Tag: New York

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How to Get Paid: Filing Small Claims

Small Claims Court
There is something that needs to be said about Small Claims. Small Claims is easy. Models and freelancers generally have an income that is dependent not on one, but many various, possibly unreliable, sources. You need to know that if someone owes you money, there are safe and easy ways to go about getting it.  If you qualify, that is. If you do not qualify, then other measures and methods would need to be considered, potentially making the task much more difficult, which is a process I haven’t had to get into myself.

Before pursuing legal action against an indebted company or individual, consider the following. Continue reading “How to Get Paid: Filing Small Claims”

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Finding Inspiration

This Bold Life and I have this on again, off again relationship. I had set a goal of 2 blog posts per week for you guys months back. Consistent information, updates, and experiences shared with you. However, the really good stuff only comes sporadically. That’s what it’s like to be a writer. I must write when the words start flowing.

Like writing, sometimes inspiration is hard to find.

But when you find it, it’s quite magical.

Inspiration isn’t, ‘oh, what a pretty dress,’ or ‘this is beautiful, I love this.’ Inspiration is moving. Literally. Really good inspiration gets your gears working, clicking into place, and suddenly, you’re up and replying, feeding off that inspiration.

Inspiration comes from another human’s boldness, courage, determination, hard work, and beautiful results and realizations. Inspiration is when you are a photographer who instills confidence in your subjects every day and, upon braving out the commitment to being the one in front of the camera, realize something deep, realizing, “That’s me, that’s beautiful, I’m beautiful!” (Read about Dana Kae’s profound, beautiful experience here). Inspiration is health and joy, like a woman staying fit for 22 years, not in it for the results, but for the wonderful feeling of being healthy. (This is Laura’s lifestyle, who shares her journey here).

These days, my main form of inspiration is through social media. There are so many stories to be shared and heard. If you know where to look, the options are endless. In my search for inspiration, here are just a few of my finds. Continue reading “Finding Inspiration”

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Staten Island Ferry and Tourism

New York can be a lot to handle.

It’s a wild, busy place with lots to see and do. There is always a rush of people, pushing you to your next destination. Everyone wants to be someone; everyone is working just as diligently as you are to achieve your dreams. This can be overwhelming.

I’m not into touristy attractions. In fact, tourists have always driven me nuts for some reason. Maybe because I’d rather fit and blend in to the churning crowd rather than be forced to stop and go slow for a minute. Plus, tourism is a money-sucker. I avoid money-suckers. At all costs.

I mean, really, why pay $24 bucks a pop to board an overcrowded ferry full of annoying gawkers when you can have a perfectly relaxing view on the water for free? Yes, on the water. Free. Continue reading “Staten Island Ferry and Tourism”

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Beginner’s Guide to Mercedez-Benz New York Fashion Week

Here is my personal, insider look at Mercedez-Benz New York Fashion Week.

If you have ever watched the show “America’s Next Top Model,” you can kind of get the sense of craziness that is Fashion Week.

Tyra Banks has her girls running all over the city to go-sees and castings, trying on clothes, walking for big names, and all within a five hour time frame. Sounds like a handful, right? Similar deal for models during fashion week.

MBFW CASTINGS: Tourists and locals know a couple of weeks before Mercedez-Benz New York Fashion Week, that a whirlwind is coming. “Invasion of the tall pretty girls,” someone told me in an elevator this last September. You know you’re a part of something big when you have 10 castings all with different time frames and locations and you’re running around, seeing so many other models about. The time before Fashion Week is crazy, invigorating, and fun. However, you have to make sure you’re keeping yourself in tip-top condition. Here are 12 pointers to remember while on castings for Fashion Week (some more obvious than others): Continue reading “Beginner’s Guide to Mercedez-Benz New York Fashion Week”

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Living in New York City: Briauna Mariah Update

Hey guys,

Briauna Mariah here.

Writing from New York City.

I know you all want updates, so here it is. I arrived at the airport at 8:23AM Eastern Time last July 12th. It took me hours to finally make it to the house I’m staying at. I’m renting a nice little room in Woodlawn, Bronx, NYC. Bronx–Yikes! Right? Not as bad as it might sound.

Woodlawn is a cute little community very north of Manhattan and I feel rather safe here. It’s like a little bubble in Bronx. Stepping outside the bubble is a little nerve-wracking though. Continue reading “Living in New York City: Briauna Mariah Update”

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Portland, New York Fashion: Ready or Not, Here I Come!

Public transportation. Gotta love it. Some people cringe at the thought of having to ride the public transit. I decide instead to embrace it. So many good things have come to me through riding the bus. There is always someone who has something to say. Always that one really interesting person. You don’t get that in a car. Once you ride public transit enough, you begin to realize it is its own little community. You save money too! Gas prices are getting ridiculous.

I was late for the bus and debating my different parking options. I wasn’t sure I was going to make it in time. I was on my way to help a friend of the family for the day at her shoe store. I veer into the senior center parking lot, grab my bag, and slam the door just as the bus was getting ready to leave. Sometimes I wonder at how observant the public transit bus drivers are. The man obviously saw my car frantically pulling in (or did he?), but he began to leave the station anyways and I appeared just in time.

I thank the man for waiting for me to board and take a seat.

“Are you a model?” A woman asks just as I am getting settled. I’m always extremely flattered and sometimes a little surprised when people ask me that, especially when I have absolutely no hair product or makeup on. Continue reading “Portland, New York Fashion: Ready or Not, Here I Come!”