branding

Style Resume Feature: Lakika “Shay” Scott

March 9, 2017

I look forward to days like this where I can highlight and share such wonderful and inspiring people. Joining us in the salon today is Lakika “Shay” Scott, a Compliance Executive and a Designer. As a business professional and creative, she is determined to incorporate her skill set and professional experiences into future business endeavors. In 2014, Lakika created her own brand of socks and accessories called, Shoobangz. During which she’s also managed to maintain leadership positions in the corporate world. Lakika has showcased her designs in various fashion shows and participated as a vendor in small business showcases. Most notably, Lakika was able to participate as a volunteer in Nashville Fashion Week. This experience showed her two things; forecasting fashion is a must and the fashion business is extremely competitive and as tough as it comes! Lakika considers herself to be a student of fashion in the sense that she’s committed the past few years, gaining experience in almost every aspect of the fashion industry. As an artist/creative/designer, her personal style reflects her unique personality, but more importantly embodies individualism. Let’s learn a little more about this corporate and style leader.

Experience:

What is your current occupation and how long have you been in your career?

I am a Contractor Compliance Specialist for the State of Tennessee’s Healthcare and Finance Administration. I have been in this role for almost three years. I am a part of a very small team that oversees the Service Center Contract for TennCare. I serve more specifically as a Liaison between business units, because of my ability to build and endure business relationships. I also ensure the Contractor remains compliant per the contractual agreement on behalf of the State of Tennessee. All the while, I am a designer (Shoobangz) and a fashion student, as I am currently enrolled as a student at the Sewing Training Academy (Nashville, TN) to learn more apparel design techniques.

Education:

Where did your style originate and who or what are some of your influences?

My very unique, but chic style originates from my love of the arts. I was an artist long before I was interested in fashion. As an artist, I love the use of color which can be used to express moods and movement. So, years ago when my friend finally convinced me to wear heels, I was immediately drawn to brands like Dollhouse (shoes) and Betsy Johnson style apparel, because of their vibrant colors and funky style. I’ve since evolved and become inspired by the sophisticated style of artist/actress, Janelle Monae.

References:

Who are some of your favorite designers? What stores do you prefer to shop?

My favorite apparel designer is Christian Siriano, known for his intricately designed red carpet dresses. His attention to detail and flare is impeccable and inspiring. I am inspired by shoe designers, Manolo Blahnik and newcomer Christopher Coy. This may come as a surprise, but I am an avid thrift store shopper. Small vintage boutiques are my newest interest and my loyalty currently belongs to Trendy Pieces Boutique downtown Murfreesboro.

Career, Beauty and Style:

Do you think personal style is important as it relates to your work? If so, how?

Personal style is an extremely important aspect of our lives, and work is no exception. We spend a significant time at work and although the enforcement of dress code policies may restrict some aspects of style, it doesn’t take away the ability to have style. There are currently too many cutting edge options in professional attire for one not to take advantage and find their style niche in the workplace.

How would you personally define the word beauty?

My definition of beauty is freedom of expression. Outer beauty is extremely subjective, but a confident woman, wearing whatever she wants, with a soul that radiates through her pores is undeniably beautiful. Whether she is wearing a bathrobe or a snow suit, she will shine and her outer garments become accessories.

If you had a dream career/occupation what would it be?

My dream career would be in Fashion Forecasting. I am fascinated with the unpredictability of fashion trends and I would love to be a part of the industry that determines and projects the next trend or style.

What’s the best advice you could give someone seeking a new career?

When seeking a new career, I would advise seeking positions with advancement and growth opportunities. We are all good at certain things, but we were all once beginners. We tend to seek positions that are comfortable and similar to our previous experiences. However, sometimes it is that unlikely role or position that grows and develops us. Years ago, I would’ve never imagined overseeing a project/contract. I had to be open to new things and understand the job market is continuously changing, so you must adapt and grow with it.

Quote that keeps you motivated:

My favorite quote:

“Bloom where you are planted”

Where to find Lakika:

Shoobangz

Instagram/Shoobangz

Facebook/Shoobangz

Friday Feature: Waiting to ‘Excel’

February 3, 2017

We are absolutely thrilled to have a special guest in The Career Salon today! Dr. Kisha is here to share awesome insight on how the use of Microsoft Excel can improve your career. Dr. Kisha is obsessed with helping individuals grow their small business and professional careers. Her mission at She Knows Tech.io is to equip and empower individuals, especially women, with the skills to excel in business through software and technology training. She Knows Tech.io is a training company focusing on Excel data analysis, predictive analytics courses using IBM SPSS Modeler, mobile and website building courses, reviews and tutorials (Wix.com website builder). Dr. Kisha is an expert in business intelligence and analytics. She’s also an app developer (Homework Suite), 6 Sigma Black Belt (Caterpillar, Inc), and professor of information systems with 19 peer reviewed quality research publications.

Resume Not Getting Noticed Enough? You’re Probably Missing This

by Dr. Kisha

MS Excel might just be one of the most important software programs that is used in every industry today. This may be why so many employers are looking for employees who are highly skilled in using Excel. You can give your job prospects a boost by becoming an Excel Power User.

Whether you are looking for a brand-new job, or you want to work your way up the ladder- becoming proficient in MS Excel can boost your job prospects. From an employer’s viewpoint, especially in business, Excel is an essential computing tool and they want employees who are advanced in this tool.

>> Take this fun Excel Quiz to see where your Excel skills rank <<

You Can Do Just About Anything in Microsoft Excel

Excel has virtually no limits. Just consider some of the tasks it can do for you:

Excel can create an editorial calendar, with a full list of topics and dates.
When planning on office outing, you can use an Excel document to track the costs and the RSVP list automatically.
You can use an Excel to determine exactly how much you should charge for your product.
An excel document can summarize revenue by product which can find areas of strength and weakness, where stronger relationships can be built with customers.
Excel is perfect for creating budgets, including expenses and more.
Customer discounts can be calculated based on the volume of purchases, monthly, and by product. Watch how here.

Resume Building

At the top of your resume, you want to highlight skillsets that will catch a recruiter’s eye. So instead of listing “Microsoft Office” You’d want to instead list specific functions such as “Microsoft Excel Pivot Tables” and “Microsoft Excel Solver”. Doing so will set you apart from other candidates and recruiters quickly recognize you know what you are talking about!

Excel is a diverse program, and more businesses are turning to use it as a primary tool for a variety of applications and functions. It’s vital for every professional to learn how to use Excel, and strong Excel skills can lead to greater job opportunities and promotions.

>> So start by Watching these 4 quick Excel tutorials and see how easy it is to learn Excel <<

To learn more, contact Dr. Kisha here.

Coats, Color, and Character

December 1, 2016

Our resident style contributor, R. Rene is visiting the salon and spicing up your Friday Eve with her take on Coats, Color, and Character in the workplace!

Topshop

Greetings Career Enthusiasts!

Fall/Winter Season has arrived and it’s time to embrace such in style both during and after work hours. Many may differ due to the uncertainty and unpredictable nature of the fall weather but this by far is one of my favorite seasons! Like many careers, the fall season forces you to adopt new habits, wear more layers and embrace change daily. So let’s talk style!

You are a walking brand, that’s my motto and my daily mental reminder for everything I do. Because of such, what I wear becomes very important to me and it’s no different when the season changes. People tend to judge the book of style by its cover rather they are true to admit it or not and as a result I would like to ensure that if they must judge they do so well when our style character is in question. To embrace this season change and style critics around the office, airport and in the field, I have to challenge the likes of all of you career enthusiasts and future ladder climbers to begin to debunk a few work fashion myths!

“Coats/Jackets are boring”—- says no wo/man ever! Its fall and all-weather coats are totally in. A nice jacket can set the stage for the clean, crisp look that comes along with being VICE PRESIDENT or CEO. The Midwest and Northeast regions can contest that coats can make or break an outfit when the wind blows. Grab yourself a good lined Trench ladies and gents, thinly lined to maintain a sleek look on the go. For those of you in the sunshine states of the world you really don’t get to embrace the coat season like others but this does NOT me you are exempt from owing a good coat or jacket. I would ask that you even evaluate the jackets and blazers you wear into meetings with clients and around the office. If you are going to wear it, make it count and wear it well!!

Alexander Wang

“Color goes out with summer”: No! Color tells a story of character, boldness and confidence like no other, so with the rapid color changes of the leaves around you change the color in that wardrobe. While the classic white shirt never gets old and the blues, blacks and greys will remain staple pieces. There is absolutely nothing wrong with adding a pop of color to that dress or suit with a sprinkle of fall goodness like Wines and Reds, Autumn Orange, Tans and dark greens it will make for much conversation and tell a story all by itself about your career style!

What does your current coat say about you? Any color? —– Scared to try it!? Be a trendsetter, black is your canvas and color makes the picture! GO FOR IT! Find character in both your coat and your colors this fall as you prepare to dive into new areas of your career! Character is key!

A few of my favorite places to get great coats, jackets and plenty of color for both men and women at any price level. Happy Shopping and be sure to look for those FALL SPECIALS!

You will thank me later!

www.asos.com

www.bluefly.com

www.bananarepublic.com

www.hm.com

R. Rene,

www.lifebrandfactory.com

Shop Talk: Brand Yourself like a BOSS

September 27, 2016

We are so excited to have THEE marketing genius of Julie Huval, President and Director of Strategy for Benchley Design in the salon today for Shop Talk. Julie is a walking brand and a highly sought after speaker on all things marketing, brand, analytics, and other smart people things, so it is our pleasure to make the introduction and have her speak about how to brand yourself like a BOSS!

by Julie Huval

“Word of mouth.” A lot of times we think of that phrase when it comes to hearing about a new restaurant, the funny outtakes video on YouTube, or that amazing book our friend read on the beach. But “word of mouth” also applies to individuals. It is called personal brand.

Personal brand = Someone’s “word of mouth” about you

In the realm of career development, personal branding can be a huge boost. Your ideal employer may already know a lot about you because of “word of mouth” from your professional network. Your peers may acclaim you are a creative, able to work through difficult situations, and shocked the pants off your client because you delivered ahead of schedule on that really big project. That’s an amazing personal brand.

Or your personal brand can be a huge door slam on opportunities. What if your “word of mouth” sounds something like …

And, thanks to our digital world, there are a lot of people with a personal brand that they would like to fix. Pronto! So how do you develop a personal brand?

Develop your legacy.

What do you want to be known for? At the end of your life your legacy is the culmination of your life’s work: what you stood for, what you fought for, what you educated other people about. Your legacy may be helping your community get out of poverty or you want to be the best/favorite educator in your district or you want to be a renowned architect. This step is not “What do you want to be when you grow up?” but a bigger picture idea of how do you want to affect the world. As you start to develop your legacy start acting on it. Don’t wait for “the right time” to get started … just start. Overnight successes took years of practice to get to where they are.

Be authentic.

Don’t try to be something you aren’t. Instead, be open and honest. This is the awkward phase. You will not be applauded by everyone for being authentic because authenticity means different. But stick to your authentic self. It is what makes you stand out from the crowd. Break the mold, discover new stuff, and continue being you.

Promote yourself.

This step can get tricky. Promoting yourself feels wrong. This is the pinched nerve part of personal branding. However, if you don’t start supplying other people with your “word of mouth” messaging then you are leaving it up to them to create it for you. You can help them craft their words in this step. But you need to have the first two steps in place in order for your messaging to take hold.

A good personal brand can go a long way in life … not just your career. More opportunities will open up so you can continue to build your legacy because people are excited about your authentic approach and they found out about all of it through your self-promotion.

Look out for my next post about correcting your dreaded digital personal brand! Get ready to delete some photos and inappropriate posts.

For more information on Julie and Benchley Design visit her website at benchleydesign.com.