Monday 28 July 2014

20 THINGS 20-YEAR-OLDS DON'T GET

hey...

Today's post is not mine, i don't own it at all and the writer and i have no connection whatsoever, i just came across his post, i related, i liked and instead of sharing on my social media platforms i figured this media would reach more people as it would also be shared on my other social platforms.

''I started Docstoc in my 20’s, made the cover of one of those cliché “20 Under 20” lists, and today I employ an amazing group of 20-somethings.  Call me a curmudgeon, but at 34, how I came up seems so different from what this millennial generation expects.  I made a lot of mistakes along the way, and I see this generation making their own.  In response, here are my 20 Things 20-Year-Olds Don’t Get.

1. Time is Not a Limitless Commodity – I so rarely find young professionals that have a heightened sense of urgency to get to the next level.  In our 20s we think we have all the time in the world to A) figure it out and B) get what we want.  Time is the only treasure we start off with in abundance, and can never get back.  Make the most of the opportunities you have today, because there will be a time when you have no more of it.


2. You’re Talented, But Talent is Overrated - Congratulations, you may be the most capable, creative, knowledgeable & multi-tasking generation yet.  As my father says, “I’ll Give You a Sh-t Medal.”  Unrefined raw materials (no matter how valuable) are simply wasted potential.  There’s no prize for talent, just results.  Even the most seemingly gifted folks methodically and painfully worked their way to success.  (Tip: read “Talent is Overrated”)


3. We’re More Productive in the Morning – During my first 2 years at Docstoc (while I was still in my 20’s) I prided myself on staying at the office until 3am on a regular basis.  I thought I got so much work done in those hours long after everyone else was gone.  But in retrospect I got more menial, task-based items done, not the more complicated strategic planning, phone calls or meetings that needed to happen during business hours.  Now I stress an office-wide early start time because I know, for the most part, we’re more productive as a team in those early hours of the day.


4. Social Media is Not a Career – These job titles won’t exist in 5 years. Social media is simply a function of marketing; it helps support branding, ROI or both.  Social media is a means to get more awareness, more users or more revenue.  It’s not an end in itself.  I’d strongly caution against pegging your career trajectory solely to a social media job title.


5. Pick Up the Phone – Stop hiding behind your computer. Business gets done on the phone and in person.  It should be your first instinct, not last, to talk to a real person and source business opportunities.  And when the Internet goes down… stop looking so befuddled and don’t ask to go home.  Don’t be a pansy, pick up the phone.


6. Be the First In & Last to Leave ­– I give this advice to everyone starting a new job or still in the formative stages of their professional career.  You have more ground to make up than everyone else around you, and you do have something to prove.  There’s only one sure-fire way to get ahead, and that’s to work harder than all of your peers.


7. Don’t Wait to Be Told What to Do – You can’t have a sense of entitlement without a sense of responsibility.  You’ll never get ahead by waiting for someone to tell you what to do.  Saying “nobody asked me to do this” is a guaranteed recipe for failure.  Err on the side of doing too much, not too little.  (Watch: Millennials in the Workplace Training Video)


8. Take Responsibility for Your Mistakes – You should be making lots of mistakes when you’re early on in your career.  But you shouldn’t be defensive about errors in judgment or execution.  Stop trying to justify your F-ups.  You’re only going to grow by embracing the lessons learned from your mistakes, and committing to learn from those experiences.


9. You Should Be Getting Your Butt Kicked – Meryl Streep in “The Devil Wears Prada” would be the most valuable boss you could possibly have.  This is the most impressionable, malleable and formative stage of your professional career.  Working for someone that demands excellence and pushes your limits every day will build the most solid foundation for your ongoing professional success.


10. A New Job a Year Isn’t a Good Thing ­­– 1-year stints don’t tell me that you’re so talented that you keep outgrowing your company.  It tells me that you don’t have the discipline to see your own learning curve through to completion.  It takes about 2-3 years to master any new critical skill, give yourself at least that much time before you jump ship.  Otherwise your resume reads as a series of red flags on why not to be hired.


11. People Matter More Than Perks – It’s so trendy to pick the company that offers the most flex time, unlimited meals, company massages, game rooms and team outings.  Those should all matter, but not as much as the character of your founders and managers. Great leaders will mentor you and will be a loyal source of employment long after you’ve left.  Make a conscious bet on the folks you’re going to work for and your commitment to them will pay off much more than those fluffy perks.


12. Map Effort to Your Professional Gain – You’re going to be asked to do things you don’t like to do.  Keep your eye on the prize.   Connect what you’re doing today, with where you want to be tomorrow.  That should be all the incentive you need. If you can’t map your future success to your current responsibilities, then it’s time to find a new opportunity. (See: How To Know When It’s Time To Quit)


13. Speak Up, Not Out – We’re raising a generation of sh-t talkers.  In your workplace this is a cancer.  If you have issues with management, culture or your role & responsibilities, SPEAK UP.  Don’t take those complaints and trash-talk the company or co-workers on lunch breaks and anonymous chat boards.  If you can effectively communicate what needs to be improved, you have the ability to shape your surroundings and professional destiny.


14. You HAVE to Build Your Technical Chops – Adding “Proficient in Microsoft Office” at the bottom of your resume under Skills, is not going to cut it anymore.  I immediately give preference to candidates who are ninjas in: Photoshop, HTML/CSS, iOS, WordPress, Adwords, MySQL, Balsamiq, advanced Excel, Final Cut Pro – regardless of their job position.  If you plan to stay gainfully employed, you better complement that humanities degree with some applicable technical chops.


15. Both the Size and Quality of Your Network Matter – It’s who you know more than what you know, that gets you ahead in business.  Knowing a small group of folks very well, or a huge smattering of contacts superficially, just won’t cut it.  Meet and stay connected to lots of folks, and invest your time developing as many of those relationships as possible. (TIP: Here is my Networking Advice)


16. You Need At Least 3 Professional Mentors – The most guaranteed path to success is to emulate those who’ve achieved what you seek.  You should always have at least 3 people you call mentors who are where you want to be.  Their free guidance and counsel will be the most priceless gift you can receive.  (TIP:  “The Secret to Finding and Keeping Mentors”)


17. Pick an Idol & Act “As If” – You may not know what to do, but your professional idol does.  I often coach my employees to pick the businessperson they most admire, and act “as if.”  If you were (fill in the blank) how would he or she carry themselves, make decisions, organize his/her day, accomplish goals?  You’ve got to fake it until you make it, so it’s better to fake it as the most accomplished person you could imagine.   (Shout out to Tony Robbins for the tip)


18. Read More Books, Fewer Tweets/Texts – Your generation consumes information in headlines and 140 characters:  all breadth and no depth.  Creativity, thoughtfulness and thinking skills are freed when you’re forced to read a full book cover to cover.  All the keys to your future success, lay in the past experience of others.  Make sure to read a book a month  (fiction or non-fiction) and your career will blossom.


19. Spend 25% Less Than You Make – When your material needs meet or exceed your income, you’re sabotaging your ability to really make it big.  Don’t shackle yourself with golden handcuffs (a fancy car or an expensive apartment).  Be willing and able to take 20% less in the short term, if it could mean 200% more earning potential.  You’re nothing more than penny wise and pound-foolish if you pass up an amazing new career opportunity to keep an extra little bit of income.  No matter how much money you make, spend 25% less to support your life.  It’s a guaranteed formula to be less stressed and to always have the flexibility to pursue your dreams.


20. Your Reputation is Priceless, Don’t Damage It – Over time, your reputation is the most valuable currency you have in business.  It’s the invisible key that either opens or closes doors of professional opportunity.  Especially in an age where everything is forever recorded and accessible, your reputation has to be guarded like the most sacred treasure.  It’s the one item that, once lost, you can never get back.''


Jason Nazar, Contributor
I run Docstoc and write about entrepreneurship

as always, THANK YOU FOR STOPPING BY :)

XOXO

Ms. Shee Art




Thursday 24 July 2014

10 JEWELRY MAKING ESSENTIALS

Hey Loves...

Today's post will help us understand more about hand made jewelry, i will try answer you question on the materials needed to start your own jewelry business.
here is a list of what you will need.
1. CHAINED NOSE PLIERS.

I use it to also cut wires in case you cant get a wire cutter. but are generally to hold your beads, wire as well as bending the wire and working your way with the jump rings



2.ROUND NOSE PLIERS.

main duty is to create loops with your wires.


3. WIRE CUTTING PLIERS.

Just like the name suggests, you will need it to cut your wires.



4. SCISSORS.

This to help especially where strands are involves, most beads are packed in strands or the paper bags.

5. BEADS

below are a variety of some you could start with.




SEED BEADS



6. WIRES.

below are different sort of wires you can start with
A. BALLED HEAD PINS (for earrings)

 
B. HEAD PINS (earrings)

 
C. EYE PIN

 
E. just wire :) best used when making bangles :))




F. Colored wire, this are rare but if you can access some, they make really pretty items and their thickness (gauge) comes in diffrent colors. the most available ones are made out of Steel and brass and are quit affordable.



6. STRANDS/ BANDS.

Used to make necklaces as well as bangles. this also come in different gauge (width) and some are elastic. See here for a sample of a D.I.Y on an Elastic Bangle.






7.  CLASPS.

To complete your necklace or bangles. there so many options and will mostly be made of steel, brass and copper.


8. EARRING HOOKS.

Steel and brass hooks are the most available ones. You will need them in making your earrings.


9. JUMP RINGS.

They are used to join loops especially when making earrings and a loop holding the beads needs to be connected with your earring hook. See here for a D.I.Y on making an earring.


10. CHAINS.

They are in varied designs and sizes. Used to make earrings, necklaces and bangles.
See here for some of the necklaces i have made using chains to help you get it more.





I hope that was useful, keep sending me your questions as well as what you would like me to expound more on. It was my pleasure.

Photo credit: Google Search

Keep in touch :)

XOXO

Ms. Shee Art
Instagram : @shee_art / @ms.shee_art
Facebook: SheeArt

Tuesday 22 July 2014

MAASAI MARKET (part 2)

Hi lovelies....

My network is down, in case you visit this parts of Kenya, don't bring work here, its a real ''beautiful hustle''. which just so you know i would never trade it for anything in the world, which just leads to the need to share with you this cultured town (Narok ---> Maasai Mara)

anyway......

this is the part two i promised of the Maasai Mara, thanks for your responses on different mediums and your comments here #kisses

Enjoy......



I loved the night lams lots :)


Animal Wall hangings

the round things are actually like boxes, *idea, you can use such beautiful crafted boxes to store your rings and tiny earrings.
The tiny bowls are for your spices and salt. those i am so getting by the way :)

My mum wants me to go back for the ''mwiko'' (large spoons)

Another item i am going back to get :) #teamSeedBeads
The ultimate birthday gift for my best friend +Leah Wangari
ever had money to shop but the problem was making a decision.

 
This scared my brother....

MAASAI MARKET DAYS
Monday -There is usually no market  on this day.
Tuesday – Kijabe Street Park next to Nairobi River and Westgate (suspended )
Wednesday – Capital Center along Mombasa rd
Thursday – The junction Mall along Ngong road
Friday – The Village market along Limuru road
Saturday -The High court parking in the city Center opposite Re-Insurance Plaza
Sunday -Yaya Center along Valley Road in Hurlingham
- See more at: http://www.kenyanpoet.com/2014/04/04/the-maasai-market-open-days-schedule-in-nairobi/#sthash.7zJ4BkdZ.dpuf
TUESDAY- Kijabe street park

WEDNESDAY- Capital center along Mombasa road

THURSDAY- Junction Mall

FRIDAY- Village market

SATURDAY- High court parking (city center)

SUNDAY- Yaya center (Hurlingham)


Monday -There is usually no market  on this day.
Tuesday – Kijabe Street Park next to Nairobi River and Westgate (suspended )
Wednesday – Capital Center along Mombasa rd
Thursday – The junction Mall along Ngong road
Friday – The Village market along Limuru road
Saturday -The High court parking in the city Center opposite Re-Insurance Plaza
Sunday -Yaya Center along Valley Road in Hurlingham
- See more at: http://www.kenyanpoet.com/2014/04/04/the-maasai-market-open-days-schedule-in-nairobi/#sthash.7zJ4BkdZ.dpuf
Monday -There is usually no market  on this day.
Tuesday – Kijabe Street Park next to Nairobi River and Westgate (suspended )
Wednesday – Capital Center along Mombasa rd
Thursday – The junction Mall along Ngong road
Friday – The Village market along Limuru road
Saturday -The High court parking in the city Center opposite Re-Insurance Plaza
Sunday -Yaya Center along Valley Road in Hurlingham
- See more at: http://www.kenyanpoet.com/2014/04/04/the-maasai-market-open-days-schedule-in-nairobi/#sthash.7zJ4BkdZ.dpuf


Thank you for stopping by :)

Keep in touch

XOXO

Ms. Shee Art

Wednesday 16 July 2014

MAASAI MARKET (part 1)

Hi...

The past weekend i went home and on Saturday i spent the better part of my day at the Maasai market. the last time i was there i was probably in high school which is like seven years back and you know that's way back. The market has not changed a lot but i assure you it was worth the visit. I am particularly very proud of how diverse it has become with all sorta people being seen. it was previously the Jua Kali sorta environment but i got to meet artists that were there not to just sell and go home but meet their customers, hand over business cards and also get orders from their customers. the market/ industry has improved people :)

I actually will share more pictures on the same Day with more details. questions for any one interested are welcomed (just leave a comment or email me)



My favorite necklaces
Ksh. 3000 ( 35$)

steel, brass and copper Earrings.

Key Holders

 I almost bought this paintings but my cash in hand wasn't enough to even bargain, plus who bargains paintings?


maa' women were not left behind, i expected to find many of this cultured women but i only spotted a few.


Key rings, necklaces, hair clips, bangles and necklaces.
key rings (key holders) are my favorite.
price range Ksh. 250 ( 3$ )


This resemble the ones awarded to Kenya Blog Awards Winners right?

PS. i want to be nominated in  2015 (short term Dream)
j


This were the most beautiful stones i came across.


Thank you so much for stopping by

It's always my pleasure to share with everyone my beautiful culture (my country's culture)

Keep in touch always.

XOXO

Ms. Shee Art

Friday 11 July 2014

MY AFRICAN NAILS (TRIBAL)

Hi...

Your nails are some of the most important features you have, they not only speak of your style but also graetly about your personality. here as some nail art that i am loving and i may not pull them all of any time soon but they are all worth the share.




This i have done and hopefully i will get to do a tutorial on the same



.


This are soo cool if i ever getmy nails done by a nail artist i want them to look like this :)
highly doubt i can rock this though

when nails grow long, we cut them nails not the fingers, similarly, when misunderstanding grow up, cut your ego not your relationship... -unknown

Thank you for stopping by
:)

XOXO

Ms. Shee

Wednesday 9 July 2014

RADEK EXPERIENCE

Hi loves...

Today's post involves a photo shoot i was part of earlier last year at approximately the same time now. I had so much fun during the time as i got to meet Shenu Hoods for the first time, former Miss. Kenya Shamim Nabil and Pinky Ghelan as well as make new friends in the industry. it was such a learning experience for me.

this has always been my favorite picture, this lady stole my heart completely, she is so good and humble when we got chatty, if i was ever to brand my company and i needed a super model, i would only scout her. i am also so bad with names i forgot her name #sorry



Necklace worn below came in two different colors both made of wood, see here!!!


Then there was this blue necklace, a choker necklace that to date is still close to my hear. the pendant / bead was initially a ring that i had bought and dismantled to make this piece. more images of such here!!!


i love her afro bbut more how she wore that @shee_art bowtie.


Ms. Shamim wearing Shenu's design and jewelry that i absolutely loved :)

photo credit : Radek Art photo's

Thank you for stopping by, always a pleasure :)

keep smiling, heals everything :)

XOXO

Ms. Shee

Monday 7 July 2014

PATRICIA KIHORO

hae my loves...

Today i feature Patricia Kihoro that according to most of my viewers is the star of African Jewelry/ fashion as voted on the just concluded poll on my blog. i featured her on the poll because i also think her style celebrates African culture in her own way which i really like.

photo credits: Google,her Instagram account and her blog that i think she should just get back on.



She is a Kenyan based actress, performing artiste, and radio personality and  Psychology student at Moi University.
She actually made that hair piece... #love

  


Most of us probably got to know Ms. Kihoro during and after her participation in tusker project fame3, where she emerged a finalist, as well as the all stars tusker project fame edition.
performing at blankets and wine with Ms. Amelina in the background.

she has been nominated for a 2014 Kalasha Award for Best Lead Actress in a TV Drama.
I SO LOVE THAT NECK PIECE, if she does a give away of it please make her pick me :)

Rocking an Egyptian head piece that i absolutely love. :)


Life in the single lane is probably one of the search result you will get on searching Patricia Kihoro. i have not had the opportunity to attend her show, which just so you know have always been sold out :)


She is now back on radio, anchoring the news on HBR 103.5, and hosting a Saturday show called AfroCentral. another reason to celebrate this beautiful African lady :)

 Patricia has also dedicate her time to the rape awareness organization, “NO MEANS NO”. what better way to give back to the African girls that look up to her?

LASTLY..... Her rendition of sauti sol NISHIKE

PS. you will smile :)
for more of her music :https://soundcloud.com/patriciakihoro/ngoma-acoustic

Thank you so much for stopping by.

XOXO

Ms. Shee