Note to self--let it go-- SURVIVE!

SURVIVE--the pink and white party
to benefit breast cancer
at the Hotel Sax Chicago
on Sunday July 29th.

JULY 12th, 2012

So I'm twittering--survive, survive, survive. 

I'm facebooking--survive, survive, survive.

I'm talking to my interns about how we are going to promote survive.  "We are going to message everyone privately, then message then in the group, then tag them in a picture, then tweet them   Survive here. Survive there.  Hey let's put Survive everywhere---Happy, happy, happy, right?  Nothing heavy then -- BAM!

The mother of one of the models calls me up, and right there in the middle of my facebooking she goes into a SURVIVOR STORY.  I can feel her about to open up, and really I'm afraid.   "No, oh no,. not in the middle of my facebooking, I won't know what so say.   I'm fine with the cause, no I really am; but, I don't make me really think about cancer....", I'm saying to myself.  But luckily she shared with me.  And her sharing made me feel really appreciative, and spiritually connected.

They Survived.  Her daughter is so beautiful too.  And she is really smart and hardworking.  She is studying to go into the medical field.  They take test regularly.  They found a doctor with solutions.  And I can hear the happiness in her mother's voice.  Okay it wasn't so bad-- WE SURVIVE.

So I'm feeling rather strong after SHARING.  Right fist pump, I'm not a kid anymore.  I'm grown.  I can handle this.  If you're gonna have a benefit then people are definitely going to share things with you, Robert. 

My interns are looking up to me.  I was mature.  I'm a role model, right? 

So, I go on with my day, and it's coming together rather nicely.  I run some errands, and I get back home, and I'm facebooking again survive, survive, survive. I start emailing out vendor packets, survive, survive survive, and then BAM!

I get another call from Atia's mom from Project Lady Bug, and yes she gives me another survivor story.  This one involves a child, and I start thinking about my daughters and THIS TIME I FOLD.  I end up confessing.

"When my mother was on her dying bed with Cancer, I ran away to study abroad in West Africa!" 

Robert are you ***king serious it was 15 years ago, and you are still feeling guilty about that, still ashamed, still going in circles.

And so now the SURVIVOR who fought her own battle with cancer, and walked her daughter through a successful fight with cancer has to console YOU!

At some point it's just too much--LET IT GO ALREADY!

LOVE ROBERT

"Survive"!--A benefit for Breast Cancer Awareness

I survive.

I survived a set of tubes being tied only to come untied, and allow for my "surprise" conception.
I survived a childhood in an environment that was so notoriously negative eventually the entire community had to be wiped clean. 
I survived living someone else lie. (Yikes!)
I survived loosing my mother to a bitter battle with Cancer.
We survive.

We survived being robbed of our homes and forced to evacuate our villages.
being abused, raped, and molested
being silenced, scared, and bullied.
We survived being used, misunderstood, under-appreciated, persecuted, slandered, and plotted against.
We survived foster care, divorce, and wanting to be loved.  
We survived the results of the test.
We survived  paralysis, autism, deformities and illness.


So, on Sunday July 29th, my friends and I are having a BIG Pink and White Party. 

To celebrate the "Gift of Life".
and its trials and tribulations
that bring us closer to our creator,
and closer to a realization of who we really are
beneath the scares
within our soul where WE ARE ALL CONNECTED.
 

"SURVIVE"!
(A pink and white party, food and drinks, fashion showcase, silent auction, spa services, shopping event.)Produced by Robert Sharod,
A portion of the proceeds go to promote Benefit Breast Cancer Awareness through The American Cancer Society.

Sunday, July 29th from 6-9PM
After Party from 9-12AM

Hotel Sax Chicago
Paris Room 
333 N. Dearborn

"In the Name of Love" a designer TELLS ALL!

"This is a note to all Brides and planners alike.  There is always a tendency towards disorder, but what is, will be, and he will send you many angels.  So in your planning process trust in the lord." 

 JOURNAL ENTRY

So after the debacle with "you know who" at "you know where" back in March,  I was pretty frazzled.  I turned to Jennifer my trusted intern turned business manager and say,  "Well we have to change the venue and reschedule the event."

I get back on the phones.  Where?

The Newberry bites it.  Instantly we both get excited.  The price is right.  The venue is on the Gold Coast.  The Gold Coast.  Wait a minute.  This might actually work, right?

So, the first hurdle is getting all the people who were on board before to be on board again.  A couple of the vendors jump ship, but most are understanding.

Now the other problem is that my time is all occupied because of the heavy prom and bridal season, so I've got to spend most of my time sewing and not planning.  So, in the fire my intern turned business manager goes -- Jennifer you will appreciate me for this one day.  "But, Robert I'm only an intern I don't know..." "Can it Jennifer, duty calls" I warn her.

So, I've got to get someone to help her out so it doesn't become too over whelming.  I call up Shari.  She goes on and on about how horrible my reputation has been hit by the debacle at "you know where" but she agrees to come to my rescue, and bring out all the "Gold Coast" socialites.  And she delivered I might point out here  --first problem solved.

I'm over budget at the onset because I've ditched out some payments where services were not rendered by "you know who", so I reach out to another friend Nicole from Allen/Williams Events, who comes through with a sponsorship, and we are able to secure the venue. Incidentally, Nicole showed up three days before the show and kicked in DAY OF services for the event which really helped Jennifer out--second problem solved.

We can't find a caterer, I'm biting my nails, and none other than Berghoffs comes through a week before the event.  The food was so good.  Everyone was talking about it.  There was steak, shrimp, I mean it couldn't have been better--Third problem solved.

So now everything is smooth sailing.


WHERE ARE YOUR MODELS?

The easiest thing would have been to just call up Benjamin Cottrell, the maestro of fashion in Chicago, and a good friend, and he would have brought the models in.  But, I remembered my fiasco at "you know where" and was timid to call him.  So, I post a model call on Facebook.. Lots of models show of which I choose three including a model from Catherine Dean.  So, this is the illustrative Catherine Dean the designer, model, "jackie of all trades" that I heard so much about.  She brings me a "sickening" model that looks like a cross between Diana Ross and Keri "Hilson, Wilson --the two hit wonder".

So now I've got three models where am I gonna get the rest?  I only have a week.  A lady named Patricia Gomez responds on facebook.  "I can bring you five European models with experience."  So I'm thinking this is some sort of set up.  What if on the day of the event they don't show u?. What if this is one of my enemies sick idea of a joke?  I pray.  And I listen to God. She shows up with five of the most beautiful women I've ever seen.  Benjamin "a true friend" surprises me on the day of my event and helps with the model walk!-- Fourth problem solved.

So the day of the show I'm out with Shari trying to find linens for the tables, "You better not give those rental people four hundred dollars for linens" says Shari four days before the event, "I can get linens"  only once she starts calling around she realizes it's harder than what she thought.  So on the day of the show, me, her, and her gorgeous daughter are in her Beamer, which is about as junky as my studio Shari, and we are riding around looking for linens.

Shari's daughter is having a birthday party this weekend also, so we end up at a party store where Shari and I get into the biggest fight.  She wants to cover the vending tables with plastic, and I'm telling her how embarrassing that would be.  Shari it's a bridal event no plastic.  Shari grabs four plastic gold table covers for a dollar a piece, "Just in case, Robert" She yells. We get the stuff for her daughter's party and we leave. 

We go to many stores looking for cloth linens within budget with no luck. We wound up at Marshalls.  They have two white linens. We grab those.  Shari and I have another fight.  She wants to get white shower curtains and cover the tables with those--and she is serious, "No one will see the ringlets, Robert!". 

Shower curtains?-lol.  I buckle to the pressure and began laughing hilariously in the store. I mean I literally couldn't stop.   I had a vision of one of the soccer moms turned event planner discovering the shower curtains and a whole comedic skit ensued.  After Shari sees how funny it is we walk back over to the linen section where she discovers that there are some yellowish, goldish linens that we could use.  We grab six of those to add to the two white we have and we are off again.

Sandra Dognmi calls us, and says that she has some white.  So, now we mix in the gold cloths we brought,with Sandra's white, with the three plastic gold ones (from the party store) and...Fifth problem solved.

SO that's it.  No more problems, right?

NO!

Makeup artist calls in sick at 1:00.  What am I gonna do now.  Turns out that Catherine Dean the "jackie of all trades" is also a MAC certified make-up artist. --Sixth problem solved.

We all make it to the venue by 5:00.  Black Tie Tuxedo comes through with me and my son's tuxedo at 5:45.  The room is packed, and all the seats filled by 6:30.  The models are all ready by 7:00.  The show begins and BAM!  The White Collection -LUXE, comes out.  Love Prevails. SUCCESS.

Many thanks to all involved.and all who attended

LOVE ROBERT

To Our Brides "Int the Name of Love" at The Newberry

To Our Brides,

You expect to be treated like royalty on May 10th, and we know that is a lofty idea; nevertheless it's our company's goal with each and every customer. After all, you are preparing for your BIG DAY, and we are immensely thankful that you are coming to our BIG DAY. 





The evening with feature bridal tastings by the historic Berghoff's ,and the quintessential Pure Kitchen Catering.  Edible Arrangements have also prepared some very refreshing fruit bouquets for your enjoyment.  And what's a party without cocktails from Binny's.

For you entertainment we have spa services including makeovers, and messages.  There will also be a wonderful DJ, and live performers.  The evening will be capped by romantic carriage rides, so this is an event where you can also bring hubby.

Of course the gowns will be accessorized by the lovely Susan from The Left Bank, and I will also be showcasing my bridal negligees which should prove very exciting.

Many thanks in advance for your attendance and I can't wait to meet each and every one of you at "In the Name of Love on May 10th at The Newberry.  If you have any questions please give us a call at (773) 285-1178.

LOVE ROBERT

Reaching out to Media and Wedding Planner for "In the Name fo LOVE"

Hello Wedding Planners and Media,

Forming a relationship with the city's most distinguished wedding planners, and media  is a pivitol part of Atha Sharod Bridal's marketing program.  We have been fortunate enough to receive local media coverage, and we have seen first hand the power of the media and recommendations.  This is why we decided to give our "special guest" VIP treatment with front row seating, and a special gift bags.  We want you to know that we will take good care of your clients, and give them the utmost services.   Many of your top wedding planners, bloggers, and journalist have already RSVP.  If you would like to join and be seated in the front row for "In the Name of LOVE" please contact Jennifer Ann at jennifer.athasharod@gmail.com, and she will send you a link to a special invitation just for you. You can call (773) 285-1178 if you have any questions.  I thank you in advance for your interest.

LOVE ROBERT

Reaching out to Media and Wedding Planners

Hello Wedding Planners and Media,

Forming a relationship with the city's most distinguished wedding planners, and media  is a pivitol part of Atha Sharod Bridal's marketing program.  We have been fortunate enough to receive local media coverage, and we have seen first hand the power of the media and recommendations.  This is why we decided to give our "special guest" VIP treatment with front row seating, and a special gift bags.  We want you to know that we will take good care of your clients, and give them the utmost services.   Many of your top wedding planners, bloggers, and journalist have already RSVP.  If you would like to join and be seated in the front row for "In the Name of LOVE" please contact Jennifer Ann at jennifer.athasharod@gmail.com, and she will send you a link to a special invitation just for you. You can call (773) 285-1178 if you have any questions.  I thank you in advance for your interest.

LOVE ROBERT

Vending Oppurtunity for "In the Name of LOVE"

Hello Industry Professionals,

"In the Name of Love" at the Newberry on May 10th is a wonderful opportunity to showcase your business to soon to be brides and wedding planners.  Many of your top wedding planners have already RSVP.  If you would like to present your company at this event there is still an opportunity to do so.  All participants must be vetted.  Please contact Jennifer Ann at jennifer.athasharod@gmail.com and she will send you a sponsorship package. You can call (773) 285-1178 if you have any questions.  I thank you in advance for your interest.

LOVE ROBERT

"In the name of LOVE" -- Love's fight to survive.

I repeat, "ALWAYS REMEMBER LOVE"; for, she is the feminine side of GOD.

One of the greatest expressions of GOD is the tenant of Matrimony, the union of two loved ones.    On GOD'S Masculine side is POWER, and on GOD'S Feminine side is LOVE.  Since we are all made in GOD'S image we all naturally possess a masculine and feminine side, and the goal of matrimony is to place these two components of God in perfect harmony.  It's important that this balance is achieved through Matrimony as this stage of life is the foundation of family, community, and society.

Of course this balance is not achieved without a fight.  As an artist we are blessed with the gift of creativity (the language of LOVE), and the burden that often comes along with this gift - the fight.  We are most times  misunderstood and abused.  Especially, in a system of capitalism where a man's worth is essentially measured by how much profit another man can gain from his work. So it wouldn't be surprising for a business person to try to control an artist for their own personal profit and gain; in fact, this has been part of the history of the artists' plight.  While the designer and artists are often the source of the product that businesses sell, we are often looked at as at odds with big business.  LOVE is constantly in defense, and her protector is GOD.

"The White Collection - LUXE" is my take on this dichotomy.  The American woman has the unique position of being the vanguard of femininity (LOVE), and simultaneously the example of female independence (POWER).  The entire world is watching as the American woman balances her role as the nurturer, and the bringer of life with a new understanding that she also can share POWER.  This quality of the American woman represents a great change in world thought, and inevitably will birth the realization that she can integrate LOVE into the fabric of American life including business.

This collection is uniquely soft, gentle, pure, and natural.  The designs are non-intrusive, pristine, and lofty.  The people who manufacture this collection are well paid artisans working in humane conditions.  The business model of Atha Sharod Bridal is one of giving back to the communities that we service with our gowns.   The idea that we would bring LOVE back into our manufacturing process is not one that we have taken up for gain, but one that we enforce because we believe in "capitalism with a conscious", and we are sure that on your BIG DAY you would prefer this model also.  This collection is made in America for the woman who wants to express "LOVE" on her BIG DAY.

I know it's a lofty concept, lol.

LOVE ROBERT.

"In the Name of Love" 3/25th -DAY 5/Always Remember to LOVE

Listen to the voice of LOVE!  She is your inner voice, and she is held in the pit of your soul.  Her desire is that you let her glow shine from inside of you out into to the world. 

You know, when planning your BIG DAY it's so easy to forget what you are planning.  You are planning a ceremony - a spiritual ceremony - to celebrate the union of two souls in hopes that they will come together in harmony.  You are planning a celebration of "Love" which implies the presence of God. 

Keep God in mind as you go through the planning process; for, at the end of the planning process you want to have made a spiritual journey, so that your BIG DAY really symbolizes a transformation or transition into a deeper understanding of yourself, and what it means to be human.  The basic fundamental idea of "LOVE" is that we are all connected at the Soul.  Imagine how profound it would be if you can manage to connect with the team of people who are helping you plan your BIG DAY on a spiritual level, then you've really created the proper foundation for your BIG DAY.

So remember LOVE in all your preparations.  It's okay to be passionate. But, always be righteous, kind, and sharing because these are the last days before your BIG DAY; so, it's very important that you cleanse yourself of emotional baggage so that her glow can shine from inside of you...

"In the Name of Love" with Atha Sharod Bridal at Stan Mansion on March 25th--spread the word!