Hey everyone
Wow, I can't believe it's been two months since my last post. In case you all didn't know, I am finally here: New York, that is. I am celebrating, or rather reflecting upon the past 4 weeks and some days I have spent here. I think that's what I will use this post as, an up to the date re-cap on the life and times of me.
So I graduated August 9th and spent a couple weeks at home just relaxing and de-toxing from my four years spent away at college. I started my new diet plan, worked out everyday and spent some quality time with my family. I almost felt like I was back in high school again. Dinner was ready at 7:30ish every night, my parents and I battled each other at Jeopardy, and I went to bed around 10. I think, actually, I know my body, mind and soul appreciated those few weeks. I know I needed it.
However, after the first week, I started to get a little antsy. Is this really the life I wanted? Sleeping until noon and on the occasional nights I went out, running into the same people from my high school who have not moved on and still call "South" Tampa their home. Please, gag me. I was feeling claustrophobic, smothered and I had to get out of there. My NY BFF, like an angel sent from God, told me about an internship he heard about at Seventh House PR in New York for Fashion Week. What the hell, I thought, it's worth a try. I signed onto their web site, emailed the Event Coordinator and heard back from her within a day. "When are you available for an interview?" she asked. "Anytime that is best for you," I replied. This was a Monday afternoon, she wanted me there Wednesday. "Sure, no problem." I wrote back.
My mom and I went into complete and utter panic mode. We rushed to International Mall and Westshore to find the "perfect" interview outfit and a few other items fabulous enough for New York. We got everything we needed, packed my suitcase, (yes, just one) and I was out the door at 9 AM on Wednesday, August 27th. I got to 7th House by 3:45 for my appointment at 4 and got the gig within 10 minutes of the interview. The catch, oh yes there's always a catch, was that I would be reporting to Mandie. Little, naive, Florida girl....I had no clue who this infamous "Mandie" was. All I know, is that when introduced around the office as "Mandie's new intern," I would get the sympathetic look and finally the forced "Oh, wonderful!". "I hope you last longer than the last one, and just remember, whatever she says to you are just words. Don't EVER let her see you cry." They chanted. Let's just say, I was SUPER pumped to report to Mandie the next morning. I didn't sleep a wink, especially after googling her.
The Seventh House position was a two-week gig and honestly, I don't think I could have handled much more. After walking away from our last show at Bryant Park, I really questioned whether or not I wanted this life in fashion for myself. Was I always going to have this sick feeling in my stomach that I could get yelled at a moment's notice or constantly worry that I was disappointing someone? I went home, had a glass of wine, put my battered feet up, and slept for a solid 10 hours. I think working 14+ hour days, having one meal a day-if I was lucky, and the feeling of utter exhaustion started to take a toll on me. For a week, I did nothing.
I finally had time to go to lunch and happy hours with friends, and explore the city. However, after a few days I realized that I needed to find a job and money fast. This city will do that to you. I spent every waking hour on job sites applying to everything and anything that I was qualified for. I had one interview at a magazine (that will remain nameless) that I had never heard of and have yet to hear anything back from. After a string of disappointing emails and sometimes hearing nothing back, I decided to start working at a staffing agency that specializes in placing their temps in the fashion, entertainment and editorial world.
My friend Melissa encouraged me to apply, and I am glad I did. I interviewed last Monday and had my first assignment on Friday at Allure Magazine. I got paid (something I had yet to experience in NY) to stuff envelopes and organize their beauty closet. Are you kidding me? It was my dream come true. After I had meticulously organized the array of hair, bath and body products on the shelves, my supervisor told me to fill a bag. Come again? "No, seriously," she said, " Take whatever you want." You wouldn't believe some of the things I walked away with. Prada perfume, Urban Decay eye-liner, the latest skin care products, Mark make-up, lip gloss in every shade, stationary....just to name a few.
So maybe, there is such a thing as "nice people" in the fashion industry. It's amazing how one lovely person can change your whole perception of a world you didn't think you belonged in. I guess, maybe I don't have to change after all. I have noticed one difference, though.....My skin is a little thicker now. For the time being, I am still searching for my dream job and apartment, living on my cousin's couch and trying to soak in this experience for all it is worth. I know one day I will look back and appreciate the struggle I went through to get to where I am. I just keep reminding myself that it's a part of life. Everyone has to fight long and hard to get what they want for themselves. As much as I want to fly home and be with my mom, who I know will make everything better, I can't and I won't. I want a better life for myself, and luckily I have a wonderful support system who encourages me everyday.
I guess I have been putting off this post for a while, because I thought that when I finally made it to New York, it would mean all of my hopes and dreams came true. I would have the perfect job, the perfect apartment and go to all the fabulous parties. But, the fact is, I don't and that's ok. I know I will be a stronger person for it.
I promise I won't wait this long to blog again. I started to miss the release that writing gives me, and I don't ever want to lose my voice. Catch up with you guys soon.
New York Love,
Emz
