I was trying to look for a specific Pin from my Board for this post… Apparently I had quite a few on this topic (haha), and there’s still more! But I’ll keep it at just these. For now, haha.

I knew this blog topic was next on the list, so I was kinda procrastinating in getting to it. I knew it was gonna be a real, raw, emotional, and probably even heated subject for me. However, I committed to writing more about myself so you could get to know the author behind this Blog. So that’s what I’m gonna do. Also, this is a really important story to tell and question to answer.

“Why is ‘ORIGINAL CREATOR’ in all caps on all your posts?”

Have you ever heard of the term being “Single White Female’d”? I don’t like the term, I didn’t make it up, and I don’t think I ever even watched the movie. But if you Google it, it will say this (and I am quoting from Google here): “an obsessive, malevolent, and manipulative female friend.” More simply explained, it is also used as a verb or description of someone who obsesses over you and copies you. Now, I’m sure you’ve seen the initial above quotes. How someone copying you is supposed to make you feel honored. In my imperfect opinion, I think it shows a lack of integrity and originality. At the very least, give credit where it’s due.

Now, I’m a very giving girl. You say you like something I’m wearing or have, I don’t gatekeep (I think that is how the cool kids say it). I have no problems with telling you where I got it, how much it was, even what the sales associate’s name is to go see! Why can’t we ALL look cute right!? It’s when you’re eyeing something of mine, try to pull it off as something you thought up, and fool everyone into thinking you did something cool when really you know you’re a fraud. (whew, see, told you) (let me take some deep breaths)

Now I COULD give you a few Story Time’s right here and even share all the receipts. But, I’m not messy. And, I am classy. And I’m sure these copy-cats are reading this very Blog post right now. (Don’t want to give them the pleasure of a cameo) But I will say I have been copied all my life. Dare I even share, labelled as a “Trendsetter” back in my day!? Yes yes, I was the first to wear shorts and thigh-high tights in middle school!! Haha. From haircuts to shoes, to jobs and apartments, boyfriends! Party themes. Whole business models. And my personal favorite: when a renowned muralist copied my novice art piece. (once upon a time I used to paint and sell art) Here’s another quote for you: “You can copy all you want, you will always be one step behind.”

The long and the short of it: copying is a trigger for me. I was abused by a mother with NPD who took all my gifts + talents, and claimed them as her own. NOTHING belonged to me. Not my looks, not my voice, not my self. So yes, I am beyond overprotective when it comes to my creativity.

(I’m getting to the answer of that question, I promise)

In 2014, after I hosted our first Tour Spot and after my friend suggested I start this Blog, I clearly remember sitting in our living room brainstorming ideas of what to call it with my husband. At this point in my life, I had already had experience with owning my own business and starting several blogs before. I know the process. I know how to name things. Be catchy. Be memorable. And most importantly: BE ORIGINAL. We’d come up with a thought for a name, and I’d Google it right away. If there was even something else out there that sounded remotely close to it = veto.

“parTEA with me.”

“I love it!”

[Googles it]

Nothing online.

[Searches for social media handles]

Nothing on social media.

[Searches for hashtags]

No hashtags.

“I’m good to go! Let’s do it!”

Starts wordpress blog.

I AM THE EARLIEST OCCURANCE OF THE “parTEA with me” PHRASE. Look for receipts, I check out. I don’t need to share them, I don’t need a trademark to tell me that, and I don’t even need to send Cease and Desist letters out. I know and THEY KNOW. And if you ever read “Unbound” by Tarana Burke, you will understand the gravity of what being the originator of something is. It may not be important to you, but it’s important to us. And it’s important for us to be recognized as such. Once that pen is lifted from the paper, once that finger is lifted from the keyboard- IT IS COPYRIGHTED AND BELONGS TO US. *Shout Out* to my old business partner who is in Intellectual Property. 😉

So in conclusion (clearing throat), “Original Creator” is all caps in all my posts because it is important to me to claim something I own.

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