A·fi·ci·o·na·do

noun
plural noun: aficionados

A person who is very knowledgeable and enthusiastic about an activity, subject, or pastime.

Synonyms: connoisseur, expert, authority, specialist, pundit, cognoscente; enthusiast, devotee.

Informal: fan, buff, freak, nut, fiend, maniac, fanatic, addict, junkie.

Aficionado (Doesn’t Mean Copycat)

I’d like to think I’m a “Beauty/Business Aficionado” but I also know I have the skills to back it up. But I’ve noticed lately, originality seems to be a thing of the past. So we’re clear I’m not talking about Fashion ( I love Forever 21, BCBG & Guess and I know some of their clothes have been inspired by Roberto Cavalli, that’s a good thing) BUT Business, in particular online.

Expert after Expert 
Copy after Copy
Reincarnation Crazy

From websites to newsletters to blogs to marketing messages to sales pages to headlines to social media posts. The laundry list goes on and on.

Is it me or have you noticed too?

‘Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower.’ – Steve Jobs

One of the reasons I think “Copying” has become such a trend is because the minute someone creates something original, critics take the stage and 9 out of 10 are not “Constructivenista’s”.

Yes, I made up that word, it mainly means someone who Fashions Constructive Criticism.

Constructive Criticism is vital to our growth but it’s important to put it in perspective.

About 5 years ago, I had this “brilliant idea” to mix Beauty with Business. Let me tell you, it was a rough start. So many people had something to say. Some in fact thought I was crazy and over the top. Fast forward 5 years later, I see some of the same people beautifying their messages, creating “Beauty Programs” and adding more Glam to their marketing…Imagine that.

“Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.” – Charles Caleb Colton

I’m flattered today but Thank God I held the vision because one thing I’ve learned through trial and error, it pays to be YOU. When you blatantly copy others you are dimming your own light. It’s like you’re telling God, I don’t like what you put in my heart, I like what you put in “hers or his” better.  No one can do what you were put on this earth to do.

Plus…

There’s no value in being normal. 

I shall repeat (Ungenita Unleashed)

There’s no value in being normal.

Please tell me the last normal person that made a difference in this world or created a legacy. 

Inquiring minds want to know? 
If I’m not mistaken not a single soul.

Think…

Amelia Earhart
Alexander Graham Bell
Martin Luther King, Jr.
Oprah Winfrey
Steve Jobs
Madonna 

I’ll stop at Madonna, but I’m certain I could name 100+ from a brigade of industries and generations from Baby Boomers to Generation X to Millennials. 
They all know a thing or two about stepping up and standing out.

(Honoring my feelings)

I LOVE being in a class of my own. When people call me crazy, weird, over the top, different, strange, or even eccentric. I relish in the moment and use it as ammunition to catapult my creativity even more. 

Has the idea of facing critics stopped you from being innovative. Here are 3 tips to take what’s in your heart and bring it to fruition in a fabulous way.

1. Focus On Fabulous (Change)

If you feel you’re going to provoke change in the lives of others you can’t worry about critics. I recommend picturing the people that will benefit from what you have to offer. Find ways to connect with them. They are out there waiting for you to give up the goods. The work is about them not YOU.

2. Enhance Your Style

There’s nothing wrong with Grandiose Ideas, I say bring them on BUT be open to test, track and tweak. The first idea is not always the best idea but if you focus on perfecting your potential, it will increase your chances of taking a stellar product/service to the market. How beautiful is that? 

3. Suit of Armor

Every day put on your Big Girl Panties. Accept that you might have to do this alone. Yes, all by yourself (sounds like a song). Your family and closest friends might not get it or get you but like Mark Zuckerberg (his Grandiose idea made him a Billionaire), align with people that do and don’t let it stop you. 

Time to put a ribbon on this article. Would love to hear what you’re an Aficionado
in and how you’re going to tap into your creativity and bring forth originality. Please share in the comment section below.

Until next time, remember:

“You’re a limited edition, why even both copying” 

#Ungenita