(bamboo--a sign of good fortune, wealth, longevity courtesy of flowersgrowing.com)
When I decided to start my business, I read a statistic that over 90% of businesses fail in their first 5 years. That made me bat an eyelash or two. I wondered how I’d fare in that statistic. In my youthful and ambitious naivete, I told myself that Swirl PR would be that 1 out of 5 that would make it. Failing wasn’t a consideration.
Swirl PR stands 5 years later. Though existing in a quite different realm than what I first envisioned and only imagined, it still remains. I truly consider it my child, it is something that needs attention, love, care, molding, and energy…it’s a living, breathing thing. I feel like a mom who doesn’t have enough time to spend with her baby but works to create a vast future of possibilities. I’m quite happy where I am and understand that sometimes you have to follow before you can lead. I’m able to now see patterns that must break, and the keys to my success.
I’ve met truly enriching brilliant people, had folks work my last nerve, traveled the country, ran the city streets, partied like a rock star, completely exhausted myself, remained calm and resourceful, lost my cool, pushed too hard, took myself took seriously, didn’t take myself serious enough, exceeded expectations and disappointed a few. But I shined, I’m content and proud, and it made me. The future brings a world of endless possibilities.
Wishing Swirl PR, my baby, a happy 5 years of life. (I’m about to get my liner notes thank yous on real quick)
Special thanks to Kevin of Flippin Jointz that gave me the idea for this hair-brained scheme and hazed me over the phone, QueenMakedaB who introduced me to Kevin and motivated me to sweat, push and focus many a day and night, St. Mary’s Center (thnx Mrs. Tariq and Jackie, AllHipHop.com (the Gunshow!), Terrie Williams, Imagenation (thnx to Kgantsi and Greg), Lea Byrd, Candace Sandy, Warm Fuzzy Publicity, WBAI, the journalists that humored me, the publicists who hooked up the swag, strong and inspirational tastemaking colleagues, the cool and the obnoxious bouncers of the NYC nightlife industry, the NYC subway system, UPTOWN (Mt. Vernon, Washington Heights and Harlem), pineapple crippie, Tina Saldavar (my homey 4 life!), my family, friends, and my parents who have supported me through this journey in too many ways to speak of. And all who have ever blessed us with positive thoughts and warm energy. You know who you are. I’m all emotional.
Melody and Selina—you are the bedrock. I’m grateful to you always and love you.
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