So Long Freedom Star

This concludes my overwhelming experience at Freedom Star. I would like to most of all thank my mentor Sahar for having me and letting me give little opinions about certain things. I would also like to say that being here at Freedom Star has taught me a little bit more about myself and I realized that I can actually make things happen when I put my mind to it, how to be professional, and most of all, how to be more social.

~T

P.S thanks again Sahar and Freedom Star for having me.

This is my final design, which is a charm bracelet I made for my grandmother's birthday.

Freedom Star in the Denver Post

STYLE

How to wear

a little black dress

Five fashion pros show how they personalize a classic

By The Denver Post

POSTED: 12/08/2009

Brandi Shigley models her Little Black Dress at her new Fashion Denver space on Bannock Street. (The Denver Post | CYRUS MCCRIMMON)

The Promoter

Brandi Shigley, found of Fashion Denver, which promotes independent designers and retail stores, has a style all her own, which she demonstrated while roller skating around 1070 Bannock St., a space she’s moving into on Jan. 1.

Find her at: 321 W. 11^th Ave., 303-974-2200: Shigley bought the black dress she describes as “ghetto fabulous” at the trendy national chain Rainbow (her haunt is at 407 S. Broadway). Accessories from her Fashion Denver showroom are a Freedom Star necklace by Sahar Parirokh, Emily Marchalonis headband, and Knotty Gal Creations knitted handwarmers. The roller skates are from Regal Vintage. Shigley’s fashion philosophy: “Just have fun!”

fashiondenver.com

An Interns Voice...

I chose to share this poem because it speaks loud for people that aren't willing or afraid to speak for themselves. I felt I had to write this poem because I'm always the voice that's listened to in school. So I figured if I wrote this poem I spread awareness to people that make fun of others, because they don't have the latest fashions or because they are gay, whatever the case may be this poem is for you.

Just because I'm not shaped like a classic coca-cola bottle

and my hair isn't long and str8, but instead its hard and nappy,

which makes me BLACK doesn't mean that I'm not gonna be successful.

And just because you nor society accepts me doesn't mean I have to be criticized. Especially not by you, I thought you loved me but instead I feel hatred at times.

And guess what, she's tired, I'm tired, tired of being put down

because she has been chosen by men and women, and just because she is that way, doesn't mean that when she does meet God he is going to reject her.

But instead all these fake ass b*tches and p*ssy ass n*gge*s judge she because I have class. She's tired, I'm tired, tired of covering the pain with a smile which I wouldn't have to do if people would just fuck off and let me do what imma do.

Just because the sun rotates around the earth doesn't mean that I nor she has to wake up in the morning ready to be faced by the world, and she is tired, I'm tired of hearing the same old bullshit, but if you were living in my world where the sun shines bright on those who standout because their loved ones and society take away their hearts beats and make up reasons for them to feel like they don't belong.

Doesn't mean that their suicide thoughts are wrong.

So no more get in were you fit in because here everyones in.

~T

Tenae's Adventures

Hi I'm Tenae one of the newest interns at Freedom Star from Frances Perkins Academy. During my Tuesday and Thursday adventure to Bay Ridge Brooklyn I have more than enough time to see different things as I go from one place to another. By traveling I have seen the difference between the two places in which they have inspired me to write poetry and create my own piece of jewelry. So far being an intern at Freedom Star has been one of the greatest experiences because my mentor is very cool and supportive. I love working with her because she's not only teaching me but we're teaching each other.

I have learned how to make jewelry which led me to make a charm bracelet for my grandmother. Here is a start to the charm bracelet I'm designing. I picked the link because it looks antique and fits my grandmother's skin tone. The butterfly and the leaf charm are special because it represents my grandmother's love for the out doors and God's creatures.

During my internship I also got to be a guest designer, and re-create a Freedom Star signature look, Baran- which means raindrop in Farsi. Next time you guys hear from me I will have my inspiration poem.

Quiet Force

It's been over a month since I've written. I've thought about it plenty, but those thoughts quickly get replaced with others, the continuous checklist that replays in my mind. Don't get me wrong, no negativity here, just the first time I've sat down in a couple of weeks and digested my work.

It's true what they all say, actors, new start-ups - famed or not, it all just started happening, It went by so fast. And that ladies and gents is exactly what I am in the midst of. I'm here sharing it with you because of a promise, one I made to myself to reflect on the work at hand -learn from it as soon as possible, stand on a new plateau because of it, and gain momentum for the next wave of my dream.

Back in January I picked up the Town and Country on the lobby table of a dance studio - in it was a horoscope article about what 2009 had in store for me, a Libra. The article was quite positive, maybe just what I needed at the time, either way I distinctly remember it stating my career dreams would take off in September and October - and sure enough projects bigger than I ever imagined are unfolding.

A company I work closely with, NY Partner Dance, has asked me to be Project /PR/Marketing manager for their Inaugural Unity Ball. A charity event raising proceeds for two wonderful funds ~ UN 1% for Development Fund and Czech Cultural Center BBLA. Best of all the theme of the night is my first love - dance - multicultural unity through social dancing. It has been a pleasure to work on something from the ground up. To start with a brainstorming session and end with a proposal to the United Nations, a world class venue and contacting celebrity dancers (hopefully Edyta Sliwinska) to attend. www.unityball.info

I have been able to conquer such a task thanks to my two new interns. Tenae, I met her through a high school program called The Bigger Picture. Students get to intern two days a week for school credit - I think it's an amazing program, one I wish I had the opportunity to experience at her age. She has been helping me design my next line heading to Fashion Denver to be showcased for the month of November! So exciting, lots of new funky bold looks to one's that will suit the bohemian medieval princess from neck to waist! She is also going to be blogging soon, so keep an eye out.

I also met Chelsea, an LIM College student who is reaching for her dream OF becoming an event planner. Her position means a lot of leg work and thinking about deocrations for the Unity Ball. I can't wait for her and I to be standing side by side that night - for a brief 15 seconds of course - to take in all the hard work.

Can't wait to report back and let you know how it all went. Be well.

S~

Tricks to Fabulosity

I'm always looking for a quick fix to make the same outfit look like a new one.

It's really a personal challenge that I enjoy and have been doing for as long as I can remember. Not to mention my style depends on my mood that morning or a spontaneous event. Last week is a perfect example of spontaneity meets work outfit...my navy straight leg jumper that gave me the Hampton's kind of feeling for a casual work day wasn't funky enough when I was surprised with tickets to Common's Diesel cologne (only the brave) launch party at Capitale. I was more in a harem pants mood - A belt and two pieces of ribbon later my straight leg jumper had the urban feel I wanted. All I did was tie the ribbon at the bottom of each pant leg, I thought about letting the ends hang to add a little surprise to the outfit - but my shoes took care of that - so I tucked them under so only I knew they were there.

Some think my closet is endless...but really its all about the tricks, the mixing-and-matching, and great accessories. Getting creative with what I have to inspire a new look is the best part of my day. Not to mention it really helps in times when you want to stick to your budget.

Summer time is wedding season, and many of my dear friends have been bitten by the love bug. A few days later I was heading to DUMBO for a wedding under the Brooklyn Bridge. I woke up feeling fiercely flirty - my purple poof dress needed a little edge. Belts are always great to transform and add new lines to your outfit...two belts are even better! I had two studded belts that were the right size for my hip, but wanted something rock-n-roll for my waist. I stuck one in the other and voila, a double texture studded belt.

So there it is, my tricks for the week.

Hope all is well in your worlds.

Freedom Star meets JarLuxe

The day I wrote my outline for Freedom Star Mentorship is the same day I first heard of Anistia Phiaria. She is CEO of Phiaria International Design Group Inc. and Fashionlanthropist and Creative Director for JarLuxe Foundation.

When I was getting my undergrad Freedom Star was a line of hand made scarves. I knew I wanted it to be more. Benefits of going back to college when you are a bit older include making the most of all your resources. For me this meant becoming Editor-in-Chief of my schools paper - Fashionista. I used this as a platform to poke my head around the fashion industry, as well as, an opportunity to get to know LIM's faculty - all fashion industry professionals.

I learned a lot, and realized mostly that if I had been introduced to the vast career possibilities in fashion sooner in life I would not have jumped from a Chemistry major to a Fashion Marketing major. But, no love lost. Out of this I knew I wanted Freedom Star to serve as that particular channel of communication. Now, you can imagine how elated I was when I first heard about JarLuxe. The philosophy behind this foundation is exactly that. To raise Fashion's next top executives.

A few days ago I had the opportunity to meet Anistia, where my excitement almost ran over my manners. Almost as fast as I told her my name I was offering my help on behalf of myself and as Freedom Star to help and support. I am proud to share that I am now an Ambassador for JarLuxe. First up, scholarship fundraiser September 16th.

The first two scholarship recipients were just chosen, and currently attending LIM College. Congratulations girls!

I feel honored and excited to meet other young woman entrepreneurs taking the lead and most important using their skills to better our future. Thank you JarLuxe and Anistia.

http://www.jarluxe.org/

Last you heard...

I was making final edits on my web-site between creating new earrings. 

Well, I'm happy to report that Afro Punk was a success and .... AT LAST....

www.freedomstaronline.com has spread its wings! 

Thanks to a patient and knowledgeable web designer, Sarah. She answered all my questions and dealt with my artist angst.  I must say, there is something about looking at your work on the Internet that makes you feel ... legit... is there any better way to say it?  After all, it was something that made me take a moment and think about the past year. You know the instance that gives you satisfaction, job well done, sit back, sigh and sink in your chair.  That's right before the wave of excitement and motivation hits to see what else you can do! That is where I am tonight.

I felt the same when I was packing up at the end Afro Punk Festival.  I must say, Freedom Star came onto the street festival scene on the right note. The vibe of the vendors during set up was one of a tight community. The competition became your admirers and supporters.  And that's just the vendors! 

The day continues and Afro Punk chic to geek were killing it. Personal style was on point and all over the map.  If I wasn't suffering from an emergency root canal I would have taken more pictures. It was a mix of punk meets Nubian princess, while she awaits her rocker prince who will no doubt pick her up on his BMX.  Amazing. I felt honored to be there. 

Few weeks later my jewelry making took me to the bridal suite of a dear friend - Delphine. I was honored to make the necklace that lay down her back as she married my other good friend, Steve. If this day of love wasn't enough to make a girl grin from ear-to-ear, I was also asked to

 be their Officiant. 

So, basically that's where I've been...launching my site, surrounded by Nubian princesses, and marrying Cinderella to her prince.

Now time to get ready for September 13th!!! Wondering why? Stay tuned....

Peace.

Sahar.

Just like my Momma

I dig through my memories of the past, and no matter the occasion, I remember my Mom hosting one of her beautiful (presentation is everything) and delicious dinners, there was this promise of delicious food for days to come. Said (my brother) and I knew there would be days of yummy leftovers.

She was ready to stimulate every taste bud with an array of dishes. Fish, chicken, vegetarian, whatever you had a taste for, my Mom had a dish for it. Getting ready for a market I get in this frame of mind.

Like my Mom, I hope my jewels are tasty to any women, no matter her inspiration for that day's outfit. But, what really makes me see my Momma's ways is how I get crazy with design ideas a few days before. Which means I'm definitely not getting any sleep and making an overload of accessories! But, it's a must - I must create every color combination that comes to mind for whatever earring or necklace I envision as I gaze at my beads and charms.

I wish my camera wasn't broken so I could give you a sneak peak of what I made tonight for Afro Punk Festival...come check it out this weekend. Found a cool antique gold owl charm, and amazing rustic safety pins that make a great addition to the newest Freedom Star necklace.

Hope all is well in your worlds.

Sahar

And so it begins....

Freedom Star is really spreading it's wings.  Many have told me to start a blog to record my experience building this business and sharing what it takes to really go after a dream. So, here I am. 

Hopefully the ride will be fun, with minimal bumps and bruises. 

And now off to review the final draft of my web-site. Before staying up all night to get ready for Afro Punk Block Party in Brooklyn this Sunday. It will be Freedom Star Accessories first street fair appearance!  I'm so excited and my dear friend Brina will be flying in from Colorado to help out!  What would we do without our friends? Thanks girls - you know who you are.

until next time...