Team Player

No man is an island they say. Two being better than one, "We Are the World", or even asking for help, are all notions that humans aren't to be independent of each other at all times. Whether in deed or words, we all get a deeper understanding of ourselves when we share like interests, thoughts, struggles and experiences. Do I share my life over coffee; give a little insight while applying your mascara, can you give me the best of advice as you deliver my mail? Please, help me avoid some pitfalls by telling me your story, and let’s do it while working together…

I recently spent the day working with Two-Time WNBA Champion Yolanda Moore (www.yolandamoore33.com). With the release of her book, You Will Win If You Don’t Quit, Yolanda has been quite busy promoting her inspirational text. I accompanied her to Philadelphia as her glam squad for an interview on the cable television show Enter the Zone. Aside from spending four seasons in the WNBA, and winning two WNBA championships with the Houston Comets in 1997 & 1998, Yolanda also motivates through philanthropy and speaking engagements. Yolanda shares her story to help others reach their goals and highest potential. Yolanda believes in “dreaming big and relentlessly pursuing her passion and she is dedicated to teaching others how to do the same".

I read You Will Win If You Don’t Quit in less than two hours on the way to Philly. It was an easy read; I immediately saw her story as she told it. I saw it as if I was there, and I kind of was in my own way. I saw a lot of my life in hers, the tragedy, the triumphs, and the processes in between. I have to admit that I am really not much of a sports fan, but Yolanda descriptively made it plain for even me to understand the “basketball speak” of her athletic rise from childhood to WNBA stardom. I was also engaged by areas for me to write down my thoughts about setting and resetting my own successful goals. Never one for flattery, this book honestly re-inspired me.

I always appreciate and honest story behind what people see in the limelight. Nothing worth having comes easy for most; hard work, determination, and a call on your life usually have everything to do what people see as a finished product. When these accounts are shared from and honest and generous place, people are helped and empowered to be better. When an individual is made better, all those around them get to partake of that, in turn making them better. Vicariously, or directly, we’re made to feel like we are apart of something bigger than ourselves, taking one for the team…

Everyday Display

I see it all around, beauty in the regular, the routine, and the everyday occasion. I see it with the mother rushing to take her children to school, still in slippers. I saw it last week when a young mom was going over her son’s homework on the D Train here in NYC. The woman passing out samples in the food court at the mall, the older woman giving paper towels to the club goers in the restroom hoping someone will leave a tip.  The crossing guard, the woman receiving public assistance, and the woman on the other side of the desk giving it to her, dealing in compassion without disdain.  These are all examples of beauty blended in with the daily and commonplace.  I often look for the overlooked; I deem them just as important as those who are in the limelight.  My eye is trained for such things being an expert in beauty.   I applaud celebrity celebration when deserved, and honoring those who excel in their craft.  I also appreciate the ones who take the heart and nerve to celebrate those who will never flash across your television screen or newspaper article.  To dedicate ones art, craft, or even products with the everyday woman in mind sends a message of celebration of life in all forms. To revere, to display, to honor and hold valuable the bronze with the silver and gold in my opinion is very human, quite Godlike, and long overdue.

I’ve come across a young man who has decided to do just that, to bring the everyday woman to light, to hold her up to be lauded and appreciated.  Jermaine “Jay Everyday” Smith of New York, NY has released an Eau de Parfum called "Everyday" for Women.  It boasts a light, woodsy floral fragrance that beautifully blends Rose note with Amber, and other blended notes, which sits beautifully on the skin (my skin particularly J).  Last week, I attended the New York "Everyday" for Women Fragrance Smell Party at the Altus Café, which was well representative of Jay's influence along with business partner Radi Cartagena.  Women from all walks of life attended in anticipation of the perfume.  One could ask the question “Why would Jermaine, an American playwright, director, producer, and on air personality have any interest in the perfume business?  In answering that with sincerity, Mr. Smith spoke of the influential women in his life that inspired him, "Everyday" for Women pays homage to them in the most feminine way. With that explanation, it all made sense.  In honor of his mother who wrestled with drug addiction and won now being drug free, his aunts and grandmothers who helped to shape and mold him during his mother’s absence.  What a beautiful way to show women who do what they have to do without acknowledgement that they matter!  To honor women who bravely take care of their families and loved ones unsupported.  To applaud young ladies who strive to be better than what they’ve experienced in their childhood, exalting seasoned women who carry themselves with dignity and poise despite checkered pasts.  

Let fragrance be a gift to them, to let them walk the world emitting beauty and femininity in everyday situations, all the time.  "Everyday" for Women  in its message celebrates the un-celebrity, the regular lady, and the everyday woman in the most glorious way.  This in itself is true beauty, displayed everyday. 

Radi Cartagena, Jermaine "Jay Everyday" Smith with some "Everyday Ladies" at Altus Cafe

Shay RoZay, Tifini Lewis, Yesenia Aguirre at the Everyday for Women Fragrance Smell Party

I WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!!! BEST TRIBUTE TO AN EVERYDAY WOMAN IN YOUR LIFE WINS A SAMPLE OF "EVERYDAY" FOR WOMEN.  CONGRATULATIONS TO GLADYS LAMB, AND SIDNEY MOE, WINNERS OF THE “LOVE, UNEXPECTED”, AND “HONEYWINE OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO PREMIERE” GIVEAWAYS. STAY TUNED FOR MORE PRODUCT GIVEAWAYS!

"Everyday" for Women represented the “Everyday Woman” at the 84^th Annual Academy Awards last night included in gift bags, along with this week at BET’s Rip the Runway.  You can purchase "Everyday" for Women at http://www.thejayeveryday.com and fine retail shops nationwide.

Expert Beauty

I am a beauty expert. I see what I see, I know what I know, and I interpret how I interpret. I share what I share, I believe what I believe, I perceive what I perceive, and I determine what I determine. I see beauty in flowers, in fruit, in couples holding hands unendingly. I see beauty in lipgloss, Shea butter, and Fendi boots. I am experienced in chocolate, precision haircutting and the art of perfectly moist carrot cake. I can spot a vintage coat in a crowd of millions, and recognize a piece from Bottega Veneta Cruise Collection from a mile away, while in the supermarket. I love red shoes, nude lips and colorful personalities. I applaud individuality, and encourage collective thought. I laugh, I cry, I occasionally use makeup shopping sprees as intensive therapy. I sing, I dance, I walk out of shoe stores fulfilled. I am an expert at life, because I live. I am an expert in beauty because my eyes behold. I share what I know, because you may not, or may need a reminder. I am a beauty expert, all things beauty, all things beautiful, all the time...