Focused energy is far more impactful than dispersed energy ?

Welcome to Pep Talks From Me, To Me a cathartic newsletter where I talk about my journey as a fashion entrepreneur and openly share my reflections with you

This week's thoughts:

• Sometimes you need motivation, sometimes you need a cold shower
• Unfortunately your goals don’t care about your personal hinderances
• Life doesn’t allow you to skip any steps?
• The reset button exists for a reason. Don’t be afraid to use it?

The keyword for Q4 is intensity.?

It’s been a working summer for me. I’ve also had a lot of time to reflect and enjoy myself. As? we get through the month of October, it’s time to review and reset before we end the year on a high. Whatever I do from here on now will be more intentional than ever and I will give it my all. I want to operate at a level where I’m reaching my full potential, without holding back or compromising on my standards and my boundaries. This can sometimes be a difficult space to operate in when everything you do has interdependencies. It’s important to understand that not everyone is you; it’s more productive to focus on what you can control and be at peace with what you cannot control.?

It’s now been 4 months since I embarked on the journey of entrepreneurship full-time and placed all bets on myself. This was a huge step and very life affirming because it confirms everything I say I am and how much I actually believe in myself. I’ve always been someone who believes in putting your money where your mouth is and I like it better when it’s all or nothing. I believe that when you focus on one thing and concentrate your energy there, you are more likely to reap the benefits of what you sow, as opposed to juggling a lot and never truly giving anything your full focus.?

I’ve really been on a roll. September was super demanding from a business point of view, as we transitioned into a two-vertical enterprise. THE FASHION BLUEPRINT is becoming a more automated business, whilst still nurturing a community through networking events and digital activations. TFB STUDIOS, our manufacturing arm, has been soft launched at MVP stage and we are raising seed funding to be able to operate it at full-scale.?

Ever since I placed my energy solely on my business and freelance career, investing all of my time into it, it has literally been paying me back. Last month I earned one of the highest net salaries I’ve ever been paid in my life. I didn’t know it’d feel this great to see my hard work, years of ‘free’ labour towards building my agency actually pay off in pounds. Nothing is guaranteed as anything could change at any minute (freelancers and entrepreneurs know what I’m talking about) but it was an ecstatic feeling which is definitely worth celebrating.?

Recently my business was accepted into a ￡1M funding readiness programme run by civil rights group Black Equity Organisation in partnership with Sky . The curriculum is super robust and it’s intended to help us improve our leadership skills, build a more resilient mindset and take a microscopic look at our business plan for TFB STUDIOS - a black-owned clothing factory, leveraging technology to manufacture more sustainably. There is also a funding opportunity at the end of the programme. If we secure this, we will be able to run a marketing campaign and generate more brand awareness and acquire new clients for TFB STUDIOS.?

In all of this, one of the biggest blessings has been to have a village behind me. From the community we have built, to friends, family, a supportive partner and a co-founder who shares the same values and drive as me.

As things continue to change and evolve, I am constantly tuning in with myself and clarifying my principles. Sometimes working as part of a team can help you fast track your goals, but sometimes it can also hold you back. In recent times, I’ve really tried to stay true to myself and communicate as clearly and openly as possible so there is no confusion as to what the expectations are for everyone I work with (this goes both ways). There are many hinderances that can detract you from operating at the level you need to but ultimately it is down to you to make sure you keep going and don’t give anything power to derail you off track. Setbacks are inevitable but there are definitely ways to be proactive and stay focused. If this sounds intense, that’s great. I did say that was my keyword for Q4.?

Notes to self:?

• Sometimes you have to be the bad guy if it means being fair to yourself and actually getting things done?
• If you don’t hold people accountable for how their actions negatively impact you, you will forever be a victim ?
• Kindness can sometimes come at the expense of your wellbeing. Set clear boundaries and don’t budge?
• You can’t expect everyone to be like you but you should expect them to be who they say they are?
• Tangible output is the only measure you should go by. An idea which doesn’t materialise is a waste of brain power and creativity

Before I sign out, here are some cool things I want to share with you:

• I've just finished reading A Visible Man by Edward Enninful, the Editor-In-Chief of British Vogue - a gay, Black Ghanaian immigrant. It made me feel like I can do anything. Click for my review?
• I threw an Anti Fashion Week Afterparty and it was one for the books. Watch the recap reel here
• Did I mention we got accepted into BEO x Sky F100 Growth Fund? Find out all about it?
• Have you made your Sustainable Fashion Pledge yet? Read our open letter and pledge now

What’s your keyword for Q4? How do you go about recalibrating as we reach the last part of the year? Talk to me! I’d love to hear your thoughts on all of this.

Until next time!

Gigi x