto Spain but also facing the fact that I'm sorta walking into the unknown, I did not want to fail and this is kind of a big deal. Needless to say it wasn't the most relaxing 8.5 hour flight 🤪.
I remember arriving at Jacob Javits, straight from JFK, bags in tow. I was riding the escalator up, taking in this massive, event ready interior - thinking, Tonya wtf are you doing... there is nooooo way you are going to pull this off. Even if I was operating at 100% I would have been intimated by this scenario and I was no where near 100% The jetlag + Spanish red wine hangover 👁🗨 were in full effect.
Somehow, in the end, not only did my team and I pull it off, we KILLED it!
Saying yes brought other gifts as well ✨
When the dots start to connect...
Fast forward 2.5 years later, there I was launching The Wolf In Me an ecommerce marketplace, blog & community. Just recently I attended my 2nd annual New York Now Expo as a retailer/business owner. #bananas
Here’s the craziest part for me...if 5 years ago, someone would’ve told me, “Over the next several years, you will experience all of the above 👆🏽.”
From staffing my first fashion retail expo at Jacob Javits, to launching The Wolf In Me and attending expos at Jacob Javits as a business owner... 👀I would’ve thought that person was certified bat shit crazy.
I did not see any of this coming. Looking back, this was a moment I was tapping into The Wolf In Me without even knowing it. Seeds were being planted plant. This proved to me, magic can happen when we SAY YES - MORE ❤️, I’ve witnessed this firsthand, both professionally and personally. You never know where a simple yes can lead you.
I hope my little story inspires you to lead with an open heart and say yes to something you normally wouldn’t say yes to. Lastly, have faith in your journey, listen to those faint internal whispers and when you start to feel a drop of fear wrapped with excitement /curiosity that's your que to tap into The Wolf In You and simply GO FOR IT.