How To Be Happy At Trend Alert – Not!

A blog post was published on this website on June 1st, 2014 that has gone viral and is now getting a lot of attention as for Florida man Aug 18. The article is entitled “How to be happy at Trend Alert- Not!” and it provides some helpful advice to avoid the trap and waste time. As of today’s date, there have been over 580 shares with not just those in the fashion industry but people all over the world sharing the article.

1. What do you think prompted you to write such a blog post?

Trend Alert – Not!   This was my first response to something I saw on the Trend Alert website. I’m not sure if it was one of the “editor’s picks” or an article that someone submitted, or what. But it was a link titled ” How to be happy at Trend Alert “. I clicked on it and just started laughing.

Did I miss something? Was this a joke? Who honestly thinks they can teach people how to be happy while holding down a job at Trend Alert, or any other job for that matter?   I’m sorry, but my reaction was out loud laughter.

2. What inspired you to subtitle the post How To Be Happy At Trend Alert – Not!

I didn’t go with that subtitle because it seemed a bit too provocative for my liking. I wanted to play on the word “not” and make it fun, but not an insult. And it also had a double meaning of “not” as in “no” and “not as in negative”. I think people could understand immediately what I was getting at. But again, I wouldn’t call this an insult article. In fact, I talk quite a bit about just being yourself and what’s really important when it comes to working at Trend Alert .

3. What’s the most important lesson you would want people to know who work at Trend Alert or in the industry?

We are all human, and that’s one thing that should be forgotten. What really matters is not what title you have on your business card, or what Trend Alert magazine thinks of you. What matters is being true to yourself, your family, and your friends. You can love what you do – be passionate about it – but still take care of yourself physically and mentally (in the balance).

4. Is there anything else that you want to say about this trending post?

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not here to bash Trend Alert magazine – but only because there are enough people doing that already. (If you are interested in reading what people are saying about Trend Alert, Google it and see for yourself.) All I can say is that when I saw the article on Trend Alert , I started thinking about what’s important not just at Trend Alert but in my life. And as depressing as this may sound, it’s easy to get caught up in the fairy tale of being a “success” and think that happiness is only a “decoration” or something to be used as an advertisement. But actually, happiness – true happiness – is an internal thing; not something you can buy from a store or get from someone else.

At the end of my blog post, I wrote, “Try to be a person you can respect. Be true to yourself and others around you. And think about what’s important when it comes to what you do. Most importantly: don’t forget to enjoy the journey.”  

I’m not sure if I’ll ever hear from Trend Alert , or anything else for that matter, but it doesn’t really matter in a way. I had a fun time writing this and sharing it with people I know (and people I don’t know). As long as people are spreading smiles and making others laugh, that’s all anyone can ask for. And most of all, just remember – be happy!

5. What advice would you give someone who just started out as a fashion designer, or an aspiring fashion designer?

Get it out of your head that you have to be a fashion designer in order to be happy. Just because you are wearing clothing doesn’t mean you can’t be an accountant, doctor, lawyer, banker, or make moonshine (though I hope that doesn’t happen). There are many exciting things you can do with your skills and talents. The biggest thing is to not limit yourself. And if you find yourself limited by the decisions of others – always know what’s important in life. It’s all about balance; putting things in perspective and making the most out of each situation.

6. How do you feel about the post going viral and being shared all over the world? Are there any other things that you would like to add?

I’m very happy, but again I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous at first. This was my first blog post, and never before have I had someone who didn’t agree with me on something (or many things) to share it with his/her friends and family. But always remember that what others think of you is their problem not yours. Your life is your life. So enjoy it – just don’t let anyone tarnish it with negativity!