add2watchlist: end of year ramblings + 5 years on substack‼️
hello, hello! it’s your favorite once-every-few-months sexy substack blogger. today isn’t actually the add2watchlist substack anniversary (that was august) but i missed the mark, so here we are now, thinking & ~reflecting~
in 2021, i started this newsletter during my own painful job search after graduating college. i was eager to land a job in fashion or something fashion-adjacent, after years of experience in the editorial and styling world, and curating vintage and antiques here in austin. i came across many roles and resources that my talented and inspiring creative peers and community might be interested, more qualified and aligned in, too, and wanted to share my wealth of knowledge. after cycling through a host of full-time roles (with the goal of fashion in mind), i learned that i was a) seriously miserable and felt disconnected from the industry and b) the energy-draining hustle bustle nature of these roles took precious time away from my true passions (event planning, dance, playing with my band, DJing). i started to move with more intention by applying to roles in a completely new industry and follow the path that felt pretty obvious and more natural to me ~ education and coaching ~ ❤️
today im a career coach at my alma mater in the fine arts school, where ive learned so much about dance, the possibilities for a creative career in other industries, teaching, the value of mentorship, music, and my culture. as corny as it sounds, its the most fulfilling job i’ve ever had and a total full circle moment to the beginnings of this newsletter. i still really, really love clothes and think self-expression through them is critical to sanity and confidence 🧘🏻♀️ as well as, of course, the historical and cultural context of vintage and old clothing, the quality and benefits of sustainability around it all. but over the past year or two, ive taken up other hobbies/engagements, too, including:
learning guitar and bass, getting to sing and play in my band :) being challenged and uplifted by ppl who love me to write music, even when its hard
throwing benefit shows, volunteering, and raising money for the causes and people that really matter to me, from local orgs to 🇵🇸🇸🇾!!!
surrounding myself with people who also GAF, constantly inspiring me to do more and be better
joining a belly dance troupe and planning, producing, & performing in sold out shows through my dance production group and with my local creative community
becoming more confident as a dancer through heels classes and jazz
DJing Arabic records at new venues, sharing the amazing world of SWANA music with my local community of Arabs, allies, and music lovers
forcing myself to read and speak Arabic even when its hard and i sound super american and annoying
aired my very first radio mix on radio alhara, and posted on soundcloud for the 1st time!
all this to say, i have an ins and outs list and yes i know youve all been waiting for it. some of it is silly, some of it are really real things that matter to me. and if you know someone who can book me to either DJ arabic records, or dance outside of austin pleaseeee email me 💋 do any of these speak to you? lmk
i also have a bingo card but to save you the trouble of another list my top three spots are:
travel to the homelands solo dolo 🇪🇬 🇱🇧
learn how to make good homemade falafel
run a 5k
and last but certainly not least, MY CURRENT WATCHLIST FAVES ❤️💋🤗🐶
YES clothing co stays in my brand research list. ADORABLE denim cropped jacket
this is exactly what i mean by minimalism being out. incredible 80s gemstone bralette by my other favorite brand contempo casuals
vintage italian chic bow boots
perfect vintage jc penney boots
classic sabah 7 inch from legendary lebanese label, voix de l’orient
4 cats CD 90s lebanese girl group
classic and timeless vintage gap denim skirt. one of my favorite lil anecdotes about gap is you can see what year its from usually under the care tag!
and thats all for today folks..see ya on the flip side 👋🏼❤️🩹❥