June has always been a special month for me.

Not [just] because its my birthday month, but because I chose to launch LiberataDolce.com on the very same day.

Except I looked at it as less of a launch, and more of a birth.  The creation of an idea that suddenly came to life one day.  A reflection of myself that would share all the things that make me… me.

Who knew the life of a website could be so deep?

This site was a gift to myself to finally put into action all the dreams I had, and the dreams I wasn’t even aware I had yet.

And let me just say-

It has quickly become one of the most exciting and rewarding chapters of my life.

It has also been one of the greatest lessons.  Especially seeing they were all self taught over a series of adventures, fueled by nothing other than hard work, commitment and passion.

That’s right.  Because we still live in a world that requires good old fashion drive if you want to be exceptional.  And while I’m not there yet, my arrival will simply be considered fashionably late.  And honestly, I’m not even sure where “there” is.  I just know its going to be amazing, and well worth the ride.

But above all, one of the greatest attributes I can credit many of these blessings to is so simple, yet SO crucial:

Character.

Become a person of your word.  All day, every day.  Commit to only what you can do.  But don’t ever not commit to something you’re simply scared to do- that’s the only way your talents will ever evolve.  But being a person of your word is without a doubt the most important attribute you will ever possess.  And once you commit to something, attack it with everything you have.

At the same time, know your value.  Your talent.  Understand what defines you.

And run with it in total confidence.

THAT is what will separate you from the mediocre.

Don’t be afraid of your imagination.  Ever.  Your creativity is one of the most powerful tools you own.  Get lost in it.  And use it to your full advantage.  So what if everyone doesn’t get it right now.  I’m sure not everyone understood Karl Lagerfeld at one time.  Or David LaChapelle.  Many probably still don’t.

But do you think that ever stopped either of them?  Or more importantly- do you think they even cared?

Not.  A.  Chance.

If anything, it fueled them.  Because they knew they were creating something others couldn’t.  Seeing what others wouldn’t.  And what better possible way is there to brand yourself?

Branding yourself is something only you can do.  Just like character, your reputation is ultimately something only you can control.  So control it wisely.  It will lead you to more opportunities than anything else.  ANYTHING.  Go out of your way to help others- you will be amazed at the kind of doors it will open.  Maybe not right away, but you’ll see.  At the same time, be cautious of who you give your time to.  Be patient, be forgiving, but don’t ever be a fool.

And with that, you have the observations and the lessons learned thus far during this adventure.

And the achievements?

Well, lets see…

Published Model.  Published Editorial Writer.  Featured Stylist.  Fashion Contributor.

And trust me when I say that the titles will keep on coming.

So Thank You to everyone that has been a part of this experience.  To everyone who contributed.  To everyone who believed in me.

To everyone who made the first year at LiberataDolce.com THE year.

The year I came out swinging.

The year I set my own new standard.

The year I took nothing, and turned it into something.

The year I defined who I am.  What I want.  And how I’ll get it.

And if I could accomplish all I did, in one tiny little year… then I simply cannot wait to see what Year 2 has in store.

IF I’m willing to work for it.

So get ready dolls.  Or rather, stay ready.

Because I have a feeling we haven’t seen anything yet.

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