Carnival: St. Elizabeth Parish Picnic

St. Elizabeth Annual Parish Picnic in Granite City Illinois Family Entertainment & Carnival

St. Elizabeth’s Annual Parish Picnic is a fun event for the entire family.  Furthermore, “the picnic has become one of the premier picnics in the Metro East,” the first year being held in 1981 – STLToday.com.  However, it’s not the only annual carnival in Granite City!  Keep reading to learn more…

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My children were young enough for me to pull them both around in a Radio Flyer wagon the first time I took them to this annual carnival.  Moreover, I hope St. Elizabeth’s Parish Picnic continues for many generations to come. 

To beat the heat of the summer, we’d focus on the fun activities, and other things to do nearby in Granite City.  For instance, when we’d think of summertime, we’d think about going swimming and camping, having bonfires, and all the carnivals to be excited about.

granite city carnival
St. Elizabeth Parish Picnic in Granite City Illinois

Moreover, this Granite City carnival is held on the blacktop parking lot with designated parking in the soccer field of Saint Elizabeth Catholic Church. Additionally, the address to get to this Parish Picnic is 2300 Pontoon Rd, Granite City, IL 62040.  It’s hard to miss.

funnel cakes
Funnel cakes are worth the wait!

The St. Elizabeth Church Annual Parish Picnic is one of the highlight events kicking off the summer season in Granite City.  Dinners are served in an air conditioned cafeteria, which includes dessert, coffee, and iced tea.  As a result of ease of access to it, people are able to cool down when needed and avoid heatstroke.

st elizabeth parish picnic carnival

Moreover, attractions of the St. Elizabeth’s Annual Parish Picnic consists of a carnival with over 20 rides.   Additionally, area bands provide live entertainment throughout the three day event.  Other St. Elizabeth Parish picnic activities are corn hole toss tournaments, Bingo, a variety of raffles, and a silent auction.  

carnival games balloon popping booth

Furthermore, picnic activities included a 5K race, a car show, Area First Responders equipment display, and a reptile show.  Game booths and food and refreshment stands remain open on the grounds throughout the picnic.” – GreatRiverRoad.com. 

Hundreds of thousands of people have enjoyed this event over the years. The memories made for the youth, adults, and elders alike are cherished our entire lifetimes!

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Game Booths, Carnival Rides & More in Granite City, Illinois
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Granite City Police Department
Granite City Police Officers Keeping the Peace & the People Safe
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St. Elizabeth Carnival



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Plan to attend St. Elizabeth’s Annual Parish Picnic!  Additionally, like their Facebook page to keep updated about inclement weather and future events. 

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Tornado ride at St. Elizabeth Parish Picnic
Carnivals in Granite City Illinois

Furthermore, there are three annual carnivals that take place in Granite City.  Aside from the St. Elizabeth Church Parish Picnic, Holy Family Church holds an annual event.  

Additionally, the Patriots In The Park is the 4th of July Celebration, which takes place over the course of several days too.  Click here to view the scheduled parades and events in Granite City, Illinois.

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Elks Lodge also hosts entertainment events now and then.  For instance, we attended a carnival and enjoyed rides like The Hurricane, as shown in the video above.  That carnival isn’t an annual event.  However, it’s still another place to keep an eye on that provides summer fun attractions and activities for families to attend.  Enjoy!

Summer Fun Activities
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The Downtown Diner

The Downtown Diner

 

The Downtown Diner is a nostalgic restaurant located in downtown Granite City Illinois.   Moreover, this place has an excellent location just down the road and near a local movie theater.



Furthermore, specific food items on the menu are familiar to citizens like me who attended Granite City School District 9.   I personally acquired a taste for and looked forward to the square pizza when I was a kid.  Moreover, I had no shame dipping it in ketchup.  I like my fries with ketchup too.

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Encouraging Creative Marketing Strategies

The Downtown Diner used a common social media marketing strategy to boost awareness of and engagement with their business, and at little cost to them.  For instance, what they did was make a post offering citizens an opportunity to win a strawberry shortcake dessert just by liking and sharing their post.  As an already experienced customer I was delighted to engage in their marketing strategy!  The dessert was free, but I went as a paying customer.



 I Liked And Shared This Post For A Chance To Win This Delicious Dessert.

 And Won The Sweet Treat!

 Cerise & Taylor Were The Waitresses Who Tended To Me Upon Entry.  They Were Cheerful and Very Polite!

 

“Downtown Diner Is Open 24 Hours A Day, Seven Days A Week”  – BND

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About The Owner

Moreover, the dessert was free, but I still became a paying customer.  Additionally, I did research and found interesting background information about the owner.  Her name is Brenda Whitaker.   I learned that before investing her savings back into the economy, she spent “fifteen years earning her keep as a coil operator” at one of the steel mills Granite City is most famously known for.  – National Public Radio.

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Her history displays a record of her hard working ethics in the biggest of businesses in Granite City, and her determination to ensure her hometown thrives is what cemented her future of running unique businesses for herself.   There are so many neat places to visit in Granite City thanks to this lady!

Such businesses are, the Downtown Diner, Alfresco Production Company, Novel Ideas Bookstore and More, Garden Gate Tea Room, and The BoardGamery.   Additionally, Brenda organizes The Melting Pot Market events.

Furthemore, the Melting Pot Market take place in Civic Park located on 20th and Delmar St., Granite City, IL 62040.  Click here to view information about upcoming Melting Pot Market Events.



“The Melting Pot Market venue features arts and crafts, an assortment of collector’s items, locally grown fresh produce, baked goods, jams, jellies and other assorted food items.   Moreover, kids activities, and family friendly vibes add to the festive atmosphere.”

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Finally, Granite City is just twenty minutes from downtown St. Louis, Missouri.  In other words, make plans to attend a Melting Pot Market event, to see a movie, and to treat your taste buds at Downtown Diner.  Furthermore, check out Happy Trails Farm for more places to go and things to do in Granite City.



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Classic Car Show

Smokin’ Hot Classic Car Show





The “Smokin’ Hot Classic Car Show” took place at O’Brien Tire & Service Center on Nameoki Road.  Moreover, the event started at 4pm, and it was bustling with activity when I arrived at 4:30pm.   More crowds were arriving when I made my departure. Are you a fan of classic car shows?  Do you like looking at or flipping hot rides?  If so, then you’ll want to attend car shows like this!  Check out these fun things to do somewhere near you!

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 Furthermore, a lucky winner was notified of a time and place to pick up the grand prize.  Moreover, see the custom electric golf cart in the images below.   Additionally, if you missed this classic car event, you’ll want to plan ahead for the next automotive show nearby.

 A Fundraising Raffle Benefited the Illinois Make-A-Wish program.


Furthermore, make a Wish Foundation enables the youth enduring hard times to experience making happy memories.  It’s a worthy cause to donate to.
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 Local Author Mike Dixon Who Wrote “The Factory Of Dreams,” Happily Made An Appearance With A Handful Of His Show Cars, Including His Famous Stingray Corvette on the cover of his book..
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Additionally, check out latest Classic Car listings on Ebay!

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Stingray Corvette Classic Car

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That Majestic Looking Machinery Was Just One of Many Hot Rod Rides on Display.

things to do close to me, attractions to do near me, car shows near me auto show near meSomeone is huge fan of Jurassic Park!

Jurassic Park

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Consider liking O’ Brien Tire & Service Center On Facebook, especially should you wish to attend their next event.

Finally, bookmark this article for updates about future automotive show listings.  Furthermore, keyword search “car shows near me” or click here to see what classic car events and are happening near you!




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Police Confrontations

In The Event of an Encounter with Police Perception Matters and So Do Manners

Encountering a symbol of authority can be anxiety inducing for most people; which makes handling police confrontations more difficult.  Therefore, it’s a good thing to be perceptive It means to be aware of our environment and the behavior of those in it, especially when handling police confrontations.

swat officer

The Madison County Sheriff’s Department is located in Edwardsville Illinois.  They created an educational video to serve as a tool for helping to reduce confrontation anxiety.    If you’d rather skip past the lessons and see  funny viral videos of police department lip sync challenges, then just keep scrolling down.


Maybe You Were Stopped By Police While in a Rush to Get to Work….

Maybe you’re trying to avoid severe weather, are running late for school, or just appear suspicious.  For whatever reason you find yourself stopped by a cop, remain calm and try to be pleasant, even if you encounter an officer who isn’t.

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View the video below to watch their lesson. It covers what to expect during a traffic stop in under four minutes.  “This video is designed to reduce the stress and anxiety through information and knowledge. An informed community is a safer community.” – Lt. Kris Tharp.

Now Ponder This!

When we use our manners to behave respectfully towards others, we ideally expect them to return the gesture.  Realistically, that doesn’t always happen.  Police officers are a symbol of authority and looked to as an example. Not all set a good one though, and bad experiences can be disheartening for those of any viewpoint.

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Remember This For Handling Yourself During Police Confrontations….

When we abase each other we make unpleasant memories that cause discord and separation, which then leads to issues further contributing to a social crisis.  The truth is that it’s important to consider how we interact with others.




How To Handle Police Encounters

Whether online or off, as a civilian or officer, our actions invoke a reaction from others.  Developing and improving our social skills is vital for human survival, especially when handling police confrontations.

how to handle police encounters

It’s possible as individuals for us to reach our highest levels of potential no matter our titles or hindrances. Social media is an excellent tool for getting practice. Practice is what makes the master.

police encounters

Civil Rights Apply to All

Those who choose to partake in uncivil or lawless behavior risk harm or death the same as the lawful called upon to restrain them.    There is no law anywhere in the world against self control, but those living by weapons risk dying by weapons.



Not All People Deserve the Condemnation
They’ve Endured

There are bad apples in every tree.  It doesn’t mean the branches are bad or that the roots are dead.  It’s important to remember that we’re all human beings.  Most of us care to right the wrongs that are done.  Don’t cut down the whole tree over the rotten produce, otherwise we miss out on the good fruit!

humans in police uniform

That’s why many humans enlist as officers and put their lives at risk in the first place.  Productive members of society seek to labor according to our abilities in order to be enabled to provide for our families. The Police are people too.




It’s stated by definition that police officers aren’t civil servants, and that they’re lower ranked as public servants, yet it’s their job to respond first and intervene in all uncivil situations.  They are meant as keepers of the peace for the betterment of the public, and they wear badges as symbols of authority, so I beg to differ about their importance.

police people

When Police Fail to Set The Example

Civilians should think to set the example of respect by being the first to show it.  We don’t need to be paid by the public to be civil or to live up to civil standards.  Civility is necessary for any civilization to thrive.  You may be surprised to discover how behavior is reciprocated.




Maybe you won’t.  Even if you’ve been robbed, gaslighted, defamed, falsely accused, charged, jailed, maced, and beaten for having the audacity to regard your rights despite others violating them, don’t take it out on the next officer you see.

police officer

Guilt By Association

Furthermore, I’m not going to deny the negativity, it’s controversial, and I’ve had unpleasant experiences myself.  Additionally, I’m well aware how predators will disguise themselves as protectors in an effort to gain easy access to prey.  However, all predators in nature eventually wind up exposing themselves by their behaviors as individuals.

police

Moreover, my aim here is to point out the positive in an effort to make the most of what I’ve learned from my personal experiences with law enforcement officers.  Don’t be afraid to go to jail!  View it as another opportunity to speak with someone who may better understand you and your predicament.

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Buy Police Gear Online
The World is Riddled With News of Those Who Abuse Their Position of Trust & Power of Authority.

Predators deliberately seek out positions of trust and power of authority because it’s how they gain easy access to prey, but just like not all animals eat meat, not all people are predators.

Support Law Enforcement

We have to remember and remind ourselves that not all are guilty over those who are, regardless of our  individual experiences with any bad apples that manage to infiltrate any association.  If there’s any position we are all associated with first, it’s being human.

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We all make mistakes.  We all start out inexperienced and share the desire to succeed, as well as to celebrate our successes.



Police Lip Sync Challenge

When I saw the “Lip Sync Challenge” videos by departments all over the nation become viral sensations, I witnessed more than something fun and entertaining for people to watch.

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Police Scanners via Amazon.com

Additionally, I saw a psychological tool for progress that triggered more than just my sense of respect for police officers.  Not all of them are deliberately out to harm others.

law enforcement

Many have lost their lives genuinely trying to protect civil society.  Furthermore, they have to deal with the mental and emotional repercussions of witnessing evil beings partake in horrible activities, and not all criminals are remorseful. 




The most evil remain proud of causing destruction and death.  Police officers have to train their minds to handle their emotions, and not just their own physical responses. 

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Moreover, I see it from an empowering point of view.   For instance, lip sync challenge videos display our ability to relate, unite, and stand with each other as equals.  Furthermore, they serve as reminders for our own and other nations through entertainment, that even though we’ve made mistakes our bonds can still be strengthened.




America is a melting pot of a nation, made up of cultures as various as the colors of the spectrum.  We live in an era of worldwide virtual connection and our social structures are ever changing.

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We can be conservative by holding on to the good and liberal by changing the bad.  In other words, hold on to what works, and change what doesn’t.  That’s how we find middle ground.

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The best way to get along with someone who is different than us, or whom we disagree with, is to point out and focus on our likenesses before settling our differences.  Handling police confrontations is a necessary life skill for everyone.



Below is a list of Lip Sync Challenge videos by various Police Departments

Wouldn’t it be neat to see more police departments all over the world represent themselves as keepers of the peace by accepting the challenge?  I’ve certainly found it entertaining and educational.

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Some tactics maybe unorthodox, but also extremely useful, especially when it’s a sense of moral duty that unites our communities.  Click here and add your State to the search bar to see if your department has participated, and if you don’t see your local police department involved, then be the first to encourage them to participate.

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All lives do matter, even those wearing the badges!  Tune into a live police scanner online, listen, and you’ll learn more about what law enforcement has to deal with, as well understand how they’re only human too.

Leroy Police Department

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Norfolk Virginia Police Department




Granite City Police Department (GCPD)

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Should you wish to study how to become a police officer, apply to police academies first for training, because the job openings are endless.

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David Winters: An Iconic Figure

David Winters: An Entertainment Icon

This multi-talented entertainment powerhouse developed and utilized  amazing skills throughout the course of his life.  David was born on April 5, 1939 and participated in over 200 television series, television specials, and motion pictures as a writer, dancer, actor, choreographer, producer, and director before passing away on April 23, 2019.

View David’s Media Reel.



Above is a photo of David accepting one of his hard earned awards.  It was a wonderful experience to witness.

David won three awards for the film  “Dancin’ It’s On,” that night.



The awards David is holding in the image below were for Best Director, Best Music Score, and Best Editing.  They were presented to him by the Wide Screen Film & Music Video Festival in March of 2015.

Watch The Awards Show Below. David Wins Best Editing At About Forty One Minutes In, And The Best Director About An Hour And Eleven Minutes In.

Watch The Trailer Of “Dancin’ It’s On” Below

 

Did you like that trailer?   Click Here To Buy The Movie!

David Released His Autobiography In June of 2018.

Tough Guys Do Dance, went straight to the top of the best sellers list on Amazon with five star reviews.  David’s face will remain a familiar one to the entertainment industry for times to come, with his behind-the-scenes stories and life events.   Being “associated with some of the biggest names in show business, such as  Ann  -Margret, Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley, Barbra Streisand, and Michael Jackson,”  makes this an interesting read for those interested in a new piece of history across a variety of genres. – Times Square Chronicles

Click Here Or On The Image To Get Your Copy Of His Book.

His Work In Broadway Shows And Hollywood Films Is Legendary!

West Side Story was where David found his stardom. He inspired millions of boys and men alike to embrace the art of dance and truly showed them that “tough guys do dance!” If you’re a student of dancing or an aspiring actor, producer, or director, then you want to study the work of David Winters.  David’s first Directing job was on “THE MONKEES” TV series.

David Winters serves as an inspiration for all generations across a variety of genres.  “He choreographed the 1976 remake of A Star Is Born with Barbra Streisand and Kris Kristofferson, as well as the TV movie Star Wars Holiday Special. In 1981, he choreographed and served as creative consultant for the TV special Diana, starring Diana Ross, Quincy Jones and Michael Jackson.” – Best Classic Bands

 



You Can Click Here To Join This Group If You Wish To Converse With Other Fans and Friends Of David’s.

David Kept Himself Busy. Be Like David And Make Your Lifetime Just As Full Of Achievements!
David Winters holding awards
Photograph by Aram Hovsepian Photography

For More Information About The Achievements of David Winters Click Here

Regards From His Fellow Celebrities:

David Winters Obituary





 

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Director Jesse V. Johnson

Director “Jesse V. Johnson Was Born In Winchester, England and Is An American Film Director and Screenwriter. See The New Trailer For Triple Threat!

Director Jesse V. Johnson and a Review of The Debt Collector Film

Director “Jesse V. Johnson was born in Winchester, England and is an American film director and screenwriter.  Jesse is an accomplished stuntman and coordinator who worked on set of The Shawshank Redemption.   Holding both US & EU passports he’s traveled the globe and worked in remote and exotic places.

I first met Jesse in person at the Widescreen Film & Music Video Festival event in Miami Florida, where he gave a speech about the making of his fan film trailer for Wonder Woman – Fan Film by Jesse V. Johnson on Vimeo.



Since then, Jesse has released a number of films with accomplished actors such as  Scott Adkins, Louis Mandylor, Tony Todd, Tony Jaa, Selina Lo, and many more.   The Debt Collector, had a very successful theatrical premiere in Santa Monica California and London, England.  It’s now available on Netflix.

Interviews with Jesse V. Johnson

Santa Monica Debt Collector Screening

Theater tickets sold well in the United Kingdom and the special post movie interview with the director and actors was witnessed by some very lucky movie goers.

You Can Watch The Whole London Q & A Interview By Clicking Here (Fighting Spirit Film Festival Channel ) or Here (Channel Fight.)
 Tony Todd had a lot of fun working on this film.

 

Spoiler Alert!  Skip This Paragraph If You Don’t Want To Read My take From The Movie.

Despite the blood, gore, and violence, I really liked the movie because of the figurative message in it.  It’s powerful enough to make one ponder their own purpose, plus it’s always nice to see when a bad guy changes his mind and does a good and right thing.

Furthermore, the clips of the cows was a figurative message pertaining to people being spitefully used for a specific purpose before being removed by those who used them.



Moreover, there’s some nudity and sexually provocative segments in the film, so it’s for mature audiences.  Watch the Debt Collector on Netflix and consider rating the film on IMDb and Rotten Tomatoes when you’ve finished.  I hope you enjoy the film as much as I did!

Debt Collector by Jesse V. Johnson

 

Watch The Trailer Released Of Triple Threat.   Additionally, look for “Avengement,”  and a sequel to “Accident Man.”  Jesse has found himself an excellent team member for others to work with.  You can follow along his journey by connecting with him on Vimeo, Instagram, and Facebook.

See Scott Adkins bring a comic to life in “Accident Man!”

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Fashion Designer & Celebrity Stylist Ola Hawatmeh

High End Fashion Couture

From sunglasses, to casual & formal wear, swimwear, and wedding attire, to running for office, Ola Hawatmeh is Creative & Proactive!

“Though  Ola Hawatmeh attended Marist College in New York for journalism and communications, she always had a natural talent for fashion design. “My grandfather owned a fabric store, so it’s in my genes,” she says. “I have always loved fashion and remember as a kid in elementary school I would be the one dressed different, with pink Reeboks and a fedora.”  The fashionista went on to model for famed New York designer Patricia Field during college before soon landing her first styling gig – for actress Brooke Shields in the 1999 movie The Weekend. “Right there, I knew this is what I wanted to do,” Hawatmeh says.

As a celebrity stylist, Hawatmeh has worked with stars from Kim Kardashian to Chingy and Nelly, American Idol and Real Housewives cast members, and, recently, actors including Ron Perlman and Michael Carbonaro, as well as the cast of the Showtime series Ray Donovan.” ~ Ladue News

2018 Wedding Collection
Now AvailablePhotography by Preston Page.  

Atlantic City Fashion Week  2018 Showcase.

Video courtesy of Tyrone Mitchell.



Ola Hawatmeh graced the world with her presence as a model, fashion designer, and celebrity stylist, but her philanthropy has made her stand out in places such as St. Louis, Missouri, New York, LA, and beyond.  Her personal experiences influence and inspire her collections.

Fashion Design CourseIf you wish to find Ola on social media follow her on twitter or join the conversation on facebook.

Fashion News

Ola Style Survivor Fashion Show

  The  first year Ola Style Survivor Fashion Show  took place in St. Louis, Missouri to benefit the Susan G. Komen Foundation.  The event was held at the Hilton St. Louis Frontenac on October 26, 2018 from 7pm-9pm and was open to the general public.   Every model was a survivor who has battled with breast cancer.   Click here to see photos!

Tickets sold online came close to $3000.0o, but because of the silent auction this event raised more than $20,000.  Trisha Yearwood, Garth Brooks, Fox News Network host Sean Hannity, and other fabulous designers and various artists contributed to the success of the event.   The video below shows the items auctioned.

Want to purchase Ola Style designs?

Make it simple.  Print screen an image of the piece you want and contact her directly with your size for a price quote.

View more of Ola’s collections.

black bikini swimwearolastyle gownsAre you drawn to and want to know how you can make a name for yourself in the fashion industry?

The Fsahion Designer Survival Guide BookYou’ve got to immerse yourself in the niche.

Fashion News Live on Amazon PrimeStudy all about fashion to educate and enable yourself.

 How To Start A Home Based Fashion Design BusinessSee you at Fashion Week!
Ola Hawatmeh at Fashion Week Watch The 2017  Ola Style Showcase Below.

To become successful it helps to surround ourselves by successful people.  Be willing to learn directly from other professionals in the fashion industry.  You can get your foot in almost any door by offering your services as an intern to gain experience.

The Little Dictionary of Fashion book by Christian DiorAre you a future fashion icon?

Ola Style eyewear is available for purchase at Copperhinge

Click here to see more videos with Ola.

 

 



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