New York Couture Fashion Week kicks off today and the festivities are already in full swing. One of the featured designers whose story is one of strength and love is truly inspiring and I'm sure it will motivate you. 

Ann Tillage is the founder, owner and designer behind the brand Sharmooz. Her SLA Collection (partially pictured below) is what will be featured on the runway this weekend. She not only juggles all that comes with running a business, but is also a full-time parent to 2 small kiddos, and she also has Vertigo Disease. She details her life with this disease on her blog, "I fall for fashion, literally." The disease comes with a number of physical distractions but Ann has managed to take a brand that started off with charmeuse pillow cases, sleeping bonnets, snoods and fashion scarves, and evolved it into a full fledged apparel fashion brand. 

This truly goes to show that if you put your mind to something, you can accomplish anything. Excuses will never serve you, however legit they may be. Ann could easily have let her disease take over her life but she started by creating a product out of necessity. Her son was getting a bald spot from rubbing his head against cotton sheets which is why she created the charmeuse satin headrest, and everything else evolved from there.

What need have you noticed in your home or your community? Why sit and wait for somebody else to solve the problem and find a solution? Or worse yet, just accept the status quo for what it is, and never expect change. 

Is there risk in starting a new business? Of course. Are there hundreds of other designers out there? Indeed. However look at where Ann is today. Rome wasn't built in a day, yet somehow we tell ourselves that if we haven't conquered the world in a year, then it's not worth it. I mentioned in this blog post that pursuing your dream requires patience! You have to consistently put in the work even when no one's noticing in order to eventually get noticed. 

Putting in the work while fighting a disease, trying to get the kids off to school, making sure dinner's on the table, hubby isn't neglected is challenging to say the least. Throw a 9-5 in the mix and you will feel like quitting on your dream numerous times. Those feelings are ok. It's normal. Tend to the matter in the need, and then keep it moving. My mentor Christine St. Vil (I know I keep mentioning her here, and here, but I've learned a lot from her) says it's not about balancing everything, it's a juggling act. There's only about two balls that are front and centre at a time. But as long as those balls keep rotating, no one or nothing's ever fully neglected. 

Ann herself recommends that working moms take a 15 brisk walk or read a chapter out of their favourite book for a mental and physical break. If you burn out, you won't serve anybody well. Don't mistake a needed break for being lazy. They're not the same. You're gut will check you if you're simply being lazy. In closing,

Be blessed!