NOLAbound Memoir

“Imperfections are not inadequacies; they are reminders that we’re all in this together.” - Brene Brown

What the NOLAbound experience meant for me…

This year 2012 has been an interesting year for me on a personal level, most of my conversations between my closest friends and family have revolved around this shared syndrome of a “quarter-life crisis”, which basically boils down to two choices in life, doing what “is expected of you”, and, following your dreams. Admittedly, I can’t say I’m 100% sure of where I’m going, however, I’m beginning to find that every experience placed in my path is minimizing the gap between the two.

For those of you who don’t know about me, most of my life is scattered (having grown up) between different places (Burkina Faso, Senegal, Rhode Isl. England, Guatemala, Philippines, NJ, NY). As an artist (slowly crawling out of the closet), I’ve been searching for a place to carve my own creative voice, and while my heart is in NY, a part of my soul feels deeply connected to the beautiful, perfectly-imperfect city of New Orleans. In comparing two of my beloved cities, I am torn because NY to me is like the strict disciplinarian who built me up to be the best I can be, keeping me on check and on my toes, praising me occasionally and ready to whoop my A if I come up short. On the other hand, New Orleans has been to me the kind and gentle nurturer every living creature yearns for, loving me and my every imperfection unconditionally, identifying with my struggles, ready and willing to help me grow. (Terrence Malick’s “The Tree of Life” anyone? Nature vs. Grace. Know what I’m saying?)

This is my fourth visit to New Orleans in the past year alone, and the reason I keep coming back is because of the love, generosity and support from the people I feel lucky to have met and continue to meet every time I’m here. In New Orleans, I’ve experienced the difference in people showing interest, and, people wanting to help you move one step forward. For this I am immensely grateful.

The entire NOLAbound program has been a surreal experience filled with so many great moments. The lessons I’ve learned from the leaders I’ve met and the invaluable discourse that transpired between everyone involved has undoubtedly molded my core.

These are my personal anecdotes and highlights both from NOLAbound and my past experience in New Orleans that capture the generosity of the people and the genuine connections I’ve made…

- Last Fall I was at St.Louis Cathedral, sitting behind a woman named Miss Dee Lynott who admired one of my designs that I happened to be wearing. Graciously she invites me, a stranger, to showcase my entire collection at her beautiful home in the French Quarter and this Spring hosts a full-scale trunk show, one of the most successful shows I’ve had to date.

- Eager to explore the emerging fashion industry in New Orleans, I reach out to couture designer extraordinaire, Suzanne Perron, who invites me to help her and her talented team create exquisite gowns for the season. I learn more from her couture expertise over a couple of weeks than I did in design school.

- One week before NOLAbound is NOLA Fashion Week, generously I am presented with the opportunity to participate in their fashion market, a segment allowing designers to showcase and sell their work. The Fashion Council, headed up by style maven, Andi Eaton and renaissance man, Nick Landry, and their extended team go above and beyond supporting independent designers in every possible way.

- Fashion Week festivities wrap up with a Green Gala sponsored by Aveda showcasing a collection of my illustrations for their silent auction. Every piece is sold, I receive so much love and positive feedback, best part: over $1000 is raised and donated to the Gulf Restoration Network.

- I’m invited to collaborate with a new friend, co-founder of NOLA SEWN, Lisa Iacono. Lisa’s story blows my mind - originally from Ohio, Lisa comes to NOLA and sees a disconnect in young designers wanting to produce their collections locally. After 6 months, NOLA SEWN is born and is now booming in production = a true entrepreneur success story.

- Officially a NOLAbounder, I’m overwhelmed by the company I’m in, professionals and fellow entrepreneurs who have the courage to set out on their individual paths while making positive contributions. I am inspired by the exchange of intellect, expertise and passion between everyone involved.

- Art-based industry visits to galleries meeting with George Rodrigue, Mallory Page, Blake Haney & Steve Martin (who I later find out is friends with the aforementioned Dee Lynott)… Being in their space and hearing them talk about their work is rocking my world. All of them are widely successful and supremely down-to-earth, I’m overjoyed to be in the presence of these talented artists who have made a remarkable living doing what they love most.

- Dinner at Second Line Stages, the sun is setting, the views are breathtaking- I’ve never seen the city from this angle and I’m falling a little bit more in love. Nothing but good vibrations fill the rooftop atmosphere.

- “The Big Idea” is genius, so many wonderful entrepreneurs and ideas are involved. Cameron Yancey is a wonderwoman and an inspiration. My chip goes to LiaMolly, in the effort to support the development of a local knitting factory. Not to mention, on my last visit, I met LiaMolly founder Seema Sudan, she graciously gave me her time to talk about fashion in New Orleans, about community, and what it means as a creative person “to do something that matters”.

- The Kermit Ruffins encounter on Frenchman.. words cannot even describe this moment. You just had to have been there, I will let it live on inside…

- Crawfish Boil in Audubon Park, after three tutorials I get down and dirty with my first share of crawfish.. sitting by the real Tree of Life, a monumental symbol that I am in awe of.. here I listen to some of the realest, most personal stories about Katrina shared by beautiful, real people. In this moment I realize the difference over the years between hearing about Katrina and knowing about Katrina.

- Closing dinner at Irvin Mayfields house..Getting my portrait shot by world-renowned photographer and philanthropist Robert Fogarty was a beautiful, priceless gift. My message to the world: “Connect & Create”.
Closing speeches and remarks about NOLAbound make my heart light up, I feel nothing but love for every single person sharing this special moment with me.

- Final day, goodbye breakfast and my impromptu trunk show inside Tamarind restaurant as a result of the unbelievable amount of support and unrelenting encouragement from my fellow NOLAbounders. I am filled with pure joy to be able to share my craft while indulging my entrepreneurial spirit. Thank you to all of my new friends, for supporting my creative endeavors with my ladies in Kenya - my NOLAbound journey has come full circle.

So, my takeaway from all of this: even though New Orleans is not MY home, when I’m here, I’m treated like family. With all of the adversity she’s endured, New Orleans stands tall with all her beauty and poise, teaching outsiders like myself that there is room for acceptance, growth and new beginnings… In this city, theres no such thing as a “quarter-life-crisis”, people don’t waste time dwelling over “what-if’s”. More importantly, New Orleanians don’t just live life- they love life. In Mr. Tim Williamson’s wise words, “Now is the time, to do something bold”…Not bad advice at all to take as I continue to follow my creative calling, wherever it may lead me.. at least I know that there is a place right here just for me, to be perfectly-imperfect.

Thanks to the NOLAbound program, I have a greater amount of understanding, respect and appreciation for this beautiful city. I am inspired and will continue to spread the word on the magic of New Orleans. I send all of my gratitude and love to every single person involved - Thank You, from the bottom of my heart, for sharing pieces of yourself and for allowing me to be a part of this once-in-a-lifetime experience, I am so lucky and eternally grateful.

I’ll be back soon : )

xxMarianne

posted: March 23, 2012