Photograph by Natalia Zamarripa, Copyright Thread Conscious 2012

Dear Fashionistas,

I started Thread Conscious in 2009 during law school as a way to continue creative writing while embracing legal writing.  I also wanted to prove to myself that I wasn’t afraid to step forward and put my work out there, so to speak, for public consumption, and even criticism.  Truthfully, at times I was afraid, but determined to defy fear, knowing that fear only results in paralysis disguised as “good judgment.”

For years, my photo was not anywhere on my blog and I hesitated to write about legal issues in the fashion industry, though fashion and law are passions of mine.  It has been a difficult road to get to where I am now, but finally, I can say that I’m more hopeful, committed and excited about the future of Thread Conscious, and what I can accomplish though it.

2012 was a difficult year for me; a loved one passed away and I found myself searching for a deeper spiritual connection with myself, and friends and family close to me.  I read a book that was on my shelf untouched for years, Eckhart Tolle’s  A New Earth, and I found it both profound and familiar, and a source of comfort and inspiration.  I felt stronger, and braver, than I ever had before, and finally knew that great things lay ahead for me.

One of those great things turned out to be presenting “Laws of Fashion,” a Copyright and Trademark Law workshop at the Independent Blogger Conference in New York this year. (Presentation available here.)  For years, I wanted to attend the IFB Conference but was unable to, for one reason or another.  If I had not gathered my courage and contacted Jennine Jacobs, founder of IFB, I would never have had the incredible opportunity to teach fellow fashion bloggers about intellectual property.  I would never have met all the interesting and talented bloggers there, including Jennine, and deepened my professional blogging network.

This year’s amazing IFB Con experience was a catalyst for me.  It made me a believer in dreaming again, knowing that if you set a goal and make a plan, you can achieve some pretty amazing things.  What the IFB experience taught me was that I want more experiences like that in my life.  Experiences full of energy, creativity and excitement, networking, collaborations and authentic connections to others.

I currently serve as the Chair of the Public Relations Committee of the State Bar of Texas’ Intellectual Property Section, and our main purpose is to provide community outreach throughout Texas in the form of IP seminars to artists, photographers, business owners and more.  It’s a wonderful way for me to stay connected to other entrepreneurs and artists (I write, paint, sing and formerly worked for a major record label), give back to my community and have an excuse to talk about IP as much as possible.  Right now, I’m working as a coach with RampCorp, a wonderful program that helps women entrepreneurs start or take their businesses to the next level.  I’ve been inspired by every woman in the program.

Thread Conscious is also a platform for me to write about fashion, food, tech and anything else that interests me and I think will be helpful to others.  I feel fortunate to have stumbled upon fashion blogging, and I’m dedicated to using Thread Conscious in a way that uplifts others.  I’m still figuring out how best to do that, but I know 2013 started out with such promise, and I can’t wait to see what the rest of the year brings.  Thanks for going on this journey with me.  Namaste.

Sincerely,

Nik