To be perfectly honest, I didn't know the EXACT significance of Labor Day. Do you? Clearly i knew it celebrated work in some way, and it does - here is the "wiki" definition:
Labor Day is an American federal holiday
observed on the first Monday in September (September 3 in 2012) that
celebrates the economic and social contributions of workers.
Labor Day pays tribute to the contributions and achievements of
American workers. It also symbolizes the end of summer for many
Americans, and is celebrated with parties, parades and athletic events.[1]
Work is hugely important - it's such a huge part of your life, your identity, focus, etc. I feel very proud of what I do and what i am creating, and I definitely recognize that I am fortunate to say that. But it was a long road of risk, confusion, sacrifice, and extremely hard work to finally find MY path. I think I've been on more job interviews than most, and actually held more jobs than most. It was ridiculous. A 'highlight' for my interviews was with Mariah Carey - breaking a heel on my shoe while walking up the stairs as she waited for me to shake her hand. Yikes. I could go on about tough interviews at CAA, ICM, working for Jennifer Lopez and Benny Medina, my stint at E! True Hollywood Story - on and on. From publishing to radio, record label to PR company, I've literally covered ALL grounds.
As the quest went on, for years, I had no clear idea that it would eventually lead to something incredible; I very often thought it wouldn't. But I did have faith in myself. And as it turns out, there was no "interview" to establish the exact start in my career. Extreme passion for all things artistic, a little creativity, and extensive work experience is precisely why it's happened. Oh, and b*lls (rhymes with smalls). Yep it's true, you gotta have those too.
So without carrying on for too long about me (boring), I'd just like to encourage people to follow their passion - it sounds so trite but it IS true. Doing so will surely account for the aforementioned risk and confusion - riding it out is hard, but ultimately worth it, whenever that happens. Sooner than later would be ideal, but understand that definitely isn't always how it goes - it's a Long and winding road.
On that note, below is a picture of Brandon with a cat - but it's not just ANY cat - it's Janette Beckman's feline friend -- while in New York, Brandon went to her studio so she could shoot him for a mag she works with - the amazing UK publication Jocks&Nerds. Janette, the most incredible photographer, doesn't love getting her own photo taken as is is often the case.Having Janette and Brandon collaborate was completely perfect.
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| Brandon and feline friend by Janette Beckman |
How does this tie into anything I previously mentioned? Simply the fact that while my business is ever-morphing with highs and lows, I work with amazing people I SO adore and truly admire, and that is definitely an incredible thing that fills me with pride and inspiration. Do i feel lucky and grateful? YES, I do. Who wouldn't? But it's loyalty, perseverance, and seriously hard work that can get you to a "lucky" place.
So - Is every day perfect? Nope. Let's remember it's the 'long and winding road'. However, there's no daily drama that can alter my bigger picture...now that i have one.
Keep working. And make it rewarding.
Happy Labor Day!
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