Life is Like Music with Poetry as Lyrics

Majoring in Fine Arts with a minor in Textile &Apparel Management, Junior Alison Turner is making her mark on the University of Missouri campus by showcasing her brand AlisonNosila through her official launch. I got a chance to speak with Ms. Turner and not only did I learn more about Nosila, but throughout the interview, I got to learn more about the Fashionista. One thing I can tell you for sure: She is driven, motivated, and destined for greatness!

Dreana: Nosila, where did the name come from?

Alison: I developed the name in high school. I was playing around with my name and that is how Nosila came about. It is Alison backwards. Alison and Nosila…. It is like mixing edgy and flirty. It expresses the two personalities within me.

Dreana:  And what is the difference between Nosila and other brands?

Alison: The difference between Nosila and other brands is the fact that nothing can ever be made from my inspiration besides Alisonnosila brand. I can say the brand has a bit of my edgy yet girly visions but that would just be what I make of it. I want the consumer to push a positive concept of the brand as far as possible. 

Dreana: Where do you get your design inspiration?

Alison: Most of my inspiration comes from my artwork. In addition to that, magazines and color pallets and basically anything I see. If I see a cut out design on the runway it inspires me for ready-to-wear collections. My artwork inspires me as well.

Dreana: Who are some of your favorite designers?

Alison: Betsey Johnson, Alexander McQueen and Zac Posen. All of them have an artistic approach to their design. They have excellent choice of colors and their creativity is amazing. Those three are my inspiration as well.

Dreana: When did you realize you wanted to become a fashion designer and what was the first article of clothing you ever designed?

Alison: I realize I wanted to become a fashion designer when I was in the Visions Fashion show. Although I always design for myself, after I was asked to showcase my clothing, that opportunity pushed me to do it. They, actually my friend Oghosa, were telling me that I should do it. So I took their advice and after that… I was inspired. My first design was a pair of jeans in high school. I sewed magazine covers to my jeans and wore them to school. (Laugh) I literally wore anything to school.

Dreana: Fashion….what does it mean to you?

Left to Right: “Bella Donna” Dress Shirt/“Danie” Pants. “Bolero” Jacket/“Danie” Pants

Alison: Fashion is art and expressing you creativity through dress. Fashion is also a lifestyle because we wake up everyday choosing what we wear.

Dreana: What are some of the advantages in being a designer?

Alison: The best thing is to actually see your work. When people walk down the runway and others witness your hard work: the sewing, preparing, investing, you notice all of that and it is like seeing your baby grow up. It is good to hear the feedback and to notice people enjoy your designs.

Dreana: What kind of advice would you give to someone wanting to start a career in fashion?

Alison: That you cannot give up. Always keep it moving… keep going. Do not be afraid of express yourself with your ideas and creativity.

Dreana: How do you balance your schoolwork and Nosila?

Alison: Schoolwork always comes first for me. At first it was difficult to balance the two due to my hectic three-hour art studio classes but now I’m more aware of my time. Usually shows I have done been during the summer and around the school breaks so It all falls in place at times. Sewing the clothes takes up a lot of my time and energy but with a lot of rest and meditation I stay balanced with the two. 

Dreana: What do you wish people would understand about working with fashion? 

Alison: That it is hard work. A lot of hard work.

Dreana: I applaud you for your hard work. Do you feel you are prepared to work in the Industry?

Alison: I feel like no one is really prepared. It is such a hectic industry. But I feel since I got an internship with Betsey Johnson for the summer of 2011, I have to be ready.

Dreana: Congratulations on the internship! So you will be in New York City…. What trends do you see being big for the summer of 2011?

Alison: Mid drift tanks, a lot of high wasted pants, tube and maxi dresses

Dreana: Finally, tell me more about your launch party and why people should come?

Alison: The launch party is Saturday April 30, 2011 from 8:30 p.m.  - 11:00 p.m. It is open to the public and FREE. There will be free giveaways and a fashion show presenting summer collections and a lot of other season’s work with my line. There will be food, drinks and a live DJ. People should come out and enjoy this launch because we always need a pop of fashion once in a while. Alisonnosila is a fashion brand but it also reflects artistic value. The experience of seeing someone else’s vision come to life brings so much inspiration. 

For more information and an in-depth overview of the event, visit the brand’s website at www.alisonnosila.com or contact AlisonNosila’s press team by email at gc.alisonnosila@gmail.com

Now that gets 3 sNaPz

I just purchased my first book for the summer. Letters to a Young Sister: DeFINE Your Destiny by Hill Harper. I heard it was an amazing piece and I am so excited to read it. Letters to a Young Sister is the second part to Letters to a Young Brother: MANifest Your Destiny (I got this one too for my BF) and it unfolds as a series of letters written by older brother Hill to a universal Young Sistah. She’s up against the same challenges as every young woman: from relating to her parents and dealing with peer pressure, to juggling schoolwork and crushes and keeping faith in the face of heartache. In his straight-talking style, Hill helps his young sister build self-confidence, self-reliance, self-respect, and encourages her on her journeys towards becoming a strong and successful woman.  

The book also includes contributions from admirable women like Angela Basset, Ciara, Michelle Obama, Tatyana Ali, Nikki Giovanni, Congresswoman Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrikck, Eve, Malinda Williams and more.

Ready to be INSPIRED?

3 sNaPz

Today I received GREAT NEWS. I really want to share it with you all because through this blog, you have read and seen BWR unfold. Here is the e-mail I received today:

Dear Dreana Johnson: The 2011 Black History Month Committee is pleased to inform  Black Women Rock that it has won the Second Place Prize for the 2011 Black History Month Contest, for its stellar event: Black Women Rock. We appreciate the hard work, dedication of time, resources, and thoughtful planning that made your event such a successful one. We are thrilled to award you at the NAACP Image Awards on Sunday, May 1^st, 2011 at 6pm at Alumni Center.   Congratulations and thanks again to Black Women Rock for its worthy contribution to the University of Missouri 2011 Black History Month, Black Studies Program, the University of Missouri, and the Columbia community.  Regards, 2011 Black History Month Committee: Peggy Placer Committee Chair Leo G. Agnew Erica Bruington Linda Garth April Langley, Nathan Stephens Rikki Byrd Angela Gist Wilma King  Hard work pays off. 
3 sNaPz to that BBOIIIII! 

Heavenly Father, 

In the name of Jesus Christ, I come boldly before Your throne of grace, seeking Your divine guidance and directions concerning my life.  It is my sincere desire to do Your will, so Your will be done in my life on earth as it is in Heaven (Matt. 6:10)  Father, please cleanse me of any worldly wisdom, any selfish motives, lust of the flesh, lust of my eyes, and pride of life, that may draw me away from Your purpose for my life. May you count me worthy of Your calling, and by Your power may You fulfill every good purpose and every act prompted by my faith (2 Thess. 1:11 NIV).

In the name of Jesus, I refuse to respond according to my own wisdom and strength, and I surrender myself unto You as a living sacrifice that I may prove what is the good, acceptable and perfect will of God.  In accordance with James 1:5:8, I ask for Your wisdom regarding my future, knowing that You give to everyone liberally and without reproach.  I ask in faith, without doubting, expecting You to give me divine direction in every area of my life.  I thank You in advance for the wisdom You assure me You will give.

Father, give me the courage to follow the pathway of faith, not the path of fear, for you have not given me a spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind (2 Tim. 1:7).  Father, please endue me with Your power, clothe me in Your love that casts out all fear (1 John 4:18), and guide me with the mind of Christ (1 Cor. 2:16). Oh Lord I pray please let Your mind be in me as it is in Christ Jesus. 

Father, please strengthen me to take the path You have set before me and not the path of least resistance, because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way that leads to life, and there are few who find it (Matt. 7:14). Therefore, I ask You in the name of Jesus to reveal to me Your clear direction,  Father, please speak to me that You would work in me both to will and to do Your good pleasure (Phil. 2:13)

In Jesus name I pray, Amen. 

I am ecstatic that one of my role models/favorite poet, Maya Angelou, will be at Mizzou tomorrow. If you attend Mizzou or in the Columbia Area, you are missing out. Or as people would say today: YOU ARE LOOSING! I just know FOR SURE that this will inspire me even more to get closer to my dreams. I will take notes and blog about her speech. :) 

From www.hercampus.com:

Dr. Maya Angelou is a phenomenal woman. She’s an award-winning poet, author, professor, producer, filmmaker, actress, historian, dramatist and civil rights activist. Angelou’s work has garnered extensive praise, including a National Book Award nomination, a Pulitzer Prize nomination, three Grammys and a Presidential Medal of Arts award. She has also earned more than 30 honorary degrees. You won’t want to miss this global Renaissance woman during her visit to Mizzou. Angelou will speak to what is sure to be a sold-out crowd at 7 p.m. April 14 in Jesse Auditorium. You can purchase tickets at the MSA/GPC Box Office in the MU Student Center. The event is free to Mizzou students and $10 for the public.

“Pretty women wonder where my secret lies.
I’m not cute or built to suit a fashion model’s size
But when I start to tell them,
They think I’m telling lies.
I say,
It’s in the reach of my arms
The span of my hips,
The stride of my step,
The curl of my lips.
I’m a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That’s me.”
– Maya Angelou (Phenomenal Woman: Four Poems Celebrating Women)

Maya Angelou recently featured on 3 sNaPz

When people ask First Lady Michelle Obama to describe herself, she doesn’t hesitate to say that first and foremost, she is Malia and Sasha’s mom.

But before she was a mother or a wife, lawyer or public servant she was Fraser and Marian Robinson’s daughter.

A product of Chicago public schools, Mrs. Obama studied sociology and African-American studies at Princeton University. After graduating from Harvard Law School in 1988, she joined the Chicago law firm Sidley & Austin, where she later met the man who would become the love of her life.

After a few years, Mrs. Obama decided her true calling was working with people to serve their communities and their neighbors. She served as assistant commissioner of planning and development in Chicago’s City Hall before becoming the founding executive director of the Chicago chapter of Public Allies, an AmeriCorps program that prepares youth for public service.

In 1996, Mrs. Obama joined the University of Chicago with a vision of bringing campus and community together. As Associate Dean of Student Services, she developed the university’s first community service program, and under her leadership as Vice President of Community and External Affairs for the University of Chicago Medical Center, volunteerism skyrocketed.

Promoting Service and working with young people has remained a staple of her career and her interest. Continuing this effort now as First Lady, Mrs. Obama recently launched the Let’s Move! campaign  to bring together community leaders, teachers, doctors, nurses, moms and dads in a nationwide effort to tackle the challenge of childhood obesity. Let’s Move! has an ambitious but important goal: to solve the epidemic of childhood obesity within a generation.

Let’s Move! will give parents the support they need, provide healthier food in schools, help our kids to be more physically active, and make healthy, affordable food available in every part of our country.

As First Lady, Mrs. Obama looks forward to continuing her work on the issues close to her heart supporting military families, helping working women balance career and family,  encouraging national service, promoting the arts and arts education, and fostering healthy eating and healthy living for children and families across the country.

What a Diva! 

Now that gets 3 sNaPz