Monday, January 31, 2011

5.06 :: A story about my roots and making the venue smaller.

Good evening lambs,

Well, oh well, it's been a week since my last blog. Maybe longer. Who knows. Who's keeping count? According to my friend at lunch today: alot of you are.


I have one thing to say to you all: thank you.


This last week was kind of a brainf--k for me. I know that sounds harsh, but it was.


It was taxing to finally talk about my artistic endeavours with other "creative types", per se, and feel very neglected by the art community and by so-called "professionals".


I actually found it quite annoying that people from whom I'm seeking advice loved the idea of "Flawless", but either a) couldn't believe I was bringing it to Pueblo, b) wanted more control, c) exercised more ego and signed with a giant breath full of angst and doubt and anticipated scheduling conflicts.


For that reason, I feel as though I do not want to continue in the progress of making "Flawless" a giant art installation as I planned. Maybe more portfolio work between me and the photographer because some of the comments I heard were so stifling to my creative mantra, that I had no other feeling except desperation to go home and go back to bed, hoping I'd wake to more positive feedback.


As the weeks have gone by, I posted "Shampoo Boy by J Ry" and notes about "Flawless" and was told I take myself 'too seriously'. (See 5.05)


At this point, I have to reverb on my own advice and put a stop to even wanting to continue airing out my projects.


Was it too much too soon?


Was it not expected that I'd follow through?


I'm quite angry actually.


----I remember being a young young young young little boy in a small house, with my poor grandmother and my mum and dad who were building their business and telling me how hard they had to work.


I remember waking up in the morning and eating a fried egg and sipping orange juice or watered-out coffee my Guela made me and going to school and being a very Mediterrenean baby walking around alot of children that did not look like me or act like me or have my ambition.


I remember weekends at my Guela's and feeling a sense of warmth like I was THE most special child in the world. I grew up in a small house, in a poor neighbourhood on the weekends with her and sometimes during the week eating fried semolina pasta with tomatoe-based sauces and being sent off to learn a song or perfect a drawing or read a book. Not children's books though, books about angels and metaphysical things.


As I grew up and matured, I tried my hardest to be the best at what I did. Whether it was singing, dancing, acting, drawing, talking about writing short stories and magazine articles in W and Interview or talking about a film-crew following me as I took on world to create a pop record or salon empire. Those were my dreams and no one made me feel like I was 'too serious' or expected too much.


As we know, I grew up not be a pop star in Europe, but to become a force in my industry.


I found out along the way that people are envious and that when you work with envious people: the project dies. It fails to breathe in creative air.


One hint I had that this grew with me as an adult was always giving ideas at my last business ad when I would throw out a brilliant marketing idea, people would tell me, "that's too big! That's stupid. It's too serious!"


and we'd go through and do it and it was in-fact a million dollar idea.


However, the million or thousands or even a baby hundred, never made it to my pocket.


You know why?


I was working with envious people that wanted my creativity as theirs.


I was told "no" and then praised when the idea hit.


As I've interviewed people for "Flawless", only one has impressed me in his professionalism and the one I was counting on seemed so condescending like people of my early days telling me "no", making money and taking credit and bashing me and trying to contain me.


So tonight, I came home, sat up, meditated on my meditations from last night and have decided to make "Flawless" a MUCH smaller project.


I made some fried semolina pasta and a friend egg and watered-out coffee and thought about my hard-working parents, my poor grandmother and my upbringing and all those people that loved me AFTER I garnered them recognition.


My roots will always bind me and restrain me, but I feel like, it's needed this time.


I simply do not trust anyone with my "Flawless" exhibition at this time in terms of MASS photos and art installation.


I do however, want to continue with my portfolio intimately with one photographer.


It's not who I thought and the project is not where I want it to go, but I think scaling it down will be much better.


Not only do I NOT have to hear people tell me I'm "taking it too serious" or "too far"


I don't even have to share until it's time for show and tell.


So, with my last spoonful of pasta and half a cup of coffee later... I am officially announcing that "Flawless" will be smaller and more intimate.


All my love,

Josh


Thursday, January 20, 2011

5.05 :: A story about one serious "lamb"

Well good evening lambs,

It's about 10:30 pm as I'm sitting here at my laptop sipping Zico coconut water and stroking my hilites... ha ha... Stroking.My.Hilites. Let's tweet that! ha ha.


Newly hilited and youtubed this week, I embarked on re-creating the 3rd phase of Shampoo Boy by transforming the brand into Shampoo Boy by J Ry in promotion of my official website http://www.josh-cooley.com/ and handing over the design reigns to my good friend and fellow creative Mo at Lastleaf Printing and Design. I can't tell you how happy I am over this collaboration!


As I filmed a YouTube video with my Blackberry and started tweeting web-addresses, etc., I was told that perhaps I was being "a bit much". I guess that means I need to tone it down a bit. This week, I also posted on my Facebook page that as my financial goal for 2011 is to save my 8-month-emergency fund (per Suze Orman), I would start to look for an assistant at the completion of that action...


People literally started texting me, e-mailing me and posting on my wall how much they want the job and how much it would pay and what the hours were like! OMG!! I said, "when the opportunity comes..." meaning it's not time, but it's close.


I was told recently that I take myself too seriously and that all the interviews with photographers and models for "Flawless" are "too serious". Well, I'm serious about getting this project underway! I'm interviewing three photographers and looking for people that want to expand their portfolios... That's all.


I had one guy actually interrupt my first interview twice and then came and sat at the table as I was interviewing and forced himself on me, for me, that's abrassive. His official interview is tomorrow and if his excitement shows me anything, it shows me that a) he's excited to work with me or b) he's pushy and needs work.


I'm not about pushy or needing work. I need the artistic element to ALWAYS be there. I need integrity in all I work with all the way from models chosen to photograhers: if that's too serious, then this IS NOT the project for them nor is my company as a hairdresser or business person.


For me, Joshua Ryan, Inc is both artistic and business: it is my life.


I have purposely cocooned all of it together.


As I tore open the archive of my book, "Pretty Boy Education". I see so much "young Josh" coming out and love it and hate it all at the same time. I see my obsessions with HLines and Nasia and Panda and hate that person at points in my book for being gullable and led astray. I WAS the lamb, not the shepard at many points.


When I started referring to people as "lambs" and took what I did serious as a business, people starting talking about how I do business and that there was 'too much' ego involved.


No, it's not ego. It's about the art behind what I do. It's about using marketing AS THE artform. It's about the world we live in now: the world of brands, cyber stalkers and 24/7 access.


Is that serious? Or have I collapsed into being 2011's "lamb"?


Have I lost my shepard's clothes and guidance? Or am I just one serious lamb?


You tell me.

xxxo.

j ry


PS: Feedback appreciated. You may publicly post on Facebook, Twitter or e-mail me at jcooley@fasmail.co.uk

Sunday, January 16, 2011

5.04 :: A story about "you = me"

Good evening lambs,

Well, it's Monday morning. 12 midnight and I will officially be with clients at 12 pm -- that leaves me twelve hours to shower, sleep, possibly work out, shower again, return phone calls and start going down my to-do list before I get behind the chair and start working magic following by a meeting at 6pm AND "Tabatha's Salon Takeover" at 8pm.


Oh. My. God.


Yes, this was a real run-down of my life. And yes, that is EXACTLY how it HAS to play out in my head. It strictly is business for me. Even sleeping is business!


This week was magnificent in terms of having some time for myself and getting focused. I'm happy to confirm that after my appearance at the PULP Party, I will be around alot longer at PULP and "Haute Mess" has been making waves. I've also spoken with other contributors about getting active in the community.


One thing we do not have a good hold on is the gay-straight alliance we could actually have. Yes, I just said that... we COULD have that!


I don't belive in calling attention to something as small as sexuality, but feel abliged to lend my mentorship as I spoke with the write of our gay-themed column "Inside Out". We lack positive role modesl and open role models (not to mention OPEN-MINDED) in our community and I feel like as I progress on my journey, I need to get on board and voice that it's really okay to be powerful and part of the gay community.


Part of getting involved with causes has come from the fact that my clients have given me so much and I want to give back. Just this weekend, there was an event that my client organized for her friend's daughter that is battling cancer and that really, really spoke to me. I donated $50 towards a session with me and products from TIGI's Rockaholic range. For me, that's such a small task.


I attended the event with my mum in tow for a total of about 10 minutes to give a cash donation and say hi. It was sooooo busy, my mum and I left to meet my dad for wine and dinner on the other side of town. I had to stop in because I said I WOULD. My mum says, "this means alot to you, huh?"


The only way to answer that is that even if it didn't mean alot to me, it meant alot to my client to be there (even for 10 minutes).


Alot of my appearance and meeting have been running into my schedule. I've been trying to get my financial life in order (per Suze Orman's 8-month emergency fund) and get all my creative ventures off the ground...


One other aspect has been the re-creation of Shampoo Boy with one of my good mates at Lastleaf Design. I am proud to announce, we are working on designs and T-shirts will be out soon for order and for purchase via josh-cooley.com. Also, the official logo for Joshua Ryan, Inc. will be unveiled this year!


I have re-connected with that fact that my manuscript has sat in silence and I am resurrecting the flashdrive with all the chapters and finishing the editing process... all while working on "Flawless" and in time for February and Men's fashion week (beginning January 23rd), I am looking for new 'looks' and moods for me on a personal front.


Yes, Joshua Ryan is growing up...


If you haven't had a chance to listen to Ricky Martin's new single, "The Best Thing About Me Is You"... get there now to youtube or Ricky's website.


The BEST thing I could ever post this week was the phrase "YOU = ME".


I really believe we mirror each other in this life and what matters to you matters to me and what matters most lambs is our integrity. Integrity in our passions, careers, family life and in our souls.


With all my love, remember that YOU matter MOST to ME.

J Ry


YOU = ME.

Monday, January 10, 2011

5.03 :: A story about reaching out to a hateful lamb through my trust in others.

Good evening lambs,

So, it's Monday night and I'm sitting in my office at Studio J Ry finishing up a Heineken and listening to Duran Duran's new album. I absolutely adore Duran Duran. Yeah, I know they're old, but man, I have always said, I would love to look like them when I'm fifty: super tan and highlighted and well-suited like Simon... yep, me at fifty.


So, last week was absolutely a wonderful start to the new year. I had my very very first influx of e-mails regarding my column, "Haute Mess". I had stories about people stealing papers from businesses and actually longing for the next issue. Not only is that complimentary to me, that's amazing for the staff and contributors of PULP. I'm so very fortunate for this opportunity.


Part of being a public figure is having access to all the opportunity around you, also, part of having these outlets I have access to (ie media, hair shows, endorsements, publication) means I am also a target for scrutiny. I had my very first "hatemail" if you will regarding my column. And as I read it, I was very surprised to see the hurt someone wants to convey in a message. As much as I wanted to be hurt, I read the letter over and over about three-four times and realized: the person writing is a very very sad person inside.


I said, "you know, I'll just post it on the blog." However, the real truth is that anything obtained by PULP or it's editors is the property of PULP. Therefore I cannot disclose much except to say that the reader was very offended that I speak about brand names and designer dudds in a community where they say, "most people are lower to middle class". Well, I disagree, I believe fashion and class is something you have regardless of money or social-status. In fact, I love the underground culture of throwing something together without access to brand or even hundreds or thousands.


As I e-mailed my editor Shannon back and forth, I thanked her for her guidance. I wanted to actually call the person out in a reply in the next issue and she adviced not to as it shows hurt or offense. I thought over lunch as I Blackberry'd her back and forth, "good advice" I thought.


At that moment, I realized that my editor is there to do something I can't: monitor feedback regarding the column. And truth is, I completely trust her.


With this new found trust and seeing my obligations with my busy schedule, I realized, it's time to delegate duties or hire an assistant. As in seeing that my mum will assume the role of salon director in my own salon and help maintain the Joshua Ryan, Inc. brand as it takes off, I realized, assistance is not yet needed.


In seeking out professional advice, I ran the idea of reforming Shampoo Boy to Mo at Lastleaf Designs and started working on our collaboration of designs. My goal is to approve a few designs and run a small printing of shirts and accessories..


As I found this new trust I realized: I am not in this success thing alone. Shannon edits my words for my publication, Mo will assume design duties for the Shampoo Boy line and now I started setting up interviews for the creation of "Flawless". I have a couple photographers set up for January interviews and my next thing is to work on model interviews.


With only a week into the new year, I am touching base on every single aspect of my business! I am getting the finances behind Joshua Ryan, Inc. settled out and officially putting myself on a salary and starting my "8-month" emergency fund, as Suze Orman would say.


I only pray that things stay as is... That is important to me. This drive cannot go away! As this grows, I will offically work on adding trusted individuals to the list of Joshua Ryan, Inc. collaborators.


I always joked saying that my salon and business would be run my clients and friends and as I look at the roster, it just might.


I can't think of any other group of people to trust.


Thank you for giving me faith that you are always there for my best interest.. that totally showed me that the sad soul writing hate letters either needs a job to do or is looking for my attention. Don't worry, my hateful lamb, I'll reach out soon enough...


xoxo.

Josh


PS: Tomorrow is the PULP Holiday party! I'm soooo excited! I've grown to love them!




Thursday, January 6, 2011

5.02 :: A story about gratitude in karma.

Good evening lambs!

I hope your week is going well, mine has been a blur. Yep, a blur.


Today was kind of cool. I actually left the salon early thanks to clients coming in early and even had one move her appointment to an earlier spot. As I looked at my watch and got in my car to hit the tanning salon at a decent hour, it read, "4:30".


Whoa! Seriously?


So, with that, I came up to my office after some self-time in the tanning bed and started busting out new columns, L'Oreal's resume and reformatting it and looking at my datebook of interviews, meetings and public appearances. As I looked at it while I poured myself a glass of Pellegrino, I took a breath and said to myself, "damn! You ARE busy!"


I had never believed people when they tell me I overcommit, but today, I looked at my schedule and said, "you have got to be kidding!"


This morning as I was balayaging (painting) some hi-lites on my guest, I told her, "I literally love my clientele right now. Love. Love them. I could sit for cocktails or dinner or just talk all night to any of my clients like they weren't just friends, but like my family."


That in turn made my busy schedule not look so devoted. It looked like a wonderful investment. The investment of them and their time to me and my time to them and getting to genuinely know them. I do not take my clients light-heartedly. I value them like precious jewels and metals from the far corners of the world.


Today, a new guest even called me forty minutes after her haircut and told me, "you are worth your wieght in gold." As I hope not to gain any weight, I sat down and filled with tears... "wow..."


"Thank you." I muttered with my horsey-choked voice. "I've never been told like that, but thank you."


She said, "I don't call people. But I HAD to call you. You were so inviting. You are not snobby and not mean even with as known as you are."


I just thought while she talking about all the people that I try to snub and can't.


I just can't. I do not enjoy it and I don't like dishing that out. So, when I snub someone, it really is meant to hurt, but this client on the phone didn't try to hurt me, she made that EXTRA effort to call me and tell me what I meant to her. It meant alot.


I think today, I found my mirror: I believe we're all mirrors of each other at some internal essense or personality trait (yeah, deep, I know) and I think that someone telling me I'm valuable has come back to me in karma. Amazing amounts. It was a reminder of all the good in my life and to not dish out bad or accept the bad.


It was gratifying.


Thank you for reading and loving,

- j ry.


PS: Nasia had her baby!!!! This is number 4! But as you know... more to come later. xo. j ry.

Sunday, January 2, 2011

5.01 :: A story about my close-up in 2011

Well Happy NEW Year lambs, dollfaces, pretty boys and haute messes!

I'm back!! With a brand new volume of adventures and updates in tow, my month-long hiatus felt as if I was on vacation for years! Yes, years.


Think of it this way: I felt like No Doubt. Nothing released in years. Just living off a few albums. I know I'm so much more than that, but so is Gwen and crew, with that said, I'm happy to be back on the web divulging all my guilty gossipy pleasures and leaking info pertaining to my artistic little exitence.


2010 was a huge year in my career: I left the largest salon in our area taking 90% of my clientele and another 25% of the salon's clientele only to move into a smaller, more intimate setting to become much happier. The birth of Joshua Ryan, Inc was a milestone as I registered for my first business license last June solo of a major salon or name attached to mine.


Shortly after, a major break-up occured between flings, fans and business peers, only to sift itselt out into me buying a large Studio space and transforming it six months later into Studio J Ry: my home.


For Studio J Ry, I felt that it should NOT look like an apartment or the loft I shared with Panda, but more so, it should look like a luxury hotel room and with that said, I started creating the pieces of my luxurious little puzzle known as Joshdom.


My business literally quadrupled in size in six months and as 2011 chimed in, I was greeted by embraces from devoted readers, clients, lambs, etc and a smaller crowd. A more intimate crowd.


I greeted the new year with Jules, my salon mate for dinner. As we left, I took a break and checked some e-mail back at the studio and met up with Andrew for cocktails around 10:30. We had a very real time in a very mellow setting and let me tell you: It was THE best new year's eve I've ever had.


That day I had a booked myself an extension party for a close group of fashionistas preparing for New Years's Eve and had lunch, followed by a few cocktails solo, a bubble bath, a changing and cleaning of the apartment and then the evening as mentioned above.


That night, after the toll of midnight, I slammed my champagne and Andrew and I hurried through the cold where I prepared a quicky-zip fried midnight snack for the pair of us to return Andrew back into sober territory.


Avoiding the crowds, the texts and the calamity was something I enjoyed.


The next morning, I woke up feeling renewed and energetic ready to bite 2011 like a cheeseburger.


So, with that said, I have a few info items to leak: 2011 is a year of luxury!


Luxury is something I'm focusing on in the premise that I am going to grow up out of my grungy Rockstar shoes and tidy up for a more refined, artistic appeal to what I do. Don't take this as a warning that my edginess is gone! Oh no! In McQueens and Diesel, I swear to you to deliver a MASSIVE year.


Joshua Ryan, Inc. is officially on it's way to becoming a brand. In such, the art of building a brand or "marketing", per se, is to remain public. My goal has always been to open a salon or work on it sometime in 2012 and with that 12 months away, I guess, I better get crackin'!


This year, I will reveal the following: I'm in it to win it. Nothing else. No more trusting my heart to pandas or pretty boys and no more business associates telling me "no". The slate is clean. Completely.


I have one MASSIVE project to work on. I will be posting applications online soon regarding my venture into the art world. I'm going to produce an art installation for release sometime in the summer. Could be June, could be August... we'll see..


All you need to know is that every image and item used is going to be used for the decor of my salon. I'm on a mission to find models, hair designers, photographers, electronic musicians and film makers to produce a large work entitiled, "Flawless".


Flawless meaning it takes alot of destroying reality to create art. I literally took the local beauty industry and slapped it's arse for being a naughty boy last year. This year, I'm regaining control through the use of my blog, my fashion column, a t-shirt range, a book, and of course through the word of mouth press my clients give me.


With raving reviews of critique or praise, "Flawless" will be produced.


I have many items of gossipy nature I'm sure we'll talk about, but we have a whole year to grow together.


So, in the words of Marlene Dietrich, "I'm ready for my close-up..."


Hearts,

J Ry.