blogger profile

Nancy V.

Owner of White Book (PR & Marketing); Project Manager/Diversity & Events Specialist

Hmm…about me, well, I am always and never the same, which makes for my own interesting world where I constantly recruit individuals to join my planet. Take myself very seriously, but prefer not to, so I dress in outfits that often do not match and say things that I shouldn’t under the guise of �...

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Me and My Bright Ideas

Nancy Vaughn

Way back in the day...OK, about a year or year and a half or so ago, I was moved to just...DO SOMETHING!! Typically anything that begins “way back in the day” can result in something mind-numbingly long, and therefore requires a neck pillow and cup o’ tea as you might be here for awhile reading the highlights of “back in the day.” I’m going to spare you and just give you some key bullet points:

1) Attended a seminar at the National Multicultural Institute and heard a cool woman and a cool man discuss “using what you have to make a difference” – because basically we’re all in this together. Period. Simple enough, heard it before – but it spoke to me a little differently this time. Leverage your talents and skills to build someone else up. And by leveraging your talents, skills, resources, etc. – it doesn’t mean you have to give everything away or lose yourself –  you’re just using what you have to help someone else.

2) Client at the ad firm I was working at was going to go to NY Fashion Week. O...M...G! My boss told me if I could sell this client into an advertising package at NY Fashion Week...I could go as well. That’s right – sending me to NYC!! Move aside everyone – I’m going to Fashion Week. Note: This client was not in my account base. Nonetheless, I promptly bogarted my way into the account business and helped to sell a package to our retail client. Where’s my ticket?! Fashion Week here I come...

3) Rough times at the agency, had to lay off some people. Unpack my bags, not going to NYC. Sigh.

4) Went to church, pics of adorable kids at Manaleni Community Center in South Africa were put on all the seats. My hubbie got a pic of Thabo (he’s 10 and likes soccer) and I got a pic of Sello (he’s 10 and likes to work puzzles). Listened to all the struggles these children have had in their country, and while things can be difficult in our own country – what a blessing it is that we have a “fighting chance” in the U.S.A. They talked about Pertunia who is 15 years old. When she grows up she wants to be a fashion designer. And I want her to be one, too, because, well...I like to shop for clothes. : ) She has a beautiful smile and she still has great dreams – just like children in our country. I went and asked for Pertunia’s picture, too. We have to pray for these kids. Now that you know their names, hope that you’ll pray for them as well.

5) Met some really cool fashion designers in the local Tampa Bay market. Hey...why doesn’t anyone know about these cool, creative clothes makers? How can I possibly be a shopper extraordinaire if I am not aware of all of these sewing fiends with mad talent?!

6) Working on a public service pro-bono advertising campaign through the Tampa Bay Advertising Federation.  Hey...I think I may be leveraging some of my skills and talents...interesting...I like to help.

7) Whining about nothing to do.

8) Wheels start to turning in the brain...as items 1 through 7 occurred pretty close to the same time.

9) Like to shop. Fashion is my friend.

10) Voilà! Welcome to Fashion Week Tampa Bay : )

OK, admittedly, the next few weeks I may be missing in action when it comes to blogging as I am getting spanked alive with my “bright idea.” As if it’s not hard enough to launch a project, FWTB is two-fold as it’s intended to give exposure to talented local Tampa Bay and surrounding area fashion and accessories designers’ collections (much like the bigger Fashion Weeks in NYC, LA and Miami give exposure to designers’ latest collections) – AND it’s set-up to raise much-needed funds for non-profit organizations.

I actually wanted to have a beneficiary for each day of the event, but I put together a smart crew of women (a.k.a. “girlfriends” whom I strong-armed into helping me with, “Come on, pppplllleeeasssee! It’ll be so cool. That’s what friends are for, and if you want to be my friend...” yes, I know – very mature) who told me to: “Slow down, lil mama – let’s wait until next year.” Alas, we have two beneficiaries – the Best Buddies of Tampa and the YWCA of Tampa Bay. : ) Cool, huh?

This magic project has grown a tad bit larger than I anticipated, and is a lot of work. A LOT OF WORK. I feel very blessed to have come this far and all the very cool blessings along the way. I can’t explain the amount of GIVING that has occurred from everyone involved. WOW.

The event is September 24-27, 2008 – still lots to do. I’m happy we’ve come this far. It’s amazing what faith and prayer, and a little bit of crazy can do. 

Tell me something extra ambitious, crazy, or just ridiculous that you’ve always wanted to do but were too nervous, scared or didn’t know where to start. Or something that you’ve just thought up and are just not sure how to launch. Never know what’ll spark you to just...DO SOMETHING!!

I believe the saying goes: If not now...when?