It’s finally launch day. Friday, the 29th of March, 2019 came so quickly. I honestly thought I’d never make it to this day, partly because when I get overwhelmed and anxious, I coil in defeat and sleep (with my plans cuddled up right next to me). I have a multitude of feelings. I’m nervous, excited, scared, and hopeful but there’s just too much to do than to be fixated on those feelings.

I planned ahead of time and packed everything I could possibly need for the day. A container full of extra heels, obviously the ‘pieces’, accessories to style the pieces, scotch and double sided tape, pantyliners, tampons, wipes, vaseline oil gel and liquor because it’s good for the nerves.

Finding a good location was a definite challenge. I eventually settled on an open space layout with exposed brick walls on Waterbury Street in Williamsburg. Quite frankly, of all that I was tasked with, the easiest thing I did was setting up the guest chairs.

It’s almost show time, and everyone is antsy in the audience because we’re running behind schedule, and that’s partly because they’re hungry, (Note to self: Next time cater some finger foods). “Snack” by Ms. Banks plays and the models kill it one by one. They left loads of personality on that runway and everybody is reacting positively to the pieces. From behind the curtain I can hear unprompted applause, murmurs of “she did that!”, “yasssssss, I like dat!” and “ohhhh, I need that one!” and all those feelings of frustration, anxiety and nervousness no longer consumes me.

The models (l-r) Alexis, Cleo, Sage, Tisha, Vee, Shon, Ola, Jay, Kallure, Soko, Essie, Kay and Juice were heaven sent. A lot of these ladies I met for the first time the day of the showcase while some just months before but I am forever indebted to them for bringing life to my collection. I’m pleased by the display of inclusivity by the diversity of the models’ body shape and skin tones. There are many variations to beauty and they all should be celebrated. Special thanks and honorable mention to Mercura NYC, for allowing me to pull those amazing sunglasses.

When it was all said and done, I accomplished something I set out to do since 2014. And the feeling is more than gratifying.