The Life of Lee

90 second inspiration

First concept video I've made. Definitely worth watching!! Please comment, like, and definitely subscribe to  my channel

So I got a haircut. And no I don't like it, but it's symbolic of how I want to transition into my new life. A lot of things will be cut out of my life that I loved, but they may be toxic. When wanting to grow healthier hair, it's always necessary to get the 'big chop.' And it's hard. I'm currently in the remorse stage. But I'll get used to it. There's nothing better than getting comfortable in your own skin and living your best life with a healthy and solid foundation. P.S. Look out for my BIG BIG VIDEO TOMORROW!!! Subscribe to my YouTube Channel

Hey Guys!! First off, how was your spring break? I hope you all enjoyed your time resting and working on your tans. Now, have you had your coffee and newspaper? Unwanted traffic? Loaded with assignments or a major project? Great. Welcome back. I want you to take these next few weeks like a grain of salt. Yes it's Sunday and tomorrow is the day we get back in the shop and set the tone for the week. We've learned how to rid ourselves of the Monday Blues . Today is no worse than tomorrow; better yet, it's as good as yesterday. This week will be a challenge, but you are always up for a challenge. Obstacles are how we polish our character and we want to be dynamic. One obstacle we haven't really acknowledge is the person you see every morning after washing your face. No, not your spouse, it's you. We are our greatest critic, and at times our own demise. Why? Because only you know exactly what you go through. Your daily battles don't always end with triumph....

Hey guys!! Today's blog will be short (kinda) because I want you to read this article an awesome friend sent me. The article is very uplifting and motivated me to try something new. Sometimes it's hard to take someone's word for it when they are the only ones to back it up. Well today you'll get a taste of someone else's life and I hope that it'll secure any doubt you may have. And in addition to that, once a week I will post a message from an outside blogger so that you guys get the chance to hear other voices. This piece was written by Aerial Adams, an undergrad at Howard University. I read it and became inspired immediately. I'm not going to spoil it so, without further ado, click the link: Link Happy Sunday! -Vernell Allen CEO Expand Your Horizon

Hey Guys!! Congratulations! You've made it to the end of the week. We both did, and if your week has been anything like mine then I know this weekend will be everything for you. But we're not done yet. Today is Friday and you'll be grinding until the clock strikes five. Today's motivation will be given by me; however, it will really be created by you. We've been so serious this past week, which is great, but I like to say, "even Einstein took time to laugh." So today's exercise will be fun, hands on, and maybe a little childish. In the end, it will undoubtedly deem just as effective as the actions we've taken thus far. So, remember all that we have discussed: doing instead of doubting; building confidence; trying new things that are uncomfortable; being the best version of yourself; improving patience; discovering purpose. It's a lot, I know. But everything we've discussed (and will discuss in days to come) has brought us to today...

Hey Guys!! How's your morning going? Mine has been pretty relaxed. Well not really. I haven't had my coffee or small breakfast so I don't feel the same energy I usually have, but I can't let that stop me. We've all had to skip meals before, right? As I make my way to the office, I can't help but think about those moments when we skip out on major opportunities. Before I moved back home, I had the chance to work in the film industry, my ultimate dream. The field I love most had opened it's doors ever so slightly, but enough for me to put my hand in the gap and see what it was like to be on set. But I said no. I had to say no. Remember discussing  patience and how it keeps us from getting ahead of ourselves? Sometimes we have to turn down good opportunities for great ones. And I love what I do now. I love blogging and inspiring you guys to chase your dreams. I love creating designs and making  shirts and I want to continue doing this for a long time. ...

Hey Guys!! I apologize for not posting a new blog yesterday, but I'm sure you didn't notice because you were too busy being great. Excellent! It's only Tuesday and already I am piled to my ceiling with assignments and projects. My  business is still developing, so I'm constantly working to perfect products. If you guys are interested in improving your brand, please check out my website here . Okay, enough of that. Even though I'm swamped, I've kept a clear mind. My objective everyday is to improve my craft. We have to do so in order to remain proactive. Remember, we are aiming to be our best selves everyday and every moment! Now, if I'm being completely honest, I am a bit stressed because there is so much that I want to share with you guys. My vision. My designs. My story. The thought wires me, but I have to calm down. There is a quality that all dream chasers must have in order to steer clear of heavy disappointments, unnecessary risks, and spiraling...

Hey Guys!! Okay, okay I know what you're thinking. It's Monday. Melancholy Monday. And you're probably still shaking off the effects of a well spent weekend. But it's go time now and you need to transition from "Weekend You" to "Working You." I'm going to jump the gun and ask you the million dollar question now. And when you read it, please don't laugh, just humor me, okay? Ready?... Why replace your fun side with your formal side? The obvious answer is that the workplace is no place for play, but it is a place that should bring you joy. When I was in middle school, my principle always gave words of wisdom every morning on the intercoms. One piece of advice that he pressed on our developing minds was if we had a career in what we loved, we'd never work a day in our life. As a twelve year old, not working ever in my life in exchange for a happy career sounded like a pretty good bargain. So that's what I've aspired to do. ...

Hey Guys!! It's the first day of the week and unfortunately the last day of the weekend. I hope you guys got plenty of rest and found time to do the things you love. And if you didn't, what better day than today? That's how I feel about most opportunities in my life. Whenever I feel that I can't take on a challenge quite yet, I remind myself that I'll never be ready. Yeah, I prepare and practice over and over, but even curve balls have curve balls. The best way to prepare is to actually do it. And what better time than now? Living in the past is always dangerous. We become stagnant and constantly yank goals accomplished or deficits suffered. While it is important to acknowledge our past, we have to continue to move forward. That's how we change the way we operate, make up for the failures, and progress the great things we do. Sometimes we view the present as stale. It's like loading a video with poor connection. If things don't happen as quick a...

Hey Guys!! Happy Saturday! I know the popular phase is TGIF. But, I work all day during the weekdays so today is my Friday. Thank God. I'm sure you've had a tough week. Plenty of critical circumstances you've had to strategically dissolve. I hope the daily boost of inspiration I give has been beneficial to you and there is more to come. But I know there were moments to implement what we discussed yesterday that didn't happen. That's okay. Remember Rome wasn't build in a day. And also acknowledge that you have to continue to try, even if it's outside of your comfort zone. I know this lesson all too well. I have always been labeled as an introvert. I don't socialize with large groups of people. I have a tight circle of friends, and I'd rather check the progression of my  business than go out to party. The only problem was that I had this idea and I felt so strongly about it that I had to tell someone about it. I had to share my vision through on...

Hey Guys!! Every morning, usually after a nice breakfast, I like to sit back and listen to one of my favorite songs. I'm sure most of you do it for the same reason as I do: to shake off yesterday's messes and have a fresh start for today. I listen to the same song everyday and I get the same exhilaration. I release good energy enter my day with a confidence, and my day is brighter because of it. So today's question isn't that tough. You don't have to dive into the depths of your soul to pull out an eccentric response. In fact, don't think longer than 5 seconds on this, okay? Ready?... What's your favorite song? Got it? great. For those who have too many favorites to decide even better. Whether you have 1 or 15 favorite songs, each one gives us power. The power to feel something that we can't see, but know it's there. This is a big part of building confidence in yourself. Yesterday I told you to stop doubting your ability to control your des...

Hey Guys!! This morning I woke up with a toddler's energy. I felt as if I have just had my fifth cup of coffee and now I'm wired and ready to go. This has become the norm as of recently and I don't know exactly who to accredit. My wonderful readers? Yes, you guys give me a reason to wake up as early as I do. Thank you for all of your support . My small business? It definitely keeps me up at night and takes up most of my time by far. But I love that. I love the idea of not sleeping until 4 o'clock because I'm planning promotion techniques or advertising strategies. I have grown accustom to designing for hours at a time and visualizing perfect shots for a commercial that truly symbolizes what my  brand stands for. The point is: I love what I do and the challenges it brings me. More importantly, I love the direction it's carrying me in. Before this, I wasn't a dedicated "morning person." I would set my alarm before getting a must needed re...

Hey Guys!! I hope you're having a wonderful morning so far. Got your coffee? Sausage, egg & cheese biscuit hold the egg? And let's not forget the endless list of objective to accomplish in a limited amount of time. You are a busy person, we all are. With responsibilities constantly tugging at our youth, sometimes we lose sight of why we do what we do. But I'm going to ask you to do something you don't have time to do. Don't worry, it'll only take a few moments. Ready? O.K. Inhale... Exhale... Drown out all noise and ponder this: Do you want to do this for the rest of your life? Take your time. If your answer is yes, great!! If not then make you should rethink your situation. Now, I know there are plenty of excuses of why you are doing something you don't want to do. You have a family; you didn't finish school or you're still in school; what you really want to do is too impractical; your ultimate dream is a thing of the past. Nice try,...

Hey Guys As promised, here are a few highlights of my Black and White Series designs. You can purchase them on my website by clicking here . Use promo code: WISH40 for the 40% discount. Enjoy!! Don't forget to also check out my Pink Gem shirts!

Hey Guys!! Today has been a busy day. I've been designing shirts, studying for tests, and working on ways to promote my business. I never this would consume a lot of my time, but it is slowly becoming my life, and I'm okay with that. This is bigger than me. Bigger than apparel. We have to instill within our community the assurance that their right to dream isn't vain. If anyone has a goal, they shouldn't have to settle for anything outside of that. And I understand that it's not that easy to combat adversity. It's a challenge, but it's not a permanent barrier. But throughout every conflict arises something special inside each of us that helps us move forward: the idea of a better future that we've carried all our lives. This concept inspired me to create the Black & White Series. The color contrast represents a vintage perspective of our ultimate goal. It's an old dream that looks better with age. This shirt reminds you that everything we pus...

Hey Guys!! The last time I blogged, I was saying farewell to my former university, Howard. If I'm being honest, that wasn't a difficult separation. Leaving Washington, D.C. however has been a tough transition. From the hustle and bustle of city life back to the saturated country side has shown me that I am not meant to live in Mississippi forever. To keep myself busy, I started a business. No, it's not a fortune 500 (yet) but it is something I am proud of. Here is a quick synopsis of what it is and what it means: Expand Your Horizon Hello, my name is Vernell and I want to share my brand with you because this isn't just my dream, it's my duty. I created the design from a picture I took one night. Not with intent to use in any way other that to pose a question: Why do we make a wish and then blow it away? Think about that. Is it due to insecurities? Doubt? Or simply an unbreakable habit formed in childhood? When we were children, our dreams were too big for other...

Hey guys!! I know it's been a while since I last blog and it wish I could say that it's because my life has been so filled with wonder I lost track of time, or that I was lost in Madagascar for so long, I forgot how to use technology. Neither of those unlikely probabilities are true. My life still sucks and the only taste of a tropical forest I have had is walking in the woods behind my house. :( But a lot has changed in the passed two months. One being my girlfriend and I got back together(yeah, yeah of course you saw it coming). We hash it out and now we're better than ever. But Our romantic evenings in Washington, D.C. have come to an end. I have decided to take my talents to Mississippi State University. I felt that this was the best choice for me and I am happy with it. It's less, expensive, the campus is beautiful, and the culture is more enticing than Howard's. This isn't saying goodbye to D.C. I love everything about it, though the sleazebag occupy...

Hey guys!! Just to update you on my previous post, I have actually sold a few shirts and I think I'll be selling my old watch later today. So far, I can cover one bag which means I'm halfway there! As I said before, if you can help in any way please comment below. Words of encouragement are welcome!! But that's not what today's blog is about. It's about Trump being Trump. On May 5th, President Donald Trump signed an executive order  that had the dead rolling in their graves. He initiated the first step in allowing open discrimination towards those of a religious affiliation. In proper terms: Happy National Day of Prayer! Now if you are a Christian, I'm sure you're jumping for joy, looking towards the heavens, and giving God a nod for showing his spirit through your president. But if yo u believe in the equality of liberty, like me, you're just shaking your head in dismay. Think about this: there is already this thing , common people call it the Co...

Hey guys!! Well I believe I'm ending my freshman year in dramatic fashion. Currently, I am so stressed that I can barely think straight. I'm so upset that I want to actually laugh at the outrageous circumstance I'm in. It all started when I bought plane tickets a month ago. They were cheap ($47 a piece for me and my girlfriend) and I felt like a boss. And afterwards, to continue the streak of being the best boyfriend ever, I took her to New York City for a few days as a birthday gift. We had an amazing time. We also bought a few things, including some Reese's peanut butter for a mutual friend. It smelted delicious. When we got back to D.C. we went to eat and work and then out again. This has been our routine for months and the Lyft's were sucking us dry. Then it happened. We got into a huge fight. A fight that ends a relationship. I was numb at first, but I had to continue preparing to leave for home. I'll admit it still hasn't hit me yet. After tryin...

Hey guys!! So, there's this screenplay I've been working on for about eight weeks now and it's actually going well. Initially, I was really fired up about it because I kind of didn't know (hadn't the slightest idea) what I was doing besides writing this crazy concept I had. Now, after working on it for a while, I see that it is a lot of work. I have a great writing background. I majored in Literary Arts at my previous school , but I've never had the liberty of taking a small thought and stretching it out over a span of 100 pages. A lot of my time is NOT spent typing but researching and playing with ideas in my head. I was afraid to even type anything because I didn't want to kill my darlings; but hey, murder can be very helpful...in writing only. I believe I have a strong start and the story will only get stronger as I go along. If anyone out there is think of writing a script for the stage or the screen I have three tips for you. Find a Mentor - a men...

Yesterday, I attend probably the greatest event I've been to as a Howard student. I was invited to represent Howard, and myself, as a student pursuing a career in the Entertainment (CIE). It was great to be there and see so many stars, from comedian Gary Owens to production designer Hannah Beachler. I think the funniest story I now have is when I was trying to take a picture of Jada Pickett-Smith and I knocked over a camera stand and everyone just looked at me. I was told to go sit down. I also met the most popular guy on the internet, King Bach, and he was pretty cool. But aside from meeting creators, I learned of their story. They lectured about the importance of not giving up on your dreams and not taking "NO" for an answer. But if I were to get a "NO" or one hundred "NO's" they don't matter. They don't mean a thing once I get my first yes. I think that's a lesson I will keep. I also networked with producers, directors, and wr...

A few weeks ago, I went to my first awards show as a Bison. It was great. I was able to see my future... kind of. As a student, I hope to one day have my work nominated for an award as was the case for my seniors in my field. It was amazing seeing what they could do and I feel that they'll succeed in their respected fields as long as they remain motivated and passionate. But the main show belonged to Author Jafa. He is an independent film maker and a graduate of Howard University. He has worked on number movies and music albums including Solange's. They made a video with snippets of his work and I was truly impressed. Afterwards, I dashed to meet him as I thought others might try to do, but no one else did. There lost. I talked to him and found out he also is from Mississippi. We converse more and I took a picture with him and got his contact information. I have yet to email him because I really don't know what to say. Hey, I'm Vern? That's just sad. I'm hone...

I have always been a fan of literature, specifically poetry. I waited patiently for there to be an opportunity for me hear the rich raw talent of Howard students. Luckily, I didn't have to wait too long. The poetry club hosted a cypher. It was a truly unique experience, reminding me why I love art in the first place: It's the center of expression. Many people expressed themselves through spoken word, lyrics, performances, and more. Everything was meaningful and brought a sense of connectivity amongst all that attended. The cypher was actually a contest, but regardless of if you won $100 or $1, everyone agreed that exposing ones art isn't about material gain, but threading relationships with people who don't know each other, but can understand the foreign language of struggle, love, pain, and rebirth. I enjoyed the cypher; hopefully next time I'll be one of the artists on stage and not in front of it.

I wrote a poem after I watch the George Jackson film. The film was disturbing, but necessary. George's actions were unusual, but he needed to commit them. He needed to show the black world what happens when you stick to your values. He died for what he believed was right. And while in prison, a few days before he was killed, he wrote a letter to his mother about his experiences. And I took that notion and used it as inspiration to write this piece. Now personally, I don't know if I would have kidnapped a judge in order to make a huge point, but obviously George knew something I didn't. That you can't reason with irrational, and disillusioned minds that see themselves superior. I admire his efforts because he stayed truth to his message: We will not fall, nor stand for injustice. If must, we must die as our ancestors did, so that we can provide a better life for the future generations. A Letter George wrote letters to his mom. How? When only blood was in his eyes...