“I believe that children are our future…Teach them well and let them lead the way…Show them all the beauty they possess inside. Give them a sense of pride to make it easier…Let the children’s laughter remind us how we used to be”
– Whitney Houston
When I was first presented with the opportunity to become I-Fashion Magazines’ Director of Youth Fashions I was more than excited…I was ELATED! I have always loved working with all children because they have the ability to forgive the quickest, laugh the easiest, and love the hardest. When given the opportunity I knew this journey was going to be a perfect fit for me! I soon realized that I had to grow some tough skin and make some hard decisions when choosing children to feature because if I didn’t this months’ issue would be filled with thousands of children who submit daily.
In a world full of turmoil in search of solace I turn to my work as director and rely on the sweet, genuine, and infectious smiles waiting for their moment to shine to act as my pick me up.
Whether you are driving to work and listening to the Radio or Sitting on your couch and watching the News we sometimes think “What could I do to make the world a better place?” Often times we just don’t know where to start. Sometimes; we, as adults tend to over think a decision and eventually end up missing an opportunity to be great. Maybe it’s our urge to have ultimate security. But despite the fact that they are cognitively, developmentally and even physically unprepared for most of what the world has to offer, Children are the experts of jumping feet-first into unknown situations. They see a problem and they come up with a master plan to make a change. Kids are living proof that we don’t always have to be fully prepared in order to move forward.
They are Fearless!
That 4 or 5 year old who is constantly asking you “Why” is likely learning more than most of us in a single day. They are intrigued by Life itself and want to know why we do what we do. Guess what? In their minds they are thinking of a better way to get the same result, if not greater. The innocence they possess is so wonderful and mysterious its mind boggling to me. I ponder upon how they are able to smile, laugh, and want to play when the world today is so unsettled with such evil lingering around. Everyday something new happens that makes the world a different place. To a child, different simply means New and New is always an exciting notion and they find joy in the absurdity of what they do not understand.
A Lesson that I learned while working with all these inspiring Individuals is that self-image is not the center of their universe and as a result, they are generally a whole lot happier. I believe that is something we all should acknowledge. If you were to ask a child about their body, they will tell you how fast they can run with their legs, how loud they can shout with their voices, or how many pictures they’ve painted with their hands. They are not interested in Instagram filters or Twitter followers. They understand that their bodies and minds are merely vessels they’ve been given to experience and enjoy life with. They are only interested in how they can use them to interact with the world around them and what they can learn, understand and experience.
Now we have to sit back and think…Who are the real Role Models here?
When you flip through this Issue, you are going to be presented with Pure Innocence, Amazing Talent, Genuine Generosity, Positivity and so much more. We are honored to have met so many talented young people who have been a part of Broadway, Traveled the world performing, Created better living environments for other children, and many models, actors and dancers!
I hope you, the reader, enjoy every page that you turn…
I hope every Smile you see brightens your day just a little more…
And your Heart Grows a little Bigger!
Chanise Sharay
Director of Youth Fashions