‘Apollo Night LA’ Sets Off Internet Radio With the Right Vibe, Voice, and Talent

My mind is always going, my coffee mug is rarely empty, and my music is always on. And, naturally, what I listen to depends on my mood and the project I’m working on. Sometimes my fingers will dance on the keyboard to Frank Sinatra…or I’ll feel a special surge of energy as Drake goes on about starting from the bottom…or I’ll sway to the sounds of Tori Amos as if I’m on the piano bench playing with her. I don’t have a “type” or specific genre of music that I’m in love with – I just appreciate interesting music. And I appreciate those who enjoy discussing and analyzing music in the most relatable and insightful way. 

Sooooo this brings me to “Apollo Night LA” – a hot Internet radio show gaining tons of momentum from several social media platforms, including Twitter and Instagram. Apollo Night LA is an hour-long show that tapes Monday evening and then goes live on YouTube the very next day. The concept of the show is pretty awesome: A group of people giving unsigned artists the opportunity to have their entire song played. A pretty revolutionary show, actually. And while I do tune in to get a taste of new stuff that’s out there, I get my fix from the real entertainment – the hosts! When Karen Sims (show's creator), Luenell, Jocko Sims, Lotto, T.D., and Tracy Kennedy are on, they’re on.

(From left: Jocko Sims, Karen Sims, Lotto, T.D./ Bottom: Luenell)

All is fair in love and war with this group. They sometimes agree on which songs are truly noteworthy, but more often than not tend to differ in perspectives. Sometimes discussion can get heated between the hosts, but that’s when it gets good! I appreciate the sense of respect they give one another even when they agree to disagree. After all, music is so universal and equally so very personal, and it would just be weird and completely fake if they always agreed. I dig that Apollo Night LA is a space for these knowledgeable and experienced professionals to share thoughts, laugh, dance, give praise to unsigned artists, shoot unsigned artists (watch the show and you’ll see what I mean), and enjoy their Armadale Vodka. I can totally see Apollo Night LA on a major network like MTV or Revolt TV! Not to mention, the hosts are stars themselves; comedian and actress Luenell was recently on Arsenio Hall, actor Jocko is a cast member of Fox's "Dawn of the Planet of the Apes," and Lotto and T.D. are featured in the new Honda commercial. 

(Top: Guest Elgin Charles, Jocko Sims/ Bottom from Left: Tracy Kennedy, Karen Sims, Lotto, T.D.)

Currently, in its 25^th week, Apollo Night LA is also a cool place for talented guests to come in and contribute to good talk and the overall liveliness. Check out last night's show, featuring the lovely Elgin Charles! Ever wonder what “partaking” means in reference to hip-hop? About halfway in, listen up – Lotto and T.D. explain. WATCH VIDEO. 

Follow @ApolloNightLA on Twitter to stay up-to-date with upcoming shows as well as the launch date of their new website! You’re welcome.

My Top 5 Tips to Embracing (the Fab IDEA of) "Networking"

(www.thenatureofrealestate.com)

Today, I was having flashbacks of my college days, at CSUF. No, not about living in a dorm (commuted from my parents' home in Pomona). Not about my sorority days (eyes of sorority girls always glazed right over me when I walked to the Daily Titan newsroom). And definitely not about my experiences at Titan baseball games (had to catch the bus to make it back in time for my retail job at the mall). I was contemplating on the moments I would sit in one of the courtyards, eating a chocolate muffin and sipping on a caramel macchiato, trying to figure out what the hell "networking"meant.

All of my communications professors would use that word in statements like these: "Networking is what will get you far in life" and "The best way to meet people is to network." Grrrr...I used to be so confused. Maybe 'cause my classmates didn't question it, I didn't feel comfortable raising my hand to ask what networking was. Shame on me.

But it didn't take me very long to realize I was already doing that. At Nordstrom, I would share with my personal customers that I also love to write and how I would be graduating with a print journalism degree. They in turn would ask me if they can give my number to their daughters who needed help figuring out what they should study in college. I would strike up conversations with gals at coffee shops if they had really great style, which would eventually turn into giving each other leads to fabulous places to shop. To this day, I've yet to Google or look up the word "networking" in a dictionary. I just trust what it can accomplish. To me, networking is the process of sharing and receiving information while building a working relationship with a person, organization, company, etc., all in the most natural, innovative, and healthiest way possible.

One of my graphic designer friends recently said to me, "You're lucky. You doing well because you know a lot of people in the industry." I immediately reminded him of the tireless nights I have had and continue to have due to writing, emailing current and prospective contacts back, creating activity on social media, and basically, working my booty off. I told him "luck" or anything for that matter didn't just happen to me. I've been out of college for 10 years, and I still understand that all relationships take work -- professional ones, no doubt. He then responded with, "True. You're right. Maybe you can help me with that."

So, all that said, I'd like to give my top 5 tips to successful networking. I'm not a know-it-all; I'm just sharing what I have experienced based on my trial and errors (many errors). There are tons of books out there that I'm sure deliver helpful, wise info to keep you moving in the right direction. And, well...these are mine. Hope they keep you inspired:


1) Be proactive. Soooo...you're at a cocktail party and you're chatting with someone amazingly interesting. After your wheels start turning and you realize that you'd like to continue communicating with him or her after the party, especially because you two vibed so well, remember to ask for a business card or a Twitter handle, or something. Whatever you do, don't walk away with regret. Let that person know you are somebody too, and be genuine on why you would like to continue to keep in contact. If you're the first person to reach out, with confidence, you'll probably impress that person and show him or her you mean business. Feels much better to walk away with a smile. Believe me.

2) Use social media. Speaking of social media, if you're not on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, Pinterest, Instagram, Google+, etc., you gotta spend some time working on that. If you are pursuing a passion and you're not on a major platform, you're missing out on the potential for opportunity. I get 90 percent of my fashion, celeb, lifestyle, entertainment, and health news from social media. I either get it directly from the source or I get it from a friend or follower (in which I then research facts later on). Having direct contact to some of the biggest influencers, decision-makers, companies, and celebrities in the world is pretty powerful. And of course, you can communicate with some incredible, like-minded individuals. Don't you wanna be up in the mix? Do you think that if a company you were trying to work for looked you up online and found nothing about you or your work...that you would impress them? Think about it. And with that, try to keep what you can professional. Remember, you can always have different profiles for different reasons.

3) Give and do not expect the same in return. I can't tell you how many times I've promoted articles, songs, music, books, TV shows, and tons more regarding people I respect. Some of these people I know on a personal level and some are technically strangers. Because I promote what I think is great and what I think others would find great too, I don't expect anything in return. Sure, it would be awesome to get recognized from that person, company, or organization I'm promoting...But I've learned to not hold my breath. I don't promote with expectations. Some people are busy, don't care enough, or just aren't interested in building or maintaining that working relationship. Be fine with that. If you reach out to someone and you don't get the results you wanted, you should see that as a personal success anyway because you were proactive. All is good in my world if I don't "gain" anything in return. But all is even better when they do...Yes, that's a great feeling of joy. It's also a great feeling when someone initiates and reaches out to me first. Because I value networking to the extent that I do, I enjoy being reciprocal in some way or another. When it comes to networking, I live by The Golden Rule.

4) Be honest. If you find yourself really interested in interviewing someone...or taking him or her out to be a business dinner...or requesting an invite to an event...Just be honest with your intention. If you're not, things will fall apart in one way or another. Either you will be called out on your BS and you will come across as anything but genuine. (Who wants to network with a faker?) That, my friends, is the quickest way to kill networking. Remember: That person knows that person...knows that person. Don't make a bad name for yourself by choice. Come on.

5) Under-promise and over-deliver. Pretty self-explanatory, and oh-so-very important. Do your best without over-promising on delivery, deadlines, or even products. Just work hard without talking a big game. It's easy to do that when you really do have good intentions, strive to exceed expectations, and are dying to kill a project (in a good way). Just take the time to make sure all of your bases are covered first.

As I put this list together, so many other areas came to mind. But I'd like to leave this post open to you to provide some of your own networking tips. Go for it! Thanks for reading. xo

Looking for some fashion and shopping tips? Check out some of my other articles:
"My 3 Simple, Money-Saving Shopping Tips" 
"My #1 Tips to Surviving Bad Customer Service: SPEAK UP"
"Do You Have a Shopping Fund?"
"Top 10 Random Tips from a Personal Shopper" 

Tina Fey and Amy Poehler Are Back to Host the 71st Annual Golden Globes Tonight on NBC!

(Photo Credit: www.nbc.com)

The 71st Annual Golden Globes starts tonight at 5 p.m./pt on NBC! With the fashion and beauty hype always surrounding award season, I ask you: Will you be tuning in for the talent recognition or the celeb fashion? (Or, is my question too black and white -- What about both, right?) 

Held at the The Beverly Hilton Hotel, the hosts this year are two of my fave, ex-SNL comediennes - Tina Fey and Amy Poehler.  They're baaa-aack and their chemistry is adorable! Check out this great 'lil news article by CNN, featuring fun facts about the two "BFFs" and their amazing work in comedy and TV. 

Happy Viewing! 

'Mama Joyce' Opens Up in Our EXCLUSIVE Interview: "If Todd Makes Her Happy, I'll Just Have to Accept That."

(Photo Credit: Courtesy of Tara Thomas Agency)

I don't like loud voices. I hate when people argue. If I can help keep the peace in a situation, I always choose to do so. So it's a bit ironic then that I am a ridiculously loyal fan of Bravo TV's Housewives series, especially "The Real Housewives of Atlanta," wouldn't you say? Let's just say that every episode keeps me entertained. From the fabulous fashion to watching the ladies take amazing trips, I totally live vicariously through them (and I know many of you do, too!). 

One of the most controversial situations this season has been the dynamics between Kandi Burruss, "Mama Joyce," and her fiancé Todd Tucker. On the show, Joyce has shown disapproval and frustration with her daughter's relationships with Todd, causing many viewers to incessantly (and harshly) tweet about what they believe Joyce's intentions are. I get it - I mean, I watched the same episodes as everyone else. But I also know that a mother's love for her daughter is indescribable. Yesterday, I got to hear firsthand how Joyce feels about Kandi, where she stands with her daughter and Todd's relationship, and what young, successful women should be doing when it comes to dating. Check it out! 

So how has it been getting so much attention regarding the drama or so-called controversy on the show this season?

Well…It’s been tiring.

How do you feel you’ve been portrayed on TV?

I feel that I was portrayed as a money-hungry mother who was more worried about her daughter’s money than her daughter.

When I watch the scenes between you and Kandi, I think it's clear how much you love your daughter and that you only want the best for her…

Well, that’s what I was trying to put out there, because that’s how I feel. You know, it’s not about her money or anything at all because I don’t need her money. I never have tried to use her money. As I tell everybody, I live in the same house as I did a month before she was born. So if I was after her money, I would have tried to get her to buy me a big house or something like that maybe 15 or 20 years ago. But that’s never been the case. I’ve always wanted her to build up her brand and take care of herself.

Which is something that I think all parents want for their kids – to see them grow and succeed…

Right, so you don’t have to worry about them, you know? That’s a blessing right there. And everything I accumulated is hers. I mean, if anything ever happened to me, everything I got belongs to she and Riley. And what’s there is quite a bit.

It just seems like this situation is hard for everybody...

And it is, because Kandi knows I wasn’t just a mom, I was very good mom.  I mean, I took very good care of her. I’ve had jobs where I had to be at work at 4 o’clock in the morning. I took very good care of her and her brother. I always gave them the best. You never would have thought they were middle-class. If you could have seen the way I dressed them, the way I raised them…People would say, “How did you do it?” Because for one thing, I never drank and I didn’t smoke, no drugs or nothing like that. I didn’t have people around me that did that. And I just made sure that they had, even if I didn’t have. And I always wanted the best for them.

So where are you right now regarding your relationship with Kandi? Are you at a ‘What will be will be’ mentality?

Now that’s where I’m at. I had to let it go, because it was really getting the best of me. I had never been in such a situation like that where Kandi and I were getting so estranged from each other. I love that girl more than I love myself. So to be on opposite sides from her and not talking to each other, and not speaking every day…You know, that was killing me. I just had to say hey, if this is what you want, right or wrong, it’s your decision and I’m just going to go along with whatever you want. And I pray to God that I’m wrong. And I hope to God that I am wrong. And if I’m wrong, I’ll be the first to apologize. And then if I’m right, I’m not gonna throw it in her face. But I’m gonna be the first one there for her.

I think of the guys I've dated and the disagreements I’ve had with my own mom...and could only imagine if the whole world saw it! I'm assuming that your situation playing out on TV is frustrating…

What bothered me so much was all the stuff saying that I’m more worried about Kandi’s money. “How does Kandi’s mama make it?” “Well, I guess Kandi is taking care of her. I would just cut her off.” That’s what Cynthia [Bailey] and Sandra Bernhard said [on "Watch What Happens Live"]. How you gonna say you’re just going to cut someone’s mother off when you don’t even know how someone’s mother makes it? They don’t know what my situation is. They don’t know that I have rental property, they don’t know that I have my own money. So to speak on something like that, you need to go and find out for yourself. Maybe that’s how it is in your situation. Maybe you have to take care of your mama, I don’t know. Kandi knows she’s never had to take care of me! I mean, I’m not saying Kandi isn’t good to me. She would give me anything I ask her, but I’ve never been anyone to ask her. When she was 18 years old, she saved up $100,000. What 18 year old that you know of, living with their mother, would save $100,000? That would tell you right there I wasn’t spending her money. I didn’t need to.

What type of tips would you have for a young, successful woman seeking a significant other?

Well, for one thing, I would never date anyone on the job I’m working on. That was always a no-no for me.  I also feel that for a young, successful – especially black – woman…it’s hard. We have so many successful, young, black women that have so much to offer. But there are men who don’t want someone that’s opinionated, they don’t want someone that has a voice. So a lot of time, we fall for those that sit back not doing anything, and all they want is for someone to carry them along.

If I was a young woman, I would not look for someone who was looking for someone to carry them. I would wait, take my time. Like Steve Harvey says about the six-month rule. Women got to know they can wait. You don’t have to rush in a relationship – you can wait. I would take my time – I would wait. And I’m not just plugging, but hey, if it takes a 'Bedroom Kandi' or whatever it is to do what you have to do, do what you have to do! But don’t rush into nothing with somebody just to get rid of that little itch that you have. Like Steve Harvey also says, “Act like a lady, think like a man.” Nowadays, men are acting like women and they’re doing the opposite. They’re not acting like men, they’re acting like women and they’re thinking like women used to think a long time ago. When you meet a man now, he wants to know where you were, what kind of car you drive, where do you live. Those are things – when I was young – we used to ask men! But now men are asking women that, because most of them live at home with their mama or live with a friend. Most of them don’t have a car. The roles have switched around!

I feel like there are so many women who don’t feel validated unless they have someone…

Women are so worried about what somebody else thinks. If they don’t have a man, they’re worried about someone else saying something. “Oh, she don’t have a man because she can’t get a man” or whatever. So what! You have to stop worrying about what somebody else thinks. Be happy with yourself. First of all, you’ve got to know yourself. You have to be happy with you. You can’t please somebody else if you’re not happy with yourself! So if you’re happy with yourself, then you can be happy with somebody else. And you don’t have to buy a man to make him happy. You don’t have to lower your standards to be with a man. If you set yourself a goal, set yourself a standard – stick with it and take your time.

So would you say that Kandi should have taken more of her time to get to know Todd?

I think she should have taken more of her time to get to know him, yes. I think she should have. But, you know, I’m leery about people you can’t get to know more about, because you don’t know someone who really, really knows that person. Like right now, everybody knows her [Kandi] family and they know her background and all that. But nobody knows anything about his background – you don’t know how a person was brought up…brought up to think, how they are supposed to treat women. You don’t know!

It’s true, you’re always taking a chance with someone.

But then you take the chance and you walk out the door! And, you know, some men…you need to feel a little more comfortable about. When Todd stopped working with the Housewives, and then he took two and a half months off…That’s when I felt uncomfortable. You’re taking two and a half months off to work on a relationship. Even if she wanted him to, he could have said, “Look baby, I’ve got to go to this next job. We can talk, you could drive up here, fly up here, and see me. Then on my off days, I’ll fly back to see you. But I’ve got to keep my grind going.”

Would you say that Todd got too comfortable too quick?

Too quick. He even said “When they call, if you keep turning down jobs, then they stop calling.” So he’s putting it all out there. So, you know,  you have to pick up on what people say. You listen to things and hear what people are saying.  But like I said, I’m out of it. If that’s what Kandi wants, I’m gonna go along with it.

So how does Kandi feel about you doing interviews and discussing the situation?

Well, it’s my business and I know she’s retweeted some of the interviews. But she hasn’t said anything to me about it.

I’ve always enjoyed the scenes when she would go to your house and it was just the two of you talking…It always appeared to be a nice mother-daughter relationship.

Things have made a 100 percent turnaround with she and I. It has gotten 100 percent better than what it was, because we are talking every day now. Whatever she wants me to do…If she wants me there, I’ll be there. If they don’t want me there, I won’t be there. But whatever it is, she and I are always gonna have our relationship.

Well, it’s been a pleasure. I appreciate you taking the time to speak with me. Any closing thoughts you want to share with my readers?

I’d just like them to know that I love my daughter more than I love myself. And there’s nothing that I would not do for her...I just want her to be happy. And if Todd makes her happy, I’ll just have to accept that. And I’ll be there for her whichever way it goes.

Thank you to Tara Thomas Agency for setting up this interview! 

My 3 SIMPLE Money-Saving Shopping Tips

(Photo Credit: http://hipstertouberhipster.com/)

As a budget-conscious shopper, former personal shopper, and past retail associate at Nordstrom (Oh college days, how I miss thee), I've gained some important lessons while helping people avoid overspending. This includes myself!  So these 3 simple, money-saving tips are basic things to keep in mind as you search for mind-blowing items. Have some of your own you'd like to share? Please comment and do so!

(1) Eat Before You Shop. Ever hit a store that is full of amazing sales and deals, but you're so hungry that you can barely think? Do yourself a favor and eat before you shop. Not only will you feel energized, but you won't have to leave the shop to fill your tummy and risk missing out on that marked-down biker jacket you've been eyeing forever. I also suggest eating at home so you can apply that $5, $10, or $20 bucks toward your purchase.

(2) Ask about the return policy. You totally have the right to change your mind about an item. Whether it didn't fit right, the color really doesn't flatter your skin tone, the trend is not your style, or is way too tight (yes, there is such a thing), don't you wanna get your money back? But there are many stores that don't offer refunds at all; rather, you can only exchange or get store credit, especially when it comes to clearance and accessories. (Ahem, Forever 21! In fact, this recent fashion blog post from Lovelyish, "5 Tips for Shopping at Forever 21 (From a Former Employee)," is extremely helpful.) Also, you don't have to wait until you're at the register to ask about it! When you're shopping the floor, chat up a sales associate about the return/exchange policy. This will also save you from wasting your time in line.

(3) Check out vintage and thrift stores before a major purchase. Since I was 13, I've always loved second-hand stores. When buying used merchandise, I appreciate the special character to a piece. It's also one-of-a-kind and typically much cheaper than paying full price. Not everyone is into buying an item that was worn by a stranger, but with a little wash or dry cleaning, you wouldn't know the difference. Plus, you can find some amazing brands and designers at second-hand shops. Places like Wasteland and Crossroads on Melrose always have some awesome items. These stores also buy back items from shoppers or offer a trade as long as pieces are in good-to-excellent condition. From handbags, hats, and shoes to jeans, dresses, and accessories, the selection can be pretty exciting. You just gotta have a 'lil patience as your browse.

If you dig this article, you may also like "Top 5 Tips to Online Shopping" and "Top 10 Random Tips From a Personal Shopper."

Exclusive Interview: Entertainer QT Jazz Talks Fashion, Music, and Being Grateful!

She was singing by age 3, dancing by 7, and now at 18, QT Jazz is redefining (and refining) what a "Pop Princess" is. Godchild of "Mama Joyce," star of  "The Real Housewives of Atlanta," QT Jazz embraces her career as a solo artist and fashion maven. Yesterday, I had the pleasure of interviewing the Atlanta, Georgia-based star, who was born "Jasmine Robinson." Having traveled the country with some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry and worked with a slew of awesome artists, including Neyo, Monica, B.O.B., Mindless Behavior, Diggy, Jacob Latimore, Issa, Jawan Harris, TI, Tiny, Kandi, and Lil Wayne, QT Jazz is coming into her own. 

After watching her video, "Heels Bags" (video above), I realized that she's not only a talented singer and dancer, she's not afraid to explore fierce fashion! I'm proud to feature this young, spirited entertainer on Good Girl Gone Shopping. With her supportive family and mature intellect, QT Jazz understands that hard work and perseverance is the name of the game. She's a big star in a small and ultra-stylish package! Thank you to Tara Thomas Agency for setting up our convo. Check it out:

First off, your “Heels Bags” song is HOT. So tell me about your own personal style!

Between my stage name, QT Jazz, and my actual name, Jasmine, there’s a running joke in the house that there are two different people…like a “Hannah Montana” and Miley Cyrus kind of thing. Jasmine’s style would be long sweaters and rugged sweaters…and cowboy boots. And QT Jazz, of course, would be the baggy pants, gold chains, hoodies, the hats, the leather…all that good stuff. So they’re very different.

(Photo Credit: www.qtjazz.com)

When it comes to performing, how much of a say to you have with wardrobe?

Well, for a performance, we all have to agree with each other. We’ll sit there for hours and throw out ideas between me and my mom…And you know, my family. It’s really easy for us to come up with concepts and try them because I design the clothes and she makes them.

That’s some awesome teamwork!

We got a Tina and Beyoncé thing goin’ on! Like I said, we all have to agree and have a say-so regarding what is and what’s not gonna cut it. Especially after long conversations, we want to end up with the best outfits.

What are some tips you'd give to teenage girls who are nervous to step out of their comfort zone with fashion? I mean there are so many cool trends that teens can try…

There’s no such as thing as wrong. Everything you can think of…mixing patterns, mixing prints…Anything you feel comfortable in is right for you. It may not look right or seem right to other people, but there is no such thing as wrong. It’s always what’s right for you.

(Photo Credit: www.qtjazz.com)

 I agree with that. There are so many trends out there, but not every trend is for everyone. 

Yeah, like the gold foil…that’s not really a trend for me! But…it might be for someone else. [laughs]

Another video of yours that is so adorable is when you’re about 3 years old, in 2001 (see video below). Even that outfit was so cute!

Well, it’s really always been inside of me. I started singing when I was about 3 and dancing when I was 7. So we’d always try different things, especially when going to auditions. My mom would make me outfits – I mean there are pictures galore in my house. The different things we did with feathers…And oh goodness! It’s laughable now, but back then, I was the hot stuff.

What’s great in looking at your photos throughout the years, you’ve seemed to stay true in having fun with fashion. That’s especially what I felt when watching your “Heels Bags” video. Fashion does have to do with brand names, but it really is about having fun with it…

It really is, especially because I drew out all those outfits. I literally penciled and drew out what I wanted to look like. I didn’t want to be too conservative but I didn’t want to be too grungy. I wanted to have a mixture of everything, like the cheetah jumper with the wedge sneaker. Stuff like that.

(Photo Credit: www.qtjazz.com)

I think it definitely works for your image! So how old are you now?

Well, I just turned 18 in October.  Shout out to the Libras! It’s interesting, the older that I get the more comfortable I get with certain things. Like as far as trying different styles.

So when it comes to your music, you’ve had some amazing experiences. What are some of your most inspirational moments thus far in your career?

Wow, there’s a lot! I guess one memorable moment that I did have was something that wasn’t a person-to-person conversation…It was seeing someone live. It was Monica. She sings just like her record, and it was so inspirational because she borders gospel, she’s R&B, and she’s fun with every genre. I opened up for her actually in Atlanta, Georgia…And I’ll never forget it.

So you must have grown up listening to her, and then you eventually opened up for her. That must have been pretty mind-blowing. 

You already know. I knew all her songs…I had just as much fun as the people that came to see her. I was backstage rockin’.

Now that we’re in a new year, what can your fans look forward to in 2014?

More videos…more ideas and content regarding who QT Jazz fully is. We did the “Heels Bags” video and the “Back Up Off the Wall” video, but I don’t think they showed the total picture of what or who I am. And now, it’s more of a 360. I’m gonna have more videos and getting ready for photoshoots, and all that. Really, we’re gonna go so hard!

(Photo Credit: www.qtjazz.com)

 It seems like you have a really great support system with your family...

Yeah. Like I said, there’s my mom who designs clothes and she’s also the “mom-ager,” of course. And also my brother ("Gphonics"), the producer of “Heels Bags” and “Back Up Off the Wall,” who is also producing my upcoming EP, which is coming out soon. I’m so excited! Hoping everyone loves it as much as I do, because it’s my first solid project.

As a solo artist, have you had many challenges?

I have. It’s a challenge because I’m one girl in this big industry and it can be kinda hard. There are so many of us! There are so many different artists where I’m from, in Atlanta, Georgia, and everywhere you turn. So the most difficult thing I would say is separating myself. And I do that through my clothes and through my music. There’s a borderline of what’s appropriate for kids and what’s entertaining…Whether I wear something revealing or it’s up buttoned up all the way up to my neck, it’s always a thought.

In a recent interview, I read that Chris Brown and Beyoncé are two artists that you would love to perform with...

Not only just to work with them (performing with or opening up for them), but to see their artistry and how they react to certain things – just to be there and pick up on the things that not many people can teach you. Some stuff you have to witness in order to learn it. So that’s the big picture when I say I want to work with artists like Beyoncé, Justin Timberlake, and the Bruno Mars’. Everything I do takes a thought, and I would like to see what it takes for their event projects…their thought behind it.

I think a lot of people forget how much effort it takes to sing, dance, and maintain the energy on stage.

Well, I actually do have the most fun on stage, ‘cause you’re singing, dancing, and acting. You know, you’re acting out your music and painting a picture for the audience, so I mean it’s hard, but it’s fun. And it’s worth it.

(Photo Credit: www.qtjazz.com)

 At 18, did you think this is where you would be? And, are you where you want to be?

Well, I’m always grateful for being able to do what I want to do in life. So I would never say I’m not where I want to be, but I always plan to grow. I would never say I planned on doing this at 18 and 'No, I am no there yet.' That would just be ungrateful on a whole other level. I have goals and I’m working on them.

So my last question for you is fashion-related: What are your overall thoughts about the fashion industry?

You don’t see kids in fashion. You see the Rihannas and the Madonnas doing the high fashion, but you never see kids or teens or young adults. So I think that’s missing. I mean, it’s not that I don’t ever see kids in the fashion magazines, it’s that I’m not inspired by the pictures.

Well, I’m happy to feature you on Good Girl Gone Shopping, showing you as a young adult entertainer making fashion her own. Any last words?

If someone asked “What’s the first step?” I’d say just trying. Start now. Don’t wait until you go to college or finish college – start now. That’s something that people don’t really realize. I mean, the “Heels Bags” project was all independently done – my mother, my brother, and us as a family. That was just us. We don’t have to wait on anyone to give us something. Just claim it. Play with fashion.

(Sometimes, you're just born with it! I love this home video, featuring QT Jazz on the right, next to Zonnique Pullins - "Star"- of OMG Girlz)

Keep up with QT Jazz on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. You can also stay on top of the latest by visiting her website: www.qtjazz.com. 

OPI + Gwen Stefani = An Insane Blast of New Nail Polish!

Starting 2014 with a big, beautiful bang, OPI launches a highly-anticipated nail lacquer collection! I'm talking about the magical shades that resulted from its collaboration with Gwen Stefani. The seven shades are cleverly named after some No Doubt tracks as well as some of her solo songs: "Hey Baby," "4 in the Morning," "Push and Shove," "Love. Angel. Music. Baby," "In True Stefani Fashion," "I Sing in Color," and "Over and Over."

Selling for 9 bucks each, most are currently available at ULTA. Not too shabby for a taste of Stefani style, eh? 

Happy painting! xo

Happy New Year! Start...Continue...Just Don't Stop!

(Rare photo of me being a tad festive...Happy New Year!)

Happy New Year!

So I had a perfect New Year's Eve. I spent it with my best friend and her 2-year old son. She set up this backdrop in her dining room and we played, posed, and enjoyed a night in with champagne and cheap pizza. I could have gotten dolled up and hit a bar or put on my dancing shoes and shook it (or "twerked it"...ugh, hate that word) on the dance floor. But 2013 was such a transformation for me that I just wanted to reflect and enjoy good conversation without yelling over loud music. (Also, I'm 33 now...I can't hang like a 21 year-old anymore!)

In 2013, my biggest changes included a major career move (from editorial manager and senior editor of Plastic Surgery Studios to the social media coordinator of Firm Media) and relocating from the comfort of the Inland Empire to the excitement of Los Angeles. As for personal growth, amidst these decisions, I've learned when to let go and choose peace instead of debilitating friendships and relationships. I gained a closer relationship to God, as I welcomed the birth of a new niece while also losing a dear uncle and older sibling.

I also came to the understanding that my role as a writer, blogger, storyteller, talkaholic (call it what you will) holds an important place in the field of fashion and social media, and the overall arena of communications. Networking with amazing fashion designers, PR companies, and fellow writers has increased my natural-born interest in style and image even more! Throughout my journey in 2013, there were moments of both sadness and happiness...confusion and clarity....disgust and love. But most importantly, I never stopped doing ME. In fact, I am just getting started! I have a lot to offer you - my amazing, supportive readers. The great stuff in store for you includes more exclusive interviews, giveaways, event highlights, and all of my randomness that I like to believe you adore so much.

May 2014 allow you to continue to explore your talents and come to a better understanding of who you really are. So start something new...continue what you may have put on hold due to fear...Just don't stop. Don't hold back your gifts from the world. Show 'em what you're made of.

xoxo,
Elana