If you've been here before, you can see that a lot has changed. If you're new, my name is Ainani, and this is my blog! As mentioned in the "What's New" section of the homepage, blog posts from this point forward will be life updates. They'll be recaps of the previous month, but since I've been gone for so long, we'll start with recapping the past year.
School/Awards
When I updated this site last, I believe I was just beginning my freshman year in high school. Right now, I just finished my sophomore year and I'll be entering my junior year in August. I've accomplished a lot in my first two years, maintaining a 4.2 GPA that I'm really proud of. Additionally, I've kept myself on Principal's list and gotten some other awards, such as the AP World History Award. Sophomore year was my first time taking an AP class, which was a big challenge, but I believe it payed off. I'm taking AP U.S. History this coming school year. I also got invited to join the NHS (National Honor Society) and NSHSS (National Society of High School Scholars). I'm excited for junior year (though a bit nervous), and I plan to be valedictorian my senior year. Outside of school awards, I also won the 2023 WHIM (Women's History in the Making) Award. This award is presented by A Woman's Standard and is gifted to young women who are making history and doing well for themselves.
GRIP (Girls Rockin' in Power)
Recently, I was asked to be the poster girl for a program called GRIP, or Girls Rockin' in Power. This organization was founded around October of 2022. Its main goals are to empower young girls through the arts and promote self-esteem and anti-bullying. This program was founded by the publisher of my books, Barbara Pierce, and since I am her administrator, I've been by her side helping prepare. We're going on a tour starting July 2nd, and our first stop is in Texas. Ms. Pierce and I have been working so hard to get the girls ready, and I'm very proud of them. We're traveling with a production called Voices: The Next Generation. It features singing, dancing, spoken word, and modeling. I also made and maintain the website and social media, so be sure to check us out!
Instagram: @grip.tour
Facebook: GRIP Tour
TikTok: @grip.tour
Beaded by Ainani
Recently, I've gained a liking for the earthy black girl/bohemian vibe. I love the long skirts, neutral colors, natural hairstyles, and excessive jewelry. I was looking for a place to buy waist beads from, and then a thought came to me: I make bracelets, so why not make my own waist beads? And then Beaded by Ainani was born. I did some experimenting with designs and closure types, and I currently have made 3. I started working on a website, and my friend helped me choose a name and brand colors. Everything is custom order, and I also make custom bracelets and anklets. I hope to eventually have listings for bracelets and set it up on a bigger site. As of now, you can check out Beaded by Ainani at the link below.
Rebrand
While in the midst of all this progress, I realized I've been neglecting my personal ventures. This blog began to collect dust, as did my main Instagram, and my art Instagram at times. I decided to revive my social presence, but I needed a makeover. The pink, grey, and blue was cute for the time being, but I've outgrown it. It doesn't resonate well now with who I've grown to be. Additionally, the logo wasn't giving the vibe I needed it to give. And considering I go by Ainani now, "In the Mind of a Princess" wasn't fitting either. So I decided to go with a complete rebrand. I believe it reflects me much better now. I love brown (second favorite color) and I believe the gold accents give it a very neutral but classy vibe. The new name, "Ainani's Wrld," keeps the same idea of being in my mind, but it's shorter and uses my new name. And the logo fits perfectly. It keeps my original concept, while adding astro elements and fitting well with the browns. Because of the negative space, the browns can work as skin tones. Pretty genius, if you ask me.
Goals/Conclusion
I have a lot going on this coming month, so I'm not setting too many goals. I have to keep myself sane and be realistic about how much I can get done in a month. One thing I want to do is connect with myself more spiritually. I recently converted from Christianity to Buddhism, but I haven't taken as much time as I'd like to learn more about it, choose a type of Buddhism, and begin the practices. I also want to do some healing. I talk to a therapist once a week, and recently we uncovered some experiences that I need work moving on from. I hope to hone in on those two things to keep my mental health striving through the stress.
Next month, I should have a ton to say. The tour officially begins tomorrow, and we won't be done until August 5th. I'll be going to 4 different places between now and then... so stay tuned! Be sure to subscribe to get emails when I post!
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