Before you even read what I have to say, I’d be thrilled if this article got critically panned. No, really. If another publication reviewed this article, and called it “flat out wrong, inane, misguided, and slower than Nomadland,” I’d be thrilled. Because that means I would have maybe failed—and that’s not a bad thing. If there are any young kids reading this, the word “fail” is a word we used to have in school and it meant “to be unsuccessful in achieving one’s goal.” You might not have heard the word used, especially if you’re in the Fairfax, Virginia school district where a friend of mine teaches. She told me that her public school has told the teachers they are not allowed to give F’s to the students. You read that correctly. No matter what the idiot kid turns in on the test, you cannot fail them. He could submit a US History quiz answering only in Roman numerals and emojis and still get a D. He could pass. This mentality can and will be the end of true understanding as we know it. 

Invite me to your next party. I'm likely to bring an obscure bottle of alcohol and poke the bear, no not the hostess, The Bear. While not exactly a snob, I've been to too many parties where small talk and alcohol budget have reigned supreme. Life lessons from my Father... My Son, life is too short to be wasted on cheap booze. Bring your own libation of choice and you'll never be disappointed with the evening. Alas, I digress. Once I've settled in with beverage in hand and enjoyed your delightful abode, I will promptly hijack your party for twenty odd minutes, thirty if I'm lucky. Hijack you say? Yes, conversationally held hostage a la verbal point. As much as I'm hungry for the delights of the in-house chef, I'm also hungry for intellectual conversation and conquest.

“Go to school, graduate, get a job, work your way up, and maybe one day you’ll start your own business”... these seemed like the most logical and viable steps to take through life. Up until 2020, everything was going to plan; I had good job offers lined up for once I graduated from Parsons School of Design. I felt confident I was on the right path, to one day, having gained enough experience and some courage, to potentially start my own brand.