I felt like today was a perfect day to tell my story, well not my whole story but some of it! For the past few weeks I’ve been getting around to writing this post, but it didn’t feel right until today. Maybe because tomorrow is a new year and I wanted to express this in 2010? Whatever the case may be. I never get too personal on here, it’s strictly for what you guys come to see… fashion. But it was on my heart to speak to my Glam-Aholics to let them know that dreams really do come true. At the end of this post I hope it inspires or uplifts anybody to know that you can do anything that you put your mind to. Yes, corny or cliche’ I know…but it’s the absolute truth! So here we go…
I’m just a regular ghetto girl from Detroit. I had my son when I was 17 years old, so I hit the ground running at a young age. Any job that you could ever imagine working…I did it. Janitor, Cashier, Customer Service Rep…I’ve done it ALL! But my heart was always in fashion. Everything I did centered around it some way or another. It always came full circle. I became the girl that my friends and family called before they got dressed to go on a date, out to the club and even church! I was the “go to guy” 🙂
Me & My Munchie
I would sit at my desk at work, read Kimora’s ‘Fabulosity’ book and write down all of my ideas in my notepad. I mean I would write down EVERYTHING! From what the name of my clothing store would be…to what the interior was gonna look like. I even sketched up how my advertisements would look like in magazines. I would just sit and daydream all day!
My handwriting is a MESS! lol
But I was so unhappy with my job that I would go in the bathroom and cry almost every day. So I prayed about it, stepped out on faith and quit. Never looked back. I knew what I wanted to do and I was gonna do it. One of my closest friends(hey Wallo!), sat down with me one day and told me to start a blog, share my thoughts with the world… that this is what I was suppose to be doing, and that further assured me that I made the right decision!
November 4, 2009 Confessions Of A Glam-Aholic was born
Since then, I’ve worked in retail under two wonderful people (hey Joey & Queece!) and I learned so much! But I knew that I wanted my own. I always remembered my ideas in my notepad in the back of my head and knew that I had to make them happen. Within this past year so much has happened that I am grateful for. I’ve been introduced to some wonderful people (hey Irv, Blair & Khabirah!) and I used each tasks as a stepping stone to get closer and closer to my dream. Although I’m not all the way there yet…I can see it.
After my last job I had $384…to..my…name. Nothing more…nothing less. I took that $384, stepped out on faith…again, and started Glam-Aholic Lifestyle. My friends, family and people I didn’t even know believed in me enough to support something that I believed in, and I am forever thankful! And within 3 months Glam-Aholic Lifestyle is growing more and more each day!
1st pic of the Glam Tote…and the rest is history lol
I won’t talk your ears off much more, but I say all this to say that dreams really do come true. What ever you want to do you have to go out and get it. Use each opportunity you have as a stepping stone. I’m not a motivational speaker or anything lol…but I have lived it. It takes a lot of time and a lot of PATIENCE. Nothing worth having ever comes easy. As I look back at my notepad I’m glad I always wrote the date. Those ideas started in March of 2007 and here it is December of 2010…but it still happened! Everything in that book has not gone as planned, somethings have even turned out better than I could ever imagine. I’m blessed.
Last thing… I promise! lol I was watching Oprah one day and she was talking about starting a vision board. I began mine about a year ago, adding magazine pages, pics of cute stores, pics of beautiful beaches and little inspirational notes from my bff(hey Chrissy!). A year later as I look at this board it’s covered in things that I have accomplished. MY accomplishments…not other people’s, but MINE!
This may be new to people around me because I don’t really talk much about it. I hope this is inspiration to anybody that’s trying to make a dream… reality. I came from nothing but I’m turning it in to something and you can too! But where ever my journey leads me I know that it started right here. If I fall, I’ll get up, dust myself off and try again. Just know that I don’t want to be famous… I just want to be successful.
Love,
Mia Ray xoxo
I love it! You will be more than just successful.. You go Girl!
Congrats Mia. You have such a wonderful story. Keep up the good work. I’m really loving the fact that you are from Detroit. I’m born and raised in Detroit. And still here. 🙁 lol Keep moving forever. Your son is such a handsome little guy………… I love my glam tote. It gets a serious workout. It’s my work bag.
This is only the beginning! Keep moving forward and continue to share your testimony!
Congrats Mia & thanks 4 sharing YOUR story. Our story are similar but still different. I just want 2 tell u, keep up the GREAT WORK! U are awesome at what u do. Continue 2 pray & always walk by FAITH & never by sight. Congrats again Ms. Ray. Luv u!
An inspiration to all of us Battle Ready Black Chicks!!! Get em Mia!
These are the type of things that make it all the more glorious. This is inspirational on many layers and I’m sure it resonates with many of us. Let’s keep making our path and leave our name in the history books, You’ve pushed me as well in your own way.
Thank you Wallo 🙂
Mia this story was well told and very inspirational. As a young woman from Detroit and of color, and a woman period, I want to say I am so proud of you and wish you all the best.
xoxo,
Christa
Thank you so much Christa!! I forgot to thank you for letting me write my first post on GlamourNerd!
Wow…..what a beautiful testimony! Always remember that God wouldnt put this vision in you if he couldn’t see it through. Your success thus far is evidence of that. I know you will continue to do major things in the future……peace & love.
Man i seen your process and remember when u started …I knew u would be great cause with out all of this u would have been .Im proud of your accomplishments cause u made it happen u and God and to say I knw MIARAY is a great thing.I knw this isnt it I see big things plus i knw how u move cause what? your my fashion twin.God bless …and keep on truckin! BONG!
This awesome!!! God bless u MIA******
♥ 🙂
Congrats to you and many blessings and much success going forward! I’m right behind you…chasing only my dreams in 2011!
Well mia youve done a great job!.. Keep up the good work..as opening up my own store has been a lifelong dream of mines, and over coming every obstacle tht had been thrown my way after having a heart attack less than two year ago and a year later opening a store,stepin out on faith feelin sick somee days but still pushing..im a firm believer dreams really do come true
Wow. Keep up the great work…and I’ll keep supporting u & spending $$$$!
MIA!!!! OMG!!! I literally came to tears….People always want the success but they dont want to take the journey…your story is amazing…I was just going through all of my journals…(and I write everything down….especially when I am at my lowest)…and just reflecting back on how far God has taken you should just knock ur socks off…this is just the beginning!!! keep following YOUR TRUTH! 🙂
Mia, I loved your story, I was someone who has always lived for others and decided that it was me time! I’m looking forward to exploring my dream!
I commend you on everything you are doing…..This really touched my heart and I just want to let you know you ROCK and I will continue to support you!
I’m very proud of you Mia! This is beautiful. I pray that God continues to order your steps and allow your gifts to make room for you!
Warm regards,
Khabirah of ByKhabirah.com
I really love your story. I’m 35 yrs old and just stepped out on faith as you did. I wish you luck and the best at whatever you do !!!
Boomerang Ray!!! I know i’m late lol you know why. You already know im proud of you and everything you have going on! You are definitely someone who went from “you make it sound so easy” to “POW Look at what I can Do”. To many people doubt themselves and stay at stage one for every excuse they can think of and I know personally that you didn’t let those excuses become the reason for you not progressing! Continue on and continue holding the torch leading the way and giving us that example that many of us need that anything can be done if you put your mind to it!
“Glam-Aholic Lifestyle might not make it” -It’s Mucci!
I know I’m SUPER late, but…
WOOOOOW!!! This has inspired me more and more to do what I have been dreaming about. I’ve shared it with you already and I know with your help and expertise, it will happen. There are a lot of talented people on Detroit that get over looked… And I’m glad to see the people that I’ve went to school with (CT!!), do extrodinary (did I spell that right) things. God has a lot in store for you, and I know that this is only the beginning. Thank you so much for this story… I’m another ghetto black girl from Detroit, but my past only helps me determine the kind of future I want to have.
“I can do ALL things thru Christ who strengthens me!!”
Truly… Truly inspired!!!! I pray that all of your unconscious dreams come true!!!!! I admire you and your vision & I glad to have known you too!!!
CT’s FINEST!
So real! Luv it…definitely an inspiration!
Very inspiring! Praise the Lord! To God be the Glory!
Wow, love your story…Gives other women, like myself inspiration and hope! Sometimes you need to hear others stories, so you can stay motivated to succeed….
Thank you!!!
I wish you MUCH SUCCESS!!!!!
Keep up the great work!!! You have another supporter!!! I will follow you to the TOP!!!
SUCH A BEAUTIFUL STORY…YOU HAVE NO I DEAL HOW MUCH U JUST ENCOURAGED THE NEXT PERSON TO STEP OUT ON FAITH
I absolutely love your story and after reading this my heart filled with joy for you & your dream coming true. You inspired me & motivated me in the space of 5 minutes.
Thanks for inspiring,
Mizz Brownin
Reading this just brought tears to my eyes. I have goals and aspirations and wasn’t sure if it’s what I should do but you just gave me confirmation. Thank you so much!!
<3
Ladyhart
You are one inspiring person!!! I love it. Thanks for the ,otivation and keep up the good work!!!
Real talk…this moved me…thank you.
Wow reading your story was very inspiring,not just about fashion but just anout going after your dreams. If you want to do something you have to make preparation and then move. One thing you mentioned was that you were unhappy where you were and so you made some things happen. You stepped on faith trusting God, mot knowing where you going but knew what you wanted to do. GOD BLESS YOU I definately support your visoon and your dream. I pray God grow your business and make you beyond prosperous.
Thank you for posting this!!! Such a blessing!!
omg! why am I crying right now. so inspiring. I’m trying to do the same exact thing. There are a lot of times where I’m so lost with life and my purpose on this earth. I know what I want to do but it just seems do difficult and unrealistic to get there. Every day i try to accomplish something that will get me closer and closer to my dream but it just fell like it’ll never happen or its taking forever to get their. I went to college for fashion, always had a passion for it. I just pray that I can get myself to a level where i’m happy with life. I don’t have to be rich or famous…just like you said I just want to be successful.
sorry for the grammatical errors. i was typing really fast lol
This post was inspiring to me and I can truely relate to it. I am at that stage now where I hate what I am doing and I am ready to start Living!!!!!!! not just existing. I have a few things that I want to do in terms as starting my own businesses. How did you seek manfactueres to make your products? How did you raise capital to start your business? These are two areas that I am currently struggling with at this time.
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