Reflection

As we approach the holidays...and the close to another year, it is important to reflect on accomplishments and use them as an inspiration to move forward. Nilanjo! was started in 2000 not as a brand but as a creative outlet...a source for self expression and artistic release. Some of us dream to ourselves but I am a person that needs to dream out loud. As Nilanjo! has progressed, it changed from N... ilanjo! by Nika L A Jones to Nilanjo! Fashion Entertainment because it was also important to me to promote other talent outside of fashion. They inspire me. I am referring to the rappers, the singers, the musicians, the poets, the small businesses that create various types of awesomeness , etc. And they do it not for the dollar but for the love of their art. There are still passionate people out there and they deserve support, encouragement..some need empowerment...some need to be inspired and know that they inspire in order for them to thrive. Hence the motto "encouragement, empowerment, inspiration". --- And yes I'm all about fashion but there is an entertainment aspect that needs to be represented #Nilanjo! Fashion Entertainment I say all of this for a reason....the holidays tend to be a time of reflection for most. I reflect quite often. I know where I was, I recognize where I am and it all has prepared me for where I am going. I know no one will ever see or appreciate my vision the way I do. Most can't even understand. I always here how positive it is to work with me or how I have great energy-- as if it's not normal. When working with others -- there should always be respect and positive energy. How else will we succeed? Uplifting each other should be natural -- I know it isn't. And you can start to feel combated and under appreciated...challenged by the negativity out there that has become so contagious. That is why it takes a good team to help carry out parts of the vision and to keep you motivated. Honestly, I can't do it all (anymore). There is so much to do -- and that is a testimony to how much Nilanjo! has grown. In 2000 I was trying to fill 50 seats for a showing - Now I fill triple that to present my own designs that I drew, designed, sewed and styled as well as present the talent of local entertainers who deserve a full and attentive audience....a lot of pressure, a lot of investment, a lot of time and a lot of planning and a HEAP of prayer. I am not complaining -- this is what I do. It chose me and I chose it. If you have ever bought a ticket to a Nilanjo! event, have ever donated to one of our awareness events, referred someone to us, posted on our behalf, wished us well (and meant it), answered our calls, actually took the time to read and respond to our invites, prayed for us and our success....I thank you. That's not a shot at anyone but the truth. I always say support is an action word -- and it is. We have to actively support each other to succeed in this world. What may be nothing to you may be something to someone else. So we have to treat each others dreams and livelihoods with respect and courtesy. Sincerely...I appreciate you believing in me and Nilanjo! Fashion Entertainment. It's only forward movement from here -- with that said I close by wishing you a great holiday season. Posts will become less over the holidays as I take time to gather my thoughts, plans, changes, etc as well as take time to myself and for myself (and my family)...a must if I am to stay grounded. But never fear, a creative mind never stops. "Sometimes the mission requires revision...because there is a process to progress...They told me to do it and do it big...so I did. And I do it with pride in my stride.... and miles of style...and balance at every cost: I'm a mother...a sister... a wife...a go getter...a fighter....a survivor....and I am filled with passion....because I.....AM....FASHION"!

Support is an Action Word

The Masque! Domestic Violence FundraiserPresented by Nilanjo! Fashion EntertainmentLocated at The Somerville City Club , 20 Inner Belt Rd, Somerville, MA

Saturday- November 3, 2012—Nilanjo! Fashion Entertainment presented another unique and collaborative event in honor of domestic violence awareness. The event was hosted by the beautiful K’Loni Sky and featured artists such as C Roc Smooth, Mr. Harvey, Tony Blue and the comedic styling of veteran comic Jonathon Gates. We had a surprise appearance by Freaky Lik and a poetry piece read by yours truly. The event was done Mardi Gras style since the three main colors of Mardi Gras fit the cause. The NFashion models then put on a mini fashion show representing the color themes for the evening; purple which stands for justice, green which stands for faith and gold which stands for power. We would like to thank all performers and participants for their support and presence as well as thank Kneading Bliss Therapeutic Massage for their raffle and give away donation, VERO Hair & Make-Up for make-up services, D.A.H Photos on photography, Tia McConnell who worked hard at the door, DJ Firestarta for his wonderful DJ services, Silk Occasions for their decoration donation, Immortal Creations and Norma Eves for their delicious cupcake donations and our friend Ana Tyree for her contribution at the eleventh hour. Most of all we would also like to thank everyone who attended, donated and/or supported us and helped make our event a success. We were able to raise a great donation for the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless and for domestic violence awareness.

Nilanjo! Fashion Entertainment events are generally community and charity driven. We also have a mission to encourage, empower and inspire women. It was such an honor to have ABCD at the event supporting our cause and passing out information and resources for young women. It’s important we look beyond ourselves and the scope of our neighborhood’s 5 mile radius. While we didn’t sell our last seat to The Masque event until the very last minute, still we are just happy we were able to reach that goal. However, we still should have sold more. We were frustrated that more people did not come to support the cause. We were met with many false promises and unanswered calls, emails and texts from people that normally interacted with us daily who disappeared days before the event then miraculously reappeared after the event concluded. We’re never mad at those who can’t attend but it would be nice if people would choose to support a great cause and great local talent versus lining the pockets of the club and liquor store owners or decide to help out the small business owner instead of spending their last $10 to keep the tobacco industry popping. Yet these very people scream how we need change and more support in our communities. Well...support is an action word and not just a topic for conversation.

We did a show that donated to Peace Boston – an entity committed to bringing peace to our streets – we have donated to breast cancer awareness charities, diabetes charities, heart disease charities, even more locally Children’s Hospital and also MAC Boston encouraging HIV testing and awareness. We have to aggressively seek out support from our peers for these events when we truly shouldn’t have to. Hopefully you or a loved one won’t need these services to only find out resources are limited to you because funding and donations were too little to continue research and staffing of specialists that could help save or prolong your life. Because we don’t want that to happen, a portion of our event proceeds are donated to charities. We are a small entertainment group with a big heart and we find it important to give back. We are also comprised of educated, talented, entrepreneurs who love our families, our children and our communities. Each go hand in hand. Therefore we will continue to encourage and foster citizenship regardless of who supports (or doesn’t). This last event was a challenge that worked out in the end. I’m so proud of my team, the participants, those who made the choice to attend and all the supporters who could not attend. Many still made personal donations and some circulated the flyer for us. It was great to have people come to the door indicating they saw the flyer on a friend’s page or were told about it by someone who could not make it. So to you...the ones who answered our calls, responded to our messages, kept in contact throughout as well as after the event, wished us well and meant it, and celebrates our success with us – THANK YOU! The success of this event is a celebration of the good things to come – because we’re only going to do it again (bigger, better and always blessed)! For more information about Nilanjo! Fashion Entertainment, please contact Nilanjo! Fashion Entertainment at contactnilanjo@nilanjo617.com or please visit us on the web at www.nilanjo617.com . Or call Nika L A Jones Hollingsworth at (617) 302-6452.