12 Months, 12 Lessons. My 1 Year New Yorker-versary!

"If you can make it in NYC, you can make it anywhere" 




WHAT. A. YEAR. I don't even think it has officially hit me that today makes a year, but I have survived, thrived my first year!

September 15, 2015 I boarded a one-way flight from Charlotte to New York and haven't looked back since! 

I can't lie, I cried my heart out in that airport, but I knew it was the beginning of a new chapter that I was writing for myself along with God as my co-author. 

As some may know, and some may not - living in New York and having a career in the fashion industry has always been my goal. My degree is in Fashion Merchandising from Howard as well as I attended school for a year and earned a second degree from the Fashion Institute of Technology here in New York. So, let's just say it was the city I knew I needed to be in. Completely moved on some 'dollar and a dream' type situation. Sort of, lol.


A year later I couldn't be more satisfied with that decision to make the big move!

Now I wouldn't be me if I didn't be completely honest. The whole "living in NYC, working in the fashion industry" has been far from glamorous, especially when you're in the corporate/business side of it. Be clear, the struggle has been real. There has been times when I truly wanted to pack my shit and leave and that's just real. However, in the words of my sis, Bey - "I'm gonna keep runnin', cause a winner don't quit on themselves"



Some of the major lessons living in NYC has taught me this past year: 

1.  Always go after your dreams. NEVER let fear hold you back.
2. Work your ass off for whatever it is you want in life and out of this city. Don't forget why you came here.
3. New York is not for the weak, I thought I had tough skin before... Tuh, its hard as a rock now
4. Appreciate centralized air conditioning, apparently in NYC it's a luxury. 
5. Keep up with your metro card like its your baby
6. Experience + Explore New York. There is so much of this city to see; don't get caught up in the day-to-day craziness of work and forget the amazing city you live in.
7. Adulting is expensive as it is, but it is 10 times more expensive here. Learning how to budget has been essential 
8. Everything doesn't always go as planned. I'm such a planner, so learning to go with the flow of things has been important.
9. People here are rude, that is just their nature. 
10. Always carry some sort of cash on you at all time (still working on this one lol)
11. Brunch is a lifestyle; which I am not new to and is basically one of my hobbies
12. Remain ambitious and determined. New York is not the easiest city to live in, but if you possess at least those two qualities, this city won't fail you.


With all of that being said, this city is truly like no other. I'm on this path of figuring out this whole "Adulting" thing, but there is no other place I would rather be while figuring it out. Currently 'Harlem shaking through the pressure' and growing through the struggle.

Xoxo, Z!




No comments