SELL OUT OR SIGN OUT?

What I’m wondering.  Currently, I am in a situation in which I have finally got the interest of a promotional company that would like to work on getting me to a broader audience.  They raise all the money and I showcase my talents.  I see great potential in “signing” with them but they threw a wrench into the whole thing by bringing in someone I do not want to work with.

I use to work closely with these people and we were very close that we were even going into a partnership but they went behind my back and tried registering all my ideas under their name.  What’s worst is that I had loaned them about close to $5000 in original designs and production equipment.

The company does not know the history between us and the company is very interested in working with me and sees what everybody else has seen.  I have been known to have been the designer to save annual events and headline a first annual to get the second annual.

Logically, I’m thinking that if this company is coming to me that they want to expand their “fashion department” of their promotion company and see me as the one to do this.  People have told me not to sell out. “Be the Diva that you know you are and tell them you will not work with those people–it’s either you or them,” they tell me.

At this point, I feel that I have earned it.  The right not to have to work with such people.  If it’s my talent they want then they are going to have to show a little respect.  Am I wrong for not selling out, or selling my talent short?

In the past, it was my talent that showcased others with lesser talents and with these people, once I left their network, interest dropped in what they were doing.

Sell out or sign out is what’s been on my mind the past few days.  What would I do?  I know what I want to do but is it the right thing to do in the grand scheme of things?  Am i cutting my nose off to spite my face–is the question,  I guess.

New stuff going on with Nizhoni Way!

Well, after a couple of months of finding out who to trust and who not to trust, I think I’m finally hitting my stride.  I am in talks with possible representation–FINALLY!  With a company located close to home.  They want to me to keep my ideals while designing what I want to design without suggestions to design more like their other Native “Fashion” labels.  I’m excited to see what will come from that.  All’s I know is that they have organized solo shows for other Native American Clothing people around the world.

I am keeping my fingers crossed that they will be able to hook me up with some shows (and sales) in Europe, Asia, and Australia.  It would finally give me the freedom to take on the cliental that I would like to have while reaching more people from different backgrounds.  I am EXCITED!

It’s not set but I was approached by the World AIDS organization to help promote the “RED Collection” for World AIDS Day.  No one in the Native American Community wants to touch the collection because of the subject matter.  It’s kind of upsetting that they would want to turn their backs on something that is meant to help people but you can’t force people believe what they want to believe.  Some have condemned me and pray that I turn away from this path of “evil.”  Some say that I am only propagating the “Gay Agenda.”  If so, I have yet to receive my welcoming packet with gift coupons to the hottest gyms and sex shops!

I really wanted to do this collection to bring to light the reality of AIDS/HIV to the Native Peeps.  There is so much being said and nothing being done.  I wanted to present the truth and let people be aware and remove prejudice, stigma and just plain ignorance about the disease.

So the next couple of months should be interesting for me.  It’s a make or break kind of thing and all’s I can do is just do what I do best and let the proverbial chips fall where they may

 

Also, check the latest article on Nizhoni Way Apparel and Dineh Couture at:  http://www.indiancountrytoday.com/living/51586452.html