Photo source: Pharrell's Facebook
In case your Twitter timelines and Facebook news feeds didn't alert you, The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl Season 2 premiered last night! I've been watching this web series since it launched last year, and I have not only been thoroughly entertained (like, laugh-til-you-cry type entertained), but I've also been inspired by the growth of the series.
If you didn't see it, or want to watch again, here you go:
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TFmLGlVx7hc&list=UUE560wL2ftkMrQL40LYFUVg&index=1&feature=plcp[/youtube]
If you need to backtrack and catch up on Season 1, click here.
Issa Rae, the creator of ABG, is a freakin' genius. She's managed to take something that is so common to so many of us (being awkward), and parlayed that into an online phenomenon that has followers all around the world. One of those followers? None other than Pharrell Williams.
Already a musical mastermind, Pharrell has created a new venture called i am OTHER - deemed to be a "channel and cultural movement dedicated to Thinkers, Innovators, and Outcasts." However it happened (magical fairy dust? whatever elixir Pharrell drinks to not age one damn bit?), Issa Rae and ABG caught Pharrell's eye, which led to him throwing his support behind her for ABG's 2nd season, which will be hosted on i am OTHER's Youtube account. Peep this "State of the Union" announcement:
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ngOG2dAxKjE&feature=relmfu[/youtube]
Issa is better than me. If I ever had Pharrell standing there with his arm around ME? Chile...anyways. Let me get back on topic.
After I quieted the butterflies in my tummy that crash into each other whenever I see/hear Pharrell, I was nothing less than motivated. Here was a woman who, not so long ago, was just like me. Creative, determined, with an idea in her head and a plan to see it to fruition one way or another. Now, because of her uniqueness, hard work, and quality product, she was now doing Youtube videos with Pharrell like it ain't no thang. Being backed by i am OTHER like it ain't no thang. And probably sipping on unlimited amounts of Qream like it ain't no thang.
Issa Rae and i am OTHER have reinforced the notion for me that opportunity can strike at any time. With that in mind, I'm determined to remember a few key points with anything I put out into the world:
- Provide quality. Take this blog for instance. The other night, I sat in front of a blank screen for a loooong time. I felt like I wanted to write something, like I had to write something, but had not a lick of something to write about. Instead of pushing out some blah-blah, I decided to leave it alone until I had something that I really wanted to say. Remember that in anything you do, do it to the best of your ability.
- Be YOU. Always maintain your uniqueness. No one can do what you do the way you do it, and people will notice that. Your opportunity and blessings are meant for you, so don't block them by continuously trying to be someone else.
- Remember that anyone can be watching at any time. Don't let this scare you, let it motivate you! I remember a time when I was putting out resume after resume seeking a job, and found an awesome position because someone saw the work I was doing, and thought I'd be perfect for something else. With today's social media movements, you never know who's reading your blog, watching your Youtube clips, or following you on Twitter. Your next big blessing may be just around the corner, about to show up in your email inbox or Twitter mentions...
No matter how dire things may seem, never forget that opportunity is everywhere - you just need to be prepared to seize it! Watching ABG continuously reminds me of this. From improved camera quality to a successful kickstarter campaign to partnering with i am OTHER, I'm excited to see where ABG goes next!
What was the best opportunity you ever received? What opportunity are you hoping comes your way soon? Put it out there! And how damn good was the ABG season premiere? I'm still rollin'...too many quotables! LOL!