Sometimes reinvention takes place at the hands of another as in the case of Berry Gordy and the countless talented individuals that came through Hitsville, USA. Although names may have been changed, glamorous wardrobes created, and artists groomed on the power of presence and poise the overall genuine talent was the foundation where a collection of pretty neighborhood girls who could sing became Martha and The Vandellas, The Velvettes and magnificent groups like The Supremes. Can you say reinvention? It was undeniable that Stevland Hardaway Judkins' talent was stellar which in turn made Lil Stevie Wonder all the more remarkable and an presentation to offer the public. Reinvention showcasing true talent and potential is unstoppable. Reinvention is the platform. A cute little group of boys from Gary, Indiana who just so happen to be able to sing and dance was not at all unusual but when placed in the hands of Berry Gordy and with the direction of Suzanne DePasse, transformation was inevitable. Again, its a story as old as time yet so absolutely fascinating to me. I know I am corny. I admit and embrace my corniness fully, thank you very much. I am just beyond interested in this!! Over and over again you see persons of great character and talent placing their potential and futures in the hands of very capable mentors. I find that these mentors have done much more than guide the careers of others. Real life has no fairy godmothers instead there are the Berry Gordys, the Suzanne DePasse, the wealthy benefactors and countless others with a keen eye for potential. There are also the unlikely mentors who never asked to steer the lives of their protege. In the Bible, Ruth placed herself and her future in the hands of her bitter, worn and tormented mother in law, Naomi. A widow who was beyond being down on her luck and without a plan for her future saw something in a tired old woman that made her follow her and commit her life and future to her. I don't think that Naomi wanted to take on the task of reinvention but in her hands a destitute Ruth evolved into a true bachelorette that made a wealthy and distinguished gentleman sit up and take notice. The trajectory of her life and history changed as she was repackaged from a poor, foreign widow to a prime wife material. I find it truly interesting how an adult can see that their life has spun out of control and willingly places themself in the capable hands of a person of wisdom. I absolutely love that. The idea of being teachable seems to be a foreign concept today but I know that it has its place. Trusting someone else to steer your career or romantic life takes a lot of guts I would imagine. Reinvention is not for scary cats I suppose. To me it appears to be much more than a mere makeover.
With the onslaught of reality television I've unfortunately had an opportunity to witness again reinvention at its height. I am embarrassed to admit that I've found myself studying some of these shows. I can't help it. This phenomena has established, resurrected and launched careers into another stratosphere altogether. Individuals have built brands based upon the idea of reinvention. Can you say Skinnygirl Margaritas? Names that most of America had long forgotten about have now become reintroduced due to their zany efforts at reinvention. Former Miss USA, Kenya Moore chose the rode to reinvention via a reality show without being a housewife at all. Fading celebrities have taken it upon themselves to check into rehab, dance the jitterbug or become an apprentice with hopes to regain some form of relevance. Could it be solely for the fame or the fortune? Who knows? I just know that it works and I think its high time I learn a bit more about the art of reinvention.
Norma Jeane Mortenson elevated the idea of reinvention to an exquisite art form. Marilyn Monroe was so very much more than a bottle of blonde hair dye and an act. Because Norma Jean fully and completely bought into every aspect of Marilyn and made her come alive she became a legendary icon. Before she was the illustrious Josephine Baker, Freda McDonald had a fire inside her that was lit and could not be doused. Before she ever donned a bananna skirt and shook her shimmy she had it in her all along to takeover the world. Paris had been a part of her pulse even as a poor little girl in St. Louis. This woman took the idea of reinvention and ran with it. I find that reinvention is born out of necessity most often and supercedes the pursuit of fame. One of my favorite stories is that of Sarah Breedlove who out of desperation created her own opportunities. Her tenacity and years of hard work resulted in her becoming the first female self made millionaire. She promoted herself like none other. Reinventing yourself in the midst of a life that is not working for you in the least has to require brutally hard work. I suppose you must be relentless in reprogramming yourself, conditioning yourself, convincing yourself that you are no longer the person you started out as. Reinvention then is the routine shedding of your self limitations, doubts and your previous life story. Who you once were and who you aspire to be cannot meet. These two entities will never be on speaking terms.They cannot coexist. I think you absolutely must be determined to repackage yourself into the ideal in your mind's eye. Nene Leakes, another current reality show star has transformed herself to transcend her beginnings as Linnethia Monique Johnson former stripper into a 45 year old actress. She seized an opportunity and a platform to make her dreams come true. The one redeeming lesson that I gleaned from the reality show foolishness is the way some of the players have grasped their moment in the spotlight like a skilled expert. No one gave them permission or instructions, they ran with it. They took their one moment in time and did something with it. They reinvented themselves and capitalized greatly from their efforts. I may not agree with how they did it but some of them became "veeeery rich".
Gabrielle Chanel took her orphanage upbringing where she learned how to sew and later in life when presented with the chance she ran with it also. A formidable fashion and lifestyle brand was born from this woman's reinvention of her own life. Coco Chanel is synonymous with style and elegance. How ironic when the founder's humble beginnings were that of poverty. Pamela Digby cultivated her shallow education befitting an aristocratic young woman of her day into a 20th century courtesan turned wealthy political trustee of the Democratic party. Pamela is another one of my favorites who built upon her relationships with affluent men to strategically position herself. She is definitely one of the great ones. All of these women echo some of the most interesting stories of I've read of reinvention where there was absolutely no pair of ruby slippers, no Glenda the Good Witch, no fairy godmother only a strong desire to walk, run, or march down the rode of reinvention. I admire the willingness of grown women to take counsel from others but when its time to hit the rode they did it themselves. The majic was in their executive. The fairy dust was in their follow through. They had the audacity to simply believe they could and they did hit the rode to reinvention. So, what's my problem I wonder? I guess I'll figure it out someday.
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