T.A. Tieri's Blog

Creating and maintaining a clutter-free closet takes time, and this can be a daunting task for many especially as seasons change. But we do need to put away some clothes to make space for the in-coming season.

So, here are quick-fix tips to help you get started:

STEP 1: De-clutter. Empty your closet.

STEP 2: Separate the clothes you love and wear regularly (that works for all seasons)

STEP 3: Sort into two piles: YES & NO (resist the urge to have a ‘maybe’ pile… )

– Is the clothe in good condition?

– Does it fit my current body type and lifestyle?

– Is the outfit in season?

STEP 4: Create an organization system for your YES pile.

E.g: Jeans, Pants, Skirts, Shirts/Blouses, Tees/Tanks/Tops, Dresses, Suits, Sweaters and Coats. OR Business Outfits, Casual wears, and Formal attires, etc. Come up with your preferred categories, and arrange the clothes accordingly back into your closet. Note that this will be influenced by your lifestyle and your closet space

STEP 5: Sort the NO pile into categories.

E.g: Give away, Sell, Discard and Store for the future. And you attend to each category in batches.

For other items in your closet like accessories, shoes, purses, etc, if you have dedicated spaces for them, great. If not, invest in racks, wall hangers, shelving and baskets.

P.S: In all you do, remember this is YOUR closet. There are many ideas and nice pictures on Pinterest, but this is YOUR space, so personalize it to your taste.

Do you prefer color coding your garments rather than categorizing? Go for it.

Are your more comfortable with height arrangements when you hang your garments? By all means, invest in hangers that work with your space.

Good luck!

IMAGES FROM GOOGLE

In 2 0 2 3 / 2 0 2 4

I laughed. I Cried. I Leaped for joy. I was exhausted. I won. I lost. I multiplied. I bagged my MBA. I got a job. I lost a job. I grieved. I was angry. I grew. I was scared. I was anxious. I smiled. I had nightmares. I was afraid. I had no job. I learned faith anew. I was uninspired. I got two job offers. I discovered myself. I sang a lot. I was depressed. I learned how to ask for & receive help. I danced. I Engaged. I Disengaged. Forged new relationships. Let go of several relationships. I became a new mom. I struggled. I became a single mom. Friends and neighbors became family. Some family became strangers. I was broke. I showed courage I didn’t know I could. I learned patience. I learned how to breathe. I had enough. I overcame. I was overwhelmed. I was sick. I read letters. Strength I didn’t know I had showed up. I was healed physically. I mastered how to be on hold until I spoke to a human operator. I gifted. I received gifts. I mastered living with grief. I was blessed. I was hurt. I forgave. I wrote letters. I was in multiple therapy sessions. I asked God 1001 questions. I doubted myself. I screamed. I was identity mad. I was blessed beyond measures. I was favored. I experienced the nearness of God like never before. I perfected smiling through pain. I persevered. So many rejections. Many more acceptances. I realized what truly matters. But above all, I moved from feeling hopeless to being hopeful.

Jan 1, 2024, I had a conversation with my friend-turned-sister’s mom.
Grandma told me in Yoruba – one of our Nigerian dialects, that she will not ask me not to cry. But she is assuring me God will send me help. Because He sent her help back then when farming was the order of the day, and she had 5 children.
I thanked her. But I didn’t entirely believe her.
That night however, I asked God to show me He will be with me. That I wanted to be a grandma someday, and testify. I asked specifically for a year long sample of His presence.

I am generally private about my personal life.

But For the 2nd time on 6/2, John Onwuchekwa, an invited pastor, preached. I remember I almost didn’t make church that day. His message was titled ‘Tragedy doesn’t ruin us’. Let’s be honest, Many preachers advocate for ‘testimonies’ as a verification of their hand-laying or prophecy or xyz… and use the line ‘to encourage & bless others’. Please note I said ‘many’ not ‘all’, and these testimonies do bless others. I’ve been blessed many times. But I tell you, sharing your grief story – NOT THE SAME.

Anyway, pastor John’s reason that day was different. He asked that we share our journey before we even see any light at the end of the tunnel, to show faith literally in the works. Because the world needs to see us 100% trust God.

Mm-mnnn. That was new. Most people shared ‘after’ things got better and the puzzle was fixed.
Also, That meant being vulnerable to the world!
Plus how could I do that when I was barely building my hope for that light myself? More importantly, I did not give 2 rats-ass about the world at the time.
But As I drove home, I remembered my conversation with God Jan 1, 2024 .
I had asked Him for a year- to show He was with me. This was June, so I didn’t budge.

For the third time, on 12/22, when Mike Kelsey (McLean Bible Church) preached about Mary the mother of Jesus embracing her purpose even when it seemingly ended in a tragedy, I was convicted. I also had a good cry during the service.
Plus, this is December – I have no excuse. None. I can’t deny God’s faithfulness and goodness – through the people He uses and sends my way. A few times even, I felt His hand physically holding me throughout the year.

So, as much as I would like to keep living my quiet, normal, just-wanna-get-through-another-day life, regarding this, I’m choosing to obey. It is not an ‘if’ or ‘maybe’ anymore. It’s a ‘when’.
Who knows, maybe one, just one person asking God for a sign to not give up, will see one of my random posts, and Trust God.

I pray me and her both eventually get to the light at the end of this very dark and lonely tunnel.

Indulge me for being a little loud about this Christmas. It’s because last Christmas was a blur, and I didn’t see myself celebrating another Christmas.

Here’s to the one whose birth gives us unfailing HOPE for an eternity without condemnation – Jesus Christ.

Merry Christmas from me and mine.

#ikhtse | @ikhtse

#tiwaadetoye #MyStoryGodsGlory #MerryChristmas #Christmas #December #december25 #Faith #Hope #Love #gratitude #JesusIsTheReasonForTheSeason

BY GRANT POLACHEK

One obvious fact about the business world is that any brand that releases a product or service without carrying out enough consumer research is likely to produce goods that fail to appeal to its target market. And if a company’s product and/or service doesn’t appeal to its main customer base, performance will surely suffer, if not completely stop. Yet, even though effective market research would’ve easily avoided this unfortunate incident, it has led to the failure of numerous products in the market.

Frankly, Marketing research is an expensive procedure, but it’s the only way for you to understand customers and their affinity towards certain brands. But Squadhelp.com, 3X Inc 5000 startup and disruptive naming agency, that has reviewed more than 1 million names and curated a collection of the best available names on the web today, brings us this invaluable information that’s sure to supercharge your fashion business in 2023.

Every business owner, including you, should be aware that choosing the right brand positioning strategy is an integral part of creating or rebranding your business, as it’ll greatly influence how customers interact with and view your fashion brand.

To make your brand positioning strategy a success, you must pick an engaging voice that connects with your target audience, and presents your company’s services to them in an unforgettable way. The right tone can help you create the appropriate brand image that’ll attract customers to your brand. But to get the right tone and retain a place for your brand in your customers’ minds, you’ll have to customize your branding elements to match the desires of your target market.

Building a distinctive brand for your company will help you stand out in the crowded fashion market and attract more customers in 2023. And to do all this, you’d need a firm understanding of your target audience. This is where this research becomes most essential.

UNDERSTANDING YOUR TARGET AUDIENCE

Squadhelp performed an extensive study to discover how buyers react to brands that go with modern and imaginative brand tones vs. those that utilize conventional and historical ones. And separated the data gathered into several age groups to further highlight our conclusions. “Why” you ask? To help streamline the procedure and make it easier to decide what would work best for your target market It is especially useful when selecting compelling fashion brand names ideas because your fashion business relies heavily on how your products and brand look and feels to clients.

The survey’s results from the 301 respondents weren’t astonishing, but the responses received were nonetheless interesting:

In contrast to older customers, who were more inclined to support businesses with traditional tones, younger consumers (ages 25–34) were much more likely to be drawn to companies with a fresh contemporary tone.

Customers between the ages of 35 and 45 were equally committed to modern and innovative companies. Considering how closely the findings were to each other, it is obvious that this group is drawn to companies with both traditional and modern characteristics.

The study found that clients between the ages of 45 and 54 choose reputable, long-standing companies.

Customers between 55 and 65 are particularly fond of seasoned businesses.

The survey found that men don’t appear to favor traditional or contemporary businesses.

Women, however, choose established businesses over new, creative ones.

47.5% of the 301 respondents preferred cutting-edge, creative businesses, while 52% selected well-known, conventional ones.

CONCLUSION

The findings of this study show that you can make the most out of your business by presenting your fashion brand in either a historical or modern manner, depending solely on the interests of your target market. And even with understanding and having data on defining our target audience, a brand needs to maintain a consistent tone of voice. Building a strong brand identity for your fashion brand will require time, expertise, and work. As you develop your business plan, marketing strategies, and brand identity, consider these survey results and use them to create a strong, consistent tone for your fashion brand.

FREE RESOURCES

Forbes: Brand tone of voice

Stock Images from unplash & pexel

I have had some people ask me about storytelling, and I thought to share this simple four-steps framework with you as well. And this applies to both corporate brands and if you are in publishing.

A Customer/Character: Find and define your target audience/lead character for your story. What does the character want from life or is trying to achieve? Make the target customer/character the center of the story.

Their problem/An inciting incidence: Identify what hurdle(s) the character needs to cross to get what they want? What challenges do your customers face that is hindering them from achieving their goal(s)? For fictional literature, a writer typically throws these in as the inciting incidences that happen to the character.

The solution/Guide: For the corporate world or non-fiction literature, this is where you as the storyteller, position yourself as the credible solution or needed guide to help the customer/character (and usually, the reader now sees themselves in the character). Visuals and clear ‘call to actions’ also happen at this step. For fictional literature, and depending on the genre/category, the character is presented with possible sources of solutions that could help overcome their challenges. However, they do not have to take them on, but it helps a reader know the character has the opportunity to be a hero.

Achieve success/The resolve: Lastly, not every literature has a happy ending, but they do come to a conclusion, based off from their series of decisions. As a strategist in business, this is when you show the now hero of your story, what success looks like at the end of their journey with you.

I hope you learnt two things or three. *wink*. Feel free to drop constructive comments and feedback. And if this post was forwarded to you, remember to subscribe so you don’t miss upcoming fun tidbits & updates.

From my desk to yours.

While I have you here, here’s to say a big thank you to everyone who has supported UNEVEN. It’s always an overflow of joy knowing the book has blessed one more person! The reviews are indeed overwhelming.

Till next time, stay awesome, because you are!

We had a virtual party and to say the least, IT WAS FUN! Thank you so much for taking the time to celebrate UNEVEN. While you’re sure to enjoy the virtual party experience again, grab your copy of UNEVEN, share this awesome feat with your network, and be kind to circle back with your own thoughts.

WHERE TO GET UNEVEN

Amazon Canada: https://tinyurl.com/UNEVENca Amazon US: https://tinyurl.com/UNEVENusAmazon UK: https://tinyurl.com/UNEVENukeBooks: https://books2read.com/uneven

OTHER STORES (& WHATSAPP)

RovingHeights bookstores: +234-909-215-8968COV Sagamu: +234-802-548-3900Global Impact Church: +234-916-819-0190

CREDIT: Music: Speak Life by TobyMac

It still feels so surreal writing this. The first book signing of UNEVEN held 10th of June 2022, and it was truly an amazing event at Body Grace Yoga Studio, Vienna, VA. The turn out and support shown was indeed overwhelming and I couldn’t possibly thank everyone enough.

Right from the entrance and registration, there was a gratitude jar stationed for everyone to write down something they were grateful to God for (keeping it anonymous). The inspiration behind it being the book cover for UNEVEN, but also to remind ourselves that there is always something to be grateful for, even in the seemingly dim state of the world.

We started out with some chair yoga which was fun and refreshing to all, and transitioned to a book reading session, which was done by yours truly ̶ ME, (I’m hoping I can share the recording soon so stay tuned), we had a good time sharing with each other and I answered every question from my heart ̶ like I wrote UNEVEN, and like I do most things.

While I have you here, I thought to remind you that you are the reason I’m able to share my passions on my blog, social media and in UNEVEN. My hope is we find something encouraging and a word or two that speaks to us, even as we enjoy the creativity and fictional story. Thank you all so much.

And now to the book signing and photo gallery; Lol.

As you can tell from the photos, we had fun! There were loads of hugs and laughs and snacking while enjoying each other’s company.

And perhaps you missed it, here’s some good news: you can be a part of the next experience with the virtual book party coming up JULY 5, 2022 at 4pm WAT [11am ET].

Below is a quick 1minute clip about it, but please register to receive the zoom link in your inbox: CLICK HERE

Till next time, stay awesome, because you are.

T.A.

Remember to share this incredible book with your friends and social network. And be kind to drop a comment and/or review about UNEVEN.

Today is indeed the day the Lord has made, and I am rejoicing and extremely glad in it. I hope you can feel my excitement as I type! This has got to be the most excited I’ve been about celebrating my birthday, well, except my parents can prove I was more ecstatic on my first or second birthday! Lol.

I present to you UNEVEN, my debut book that took not nine months but two years to birth.

PRE-ORDER EBOOK EBOOK ON OKADABOOKS

If you haven’t followed my sneak peaks nor WATCHED THE TRAILER, Uneven tells the journey of a 28 year old God-believing African-American male with Autistic Spectrum Disorder, overcoming a grave loss amidst his challenging everyday life, and pursuing a romantic relationship.

Uneven is so much more than just a juicy read, as it stems from the nudge to remind every reader, even if you are exploring Christianity, of God’s unfailing love for us through faith and hope.

And honestly, the closer I got to the conclusion, the more the doubts and hurdles the enemy tried to plant. But I decided that was the proof I needed to birth Uneven, and I was going ahead howbeit afraid. I should mention I wasn’t less afraid instantly, I just fueled up my courage instead. For each time an event tried to thwart the progress of the project, I reminded myself it was beyond me to begin with. Like Philippians 1:6 says, “being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”

So, enough already about behind the scenes right? More to come at the book launch and meet & greet events. I am looking forward to all your questions! (Click on the links below to register and set reminders to attend your preferred event)

Instagram live — May 28In person book signing, VA — June 10Virtual Launch Party — July 5In person meet & greet (TBD) — December PAPER BACK FROM ROVINGHEIGHTS PAPER BACK FROM GIC PRINT COPY FROM AMAZON

Just before I sign off, a few people have asked me ‘so, what’s next?’ And the answer is the same as it was yesterday and a month ago: It’s still unclear.

As far as I know, my publishing journey can be likened to that of a child learning to walk before running. I will continue to reach out to mentors, publishers, and other experienced authors, to build on my skills, and to help guide my planning for the best next move. But what I won’t do is give up or give in. When I started journaling, obviously God knew the end, I did not, and still don’t. But after the last full stop of the script, a whole new journey of growth and perseverance started. So with that, I know releasing my debut can only mean the work has just begun.

Thank you for sharing this with me. Please be kind to drop your reviews as you read Uneven and gift your loved ones their own copies.

Cheers.

T.A.

I had cause to speak to a few people and businesses this past month and the root challenge was the inability to define their brand, hence my decision to share with you as well.

Obviously, there are a lot more resources on this, but this straightforward summary is what has helped me thus far.

Asides from a logo or slogan, a brand does four major thing for you as an individual or for your business:

Makes you and/or your business recognizableBuilds a reputation for you and your businessBuilds a connection with your audienceTransforms you and your business into a trusted source

In determining your brand, you need to answer the WHY, HOW and WHAT questions.

WHY: Why do you and/or your business exist? What are your values and purpose as a business or an individual? What do you want to achieve ultimately?

WHAT: What makes you special? What are you most knowledgeable and passionate about? What unique product or service are you promising? What are your beliefs and point of difference compared to others?

HOW: Your behavior as a business/individual. How do you deliver your services? How would you communicate your message/values to your target audience, or address/attend to your clients and people generally? Your Tone of voice?

All the best in creating or re-defining your personal and business brand. Feel free to let me know how that goes.

Credit: Stock Images from the internet

It’s March 2022, I know, but still: HAPPY NEW YEAR! It’s been a minute with the pandemic and all, but there’s a whole lot to share now, starting with creating your Vision Board.

If you are one of those who believe vision boards are a sham, think again!

A vision board takes the thoughts and dreams in your head and turn them into something real and tangible.

Cool right? I thought so too. If we are being honest, everyone has a lot on their plate, and the world is moving on whether we are ready or not so why not seize the day?

Why do you need a vision board?

A vision board is a collage of images and words (or phrases) designed to inspire and self-motivate you. The images represent the things you want in life and should include:

What You want to doWhat you want to learnThe person you want to be

A vision board can help you discover (or rediscover) what’s deeply important to you. Such areas as family, finance, health, education, career, relationship, business, etc

How to Create a Vision Board on Paper/Cardboard

Get some sort of board – you can use a cardboard, a poster board, or a pin board.Pick the right images and quotes (from magazine cut outs or printed from the internet). Make sure they accurately reflect the future life you want to lead.Also include photos of yourself and pin them on there, along with little mementos of your journey towards your dream.

How to Create a Vision Board with Canva

(Hopefully this is easier for attendees of my previous Canva workshops)

Create a free Canva account. Upload your own images or use those from the internet, then create your vision board. Here are YouTube videos to help: click here and click hereExport your vision board out of Canva, and into an image file so you can save it as your desktop wallpaper or print it out

It’s pretty easy right? The value however is immeasurable!

Remember to place your vision board where you can see it every day as a reminder and self-motivator. Revisit your board as life changes/events occur in the course of the year.

Above all, don’t sell yourself short from what you truly want in this life. Anything in this world can be yours if you put your mind to it. You only live one life so why not live it to the fullest?

Till next time, stay awesome, because you are!

IMAGES from Unsplash, Google and Canva

Not until I researched and focused on my strengths, did my fashion business ventures become more professional and profitable.
I realize like me, some entrepreneurs did not know what they were venturing into before starting out. And challenges faced along the way could be frustrating.
While some others considering starting a fashion business, are not sure which aspect.

This session breaks down the major aspects of fashion (apparel) business: their different characteristics and the pros and cons, that’ll help you make informed decisions in birthing and/or running your fashion business.

I TRUST YOU LEARNT A THING OR TWO. Constructive comments are always welcome.