Hi, friends. As I mentioned previously, I’m honored to be a judge of this year’s DwellStudio Modern Thanksgiving contest and I’m over on The Studio Blog today chatting about entertaining and inspiration. See you there.
One of the highlights of my summer (well, really it was fall, I suppose) was a trip to Palm Springs for a little informal gathering of female freelance designers. Promise and Alyssa were kind enough to organize the first Design Life retreat at Ace Hotel & Swim Club. Many of us had yet to meet in person, so it was such a pleasure to be in the same room chatting about client relations, projects, and inspiration. I left feeling so blessed to have gotten to know each of them—and so inspired by their stories and talents!
The retreat couldn’t have come at a better time. Work was busy. Life was busy. Priorities were constantly shifting and I felt stuck in a reactive state. I needed a break and change of scenery to force some time to think proactively about my business, this blog, and how it all balances within my life. Below are just a few of the lessons learned (or relearned):
• LESSON No.01 •
Kathleen asked, “if you had to cut what you do in half, what items/tasks would you want to remain?”—making us determine where our strengths and preferences lie as designers. For me, it’s branding projects and website/blog design. Photography and interior consultation keep me inspired and are a welcomed addition to those, however, wedding invitation suites and the like are probably better suited for others of which that is their desired interest—like the lovely and talented Eva Black, Kelli Murray, and Liz Grant.
I just kept thinking all weekend about working smarter, not harder.
• LESSON No.02 •
It is important to step away from the computer. A few days (mostly) unplugged did wonders for me; being surrounded by 19 other creative gals didn’t hurt either! Prioritize surrounding yourself with those that inspire. It may not be a group of like-minded designers/bloggers at a once-a-year, four-day event—don’t wait around for that. Initiate relationships with others locally—for lunch, for coffee… whatever. I love the power of the interwebs, but time in person can be so enriching. I recently met up with other SoCal locals like Jonathan Lo and Jennifer Chong and it was such a blessing. (Hooray for finding others that instagram their meals, too!)
• LESSON No.03 •
Honestly, when I received the email from Alyssa and Promise, I was first excited, then nervous. These gals were all so crazy good, would I even have anything to offer? How would 20 female designers get along over four days in (relatively) close quarters? Would I be the oldest one there? Would there be any air of competition amongst us? Etc. Etc. Finally, I decided no matter the outcome, I was sure to glean something from the weekend… time for me to step out of my (your) comfort zone. I am so, so glad I went. Everyone was so genuine and friendly. So, take it from this homebody—get out and do it already! (Oh, and p.s. I was totally the oldest one there! How am I almost 32?!)
• LESSON No.04 •
Being a mother and a designer is possible. Thanks to the wise Kelli and Erin for their insights in balancing family and freelance—they definitely helped calm my nerves as we get closer to that season of life. “Babies really do exist.” – Erin (Erin’s humor is amazing; she cracked me up!)
2013 : THE DETAILS
If you are interested in attending next year, check out the design life retreat on twitter or email designliferetreat@gmail.com and mention you are interested in information for next year’s gathering! Promise and Alyssa did a great job fostering an authentic and collaborative environment and facilitated some great sessions where we were able to get into some of the nitty-gritty of our business within the safety of our new friendships. I would highly recommend it!
xoxo,
stets
MEET ALL THE LADIES:
•01• Alyssa Yuhas of I Like Nice Things and We Like We Love
•02• Amanda Genther
•03• Breanna Rose
•04• Bri Emery of DesignLoveFest
•05• Cassie Pyle of The Veda House
•06• Chelsea Fullerton of Go Forth Creative
•07• Emma Robertson of EmmaDime
•08• Erin Jane of Jane Reaction
•09• Eva Black of Eva Black Design
•10• Joanna Waterfall of Waterfall Creative
•11• Kate Arends of Wit&Delight
•12• Kathleen Shannon of Jeremy & Shannon and Braid Creative
•13• Kelli Murray of Kelli Murray Art & Design
•14• Liz Grant of Liz Designs Things
•15• Megan Gilger of Hitch Design Studio and The Fresh Exchange
•16• Promise Tangeman-Wurzell of Promise Tangeman Creative
•17• Shauna Haider of NubbyTwiglet
•18• Star St.Germain of This is Star
•19• Vanessa Gonzales of Hello Vanny
A few weeks ago, I received an email from the lovely ladies of Blog Brunch (whom I had the privilege of dining with at Alt Summit—they are seriously even more fantastic in person!), inviting me to be July’s Blogger of the Month. I was so honored… and humbled. You can view my interview on the Blog Brunch tumblr page.
I so hope you join us tomorrow, Saturday, July 7th at 10am PST/1pm EST to chat about “The Power of the Post”… blog content—creation, organization, and inspiration! For those of you that are wondering, “What is Blog Brunch?!” or “How does one blog brunch?!”. Well, the gals put together a great how-to a ways back that will give you some tips on how to keep up with all the questions and responses.
More on Blog Brunch : website : tumblr : facebook : twitter : twitter hashtag #blogbrunch
Curious what my office looks like? Well, the delightfully talented Eva Black featured it today. I’m so honored. View more images and the interview on her blog. Thanks for letting me participate, Eva!
Make sure to check out all of Eva’s spaces features—so inspiring.
As if I wasn’t already completely smitten with Spoon Fork Bacon, this week they paid homage to the fig. Teri Lyn Fisher and Jenny Park make for one perfectly proportioned recipe: Teri’s photography, Jenny’s food styling, their recipe development… brilliant. I am hoping this will lead to an incredible recipe book; I’d gift it to everyone I know.
