Beyond Fashion-ation (fascination)
Jean Criss
What inspires, intrigues, and interests you as an entrepreneur? I started on a path to create and innovate and find I continue to strive and achieve this excellence and more. A recent focus has been on emerging technology and partners. I initially started my career in the high-tech industry, then, transitioned into media – diving direct into publishing, advertising, digital and online marketing, social media, and now AI. I have achieved certifications across various digital and social media platforms, AI tools, and government processes. I pivoted and learned a brand new industry in fashion design, product development, production and distribution. Today, as a global leader in the marketplace, coupled with a passion for fashion, a pink cause for good, and an edge for creative digital media and content creation, I strive to multitask the best of these worlds by using my knowledge across diverse platforms.
I break ground across unchartered territory to keep my products abreast the ever-growing worldwide marketplaces to support breast cancer, people with disabilities, and those on the go in need of versatile active wear. I focus my energy on devising contemporary post-surgical undergarments with my utility-patented fashion brand while understanding trends and the changing needs of consumers in these markets. Establishing partnerships, a la distribution partners, affiliates, influencers, wholesalers, big chain retailers, licensees, and more. The distribution channels may be in abundance and diverse, yet I work across the lines to push myself to learn and grow in this ever-changing landscape.
I focus on business solutions involving content creation across multiple industries, geographic territories, integrated media and marketing platforms to support customer needs leading a creative agency. I put my thinking cap on to brainstorm new innovative solutions to address experiential solutions to reach customer goals. When there is a will, there is a way, as the saying goes, and I have always adopted that into my work ethics. Create and innovate.
Some days, tasks are small, risks may be high, and yet, I take the plunge as a growing and intrigued entrepreneur fearless to take on life and the unknown, fiercely. Yes, I can honestly say that I’ve been through more than the norm and have not let business, health or life tragedies bring me down. I rise to the occasion and ‘seek out the happiness in all of life’s crapiness’ (Karen Salmonsohn).
I find the silver-lining and good in what I do. I live passionately, positively true to self. I found peace and serenity in pursuit of happiness post breast-cancer, post-divorce. I outlined in a trilogy how “My Pain Woke Me Up” and now I strive to do things for “me” and give back to those who truly care, appreciate, and value. BLISS, Legal Injustice and LIVE Your Dreams are the titles that describe how I tackled each phase of this journey in life that gave me this clarity today.
Respect should be mutual; kind and courteous to all. I was not respected throughout my second marriage nor in certain business circumstances. I noticed when others did not value my voice or worth. Over time, I felt like I was being stomped on. I changed my desires and outlook on life and made change happen! Turning points.
I found my voice sharing personal and professional short stories in my fifth title Hear Me Now! I did not let that inner silence be the driving force anymore. Surviving cancer had a lot to do with that as well. Getting through personal and work/life balances became the change and desired outcome. My direction in life had a new trajectory. It became fulfilled with adventure, fashion-ation, onward and upward thinking, and innovation. The driving force and spirit within thrived on change and that became a gamechanger. I was finally living my dreams!
The realization of once was had been lifted. The sadness, unfulfillment, unhappiness had drifted away. I learned that even if you are successful in business, it does not make you whole. Being married and as the solo or primary caregiver to your kids is a rewarding role and accomplishment but may not bring you as much joy as you shelter your children from your abusive relationship. I then sought self-care with mind, body and soul self-reflection with therapy to heal as I became a single working woman while co-parenting. How to care for family, deal with trauma, and be happy simultaneously without getting lost in the chaos of life’s craziness.
Today, my fascination is with media and fashion as a woman in tech. I juggle a lot simultaneously as I always have, and find that life experiences make up this base foundation. Family is the core to everything as well. I don’t get overwhelmed thinking about certain situations or circumstances; that does not get you anywhere. I just get to it and do it! Take charge attitude.
If you set the bar high enough, and challenge yourself, each and every day, you can do most everything. Multitask! Accomplish the goals that were on the backburner. Set renewed life challenges and take new risks. Your inner spirit brings you to that next level with confidence and resilience. New plateaus. Fresh rewards.
No feat is too small. No words will drag me down. I embrace the moment. The day. The opportunity. Do the research. Whatever life presents. Tackle it, one step at a time. One moment at a time. Those quests drive excitement to which I conquer. ‘Don’t shrink your dreams, super-size your courage and abilities’.
If you change the way you view things, your mindset and perspective about people and life, you can adapt to most situations, be successful, confident while doing what makes you happy. Self-motivation. Resilience. Fortitude. And, a dash of sugar and honey get you through the tough times and the good times too.
Sharing thoughts of inspiration and endearment with you today. The world is one big Fashion-ation. Go enjoy it. Conquer and Rise Up!
Jean Criss is an author, entrepreneur and global leader in media, tech and fashion. She thrives on inspiration and innovation. Learn more here. Contact Jean at info@jeancrissmedia.com for speaking engagements, media projects, writing opportunities. We’d love to hear from you. https://jeancrissmedia.com | https://crisscrossintimates.com