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By Nikia Pope

I admire women who pursue their goals and dreams with a relentless mindset, who possess an indomitable spirit. Sadly enough, not enough of those type of women get the recognition that they deserve. Well that is over, I have dedicated my effort and energy to shining the spotlight on women  who are already shining in their own right in an effort to help them shine even brighter. To bring awareness, to women who are creating their own rules, I don’t know about you but I love those type of women. Those are the women who Inspire, Motivate, Break the Rules and make History. The year of 2012 is all about empowering women, our women’ black women. I created this series specifically to assist women in their effort of creating their own reality and inspiring other women.

I am proud to present to you the first installment of the Women on the Rise Series.

Warning: This young mogul in the making will provide extreme Inspiration, after our Interview I found myself even more inspired to pursue my own dreams.

Name, age (it’s up to you if you want to include your full name)

Megan Gilchrist, age 25

Where you live or where are you from? Where is your business stationed at?

I’m from Minneapolis Minnesota.  I now reside in Los Angeles California for the past year.

As a Child, What did you want to be when you grew up?

I never really liked that question.   I did what I felt.  I was into ice skating, gymnastics, ballet; tap jazz, modern, point, hip hop.  Then when I hit 7th grade I was into sports volleyball, basketball softball and track.  I always knew I was creative and had fun dressing up and making things. I didn’t want to limit myself to one thing.

What do you do for a living or things you would like to do?

I create.  Right now my focus is my jewelry line.  I want to do so much more.  When I see something at a store that I like, I tend to pick it apart and then decide, I can do that myself, or if I buy it, in the long run somehow I end up revamping it.

From where/who do you draw inspiration?

The slightest thing can trigger my inspiration.  I watch old classics movies; listen to really off set music sometimes to kind of draw from different genres.

Lately it’s been from minimalistic artists such as Piet Mondrian, and my mother who is a fine artist, Condetia Madrid.  I’ve been listening to Little Dragon, a Swedish group with an Asian girl lead singer, and I YouTube inspirational stories at least twice a week to get my heart pumping. (Seriously look up the story of Sylvester Stallone and how he made “ROCKY”, amazing.)

 In pursuing your dreams what challenges have you faced and how have you overcame?

When you are taking not such a safe route and depending on yourself, your own product, you can become stuck, you may feel in a slump/ self adsorbed.  You by all means necessary have to stay moving.  There was literally about a month, I did not leave the house, I was depressed. I kind of started straying from what I started.  I sure it was self doubt, behind it all.  But if you do one little thing at least every day, to keep your dream relevant, it can never die.  I blogged, I counted that as work, I followed new people in my field, I count that as work, I journal, I painted, I did anything that kept my creativity going, and soon enough I was getting orders left and right, I had people inquiring and I was back in the game.

What is your mission for your business and for your life?

I want to make people feel as good as I feel when I complete a vision into a finished piece.  I want to create careers for others and be happy everyday doing it.

What mark/ legacy do you want to leave on the world?

I want to be an inspiration for people to do what they love to do.  There is no better way to live life.  There is nothing worse than feeling that nag, or weight on your shoulder because you are about to do something that your heart is not into.  You have to go for it, and give it your all and the time is right now.

What’s next for you?

I am working on my label “GILCHRIST.” I want to make this a long lasting career, to do that I need to make it timeless and chic, yet still have that Gilchrist edge. I’m currently working on my new site, there are several designs that I need to get out, I have a few collaborations with other designers in the work and some Pop-Up shops.

Favorite Inspirational Quote and/or Book and what about it connects with you?

“Cannibals prefer the spineless”- unknown

I’ve been on this quote lately.  It says little but so much.  Humans can be so aggressive when they detect any weakness.  Or people will try you, question you and try to deplete you.  So I take it as motivation to be strong, aggressive and fearless.  I have a very soft voice and kind presence and I think some people judge too quickly.  So I want my work to speak for me first, and my designs are strong and aggressive, and this is only the beginning.

Advice you can give to other young women.

What do you love to do?  Do it.  Find yourself, love yourself and be able to take care of yourself.

What are your fave beauty products?

I swear by Murad facial cleanser, and Yves Saint Laurent “Elle” perfume.

5 words that describe you.

Resilient, Courageous, Brave, Determined, and free.

5 things you have in your bag/purse?

I’m very, very picky about handbags these days.  The ones I have my eye on are a few thousand, so until the contents of that purse double the price tag of that purse, I won’t wear one.  That’s my truth

Where can we find more info about you? Website? Blog? Social Networking Sites?

You can view some of my work on www.all4ours.com /@all4ours

My personal blog: www.yomegz.com / @yomegz

–By Nikia Pope

School is right around the corner! Yes your life is about to change from chill Summer days to busy hallways, football games and the best of  new school trends & fashion! Yes, the one thing that girls all around the world share the come to agreement is the simple  love of fashion. Now, you’re saying to yourself “Hmmm I necessarily don’t have tons to spend for a whole new wardrobe, so what do I do?” Don’t fret it’s all a one word answer….A-C-C-E-S-S-O-R-I-Z-E! See there is absolutely no need to buy or even feel the pressure to get an entire new closet to “wow” the cutie in your 3rd period class. A couple of pieces here and there  and you have unforgettable outfits without breaking the bank! Quick steps to instantly turn heads…

The Mix Up!- Rocking out different accessories is all about mixing an matching pieces. From slightly higher end to 50 cents bracelets, it’s all about having a wide selection. When buying pieces, invest in either 2-3 pieces that you ABSOLUTELY love and of good quality that will withstand  years and a couple of seasons of trend changing. Once you have your key pieces you love, you can buy cheaper pieces that are trendy for now. Now, you’re not wasting money but still be able to stay current.

A Blank Canvas– Accessorizing can completely revamp the outfit. Instead of necessarily wearing trendy or busy clothing, try to wear basics and play with different type of accessories to define your look. If you want to go rocker, boho or party chic, let  your shoes, jewelry and belt do the talking.  Use your clothing as a blank canvas and your accessories as the fresh paint that makes all eyes stare as you cheer in the stands at your first home football game!

Complement NOT Compete- Even though buying accessories can be a little addictive there is no need to have to walk out the house with 5 lbs of jewelry holding you down. Always pick your focus piece and have all the other pieces complement it and not compete with it. That will allow the look come together without being to confusing. You still want to be able to relay the look you’re going for without going overboard

So get ….Ready, Set Accessorize!

Miracles & Blessings,

-C.O.R.E Family