I was about 5 when I started studying the shoes the woman in my family and other woman around me wore. It was and still is something about the structured objects that strikes me. I remember playing in my auntie Octavia's heels, my grandma Rita's jewels and imitating my moms passionate conversations about life, all at the age of 6. My mom said when it came to shoes, I had an instant connection, in fact, I didn't walk until she brought me my first pair of "real walking shoes". Mom adds, "Maybe it's because I went in labor with you while I was shopping for shoes in a small boutique on the upper east side. Your auntie didn't let us leave until she got you the shoes she wanted you to have. I was pissed off at her for weeks. So I understand why you love shoes so much but you're fascination with them is unbelievable." I looked at my mom with a smile and said "mom every trendy girl has an obsession with shoes and anything else that goes into a wardrobe. It's not just me." She said, "Yes most girls love shoes but It's the shoes you wear that makes you different."
BE YOU NO MATTER WHAT!
I was 16 when I had that conversation with my mom, I loved it so much I wrote it in my journal immediately after she left the room. Mom and I had that talk because I was getting teased by peers in school about some of the shoes I wore and it bothered me. I even tried wearing sneakers just so I could blend in. After walking in Air Jordan sneakers for a day, I immediately returned them and bought 2 pairs of colorful lacy shoes by Diesel. I had to face the fact that being me was more comfortable than trying to walk in shoes that are not made for me. People eventually started to respect what I liked, I guess they realized I wasn't backing down anymore.
Side Bar: Some people may not understand how difficult it can be for artsy teenagers in high school. If it wasn't for my family and close friends, I've would've hidden my true creativity because a lot of people didn't understand it. How many teenagers or adults do you know shrinking who they are just to fit in?
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This pic is super funny but hey at least I've evolved since then.
At SUNY Morrisville in 2003, getting ready to
head to the sports party. Our campus theme parties were the best! |
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At SUNY Old Westbury
May 2006. I died when I came across this pic!
Smh. Funny thing is I still have those boots. I'll
wear them totally different now. Look out for the
replay! |
Continuing on....
When it was time for me to decide to go to college, mom was a super advocate for me attending the Fashion Institute of Technology. She believed I would have the best experiences there and knew I'll be amongst many other students who were also creative and talented. However, I had other plans for my future and had my mind fixed on being a journalist. I headed to SUNY Morrisville for journalism because I yearned to cover international stories about human rights. However, after watching a few documentaries, studying about international reporters and finally getting a sense of myself, I realized women lifestyle reporting was my best fit. After all, I finally realized that I had a thing for fashion and other arts, it was natural and I just couldn't kick it.
stay tuned for more on Where It All Started: The Brief History of Madame Q and How Madame's Mirror was created.
xoxo Madame Q
