New lights, new look…

All this work needs lots of helpers & I have the best peeps in the world!!! Awesome friends!!!!

Who says teens can’t get things done! Speaking of doing things, a big focus lately has been on the creation of ART 4 A CAUSE. This is the art studio part of my designing that is making use of all those scraps that I just couldn’t throw out! I have been having a blast creating original works of art with all the proceeds going to the charities I support. This past week I had my first silent auction thanks to Miss Myra Brown Dooley & her Role Models Camp. It was incredible for these works of art auctioned to the highest bidder with all proceeds going to SHOCKS CAUSE. This is direct support for the Chattanooga Community Kitchen and I’m thrilled to bring further support for this great cause. Myra’s Role Models will be having a silent auction every week through July. Thanks to those who have already supported Art 4 A CAUSE! Here are some pics of my behind the scenes work to create these original pieces.

Can’t wait to share with you soon what is ahead! More good things happening…will share soon!!! Stay tuned.

-MALYSE

It was a dream coming true to write out a Designs By Malyse check to secure a new home for Designs By Malyse. Yes, you read this right!!! DBM will be in our own designing location to better meet the needs of our clients and provide you with even more Designs By Malyse goodness. My home studio was overflowing with dresses, fabric, and all the fabulous things that go along with being a designer…my dad will be thrilled to have “his garage” back! I have so much to be thankful for. DBM will make our new home in downtown Chattanooga.

Watch for the complete progress of this incredible design space as we work to get it perfect for your custom designing & more. Can’t wait to reveal my vision for Designs By Malyse with you by early fall!!! Lots of great things ahead!!!!

-MALYSE

The center lawn filled with family, friends & special guests

My designing was in full swing from November on…meetings to connect with my clients…design sketching…more meetings to select a design…and you get the idea. It is a process that takes time to perfect a design that reflects the one wearing it.

While my work on the first gown was underway, I got the opportunity of a lifetime…designing the May Queen gown! A moment that left me speechless and honored to design for one of the most gracious, humble and talented ladies I know – Miss Rachel Kelly. I first met Rachel when she gave her chapel talk in the fall of 2011. We had never met prior to this, although I knew who she was from being a fellow GPS girl. For her chapel talk she sang a song that she wrote and recorded – Yet Rejoice. It was so moving that I went up to her afterwards and introduced myself. I shared with her how touched I was by her talent that she had shared & wished her well in her pursuit of furthering it. Once I found out in early 2012 that Rachel had been chosen by her peers to be the May Queen, I sent her a congratulatory email. From that I found myself grateful and humbled to be designing this very special gown for her.

Needless to say my experience designing for Rachel has been amazing. She is a close friend now and we have a connection that will be life long. I am so proud of who she is and all that I know she will be as she shares her talent to make a difference in the lives of others. Look for her and her singing group, As Issac, as they perform at Riverbend, June 12 for Faith & Family night. Go to iTunes and download her song & group CD – they are awesome & share an incredible message that will move you.

With the May Queen gown completed, I spent some time with her for a photo shoot prior to May Day. Thank you to Jackie Jones Photography for capturing Rachel & her gown beautifully.

This gown was about the details and that included the 19′ train. Rachel was glowing in it…& now on to May Day.

What a beautiful day it was to celebrate May Day! The weather was sunny with a perfectly gentle breeze. As the seniors walked down the sidewalk to the stairs that descended to the lush green lawn, anticipation was in the air. Seeing the array of colorful gowns was breathtaking. Miss Finley Bandy was the first to be presented and she was beautiful in her lime green Designs By Malyse gown. It was a privileged to have Finley wearing one of my designs. We had a great time getting to know each other & we are going to miss you Finley on our basketball team!!

Miss Finley Bandy

A fabulous day it was!

Me watching it all

The Queen & her court

A truly amazing day! Lots to catch you up on. More blog posts coming…to keep up daily visit me on Facebook.

Photo credits: Jackie Jones Photography

-MALYSE

Geometry

and then it’s

Focus

and let the inspirations come.

I had the wonderful opportunity this week to spend time with someone who has been such an inspiration to me in more ways then she knows. We met face to face for the first time this week and it was like we had always known each other. I am blessed to have great ladies in my life that are powerful life mentors. I have come to believe that I am being surrounded by many angels. They are there to lift me when I need it, carry me when my legs are heavy, speak words that touch my soul and protect me when walls are trying to fall. It’s amazing! I am learning to listen to words of wisdom, share myself in ways that I can touch others while pursuing my dreams and take in all this goodness that surrounds me. This is one incredible journey!

During this meeting, this incredible lady shared a most amazing book with me. She hadn’t intended on giving it to me, but during the course of our conversation it spoke to her heart that she needed to give it to me. Wow, is all I can say! This book is so awesome that I read it in 12 hours…cover to cover! I recommend it to everyone:

Simply life changing! Sooooo inspiring!

Somethings that I’ve been trying to figure out came into focus this week. This led to a change of course for a few things and a green light for others. It’s pretty amazing to see things come together in such ways .

In the midst of all this I was in awe of new life and the preciousness of small things. Meet Bryce Michael:

My 2nd cousin. He is so cute and the calmest baby I think I’ve ever seen. Born 2/28/12. Love him!

Thursday was a good day this week too. I had the opportunity to go hear an amazing artist speak about her work and inspiration. It was at Hunter Happens and the artist was Karen LaMonte. She was phenomenal to hear.

These are her words that spoke to me:

• When my mind fills with inspiration and new things that I’ve learned, I feel it will burst if I don’t let it out creatively
• I have OCD – I strive for perfection, but have learned to highlight imperfections in a beautiful way

When I personally spoke with her this is what she shared:

• It’s great to not always know exactly what you are doing, because you can have fun with what you are doing and you create the rules
• Often your creative mistakes become the most beautiful works of art
• Fashion designing is so much about sculpting & this is what brings the design to life – great that you already understand that

I have to say that Karen was inspirational because of her incredible work, but also because of her personal repoire. She was very approachable and eager to share her experiences, both good and bad, to truly reflect on her art. To say that when a piece has a flaw and she has learned to highlight them (literally) because it represents our humanism was so refreshing. I soaked up all she spoke about.

At the end of her comments she was asked the question as to whether she goes through a period of lowness when a piece breaks & she has to start over. I loved her response.

“No, I just have a moment of I can’t believe that just happened and I pick up the pieces and work on putting them back together in a beautiful way. I don’t let depression set in & keep me down over it happening. I just get up & move on.”

Great words to live by I think. Positive spirit. When seeing the images of her work & seeing her piece at the Hunter,

they radiate a light that is awe inspiring. This can be said in her work and her words. What a light she was to me…she spoke to me powerfully.

Thank you to Laney and her adorable boys, Joseph & Polk, for sharing this great artist with me.

Joseph with me & The Glass Dress

The Glass Dress is Polk’s favorite piece of art when he visits the Hunter (But I’m with Joseph in the pic who also likes art). He knows it well. And, I have to wonder if his child’s eye sees something in it that many may miss…the light.

As I look back over my week, I have had a lot of light shining on me this week. As the sun was shining at my house, I watched the awful storms hit Ooltewah…I am thankful for protection and prayers are with those affected by the storm.

Talk to you all soon!

-MALYSE

Sunday proved to be a great day in NYC. Continuing my search for detail elements for custom designs and my next collection, I found all I was looking for & more.

So much inspiration in all the amazing choices…the possibilities are endless!

After several hours of “shopping” I found myself back at Chelsea Market. My sister & I had found several great finds at Anthropology and were back to pick them up. We were treated with exceptional customer service & Michael was gracious enough to allow us to snap a pic with him.

Love his style sense and “Thanks Michael for your assistance with our selections.!” Love your shoes!! If your in NY & at Anthropology, be sure and ask for him to assist you.

With our bags in hand we headed back to the hotel to catch the Grammy’s. Our family loves music so, it was a fun evening. Adelle nailed it with her comeback performance! I love her authenticity and how she stays true to who she is.

DAY 5

As Monday started, it was already destined to be a great day. I had a couple of stops to make for notions and supplies. That complete, my mom & I headed to Madison Square Garden’s to meet up with my dad & sister and friends for the Westminster toy breed judging.

Our toy poodle, DeBrock’s Avra on 48th, was scheduled to be in the ring starting at 1p. We sat mid-way up in the theatre seats to take in the show and get some pics.With the air filled with excitement and anticipation we were ready to burst when she took an Award of Merit! Avra was my “puppy responsibility” as she grew up before going to be shown with our handler Chelsea Paul. It was awesome to see her in the ring at the Garden and take the honorable Award. Way to go Chelsea & congrats dad! For those dog fans out there, check out this link to watch the show (Chelsea is in cream & wearing pearls).

DeBrock’s Avra On 48th

Wow! What a great day! We all celebrated at Avra’s namesake – Avra on 48th.

After a delicious dinner with Ms. Catherine & Ms. Carol, we headed back to the Garden for Westminster live. Fun night!

Off to bed & ready for day 6.

DAY 6

I know that I should have been worn out from walking the Fashion District…NOT!! Never enough time to see it all. Tuesday found me on the search for fabric for tradeshow booths & backdrops for stages for some good friends.

Mr. Brad, photographer extraordinaire & Ms. Myra, roles model camp director, are incredible people in my life & it was fun to find just what they needed. While looking for these fabrics I met a family who we will be contracting with for production needs. Great day and fabulous contacts!

This day really helped me see how many opportunities I had to network and connect with talented individuals. A good feeling to know that when you need to meet just the right person it happens. I am so blessed to have Someone who is carving my path and helping me follow it!

But, the highlight of my trip…I had already had so many…how could I have more?… was connecting up with my wonderful friends Ash & Jake. With tight schedules for both of us (they were just a couple of days away from departing for India) my mom and I had a perfect visit with this dear couple.

Their focus on their path of purpose has been very inspiring to me. Using talents to change the world and lives of others is what it’s all about! Follow my Facebook to keep up with their travels throughout India through mid-March. I can’t wait to see the impact Dirt Floors Stone Walls will make on so many lives. So glad to be a part of it.

A special thanks to Alex “the man” for getting us to Brooklyn & back for dinner and the show in record time!

Day 6 concluded with a perfect Valentine’s Dinner at Marsaille’s – unbelievable French cuisine – and on to Best In Show at Westminster.

Perfect day, Day 6!

Day 7

I have learned over and over on this journey that there are reasons why I meet people and circumstances happen like they do. They are “awe moments” I call them because they keep me in AWE of the unquestionable things that are not just coincidental. Reminders of a bigger plan and purpose.

Day 7 started with an unexpected meeting with let’s just say a potential “action” project. My hour long conversation allowed me to express my convictions on points and state how I will always be who I am regardless of what inticing opportunities present themselves. I place this “project” in the hands of the One who has led me this far and will continue to. He will reveal its true purpose in time I know. Unexpected meeting…unexpected opportunities…unexpected journey! All resulting from that unexpected New York Times article 1 year ago.

Little did I know that the unexpected wasn’t over. My family & I arrived at the airport and made it to our gate for boarding. Waiting for my zone to be called, I was getting my things all together so I could get seated and work on some reading. Our seats were scattered so I found myself towards the rear of the plane. But, as soon as I sat down the search was going on my phone. Had I just seen who I thought? Fan of The Help, I realized that I had just followed “Stewart” onto the plane – Chris Lowell

Okay, I’m 14 and “Star Moments” are kind of a big deal!! Let’s just say it wasn’t only me…the whole plane was a buzz. I might add that he was in coach seating and quite polite and shy about the attention…awwwwe, nice guy! Contrast to his on screen character. Refreshing to see modesty in spite of stardom. Fun moment to end my amazing trip to NY!

But, my expereince wasn’t over yet. Remember I had planned to read? Well, I wouldn’t have thought of reading after I began talking to the most adorable lady sitting next to me. Crazy how things just present themselves. Great conversation with Sandy from a New York shoe company. Next runway show…awesome shoes you will see too made from the finest Italian leather!!! Unbelievable conversation and contact. How does this kind of thing keep happening to me? I know that I am on a journey that I am only beginning to understand and see. I can’t wait to see it all in the right time.

Back home, brief rest and now moving forward with all these great happenings! I am so blessed…stay tuned!

-MALYSE

Detroit airport

On to NYC! Nighttime is so full of energy in NY. The lights, sounds and activity can’t help but stimulate the creative mind…so much to take in.

The only thing I was ready to do when we arrived at our hotel at 12:45am was to locate the bed and catch some zzzzzzz! After several hours of sleep I was glad to be starting DAY 1 in NY.

DAY 1

Zylo was the place for breakfast with my awesome Uncle Dwayne.

Reconnecting with family was great. It was a pleasant temp out and after eating we walked  along the Hudson in the quaint, quiet town of Hoboken, NJ. Yes, for you Cake Boss fans

this is home for great pastries and cakes! After time at my uncle’s place and thoroughly enjoying Adelle music and conversation, we headed back to the city for the night. Avra was the restaurant of choice for dinner.

Our favorite Greek food in NY!

Amazing spanakopita, taziki spread and unreal roasted potatoes (hint of lemon)!! It’s no wonder we ate there 3 times during our stay in NY. With full tummies it was off to bed to rest for a big day on Friday.

DAY 2

Up bright and early

to hit the streets of the Fashion District for some much anticipated fabric shopping. With design ideas in my head, I was going to allow the fabric to inspire me in my design process for this next collection. First, I set out to hand select fabric and lace for a custom design bridal gown that I have been thrilled to be a part of. Now, this gown is not just any bridal gown. It is to represents character, tradition and uniqueness to the one wearing it. This gown will be worn by Girl’s Preparatory School May Day queen Rachel Kelly…a most amazing young woman who was chosen by her peers to hold this title because of her richness in character, service and a spirit that is truly inspiring to all she meets. This design represents her sweet & humble spirit, her amazing voice and her graciousness. I am so excited about this dress!

One of my favorite ladies - Ms. Jaye

Next, I was off to find just the right fabrics for my next collection. First store, almost all fabrics found!

Not bad, but I love these fabric stores in NY so, off to look for more. It was in MOOD fabrics that I found the last fabrics for my collection. Let’s just say Chanel inspired with bold modern elements. Love, love!! One more stop for the day.

Ms. Brenda - fantastic customer service! Thanks!

Wonderful individuals that I met who have just been incredible to talk with and learn from. Thanks to all of you!!

Fine textiles from Spain, France, India & Italy…gorgeous inspiration in colors & textures. You know I love both.

It was a wrap for Day 2 fabric shopping. My mom and I quickly got back to our hotel to change for dinner. We met up with my dad & sister and headed off to have dinner at what has to be one of the most amazing restaurants in the city. With an unassuming entrance next to Chelsea Market, you enter the most modern, hip, urban dinner spot that just takes your breath away with its decor and architecture. The touches of tradition make it quite comfortable and just simply AMAZING! Welcome to Buddakan, Asian Fusion…

Lounge area awaiting hostess for seating

Descending the stairs to the dining area

Dining area - awesome!

The Edamme Dumplings are to die for!!!

After dinner & some time in Chelsea Market – Anthropology (more on that later) – we made our way back to the hotel to call it a night. Sleeeeeep!

DAY 3

So far my first 2 days had been great. What next? Time with my family. So, after brunch at Avra we spent the day at the Natural History Museum. Any “Night in the Museum” fans out there?!

          

Dum Dum

Unbelievable museum, so much to see, not enough time.

Quick change and off to meet up with our dear friends Ms. Catherine & Ms. Carol. Every year my parents connect up with these ladies for the Westminster Dog Show and when my sister & I have been lucky enough to make it to NY for the show we get to visit them too. Fiorello’s was our dinner spot for Day 3.

It is great Italian dining across from Lincoln Center. Miss Catherine, a native New Yorker & proud of it introduced us to this great spot years back. It never dissappoints! What a tasty dinner…now across the street to the world famous Lincoln Center for an evening with the New York City Ballet Company.

Not only is the area home to the NYC Ballet,

but it was Fashion Week in NY and this is right where the action is. I love it here!

Okay, here I am in NYC and have just watched a great ballet, coming down the stairs into the lobby and lo & behold…WHAT??…it was my fellow GPS girls!!! And, my dance ensemble instructor Ms. Kashe and my sister McCall’s instructor Mrs. Zahrobsky too!!! How crazy is that?!

It was awesome…it truly is a small world & no matter where I go this amazing community of “sisters” I find…fantastic!

Perfect way to end the night…Day 3.

Days 4-6 next…

-MALYSE

I had the opportunity to meet with some absolutely awesome people this week! Always looking to provide my clients with the highest level of quality in my designs, I had been on the search for some products that I can incorporate into my designs to set me apart from the rest. Sometimes you can search and search for that one thing and you just have to sit back, take a breath and let it go until you come across it. That is where I was at with my search.

It was out of the blue that I got an email from a company that had read about me and Designs By Malyse. They had read about how I keep my vendors local, regional and USA based. Wouldn’t you know it…it was a company that produces the very item I had been searching for!! I remember getting the email last week and my mom and I just looked at each other and said, “It’s happening again!” You see, that is what has happened to me from the very inception of my company. When I least expect it these “AWE MOMENTS” happen. It has happened over & over again!

I had the privilege this week of visiting the company and having a very hands on experience with its production and you name it I saw it. There is nothing like learning about something from the inside out! Amazing! What was even more amazing was the reception that I received from each person within this organization. They all are fantastic and a real family that takes pride in their work and demonstrate a work ethic that is rare to find these days.

Attention to details is so important as a designer. As I sat down to speak with these fine individuals, I was looking forward to discussing my product line and learning about theirs. I did learn about that and more, but it was when a gentleman returned with a drink for each person at the conference table that  I realized I was in the midst of  individuals with a true sense of quality and detail. He brought everyone a refreshing bottle of water, but for me he sat down a bottle of root beer.

The 1000 word picture!

Now you may be asking yourself, “What’s the big deal about root beer?” Well, root beer has a special place in my life and anyone who “knows” my story would know that it is such a love of mine that I designed a dress after root beer and the “FIZZ” factor.  I have to tell you that I sat there for a moment in silence, or I should say disbelief. Could it be? My mom had picked up on it immediately, as well, and recommended I explain its significance so everyone would understand. So, I did just that. The part that blew me away was to know that this gentleman had done his research prior to my visit. This is a fact that was written about in an article last year and one would only know that if they had read it. He had combed my website to learn about “this young designer” so that he would truly understand the customer when he sat down to discuss my needs and so on. IMPRESSIVE! What is even more impressive is that everyone in this company had done the same thing. They understood me the customer.

The things I learned this week are to pay attention to the details and have a level of customer service that sets you apart from the rest. Know your clients on a personal level…connect with them. Know about the products that go into creating each one of my designs on a very deep level…put my hands on them, understand how they are crafted. Work with vendors who share like mission statements for their companies and this will insure that my final product reflects that in every way. Treasure the new contacts that come into your life because there is always a reason for them becoming a part of it!

Oh, and by-the-way, I will be keeping that bottle of root beer as a reminder that it is ALWAYS about the details!

My shout outs go to those who have taught me things that came shining through this week:

Mr. Vey – for those history classes last year! Because of the in depth class discussions last year, I found myself in the midst of a business discussion about post-World War II and our current economic situation and how I see my company in a way that sets it apart from many in that I plan to keep my work here in the USA and utilize the capable work force that is here to complete the job (Sorry for the run on sentence Ms. Williams, but there is no other way to write what is said in one breath ). Wow!  Thanks Mr. Vey!

Ms. Pala - for the awesome tech classes and all the video creation work we did last year. I have used it many times this week and it has come in handy when planning & discussing website updates that are coming soon! Thank you!!

Chinese Class – Ms. Xu - It was so amazing to use the past few years worth of classes as I read characters on product boxes & machine equipment and I understood it all!

• Anina & Katherine- your awesome!!! I miss you both so much!!!

Great week and many more wonderful things to come!

-MALYSE

That’s the way my week started off on Sunday. I met with a client and we had a wonderful in depth conversation about life and finding one’s true purpose while following your dreams. Great to connect with those you are designing for in such a meaningful way.

It was after getting home from that meeting that I had an email waiting that would echo the words of my previous conversation even more. As I sat reading the message tears welled up and were falling down my cheeks. My mom and sister were looking at me like “what is going on?” I expressed my overwhelming amazement of how yet once again I am in awe of what my designing has blessed me with.

The message was a dad inquiring about the possibility of me meeting his daughter who would love to talk with me about my design work. I was speechless and humbled by the opportunity to share how my dreams are coming true by designing and in turn touching the lives of others. And here my life was being touched by this sweet girl who wanted to learn more about it. Needless to say I was thrilled to arrange the meeting.

So, on Tuesday I had the privilege of meeting Miss Kali Cromie. When she walked in she was bundled in her coat with something black in her arms. It was an instant connection and I would soon learn why. After exchanging introductions with her great family, we rounded the corner to an area where I had one of my new designs on a mannequin for her to see. She started to chat with me and I began to learn more about this precious girl and the black “something” in her arms. It was a dress…a dress that she herself had designed…at age 10 I might add…and she proceeded to explain how she had made it and what her inspiration was and everything! AMAZING!! I was blown away.

Kali holding her design

Here I was meeting a budding young designer and it was awesome to talk about the design process, my beginnings with sewing, hand stitching, how to work with different types of fabric and more.

I asked Kali how she had come to know about me. Her dad told me that she had been following my story ever since he had brought my business card home to show her and her sister Hayden. As it turns out, late last summer I had met him while at an event that I attended to promote my designs. It all was coming full circle (I believe there is always a reason for meeting people that we may not know until sometime later). Now, how exciting to hear about how my story was being an inspiration to Kali and what she aspires to become – amazing moment!

It was so much fun to talk about designing and show her other designs that I had brought.

Showing Kali a jean skirt I designed with my Malyse logo on the pocket

Our meeting engagement had been brought about by the fact that the next day, Kali would be presenting to her class a report on someone that was a “local hero” to her. Talk about being humbled! Kali, you are precious and I am just grateful that my talent and experience have been inspiring to you. Designing is great, but my purpose in all of it has always been to touch the lives of others in some way. Kali proved that to me at that moment. If I don’t design another dress it has all been worth it and I have fulfilled my purpose knowing that this sweet girl has learned to believe in who she is and to follow her dreams!

I showed Kali my dress tag. The key that is on each one represents how each design sold provides KEYS of opportunities to others by a percentage of the sales being given to my charities. She got to learn about my launch and how SHOCKS CAUSE was the focus of that wonderful night. It was a great opportunity for me to share how I use my talents for a much greater purpose while still following my dreams.

  It was so much fun to get to know her family. Her beautiful sister Hayden is a dancer and loves ballet. She too will be fabulous at pursuing her dreams and talents I have no doubt. I asked if they had questions for me and Kali had one.

“How exactly do you pronounce your design name and where did that name come from?”

Great question Kali! Malyse is pronounced (m-leece). My middle name is Alyse so, I combined M from my first name with my middle name to create MALYSE.

As I reflect on this wonderful time with Kali, I am reminded of how much of a difference we each can make in someones life. For me, these moments are what my designing is all about – inspiring an inner confidence that reflects one’s true inner beauty so they can boldly follow their dreams. I am so grateful that my path has led me to Kali and her family. She is going to do great things with her creative talents and I can’t wait to watch her grow in them. What a great dad you have Kali who arranged our fun surprise time together! I will treasure it as much as I hope you do.

Marc Cromie (dad), me, Kali & Hayden (sister)

My message for Kali, Hayden and everyone else out there…reach for the stars and follow your dreams…great things will happen and you too can be an inspiration to someone else!

-MALYSE

Last August was a very special month for me. It was the culmination of many months of hard work and support from awesome individuals who shared the vision of using my talent to make a big difference in the lives of many more. August was the launch of my design label, Designs By Malyse. It was amazing and you will see those moments very soon on my website – changes and updates coming!

In planning for this momentous event, I became aquainted with two very special people – Ash and Jake. I met them face-to-face for the first time the day of my launch. It was from there that we have become great friends. What is amazing is how their passion for their work has led them to share the same vision that I do of making a difference in this world.

Jake was the event photographer for my launch and Ash graced us with her hair and make-up talents. Thanks Jake for capturing these moments forever!

Ash applying make-up to model & Allison Browder Leonard (Legend’s Salon) styling my hair

Ash getting me ready

Jake capturing it all

Moments in time

Dirt Floors Stone Walls (DFSW) is a project that I am passionate about bringing to the awareness of others. Together, we can all do something to make a BIG difference. Here is my interview with Jake & Ash and the story of DFSW:

1. Who are Jake and Ash?

we’re a young couple living in brooklyn, new york. we met on the job doing what we love and have encouraged each other to continue to do so throughout our relationship. ash is a hair and makeup artist who loves to make people feel beautiful inside and out and i’m a photographer who hopes to make a change for better in the world i see through my camera. 

2. Background of how you came to do what you do now.

ash has been doing hair and makeup professionally since she was 18 years old. she always knew that she wanted to bring out people’s inner beauty. her career has brought her all over the world and she has met some very interesting people along the way. i always loved photography, but didn’t pursue it as a career until i was laid off from my advertising design job during the recession in 2009. since then, i’ve been building my wedding photography business from the ground up. however, it has taken me a long time to figure out how to use my talent to help people. 

3. How you came to know me and what it was like when you first met me in person.

ash and i were lucky enough to connect with madison and designs by malyse through mutual friends. it was really six degrees of separation. my cousin is dating the daughter of madison’s publicist (thank you, lynne!). we came down to chattanooga to shoot madison’s runway show. it was so much fun! we knew that madison was special as soon as we talked to her on the phone. she has such great insight and ideas. wise beyond her years. when we finally met her in person, we were blown away. she carries herself with such poise. i’m pretty sure that when i was her age i was playing video games and making things out of legos! 

4.  What made you realize that you wanted to do something more for others by using your talent? What was your epiphany?

ash and i are very fortunate and are truly grateful for everything that we have. knowing how little others have has driven us to do whatever we can to make a difference. we are so lucky to have the opportunity to do what we love and help people at the same time. while there was no particular crystalizing moment for us, we always just knew we had to give back in some way.

5.  How did Dirt Floors Stone Walls come to be?

i (jake) travelled to india in 2010 to find a purpose for my photography. instead, the purpose ended up finding me when i stumbled upon a small public school in the city of jaipur. sharing it’s land with a garbage dump and a fertilizer plant, the school left a lot to the imagination. this school started it all for the dirt floors and stone walls project. when i saw the conditions of the classroom contrasted by the smiles on the children’s’ faces, i knew i had to do something. but i didn’t know what to do yet. this school’s dirt floors and stone walls were the inspiration for the name of the project. when i returned to the united states with the images from the schools, it was ash’s idea to start a foundation to gather resources and raise awareness to help these children. without her, none of this would be happening.

India school children

6. What makes this so meaningful to you?

ash and i just want to give back. we have so much and it kills us to think that there are so many people with so little. we are so fortunate to be in a position to do something about it. as for a specific experience, there is no substitute for seeing a child’s face light up with joy.

 7.  What does it feel like to know you are making a difference in this world?

it is very gratifying to do something. even if it is just a drop in the bucket, we will do what we can. but saying that it’s gratifying makes it sound like a selfish act. we do it for the kids, not for ourselves.

8.  What is it like to know you are on your path of life and you know that it is where you are to be?

it is an overwhelming feeling to think that ash and i have found our calling. it is exciting and scary at the same time. all that we know is that we have these gifts for a reason and we want to use them to do as much good as we can while we are here on this earth.

9.  What are your plans for your upcoming trip?

the work i did on my first trip to india was all about discovering the DFSW cause and scouting out where we can do the most good for the schools. this trip is about digging deeper and actually giving supplies directly to the children. we will be landing in delhi and then making our way from rishikesh down through jaipur, ahmedabad and finally mumbai. the trip will last for four weeks. more details of our trip can be found at www.dirtfloorsandstonewalls.wordpress.com. this blog is dedicated to DFSW and our upcoming journey. this blog will be updated throughout the trip. below is a map of our route:

10. What are your goals for Dirt Floors and Stone Walls, and what can people do to help you reach those goals?

the ultimate goal of the DFSW project is to evolve it into a foundation through which money can be raised directly for supplies and construction materials for the schools of countries in need. we don’t see DFSW stopping at india. we hope to reach all places in need. since the project is still in its infantile stages we mainly need support from people that are ready and willing to give directly to these children. we are literally taking the funds we have raised, flying to india, buying schools supplies (pens, pencils, notebooks, blackboards, chalk etc.) and bringing it directly to the school in need. there is a donation button on my homepage if you navigate to the dirt floors and stone walls project page. the direct link is here. donations of any size are greatly appreciated and will go a long way in india.

11. What is it that each of us can do?

when ash and i first started our work with the schools, everyone kept telling us how BIG the problem is and that we can’t do anything about it. but that’s not true. ANYTHING is SOMETHING. if we only make a drop in the bucket we will have succeeded.

12. Meet Jake and Ash:

Jake

Ash

13. The video link to this amazing story: 

http://jacobbmurphy.com/index.php?/projects/save-indias-schools-video/

I will be traveling to NYC in February and will be meeting with Jake and Ash to deliver funds for this project. Please consider donating to this worthy cause by going to the website link above and make an online donation. If you live here locally, you may contact me with your donation and I will personally deliver the funds to them ( info@designsbymalyse.com ). The basic supplies for school that we take for granted here are luxuries there – pens, pencils, paper and more. Funds go along way there too! Jake and Ash will be personally purchasing the school supplies and delivering them to these kids and their schools. A little will go a looooong way! Together we can make a BIG impact and a difference for the future of these kids. Education opens up the world of possibilities. 

I am thankful for the special people that have entered my life. I know that it is not by accident, but for a greater purpose. Jake and Ash,

thank you for touching my life and blessing me with the opportunity to join you in touching the lives of these precious children.

Watch for updates and more ways you can be a part of this great project – DIRT FLOORS STONE WALLS. Go to the donate link today.

-MALYSE