The Un-Holiday Spirit.

Lately, my days have been filled with back-to-back meetings and traveling in cold weather. I'm not complaining. Things are picking up and it's only December. Oddly enough, I'm not in a "holiday" spirit, but I am very optimistic about my future and the future of my colleagues.

I find it interesting how people ask yet do not give.

That's not the holiday spirit.

So aside from recession-discounted electronics & perfumery, what will you give your loved ones & business contacts? Will you devote an open ear and non-judgemental shoulder for those less fortunate?

Or will you spend the holidays tweeting self-absorbed updates that inspire no one?

Whatever you do remember that you never know who all is watching and who is just a phonecall away from the contact you need.

Brilliantly Yours,

J. Harlem

The Human Problem.

Today I was insulted.

By someone who wanted my services but didn't "know who I was".

That should've had nothing to do with it.

I see why humans are humans and God is God.


J. Harlem

F is for Failure.

You know from the time you enter college who's gonna be the MVP. No, not on those first days where you wander around from party to party, gawking at the new gear everyone's sportin'. I mean from the time he/ she makes his/ her first speech or comment in a forum.

Without the trouble of casting votes, everyone knows who's the most likely to succeed or most likely to get a nose job. But some people never rise to the occassion of the titles people cast upon them.

All I have to say is: "Why don't these people know how to handle business."

And that's not so much a question.

J. Harlem

Dear You,

Tokyo is beautiful this time of year. The streets smell of funnel cakes and Virginia Slims. I think I found my new muse. She wants to come to America with me. When she finishes her studies, she'll be on her way. Her name is Teo. And she speaks 3 different languages fluently.


We love our friends. And I love Japan.

I'm glad to be home again.

J. Harlem

Dusting Myself Off.

People don't listen to brilliance until it's blaring on the news. Unless it involves some horrific storyline. I think humans have grown accustomed to loving bad news & handling business & relationships poorly.

Yeah, I really believe that. But no. Not for me. You can have that life. I'll pass.


J. Harlem

Not on the Guest List.

You ever had that friend (or associate) that you text, call, or write somehow about something pertinent...

and they put you on their back-burner?

No, no. What I mean is someone who isn't really busy...he or she is just preferring to not connect with you? And they make this a habit? De classe.

Well, apparently, I'm on the menu for such peasantry. And I know how to fix this situation.

I wouldn't be blogging about it if I didn't have a solution.

Later,

J. Harlem

No Wrinkles Allowed.

So today I worked until I was drowsy. 18-hour days aren't for the faint of heart. And real hustlers do sleep.

No matter what the hype says. No wrinkles allowed. I hope you're exfoliating.

J. Harlem

Cheers.

Thank God for a little spot where they serve grapefruit martinis & business deals are sealed. Today, it rained, but not to worry. It's lovely on the inside.

That's all for now. More detailed updates to come.

J. Harlem

Business Is Business.

In a recent note, I recommended that rising professionals and entertainers hire a professional team to improve his/ her product(s) or service, i.e. a rap-artist hires a stylist & publicist.

A mentoring colleague of mine recommended I get a publicist, but it's so hard finding good help these days. Thank God I have a manager, though. I recently recieved an incredible opportunity (which I'll keep under wraps for now), but the details were vague.

Thanks to her, I was able to reconsider and renegotiate the fine-print details before agreeing to the proposal. Hence, I maintain: Invest your money where it counts, in talented, proven professionals you trust.

That is all.


J. Harlem

For Blake Fuller.

Yesterday morning a dear brotha of mine passed away from an asthsma attack.

After about 30 minutes of being delirious and upset, God's peace began to settle in. I remembered that death is actually a transfer. It's an upgrade to a place better than this.

So, in honor of his upgrade, I encourage to cherish your loved ones. Don't hesitate to spill your heart out about how the people in your life mean the world to you. Tell them. Shower them with your affection, laughter, and love. Let them know.

Treat everyday as if it's the very last. And take good care of yourselves and each other.

Sincerely,

J. Harlem

Where's JACK??

I've gotten several messages asking "Where have you been?"...not just about the blog. I've been a new kind of busy.

I'm finally off the fence. But I didn't mean to neglect you.

J. Harlem

What Do I Think of Success.

I'm 23 at with all of my colleagues on their hustle, my parents making career suggestions, and opportunity toasting martinis at dinner, it can be difficult to have a clear idea of what I personally consider "success".

Growing up in MS, most of society depicts a successful life resembling this:

Graduate from highschool-attend college-get a job-get married-have children-retire-live out your golden years traveling. [straight face]

I knew at 11 that, that wasn't for me. Sure those elements are integral to living a great life, but I have to paint a different picture for my life. I've been meeting with different entertainers and behind-the-scenes execs in the entertainment industry, working to define my own idea of success.

Hanging out amongst the dreamers only makes you sleepy. You have to wake up and work.

That's all.

J. Harlem

Millionaire Friends.

How Many of Us Have Them.

There is NOTHING like having the most productive conference call with fellow iconoclasts--a conversation filled with grind, vision, passion, determination, and the endless humor.

A big thanks to Rasheda One-E, iCON, Mr. Couture, & my Sis.


J. Harlem

Not to Worry.

I've been under construction. Just a few weeks ago, I was sitting in my office sketching with only ideas. A few days later, life blows in a ton of opportunity.

So what's a guy to do? Tackle it.

But not worry. I've taken my vitamins, got plenty of rest, and my creartive juices are on ice.
Now it's time to work.

If you're reading this, that puts you at an advantage. I won't say why, but I thank you for being here. I have a lot of big things in the works, thankfully.

Just keep checking back.

J. Harlem

Smell the Roses

I know you're working to become a success. Can't knock the hustle. But remember that this very moment, you are blessed. And that because you already are blessed, you can, indeed, achieve that which for you're so diligently working.




So here's to you,





J. Harlem

Yeah, You

I've heard a lot of my colleagues, you talented mover & shakers out there, complaining about where you are right now. I understand. Just hold tight. We can't have it all right now. The work you're doing in fashion, music, and culture will pay off. Keep at it.

Remember that we're going uphill. Depending on where we live, some of us are at the top in our arena. And it gets lonely at the top. But remember also that we're not at our peak yet. We have a ways to go. We are trailblazing. And the road gets hot when you're trailblazing.

We'll reach your goals sure enough.

Persevere.


J. Harlem

Mother/ Father Knows Best

My Mother is a psychology and law grad. We argue quite often.

My Father is a psychologist and minister. We rarely ever argue.

Regardless, we always let our anger go and work through the situation. We learn to listen more and share our thoughts, no matter how controversial.

Remembering Christ and imagining how He'd handle a situation is far better than duking it our ourselves. That's demonstrating maturity and intellect...but that's not always easy.

Continue enjoying your holidays.


J. Harlem

Thank You.

Dear Friends,

I really appreciate all of the support you all have shown to the J.HAR collection, my books, and all of the shows I've hosted over the last 3 years. I don't take such things lightly and I understand the level of sacrifice and consideration several of you have undergone to help me make my projects successful.

I will not forget your kindnesss. You are in my prayers.

Let's work to do even better in the coming years.


May God Continue to Bless,

J. Harlem

I Thank God for You

Thanks to Carter, Savannah, and Ethan for making yesterday amazing.

I see God in all three of you.






Love,



Uncle J. Harlem