I wrote this song during a time when I felt like a part of my life was out of control and other people were trying to have a negative impact on me. I wrote the song in January 2016 and I wasn’t sure it would ever be something that became a single. But over the last year it has become more and more clear that Earthquake is something other people can relate to. When it was finally decided the process of getting Earthquake ready took so much longer than my previous singles, almost 6 months. Writing Earthquake reminded me that I can be the hero in my own story and that I don’t have to let external experience and other people’s actions have an influence on me. My hope is that Earthquake can do for others what it writing it did for me; they can discover the power they have inside themselves.
Meet the Mind Behind Ivory Closet
I love meeting other women who are passionate about what they do, whether that’s music, blogging, being a lawyer, or being a mother. It’s exciting to talk and connect with people who are excited about what they’re working on. Enter Alexandra from the Ivory Closet, an online boutique with physical retail stores based in Memphis, TN. I was able to ask Alex a few questions that I thought might be beneficial for other women who are following their passion, and I’m going to share her answers with you!
1: I love that your such a “girl boss”! How did Ivory Closet come to be?
I used to work for a Fortune 500 company and honestly enjoyed climbing the corporate ladder but something felt missing. I felt like I was not challenged enough and was less than fulfilled. I would lay in bed at night and dream up tons of different business concepts, strategies, and marketing schemes. My mind was constantly creating. One day I realized it. I am made to be an entrepreneur. I need to be constantly challenged and creating.I decided that self employment would be my future and then needed to choose a business that I could succeed in, and well, fashion and beauty have always been my passion so I chose to start a women’s clothing store and later an online boutique!
2: Personal style is like a signature, how did you find yours?
I will definitely say that I always really had my own style growing up. I never really went with the trend, just what made me feel good and matched my personality. As I look back on high school, there were several styles I am not super proud of, but I never cared what others thought, I always wanted to walk to my own beat. As I have gotten older, I have really come in to my style and have “found my style-self” I my go to’s are oversized button up tops with leggings, a-lined black dresses, nude pumps, black nikes, and oversized sunglasses…oh and red lipsticks! I showcase lots of different trends on my blog but the style I most identify with would be classic chic.
3: You balance family and work so well, how do you do it?
Honestly, I have no clue….day by day, minute by minute? My days are always planned but NEVER go as planned. I have learned not to stress or try to finish my “list” anymore. I have also learned to tell myself, “Alex, you are only one person. You can’t please everyone. Just do your best and all will be well.” I used to get so bent out of shape if I forgot something or showed up late to an appointment but we are all human and “stuff” happens. Also, the best advice I give myself when I am totally at my breaking point, “It’s only life. Just chill.”
4: What has been your greatest achievement as a business owner or influencer? (you can answer this from either perspective)
I think my greatest business achievement has been being Top 20 under 30 in my city, Memphis. I was really honored to be awarded this title in 2016 as I felt like for the first time, my hard work was being recognized by others in my community. As an entrepreneur, sometimes you work your behind off and find yourself wondering if it is paying off or if anyone even sees the work that you but in to your passion and business. This award really made me feel accomplished as a business woman in Memphis!
5: What’s your favorite musical album and why?
Right now…Half Moon Run. I just can’t get enough. They are a Canadian band that I discovered on Pandora. Hope I will hear them on mainstream American radio in the future!
SHOP LINKS
Inside The Ivory Closet
I’m so excited to announce that I’m now partnered with Ivory Closet! Ivory Closet is an online boutique for women’s clothing that also happens to be a woman owned business!
I’m so honored to be a part a style icon for Ivory Closet, I love the care that Alexandra, the owner, puts into consider each piece in the store. Alex sent over some lovely pieces in exchange for this post, including this trés chic Chanel inspired tee that also shouts out Nashville! Alex also sent me this wing earrings that are iridescent and look as though they are made of shell. I’ve never been a huge fan of drop earrings, but I’m looking forward to rocking these ones.
As a partner with Ivory Closet I’m giving you the chance to enter a giveaway to win a $100 dollar gift card to the online boutique! Simply click the link below to enter!
Not only that but I you also get 15% off when shopping with my code: STYLEICON15, valid until August 31st, 2017! Just in case you needed extra incentive to shop this brand, every order over $75 gets free shipping!
So get over to Ivory Closet and get your Nashville Chanel inspired tee and feel good about supporting a small business that is owned and operated by a fashion stylist! You can check out everything that Ivory Closet offers here:
And Then There Was a Video
Originally I had a vision of Earthquake’s video, but as the song came to life the video changed in my mind, which is why the 36 hour dress was born. I’ve worked with several videographers, all I feel so fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with, and this experience was no exception!
Mike really brought my ideas to life by adding his own talent and vision to what I had already been seeing in my mind’s eye. He had great ideas for locations, movement, and filming style, all which came together to make the shooting process feel like it was mirroring the emotional intensity of the song.
I’m still waiting to see the final video, but here are some behind the scenes shots in the mean time!
It Takes a Talented Village
Making any project come together often takes many people behind the scenes all working together to bring the final vision to life. I’ve been fortunate enough to work with some very talented artists in their own fields on various music videos, albums, singles, and events.
Bringing the video for Earthquake to life was no exception and due to a mix up I ended up discovering a wonderfully talented new makeup artist! She took my ideas and added her own touch, making them even better, to create a truly magical look that was perfect for the vibe I wanted the video to have.
I brought in some pictures that combined created the look I wanted and once it was all done I felt like Maddy executed the look perfectly.
My favorite palettes that she used were the Tarte Chocolate Bar and the Tarte Sweet Peach both of which smell divine!
The Dress That Earthquake Built
I was trying to come up with the look for my music video for weeks, I’d bought a few different looks but upon consideration nothing was really channeling the feeling I wanted to see in the video.
About 36 hours prior to the video I that I had a vision of a black dress, my mum who is very talented with a sewing needle and thread said she would help me bring my vision to life. We started with a trip to the fabric store and a visit to the garment district in Toronto.
She then fashioned the dress of my dreams into a reality so that I could wear it for this music video. All in all, the dress was a magical concoction and seeing the final product in the video has got me pretty pumped.