goGIRL of the week- Va$htie Kola

This Week's goGIRL is Vashtie Kola, haven't heard of her? I'm sure you seen some of her work. She directed Kid Cudi's "Heaven at nite", Kanye West's "Us Placers" , Solange's "T.O.N.Y." and more recent Justin Bieber's "One less lonely girl" music video. Often known as Va$htie (pronounced vash-tee) she is the ultimate girl on the go! Not only is she a director, she's a designer, party promoter, artist, and entrepreneur!



Vashtie was born April 23, 1981 in Albany, New York the youngest of three children born of Trinidadian parents. Vashtie moved to New York City in 1999 to attend film school at The School Of Visual Arts in Manhattan, where she studied directing/cinematography. At the same time, Kola interned at RSA/Black Dog Films and HSI while working part-time for James Jebbia at Stussy in SoHo. At the age of 25, she was asked to re-vamp the company of Island Def Jam as Director of Creative Services. L.A. "Babyface" Reid, president of Def Jam, said she would be "The one to keep the building cool, someone in tune with downtown cool and pop mainstream." She recently left her position at Island Def Jam as Director of Creative Services to work for herself.

Last season she launched her brand VIOLETTE, described in style as, "If Louis Vuitton had a daughter living in the Lower East Side. She'd be rocking a cool t-shirt, kicks, and a great handbag". Playing on her personal tom-boy style, mixed with a fashion forward sensibility, Violette is currently carried at specialty boutiques like Colette in Paris. Vibe magazine listed the "31 Most Stylish People Under 31" with Vashtie coming in at the 23 spot among names like Kanye West, Rihanna and Justin Timberlake.



Vashtie is a good girl going, great places! She's not afraid to go after her dreams and she's a leader of the new school. She is inspiring, beautiful, and talented!

Vashtie Kola, you goGIRL!


VIOLETTE: http://violettenewyork.com/
SPACE: http://www.myspace.com/violettenewyork
YOUTUBE: http://youtube.com/vashtie
BLOG: http://vashtie.com


Are you a girl on the go?
Do you know a good girl, going places?
Nominate yourself or someone else at gogirlent2009@gmail.com

The goGIRL Survival Guide

The goGIRL Survival Guide

The life of a goGIRL is great! But it isn’t always easy. Ladies, as goGIRLs, we wear many hats. Some of us are students, mothers, wives/girlfriends, business owners, artists, etc. I don’t know about you but sometimes I can feel like I am stretched a little too thin. Balancing your career, personal life, and health can become very difficult for a woman who is constantly on the go, so here are some tips that every goGIRL can use to sustain this admirable life we all lead!

Career (For the students as well, school is a job in itself)

• Stress Free is the way to be!-Try not to get over worked when feeling overloaded with your job or classes
• Time management is very important since there are not enough hours in the day
• Set realistic goals! Dream big but pace yourself.
• Be competitive! Compete with yourself not others, be the best you that you can be.

Personal Life-(Dating and Other Relationships)

When it comes to dating, this can be a very difficult task for us, goGIRLS. We have so much on our plates that dating is the last thing on our list. Dating is fun and great for meeting new people so that you can get a better idea of what you want in a long-term partner.

• Date outside the box! Dating the same type of guy can sometimes lead to the same old problems. Try something or shall I say SOMEONE new!
• Communication is Key. Make sure you and your romantic interest are on the same page and have the same expectations.
• “Don’t Click Too Fast”- This is a saying we use which means take your time. Don’t rush or force things, let things happen.
• Make a little time. We get so caught up in our careers and other obligations that we put our mates on the backburner. So find time for the special someone or send a cute text throughout the day to show you care. The goal is to be goGIRLs not “lonely girls”.

As far as other relationships are concerned make sure you are spending time with your family because they are just as important.

• Have a family day! Designate a day or time of day for your family.
• Don’t forget to call. Even if it’s just to say “Hi”

Now, when it comes to your friends, don’t get so caught up in your own life that you forget to be there for your girls.

• Be supportive!
• Be a shoulder to cry on and a good listener
• Don’t keep score! Don’t keep track of who paid last, who drove last? Who called who last? Who cares?
• Focus on the positive. No matter how much you love your friend there will always be something about her that gets on your nerves but try to concentrate on their qualities rather than their flaws.

Health

• Get plenty of sleep. Get at least six hours if not eight.
• Drink water! Less headaches and migraines, regulates body temperature, flush out toxins, decrease heart attacks, raise your metabolism, and gives you fresh and healthy skin.
• Eat three balanced meals a day. Most of us usually forget to eat or eat fast food and other junk because it’s quick and convenient.
• Take vitamins. Vitamins provide a great source of energy and dietary supplement
• Exercise. Take 30 minutes out of your day to walk, do crunches, yoga, etc.
• Take a mental break every day. Take a second for yourself to just breathe and give your mind a break.

So Ladies, there you have it! Tips for your career, personal life and health that every goGIRL should take advantage of in order to be truly UNSTOPPABLE! Like I said previously the life of a goGIRL isn’t easy but it’s our job to make it appear that way. And remember that in the end, it’s always the survivor who gets to tell the story!

goGIRL Events- Don't Judge me, EMPOWER ME!

Last month goGIRL's attended the W.E.E.N conference at Alaine L. Locke School in Harlem, New York. “Don’t Judge me, EMPOWER me!” Sponsored by Honey Magazine, Girl Scouts of America and Power 105.1.

The conference consisted of 4 different panels of powerful women who discussed 3 different topics. The topics were: health, career, relationships. Courtney (of Honey Magazine), Angela (of Sirius Satellite Radio’s Shade 45 station), Tippi Shorter (hairstylist to the stars) who’s clientele includes: Rihanna & Alicia Keys and Aleesha Renee (tv personality) were panels just to name a few.




The ladies gave great advice! They left us empowered and liberated! W.E.E.N next stop for the tour will be in Houston, TX if you're in the area I advise you to go! This is something you don't want to miss out on!


goGIRL's and Lauren Lake- Must get her book "Girl Let me tell you"!


goGIRL's and Valeshia Butterfield

Valeisha Butterfield a chair of W.E.E.N is the perfect goGIRL! She announced at the conference that she was newly inducted member of the OBAMA Administration! She is good Girl going Places! She moves to D.C. this month, expect a partnership with her soon!

For more info on W.E.E.N please visit: www.weenonline.org

Girl Talk- "Your First and Last Love, Self-Love"

How much do you love yourself? Better yet…do you love yourself? Take a minute and think about it. Do you truly value yourself as a person? Truth is, as women we get caught up in loving our companion or wanting someone to love to the point that we forget about the person who matters the most, YOU! We all know the saying “how can you love someone else if you don’t love yourself?” .Yes, we’ve heard it but do we really understand what it means? In order to possess that unconditional love for oneself, I’ve put together some things you should do to ensure that you don’t miss out on the greatest love of all, self-love!

First step is to fall in love! We are all good at that, right ladies? Just like you get to know that guy you are attracted to, get to know yourself! What makes you, You? Think about all great attributes and what makes you an individual. Most of all ladies, we have to accept our flaws. Sometimes our flaws are what makes us so unique, we have enough critics outside of ourselves so do your best to avoid self criticism. Think positive and learn to praise yourself, EVERYDAY! Look in your mirror and fall in love with not only you but your reflection.

Secondly, don’t be a worry-wart! Try not worry all time instead find solutions to the problems, if the problem is something that you cannot control then just remember what is meant to be will be. Trust in yourself and the choices that you make, avoid doubting everything that you do and say. Yes! We all make mistakes but you also have to learn how to forgive yourself, learn from your mistakes and move on. To dwell on past is a BIG waste of time, RELAX! Also ladies, be honest with you! Stop pretending and living in denial about how you really feel and think. Don’t try fit into anyone’s mold of what they think or believe you should be, you decide! It is your life, right? Live it the way you want and learn how to express how you feel. If you are happy, shout it out! If you are sad, cry! By acknowledging your emotions and thoughts, you allow room to heal and by healing you are promoting self-growth.

Live your dreams! Don’t be left with the what-if’s later in life or “I used to be” statements. “ I used to be a dancer”, “ I used to write music” or “I used to make jewelry”. Love the life you lead and spend every moment enjoying and expressing yourself entirely. Be confident! Find ways to boost your self-confidence, learn what it is that you do well and perfect it. Make time for your skills and talents. Trust me if you don’t now then you will regret it later. Love yourself inside and out. Take care of your body, ladies! Eat healthy, exercise, and get plenty of sleep. The body as we know it is a temple, so RESPECT it! Lastly, HAVE FUN! Enjoy life and make the most of it. Smile, laugh, and let go!

So ladies there you have it, some of the easiest ways to begin a life-long romance! By loving you and I mean truly loving you not only are you able to love others but you allow others to love you. Remember, “The way you treat yourself sets the standards for others” – Sonya Friedman

Repeat this whenever you feel the need to:

I am Me. In all the world, there is no one else exactly like me. Everything that comes out of me is authentically mine, because I alone chose it — I own everything about me: my body, my feelings, my mouth, my voice, all my actions, whether they be to others or myself. I own my fantasies, my dreams, my hopes, my fears. I own my triumphs and successes, all my failures and mistakes. I own me, and therefore, I can engineer me. I am me, and I am Okay.”
Denis2005 Virginia Satir quotes (American Phychologist and Educator, 1916-1988)

10 Commandments of a goGIRL Mixtape

Missed the listening party? Shame on you! Just kidding here's your chance to have a listening party of your own! Enjoy the mixtape!

Download HERE enjoy zSHARE - GoGirl Mixtape- 10 Commandments of a goGIRL.zip

goGIRL of the Week- Nikki Osei

This week's goGIRL is the beautiful Nikki Osei! Nikki is the true definition of a woman on the go! She's full time student, mother, writer, and fashionista!

Nikki is a graduating senior attending Bowie State University majoring in Public Relations. She hopes to pursue a career in fashion pr. In addition to attending college, she is also a full time mother and writes,“The BSU Fashionista Diaries” for her school publication, “The Spectrum”, is resident fashion writer/correspondent for Africa In Demand, in addition to various other freelancing. Her hobbies include family time, fashion, shopping, writing, and listening to music particularly neosoul artists Musiq Soulchild and Raheem DeVaughn.

Nikki will be relocating to New York in spring 2009, to begin her quest for fashion pr greatness. In the future, Nikki sees herself dominating the fashion pr scene. She aspires to open a DC based fashion pr firm, as they are nonexistent in the DC Metropolitan area. “I don’t want other women with aspirations similar to mine, to miss out on growth opportunities in this fashion industry due to location.” Nikki would also like to write for a major fashion publication like Elle or Vogue.

Being a goGIRL to Nikki means beating the odds by any means necessary. Having a son at the tender age of 16 and receiving little to no support from her immediate family never swayed this goGIRL from her dreams. Nikki says "I always knew that I would be able to accomplish whatever I sent my mind to. I never allowed the pessimism from family to detract me from my goals. I have always strived to break stereotypes, specifically the teenage mothers usually amount to nothing typecast. I work hard, play harder, maintain over a 3.0 GPA, and take care of my son and household, all while maintaining my flawlessly fabulous fashionista status. Who better to set a positive example for my son, than me? I am showing him that despite any adversities you may face, if you have a strong faith and unprecedented motivation, you will be unstoppable.”

Nikki believes in Raheem DeVaughns’ words, “The Dream is Real” and that there are no boundaries to what one can accomplish. Dream big or not at all! goGIRL's not only dream but they live them as well! Nikki is living her dreams and not letting anything stop her! She is unstoppable! goGIRL!


Nikki and her goGIRL's on the go!

For more information on Nikki Osei you can contact her at nikkiosei@yahoo.com


Are you a girl on the go?
Do you know a good girl, going places?
Nominate yourself or someone else at gogirlent2009@gmail.com

Be Unstoppable Mix-tape !!!

Ladies and Gents...The highly anticipated goGIRL mix-tape has arrived!!!!

This mix-tape is a compilation of songs that help motivate women around the globe to be unstoppable at everything they do. You can play this when you wake up at the crack of dawn, or when your getting your work-out on!

Your listening experience will be like none-other...goGIRL has a song for every type of girl and every type of situation.

Fellas we didn't forget about you...The mix-tape is to motivate everybody to be UNSTOPPABLE!

This is the first of many mix-tapes to come...the "TEN Commandments Of goGIRL" mix-tape will be debuted at the end of the month featuring unsigned local artist that are just as unstoppable as their music...

All in all, enjoy your unique listening experience.

Be diverse
Be motivated
Be open
Be unique
Be UNSTOPPABLE!



Download HERE enjoy zSHARE - GoGirl Mixtape-Be Unstoppable.zip