nadsmajor

[nadsmajor]

Oh but to LOVE and be LOVED in return...

I’m in a season where I’m learning to embrace loving people again.

The question may be asked, "Why were you resistant to loving people to begin with?" Well, if truth be told, life has taught me the hard way that sometimes love doesn't last always. However, that doesn't mean that we shouldn't give love, and be open to receiving love.

After many years of pouring love into relationships and watching life happen seemingly causing that love to somehow change, it is expected for one to be a bit discouraged. Sometimes you'll hear people say I'll never love again. However, understanding seasons helps us to better adjust when things as such occur. (But that's another topic for another post)

I had to teach myself that IT’S OKAY TO LOVE PEOPLE & it's also okay to allow people to in turn love me. It's also okay if the love you once had for someone shifts or dwindles! It's all a part of growing and maturing and navigating this thing called life.

If we look back over our life time, we can all testify of having a friend at one point or the other, that we are no longer connected to for whatever reason, good or bad. Nevertheless, it doesn't mean that you didn't love that person when you were connected and for some, even after moving on...

One things for sure, you can’t fight forever how you feel about someone. If you love them, then let it be just that! Love hurts sometimes, but it is also patient and kind, and gentle as well as understanding.

I believe as people in general, we should learn to embrace love more in our every day relationships. This could include friendships in different areas of life and communities such as work, school, church etc. We must understand that love isn’t only subjected to romantic relationships! We should also not seek to take on the world's perspective of only love who loves you. Sometimes the love you give to others is just what they need to keep going; to not give up. You’ll never know how the love you show can possibly help to save someone’s life! I truly believe the world would be a better place if we choose to be more loving towards one another.

Love is a joyous feeling! It's generous. It’s that feeling that makes you leap a little on the inside when you connect with someone thats important to you! Just being in their presence brings a little ray of sunshine to your life and brighten your day! Love is when you care about someone and their well being. It’s wanting to see someone reach their full potential, and selflessly going out of your way to help them reach and accomplish their goals! Love is also corrective but embracive!

There are so many different types and expressions of love, yet we put so much focus solely on romantic love that we miss out on all that love truly encompasses.

When you love someone, it is important that you let them know. Telling them you love them is one aspect of showing love, but your love should also be displayed in your actions. You should encourage people you love, show up for them, pray for them, celebrate them, and support them during good and bad times! Affirm them, stand by and with them, correct them when wrong, applaud their accomplishments and the more...

When I speak of love, I’m always reminded of the Sunday school song we sang as children; "Love is something that you give it away, you give it away, you give it away, Love is something that you give it away and you end up having more!"

So I encourage you, show love today, give love, everyday and everywhere you go!

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.

John 13:34 NIV

p.s I love you 💕

- Nads

[nadsmajor]

Flower Works - Tribune Newspaper

Around this time last year I was is in tiptoe anticipation to get my hands on a Tribune newspaper. I went everywhere in search of one and finally at a local Rubis gas station there they were  stacked up. I paid the cashier for 2 copies and went and sat in my car turning the pages filled with excitement. Then boom, there it was. The excitement was so real when I realized that I didn’t  have a small section feature or even a one (1) page write up but two (2) pages, full color feature!!!!! Pages 8 & 9 to be exact!! Can I tell you how I completely lost it!!! God is so faithful to his word and his promises!

Today as I reflect on the beginning of last years excitement, I want to share with you the interviewers questions and my responses in full. This way, those that would’ve missed it last year, can get the full read and get to know a little more about me and my business! Be blessed.

1. Can you provide an updated brief on your brand/ a little about yourself?

My name is Nydia Major; wife to my amazing husband Alessandro and a mother to two beautiful girls, Alyssa and A’Liya Major. I was born and raised on the island of Grand Bahama but I currently reside in Nassau Bahamas. Both of my parents had an eye for craft like work and in some way or the other inspired me to work with my hands. My dad worked as a jeweler and my mom owned two hat shops, one in Nassau and the other in Grand Bahama before her passing. I have both of them to thank for my artistic skills but mainly God above.

Ive had a passion for art ever since I was a child. I always looked up to my parents and older sibling who would always be seen either doing nails or drawing and painting pictures. I always tried to mimic what I saw them doing and eventually I began to find my own route. During my school years, classes that allowed me to use my creativity were the highlight of my younger years. Specifically my Computer Drafting and Design course under the tutelage of the amazing teacher Beverly Hinds. Mrs Hinds was a no nonsense teacher who didn’t allow her students to hand in just any quality of work but pushed us to produce the best work that we can and always stressed the importance of the creative fields in the work community.

Today I am the owner and lead crafter behind the business CRAFTED242 where we cater to a wide variety of handcrafted artwork. When I launched the business in 2018, I mainly catered to paper flower inspired crafts (eg. paper flowers, backdrops and paper flower selfie frames) hence the name Flower Works. Since then, I’ve decided to not limit what my craft business would offer because inspiration to create something new always presents itself. I pride myself on offering quality, unique work and excellent customer service. The company is currently solely online; however, shipping is available to family islands. Flower

Works has now become a special section under my business umbrella where I cater to creating all things centered around paper flowers and artificial flowers. Our flowers can be used to accessorize any room or event and make a bold statement. Crafting is my passion, thus I take pleasure in using my Crafted242 and FlowerWorks platforms to bring various visions to life.

2. What do you like most about being an artist entrepreneur, especially during a time like this?

I love the freedom that I have being an artist. The opportunity to create anything imaginable and bring customers ideas to life is liberating. Seeing the joy on customers faces when their visions come to life is unexplainable. Just the thought of knowing I was able to help in some way to make their special day or occasion stand out is simply amazing. Adapting during these tough times actually wasn’t hard at all. Being in lockdown with so many businesses closed, somehow pushed more persons to pull on small creative businesses to help celebrate occasions at home. There is a great demand now for customized unique pieces that you simply wouldn’t be able to grab at your local store. This is where I come in and use my gifts to match and or enhance the vision for each customer.

3. Where did you get the idea to start your Flower Works Designs? Or what was your inspiration/motivation to start?

When I found out I was expecting my fist daughter Alyssa, I began looking for ways to decorate her room. I saw a design online with paper flowers and thought to order some. Then I thought to myself, hmm I’m

sure I can make those myself. I searched some tutorials online and was able to create the flowers that I wanted. From there it was history.

4. What products/services are now offered under your brand of flower works? Where is the home base?

Flower Works is the paper flower section in my business CRAFTED242 where we offer a wide range of anything craft. Under Flower Works we offer a wide range of paper flower crafts in all different styles, sizes, colors and paper textures. We can emulate almost any flower design with paper. From roses to poinsettias to sunflowers, whatever the flower, we do what’s necessary to create it. My company is strictly home based in Nassau at this time, but I do offer shipping to the family islands.

5. What makes the pieces unique?

Each flower is delicately handcrafted one petal at a time. No two flowers ever come out looking exactly the same although the same love and attention goes into each one. These flowers are also unique in that they can accessorize almost any room and stand out. Once handled with care they can also be reused and sometimes refurbished. These flowers can be made very tiny to fit in the palm of your hand and also very large so large that they won’t fit in an average size car. There’s so much you can do with the flowers to help beautify spaces whether in a child's room, work space or at an event, these paper flowers provide lively color as timeless decor!

6. What is the creation process like for the pieces?

Creation time can take anywhere from 35minutes from start to finish for each flower. The amount of time depends on the size of the flower and the technicality in the flower detailing. The flower petals are usually drawn out free handed or from a template and cut out with scissors to start shaping. For mass flower production and more detailed flower petal cuts, sometimes we have to use a machine. Each petal is then carefully shaped and glued to a base that was a handmade, the hook is then attached for hanging purposes. Centerpieces can vary and require a lot of cutting and attention to detail. In most cases the centerpiece is usually the last piece added to the flower other than if there are special effects like painting or if the flower is being made freestanding which requires starting with the centerpiece and working your way to the outer petals.

7. What feedback do you usually receive from Bahamians regarding your work?

Bahmians typically like the crafted work however, a lot of persons, like myself prefer to go the route of creating them themselves instead of purchasing them. Sometimes I feel that the job itself - the time, effort and money, is underestimated, and by extension the product is undervalued. I’ve also had a lot of persons interested in taking lessons on how to create the flowers but not wanting to invest in the classes. A main feedback or concern is persons are skeptical about the flowers durability and reusability. These flowers are sure to outlast any real flower and if properly taken care of can hold up for a very longtime.

8. Who would you say is the biggest influence in your life and why? (please list names of person/ persons mentioned)

It is hard for me to really pinpoint any one person in my life who has had the most influence on me and where I am today. I can think of many family members, teachers, and friends who have all given me important pieces of advice or were great examples to me.

I would have to say the most influential person in a very intimate way was my mother Lydia Simmons Dames(deceased). My memories of my mother are those of a very strong, independent and hard working woman. She was a hardworking mother who very skillfully juggled two businesses, her family and other responsibilities. I never once heard her complain or breakdown despite having four children and a full schedule. I certainly would not be the person I am today without the influence of my mother. I can only aspire to imitate her work ethic and her refusal to be silenced by other peoples disapproval. Her tireless example is truly inspirational.

My Husband Alessandro Major and his family also plays a major role in my life. They support every single idea that I have and pushes me to become my best self. Sometimes I’d present new business ideas to them and doubt myself and they’ll see the vision and help me tweak and perfect it and support me in any way possible with seeing the vision to completion.

My Mum, Sheniqua Davis is an extremely important figure in my life and continues to leave a great impression on me. She’s a woman of great influence because of her stability and her work ethic. She’s such a strong determined God fearing woman. She encourages me to put God first in all that I do and challenges me to commit everything I do to prayer.

My Mum has taught me that hard times can be overcome once we put our full trust in God and trust His leading. She has taught me more than I could have learnt from any book. She sets an inspirational example to me teaching me how to live life and make wise choices, as a wife and mother and even in the most uncertain situations. One quotes says that “Behind every successful woman is a tribe of other successful women who have her back” and Ive been blessed with some amazing women who have been a large part of that force.

9. How does it make you feel to push a small business like this during a global pandemic?

Being able to push a creative small business thats in high demand during a pandemic is a great feeling. However, it does come with its challenges as I am currently working another full time job. Although a demand for the creative arts is now blooming, being a full-time wife, mother and employee encourages me to balance my time more effectively.

10. As a creative entrepreneur yourself, how are you keeping yourself encouraged, and have adapted your business to - a time that calls for social distancing?

Craft work is a passion of mine so as a creative entrepreneur I rarely have road blocks because there is always something new I want to try and make or that a customer will challenge me to create. I run to my work space and try my hand at new things almost every week. Somethings take longer to perfect but when I get it, I get it. Because there is really no limitation to what you can create as an artist, I am always finding new things to create whether for my home or for friends and family members.

Because my business is home based the social distancing doesn’t affect me much at all. When customers come to collect their items, we follow the safety protocols with mask wearing as their items to taken to their vehicles. The only real exchange is the payments and handing over the items.

11. What are your plans for Flower Works going into the new year, 2021?

I plan to put more emphasis on creating a wider variety of flower designs that will capture the eyes of my present and future customers. In doing so, I will be able to allow them to see how paper flower crafts can accessorize a room or space for any event. I also plan to post more of my work to my social media pages. During the pandemic, my eyes have been opened to how useful and powerful social media platforms can be when it comes to marketing and it is my goal to be able to take advantage of every opportunity to reach more persons with my handiwork.

[nadsmajor]

FREE INDEED

2018 has been dubbed my #FreedomYear I’ve used the term “I feel so free” so many times this year it’s almost unbelievable. One thing I know for sure is that God is amazing & even when we sometimes don’t feel his presence, He’s right there working things out on our behalf.

God placed something in my heart early in 2018 to do and I just couldn’t understand exactly what it was or even what angle to go with it. To be honest, I probably allowed fear to overtake me concerning it more than I actually noticed. Months would’ve passed and still I did nothing because of fear as well as not being 100% clear on the assignment. I got confirmation at a “ Talitha Cumi - Daughter Arise” conference I attended in March #BeSilentNoMore

This summer I went to Teen Camp Abaco 2018 as the Assistant Camp Coordinator. During the beginning of the week we had the campers all write down anonymous questions for the counselors to answer during a question and answer segment to be held on the Thursday evening. Boy were we in for a treat. Those young persons had some real questions that needed real, relevant and God centered answers. I was the person responsible for reading each question so I knew first hand what question would be next on the floor. After reading a few questions a question on homosexuality came up and I placed it aside to deal with other questions; and then another came up which I also placed aside because I didn’t feel like it needed the attention at that time. So I carried on with other questions and once again another question concerning homosexuality popped up all of which were worded differently. I figured then that this question clearly needed to be answered. All of the youth leaders were sitting on the edge of the basketball court facing the teens who were sitting on the bleachers. As the questions were asked any youth leader that felt lead to share would respond. Sometimes more than one leader would give their input on the topic at hand to help better explain their experiences or how they would’ve struggled in the area and eventually overcame.

So now the question is on the floor... “How do I overcome being a homosexual” or something to that effect.

There was a slight pause after the question was asked. It almost seemed as if none of the youth leaders wanted to take that question or knew how to approach it. Pastor Bruce then started to speak up and when he did it felt like I was literally being pushed from behind as to say NO, this is your question. So I interrupted him. This question, like so many others that evening called for someone with experience to answer and not just give a “read your Bible and pray” kind of answer. Im not discrediting that they are things that can be done, however, this question in particular needed a more in depth response.

Truth is, for many years I had struggled with my identity; who I was, who I wanted to be and who God & man saw me as. For a long while I had struggled with the thought of if I liked girls or not but I never acted on it. I knew that being in a same sex relationship was wrong and I knew it went against God’s will & plan for my life. So while the thought was there, I did my best to keep it right in my head as just that, a thought. Little did I know, a seed was already planted with a simple thought. Soon enough, that thought(seed) after being watered enough started to grow. Eventually, that seed grew into a plant and I found myself now acting on the feelings I once managed to cover. I thought I was covering my feelings by hiding them but really I was fertilizing it instead of shutting them down completely and dealing with it from the root.... Just like that, I found myself in a relationship with a female and going against God’s plans for my life to appease my flesh. In the beginning, it was really awkward and uncomfortable mainly because everything about what I was doing I knew was wrong. In time as that now “plant” continued being watered I got more and more comfortable and my plant started to grow it’s leaves & branches. 2 1/2 years later I was in love with a young lady that I was 100% sure I wanted to spend the rest of my life with.

So there I was, standing in front of a group of young persons, with this question before me that I’m sure at least 3 of them needed an answer to. I had first hand experience and advice that they needed at that pivotal moment set up by God; but I was afraid. Fear has a way of crippling us to a place where we second guess what we know God has called us to do because of fear of judgment by other people.

So I interrupted Pastor Bruce and shared my testimony of how God delivered me from a same sex relationship after for 2 1/2 years. I can’t recall exactly what I told them but I do pray that in some way it was helpful. That particular question was the last question that I was able to read before I had to go up to my room to relieve the babysitter from her duties that night. All I can remember telling the person as I walked off is how “Free” I felt. It was almost like I was floating to the room. This wasn’t the first time I had shared that testimony, but it was the first time I had shared it on a large scale and felt that way.

Ever since that day I’ve been running from this very post “FREE INDEED.” Why was I running if I knew how “Free” I felt when I shared the last time and I know this is what God asked of me? Truth is God had placed “FREE INDEED” in my spirit and that was it. But if Im completely honest there were times that I didn’t feel “Free” at all. Sometimes I struggled so hard that I wanted to go back to that old lifestyle at any cost; but He’s been keeping & sustaining me.

All during my period of trying to figure out what angle to go with what I believed God was telling me to do, I kept hearing the scripture in John 8:36, “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” I wrestled with this verse hard because I had let go of the lifestyle, I had prayed about it and even asked God’s forgiveness but somehow I found myself still struggling. Another scripture that always dropped in my spirit is “ And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death.” So I came to the conclusion that Nydia, your full deliverance is wrapped up in your obedience to God to share your testimony. Embrace it, share it and help someone to understand that what God has done for you he can do for them too.

So here’s my Freedom Cry: I’ve Been Delivered by the Grace & Mercies Of God Almighty from a lifestyle of Homosexuality & I couldn’t feel more “Free” & just as God did it for me, he can sure do it for you, or your cousin, or your family member that’s facing the same challenges I was. I am confident in knowing that no amount of guilt or shame can cover the depth of Christ’s love extended towards me. #FreeIndeed #FreedomYear #FreedomIsAMust #SilentNoMore #DoItAfraid #HisGraceIsSufficient

[nadsmajor]

WHO’S SUPPORTING YOU?

Growing up I was always involved in something; Church plays, dance, drama, softball, basketball… just something. I always remembered looking into the audience or crowd to see which one of my family members came out to support me. Honestly, most times there were none. I couldn’t understand it! Other persons families were there every game and every time they ministered, where was mine? 🤔 I knew my mother would’ve loved to support me more, but reality is she was too busy out there trying to make sure that when I got home I had something to eat… cause Lord knows that was very important lol! I’ll never forget that time my grand mother Mary Simmons visited Calvary Temple & I ministered to “My Worship is For Real”. Having her there meant everything to me & so much more! When I was done dancing, I looked over at her and she was wiping a tear from her eye. I don’t know if it was because the ac was so cold that day, but I would like to believe she was overwhelmed with emotions and super proud of me! There’s just something about support. I think everyone likes to know when they’re doing something good that they have persons there especially family to support them. I had a love hate relationship when it was time to minister at COGOP concerts. After we danced they would stop the program and literally ask persons to send up monies for the girls to come off the stage. Imagine about 15-20 girls on the stage waiting for their families to send up monies 1. For them to get down and 2. For the program to continue… What a time! I would stand there for every time thinking of a way to slip off the stage without anyone noticing me to save myself the embarrassment! I can tell you that my grand father Samuel Simmons always came through in the clutch at the last minute and send one lil something something up so I could come off the stage; Sis Netta would usually rescue the last few on the stage also. I use to be so happy when my name finally got called. Sighh! 😰 Today I ministered in service along with my dance sisters of Rendered Hearts. I love those Ladies!!!! I can’t say that my family was there only because I was ministering because I’m kiiiiinda adopted by the pastors family soooo they’re usually there lol!!! 🙈😂 but nonetheless it was great to have my family upfront and center smiling back at me. I’ve been blessed to be a part of The Davis Family for some time now and The Lord knows I Love and Appreciate them so much especially for the little things…. they mean the most! My biggest supporter now is my husband. I can guarantee if no one else is there, he’ll always be right there supporting everything I do, especially because I get his approval first anyway! I look forward to his “AyeMeeen” every time I’m done lol! To sum my story up; We’ve got to support those who support us. Support is Everything. One may never know the importance of their presence. Who’s supporting you? Who are you supporting?

[nadsmajor]

About 3 years ago I would've looked at this picture and become very irate. One might ask why? It appears to be a picture with what seems to be a proud father with his daughter that's excited to have her father there to support her in her pageant; and that's exactly what it is. Thing is, for me it's a picture of my father, supporting my step sister in a way that he has never done for me... Ever! I must add that before she was born I was his baby girl; literally! In moments like these I find God to be so awesome and I'm extremely grateful for his amazing grace! I thought I would never be able to forgive my father for simply not being the father that he should've been to me. Reality is, he has never supported anything I've done growing up. From softball games, to basketball games, church dances, to Twenty Pearls, or the Princess Club etc. Most of which were things that having your father present just made the moment a little more special. I think I had every right to be upset with him. There's something truly amazing about God though, and his power to turn the hardest heart into a heart of love and forgiveness! He was able to move me from that bitter place in my life that I carried for so long, to a place where I can release my father and forgive him for all his wrong doings in particular not being a father to me. When I looked at this picture surprisingly I was happy. I was happy to know that 1. It seemed as if my father is now taking care of his responsibilities and 2. that also meant that my little sister doesn't have to go through the enormous amount of emotions that I went through dealing with the absence of my father. For me this is a great photo and I'm grateful that Lavasia can have the feelings I longed for of having my dad present in my life and supporting me. Support is everything and I’m grateful that she has that! It's too late for my father to even try and correct all that went wrong on my end as I'm grown now. Nevertheless, it's a good feeling knowing that he's stepping up to the plate and being a father to his now little princess! 👑 #CongratulationsLavasier #CongratulationsLevain #Growth #God’sAmazingGrace #ForgivenessIsAChoice

[nadsmajor]

Day 4. A MAJOR DAY #MajorDecisions #OurMajorDay #NewBeginnings #BeautifulDay #July4th 👰🏾👰🏾 #24on24th #JourneyTotheCovenant #MrsMajorToBe #OhHappyDay

[nadsmajor]

His Bride to be!! @majorboyy242 #excited #AlmostThatTime #GodLeadUs #GuideUs #OrderOurSteps #ProtectUs #AMajorLoveStory #OurMajorLoveStory #Majorboyy #MajorGirl #MajorCouple #MajorWedding #MajorJourney

[nadsmajor]

Perfect wedding song! Anthony David ft. Algebra “4Evermore”. Add to your playlist.

[nadsmajor]

Yesterday I had the awesome privilege to assist Pastor Bruce & Co Pastor Sheniqua Davis & the members & followers of New Birth Church in a small way with their Good Deeds On Good Friday event. I was in awe of all the excitement that filled the air while everyone worked together to make the event a success. Volunteers packed thousands of grocery bags, folded, sorted out & hung up loads of clothing. But that wasn't it. I took a trip to RM Bailey Park where the actual event took place all to find ladies not only braiding hair but also re twisting locs & styling them, washing hair, styling it & placing persons under the dryer! The men were able to get their hair cut as well as they even had barbers on location. There was also a section where you could've gotten your nails done, I mean the works!!! You could've gotten your cholesterol & blood pressure check and also see a dentist! The blood bank was also out there for persons wanting to donate blood! Did I mention that all this was absolutely FREE?? It's great to know that we do have quality men & women of God who's focus isn't just on collecting offering & living a lavish lifestyle. We still have men & women of God that have sight & can clearly see the need of the people surrounding them & make it their business to be a blessing to those in need. Pastor Bruce & the entire New Birth Family did an exceptional job yesterday! Good Deeds on Good Friday was a GREAT success! If each one can continue to reach one this world will be a much better place. I'm proud to know that Pastor Bruce & his wife takes no credit for what took place yesterday rather their humbled & acknowledges that all praise is to God alone. A humbled man & woman of God indeed! Keep up the great work Pastor Bruce & Co Pastor Sheniqua Davis & the entire New Birth Family & may God continue to bless the works of your hands for His Kingdom! I look forward to helping out again in the near future! -signed a happy helper Nads

[nadsmajor]

My NASSAU people!!!! Join New Birth Church on RM Bailey Park this Friday April 3rd for GOOD DEEDS on GOOD FRIDAY!! 12:00pm - 4:00pm FREE #Grocery #Clothes #HairCuts #HairBraids #DentalCheckUps #PressureCheckUps & much more! Come out & be blessed! If you want to know how you can be a part of this Great event or need more information you can call 601-5105. Let's do something #GOOD this #GOODFRIDAY #Matthew5 #16 #NewBirthChurch

[nadsmajor]

My NASSAU people!!!! Join New Birth Church on RM Bailey Park this Friday April 3rd for GOOD DEEDS on GOOD FRIDAY!! 12:00pm - 4:00pm FREE #Grocery #Clothes #HairCuts #HairBraids #DentalCheckUps #PressureCheckUps & much more! Come out & be blessed! If you want to know how you can be a part of this Great event or need more information you can call 601-5105. Let's do something #GOOD this #GOODFRIDAY #Matthew5 #16 #NewBirthChurch

[nadsmajor]

On the job #babysitting #Aaron #iLoveKids #LordHelpAlessandro #blessMyQuiverLord #HelpmetoFruitfullymultiply 👶👶👶👶👶

[nadsmajor]

Yaaaaaaasssssss 🙌🙌🙌

Latest Blog Post http://bit.ly/1ujRokH

[nadsmajor]

I promise you she's chucking up deuces #iYouth #YouthMinistry #CalvaryTemple #selfietime #wegood

[nadsmajor]

#myarielle & I once again lol #vacation2014 #donthate #kissyfaces

[nadsmajor]

Thankful for #Grace #GodsAmazigGrace #HisGraceisSufficient

[nadsmajor]

Why is it so hard for you to be forgiving when God has forgiven you countless amount of times.... Check yoself! #forgiveness #forgiveothers #yourforgiven