stop to smell the roses
it has now been 3 months (+ 1 week) since mila has graced + entered our lives after 9 months of anticipation in my growing belly. i can’t believe how time passes so quickly + how much can be learned from such an itty bitty little lady. she starts her day with a smile, + falls asleep with a smile (98% of the time). coos + giggles her way through the days keeping me on my toes + my life in perspective as the moments pass through the day. making me oh so aware that every moment is unbelievably precious, live in the moment + stop to smell the roses. for every time i seem to look away from her, + drift off, i seem to look back + she’s smiling; a moment so priceless i will never tire from seeing.
i have always been the one who is setting goals, accomplishing, + moving to the next never really taking time to celebrate any accomplishment. result: you never really know what you’ve accomplished. mila has been of course my ultimate accomplishment,+ one that i celebrate moment by moment. she has taught me to stop. appreciate. enjoy.
on this upcoming 3 day weekend, i ponder how much she has taught me, + what i want to teach her about life+ the world around her. i want her to live in the same messages she silently teaches me daily + feel the unconditional, most powerful love anyone can imagine that comes from a mom. i look forward to teaching her every day + to the times we are walking together hand in hand picking flowers along the way just as i did with my mom.
happy 3-day weekend. here is the little lady i will be spending it with (along with my husband + dog kona)
i am so very excited + thankful to introduce part two of the twentthirtyforty interview. today, brandon the other half of twentythirtyforty.net. in case you missed yesterdays interview with arlene, here you go!
i had the brief opportunity of meeting these ladies at a rue magazine + hgtv event i designed after “meeting” them on twitter. then to my delight met with brandon (half of the twosome behind twentythirtyforty + positioned left in the above image) , when she briefed atlanta. such fun, edgy creative energy. and the epitome of a creative entrepreneur who jumps with both feet, both eyes closed + makes it work. arlene + brandon have created an amazing business honing their passion for fashion. although in the interview below, she does say she is not a flower person (gasp!), i’ll take her anyway. xoxo. enjoy brandon’s energizing interview below.
brandon’s inspiring images
what was your childhood dream?
That’s a hard one for me to answer. Maybe it’s because I’m so far removed from my childhood that I’ve forgotten! There have, however, been 2 constants throughout my life: 1. I’ve always loved to play dress up, and 2. I’ve always loved to perform (sing, dance, act – give me a stage and it’s all over.)
your dailies (job)
As a small business owner, every day is different. At any given moment my day consists of:
First and foremost, obtaining coffee; then
wrangling my 65lb black Lab, Kuma, with all of his (and my) accoutrements; lugging racks and garment bags and boxes and bags to and from shoots; making outfits; attempting to catch up on the books and pay bills; making to-do lists; surfing, tumbling, tweeting, instagramming, pinning; shipping and customer service; beating myself up and apologizing
what is your favorite thing about your job?
I play with clothes! What else do I need to say? Hanging out with Arlene in a room full of clothes and shoes and accessories and immersing myself in topics like “how to dress down chiffon for day” is like a fantasy.
favorite quote(s)
“Rationalizations are more important than sex. You ever go a week without a juicy rationalization?” Jeff Goldblum’s character in The Big Chill. Not necessarily inspiring, but very relevant to me personally.
favorite flower
I’m not a flower girl, but I do love me some Gerber Daisies. They’re just so darn bright and happy, how can you help but smile?
how do you stay motivated daily?
I give up. How?
In all seriousness, this is a very big struggle for me. After a period of self-pity, usually spent [literally] under the covers, I’ve found that the best remedy I have for a creative blockage involves a dance party (I recommend Usher’s “DJ’s Got Us Fallin’ In Love” or Prince’s “Sexy MF”). And more than one costume change. Put on some tunes, put on some cute stuff and shake your booty!
toughest challenge upon working towards your dream? how did you work through it?
How befitting that you should ask us this now; we’re currently smack dab in the middle of very difficult challenge. We have been working on a rebrand and relaunch since the fall, and the road just keeps getting rockier. All I can really do is try to stay positive, stay focused and stay motivated. You have to keep your eyes on the prize, you know? For as long as I’ve known Arlene, whenever times get tough, she always tells me that things have to hit rock bottom before they can get awesome. I paraphrase, but you get the point. So I remember that, eventually, things will get better. And that always keeps me pushing.
how many times have you heard no?
I was an actress for nearly 2 decades, so I’ve heard “no” more times than I can count!
often times no can be very demotivating, how have you turned no’s into yes’s or find the silver lining?
No’s are just a part of life. Someone says “no”? Big deal. You know your value, you know how hard you work, you just gotta keep moving. The absolute worse thing that you can do is wallow in rejection.
i find it very important to recognize your accomplishments, while you set new goals to have a sense of achievement. list your favorite accomplishment this year?
Our biggest accomplishment this year would have to be getting our styling work in (and on the cover of!) Rue Magazine. We have an awful lot of respect for what those gals are doing and we really, really wanted to be a part of it. So, we’re stoked.
balancing free services vs paid while building your business
Tricky business. When you work for free, you need to make sure that you get something out of it. You don’t have to give of your time and talents just to do a “favor” for a “friend”. Compensation comes in many forms: exposure, experience, risk-taking, networking. And the hope is that those types of payments advance you toward the monetary ones.
what is the one thing that has given your company a big boost?
Support from the internet and blogging community (people like you!) has helped us immensely. It’s created exposure and followers and customers and friends all over the world, literally.
as we grow + learn more about ourselves, evolution may be necessary. how do your dreams evolve as you do? when do you know when its time to let go of a goal and move on to another?
These 2 questions go together so perfectly for me. They both hit upon something that Arlene is really good at. From her, I’ve learned not to force things. There’s a difference between letting something go and giving up and I think that people get very caught up in the whole “don’t be a quitter” thing.
Arlene’s taught me that when you really feel like you’re forcing a square peg into a round hole, you’re doing the wrong thing. It’s a difficult message to hear, but if you can keep an open mind, it’s an excellent reminder that it’s time to evolve.
what inspires you?
Inspirational people. I don’t mean that to sound overly simple. I mean that I’m very inspired by people, in all walks of life, who do something courageous. It’s very easy to fall into complacency or mediocrity and self-pity, and when I meet or hear about people who aren’t wallowing in self-pity, who are taking leaps, fighting their battles and chasing their dreams, I feel very empowered.
creatives tend to have numerous passions, how did you hone in your focus to keep your creative self satisfied?
I’m not sure that I fully understand the question, but if it’s a matter of satisfying the creative soul, for me that’s what fashion is all about. Clothing is so transformative. An outfit can be like a costume, a chance to play a part, or express a different part of yourself. I don’t always feel creatively fulfilled in other areas of my life, but donning a pair of polka dot Sonia Rykiel pants and a brightly colored pump will always soothe my crazy, colorful and quirky side.
your favorite go–to books/magazines/brands that you adore?
Mags: I Love You and The Gentlewoman magazines both have incredible, unique photography, and are also filled with thoughtful, thought-provoking, truly interesting content. And Lula Magazine, for their freaking inspired editorial content and general art direction.
Books: A re-read of Pride and Prejudice or Franny and Zooey is always a good idea.
Brands: go-tos for me these days are Rachel Comey and Isabel Marant’s diffusion line, Etoile. I also adore Gary Graham – he makes you feel like a goddess. And I’m kind of obsessed with Margiela shoes.
persons you have looked up to for drive + inspiration?
My mother and my father. As a couple and as individuals, they are the most inspirational people I’ve ever known. They have always treated each other and everyone else with respect. They are smart and hard-working and incredibly kind and generous. They are everything that I would ever strive to be. And I’m adopted, so I feel blessed beyond expression.
what do you recommend for creative, budding entrepreneurs working to create their dreams?
I don’t have the recipe for success. All I can say is be smart and just do it. My dance teacher from college used to tell us – over and over again – “The world is full of old people with old regrets. Don’t be one of them.”
thank you SO very much, Brandon for helping to dream. create + inspire others.
for more information on the series
* images provide by brandon
© christina loucks.
dream.create.inspire.™
i had the pleasure of meeting the ladies of twentythirtyforty at a rue magazine event i styled after the first lavish! conference a year or so back. and what i remember most is the fabulous style these ladies exuded,+ the sensational vintage black sequined dress arlene was wearing so perfectly. these ladies present such a fabulous energy as though they are living the fun in life, instead of life living them. i am so very excited to introduce arlene (placed right in the above image), and tomorrow, brandon will grace us with her interview.
please explain your company:
twentythirtyforty is a style business dedicated to the 30, 40, 50 year old set. We share styling tips, shopping / designer resources, streetstyle, personal style, interior inspirations, DIY projects, and features on fellow women we admire. Beyond the web, we style for personal clients, fashion editorials and commercial projects.
arlene’s inspiring images:
what was your childhood dream?
to find beauty
your dailies
a lot of family, a lot of making business happen, a lot of coffee, a lot of breathing
what is your favorite thing about your job?
working with such talented people & challenging ourselves creatively
Favorite quote(s)
you are where you need to be
-print by nicole & jimmy chung at lovesugar
Favorite Flower
ranunculus
How do you stay motivated daily?
usually two things work for me…meditating, even for a minute to say hello to myself and the new day. and this one is kind of silly, but i love getting dressed for the day…trying new thing. i feel like i can take on anything when i love what i have on.
Toughest challenge upon working towards your dream?
motivating myself & others
How did you work through it?
let’s just say it’s a work in progress
How many times have you heard no?
many times…not necessarily the word no, but challenges that certainly feel like no.
Often time “no” can be very demotivating, how have you turned no’s into yes’s or find the silver lining?
I’ve learned to think of no as ‘there’s a better way’.
I find it very important to recognize your accomplishments, while you set new goals to have a sense of achievement. List your favorite accomplishment this year?
styling a fashion feature and landing the cover for one of our hugely admired online publications, ruemag.com…insane!
Balancing free services vs paid while building your business.
it’s part of running your own business. it’s all very grass roots…bartering and ‘apprenticeship’ to learn more. it’s great experience that you really do need. you also come to a point where you can & should be paid and there are certain projects that just warrant you to be paid. as time goes on, the free jobs become more & more of paid jobs J
What is the one thing that gave your business a boast.
The incredible blogging community.
As we grow + learn about ourselves, evolution may be necessary. How do your dreams evolve like you do?
you begin to realize what you really love & where your talents lie. for me, I begin to move towards these things to make them a reality. as I do this, there are also dreams that begin to ‘fade’.
When do you know when to let go of a goal and move onto another?
when it becomes one challenge after another, when you’re not making any strides after you’ve tried you’re best, when it no longer feels like a good ‘fit’ for you, be open to listening to the signs & the universe J
What inspires you?
color. a great book. an interesting idea. travel. the blogging community. a long hot shower.
Favorite go-to books:
the good earth – 3x. life of pi. love in the time of cholera, one hundred years of solitude – rereading now, the sun also rises – rereading now, a year in provence,
Magazines:
lula. i love you. gentlewoman.
Brands:
moleskin because I want everything single color,shape & style…seriously, edith a miller for their striped tees, rachel comey for her passion
Persons you have looked up to for drive & inspiration
i have to say my kids, simon & kit. best cheerleaders EVER.
What do you recommend for creative budding entrepreneurs working to create their dreams?
be flexible, be open, be professional in every sense of the word.
thank you SO very much, arlene for helping to dream. create + inspire others.
for more information on the series
* images provide by arlene
© christina loucks.
dream.create.inspire.™
happy mother’s day
this sunday serves as my first mother’s day. a blessing beyond belief. 3 months ago my little mila was born, providing me with a love that i did not know existed. provided me with perspective + gratitude beyond words. rewards beyond measure, + unselfish love you have to experience first hand to realize.joy to the moon + back. i am so very grateful, + look forward to the day we can play with flowers, together.
happy mother’s day!
OH and how they grow. 
first two imags by julia robbs of our labor of love
Like this:
dream.create.inspire. alisa barry of bella cucina
i would like to introduce alisa barry of bella cucina to continue with the dream. create.inspire series. bella cucina is located in atlanta, ga + is the epitomy of creative, culinary artistry fully speaking the passion of its’ creator, alisa. on the “o” list, her products are as beautiful, as they are delectable + i recommend each + every one of them.
what was your childhood dream?
To create a life of my own.
your dailies (job)
Creator of bella cucina
what is your favorite thing about your job?
Creating new products. Visiting farmer’s markets for inspiration. Writing about what I love. Sharing my passion and inspiration with others.
favorite quote(s)
{let the beauty we love be what we do.}
favorite flower
Anything picked from the garden.
how do you stay motivated daily?
Devotion.
It’s the sacred commitment that becomes my discipline.
toughest challenge upon working towards your dream?
Cash.
how did you work through it?
Passion can’t pay the bills and usually doesn’t generate profits right away when starting or growing a business. Trusted advocates and advisors can help you sort it out. If you don’t have cash, creativity is your next best asset.
how many times have you heard no?
Too many to count.
often times “no” can be very demotivating, how have you turned no’s into yes’s or find the silver lining?
Sometimes “nos” are a blessing. Other times, if you believe in what you need to do, you find a way to make it happen. Perseverance is the key. I believe if you’re wholeheartedly committed to anything, you can make it through most any adversity or obstacle.
i find it very important to recognize your accomplishments, while you set new goals to have a sense of achievement. list your favorite accomplishment this year?
For many years, accomplishments and accolades were my sole source of fulfillment. Now, It’s all about freedom. This is my soul source. Do I have the time, money and resources to do what I love? When I do, I consider my self a success.
Here are a few ways I am honoring that freedom:
- rented a cottage in northern California as a retreat place to write, cook and create.
- Cooking classes at Rancho La Puerta Spa in Mexico {voted #1 spa by Travel + Leisure}
- Wednesdays off. It’s like an artist’s date to do what I love.
- I don’t start “working” until 10 am, although I get up early to take care of other things that matter.
- Taking time every week to polish the final chapters of an ebook . The working title is PASSION, PURPOSE, PERSEVERANCE: the art of entrepreneurial enlightenment. It’s a simple guide for imagining, emerging + experienced entrepreneurs about how to create soulful sustenance and sustainable success in their life through their work.
balancing free services vs paid while building your business what is the one thing that has given your company a big boost?
Continuing to stay true to who we are. Because we are focused on that, we’ve been able to come back even stronger after a difficult economy. We are seeing the fruits of our commitment ripen now in a big way.
as we grow + learn more about ourselves, evolution may be necessary. how do your dreams evolve as you do?
Bella Cucina is the perfect vehicle for my creative and artistic expression.
It’s also been an unexpected vehicle for my own personal transformation.
With that comes a clarity that guides my decisions.
The question I continually ask:
{Who do I intend to be?}
This is where my dreams begin and my actions follow.
when do you know when its time to let go of a goal and move on to another?
I need to first be honest with myself whether I am stuck in resistance or it’s really time to let go. It’s easy to stay in our comfort zone.
Last year, I decided to say “YES!” to things that would take to me to my edge.
When anything begins to feel like a fight, I prefer to surrender.
what inspires you?
Most everything.
I like to think of my life as a pilgrimage of continual astonishment.
Aesthetic arrest is what I want.
image courtesy of bella cucina.
visit here for more information on this series
our baby girl has arrived
mila, our baby girl, arrived feb 17, 2012 at 10:54 pm. she was 7 lbs 9 oz, + 19″ long. as hard as i tried to keep up with blogging, etc – it fell short. i hope you understand. she is truly the light of our life. it is amazing how much love a little miracle brings, + we are learning more + more about her + ourselves daily.
so for now, as i am enjoying my time with my little girl, i will be working towards getting some regular posts back up, work pictures posted, + of course keep you up with the on-goings of mila. recently we had some pictures taken of her by julia of our labor of love (love her), + i will be sure to post some when ready.
floral simplicity
flowers independently are magnificent. in their most simpilist form, present a beauty beyond words.
images via style me pretty
Like this:
nursery design
so i have been biting at the bit to get some of my work posted, but between learning a new foreign language (aka expected mom + baby registries), baby showers, work, doctors appointments, etc., + then my mac crashed with all my images, it seems it has not happened, yet. i know. poor mac. so in the mean time while awaiting images from my photographer, i thought i would share my ideas behind how i want our “button’s” nursery to feel. a peaceful, playful little space with lots of storage to work to the best of my being to keep it + our home clutter – free.
can’t wait to hear your thoughts!
option 1 – colorful art
option 2 – simply neutral artwork
argington crib + fish + pebbles sheets - laylagrayce
barkbloom knob hardware – anthropologie
lack wall shelving, sheep skin, chest of drawers – ikea
artwork : nursery rhymes, peaceful landscape
Like this:
meandering through changes
i have been bad. i have been really bad. i have been absent form my passions for months now, + with only one excuse to explain why. probably the most amazing reason to have been absent from my favorite design + flower work. my husband + i are expecting! and while working my way out from under a rock i hid beneath during my first trimester, i am happy to announce i made it through, + now at 5 months, i am eagerly working to get back on my feet. but i suppose that is what a blog is about – life + its’ experiences, to share through it all. while i add yet another hat to my multi-tasking noggin as expected mother + my controlling need to have the house planned, in order by the time he or she is born (yep – we are not finding out which one button will be), i will work to make it the best experience i can, + am very blessed.
all the things i love will be displayed once again here, + not withholding my inspirations for nursery design, my pregnancy progression, + my work.
i again apologize for the absence, but am so very happy to be feeling like myself again (all-be-it a rounder version), + back to work on building business.
photo by kismis ink photography
i met michelle at the lavish! conference at the rue magazine, hgtv, studio m, bash i was fortunate enough to design. michelle has a sensational energy + since have been following her work at her design company studio m, inc. she is a delightful + charismatic talent who i am honored to share with you.
Mission:
To create elegant, yet comfortable interiors that perfectly fit each client.
what are some images that inspire you , represent you or what your brand is visually inspired by?
What was your childhood dream?
As a girl, I grew up in a Midwestern town surrounded by beautiful historic homes. I was very intrigued by them, including our own home, a stately brick built in the early 1800s. My favorite pastime was sketching floor plans and furniture, painting still life and interiors, and decorating my Barbie houses. So I knew early on that Interior Design would be the perfect career for me. I dreamed of my own business, making a difference, and leaving some type of design legacy! Along with this, I wanted to own a stable of great race horses.
Your dailies (job)?
Each day is so different, but typically starts with responding to email and reviewing our daily design blog. Then my day includes construction site visits to check on installations and design intent, meetings with clients and sub-contractors, meeting with the Studio M designers to review projects they are managing, and just good ol’ designing! My favorite days include selecting the perfect items for my clients at the NYDC (New York Design Center) or Design Center of The Americas (DCOTA). I also tremendously enjoy frequenting art galleries and antique stores. At night, after the kiddos are in bed, I usually am catching up on my favorite design magazines and blogs.
What is your favorite thing about your job?
My clients!! I love orchestrating the perfect design style for THEIR lifestyle and passions. It is intriguing to get to know them and learn about their life story. I also have to admit that I love to travel and enjoy when that becomes part of any particular project.
Favorite quote(s)
“In order to be irreplaceable one must be different.” – Coco Chanel
Favorite flower:
Peonies!! Growing up, our backyard was full of them. I can still smell them, and nothing makes me happier than a large colorful vase of them!
How do you stay motivated daily?
My motivation begins with a quiet time in the morning to reflect on blessings, dreams, and goals. My goals range from daily, to one year, to five years,and then to ten years! In addition, just PURE PASSION for design keeps me motivated! I live, eat, and breathe it!
Toughest challenge upon working towards your dream?
I’m probably in the most challenging —yet exciting!!–time of my career now! As much as we have had success, I have huge dreams of placing our firm as one of the premier interior design firms in the country. I guess you might say, going to the next level. I find that there are so many talented interior designers out there, so how can we differentiate ourselves? What will make us stand out?
How did you work through it?
Each day demands perseverance and determination. I believe in my ideas, so I will continue until they are realized!
How many times have you heard no?
Plenty, but that makes me only strive harder! Bring it on!
Often times can be very demotivating, how have you turned no’s into yes’s or find the silver lining? Again, no one else can control how I react to things. No’s are not easy, but they typically steer you to a better place! I continually keep my focus on the higher goal.
I find it very important to recognize your accomplishments, while you set new goals to have a sense of achievement. List your favorite accomplishment this year.
After 3 years of working on every minute detail, I successfully finished the complete interior design and project management on a new construction 10,000 square foot home in my favorite style, “CoastalCouture.” My involvement included overseeing architecture, landscape architecture, and the general contractor, so my participation covered all areas—much more than our typical projects. It is now my goal to get it published in a major trade magazine!
Balancing free services vs. paid while building your business.
Studio M is involved with the Impact Foundation’s “Home Blitz” charity extreme home makeover-type project for one or two single moms each year. We actually just finished this year’s last weekend. It is so worth it to see changed lives, all based on helping their standard of living through a beautiful new home interior. This wonderful charity is how we provide free services, but otherwise all of our projects are fee based.
What is the one thing that has given your company a big boost?
Social media, including twitter, face book, and our design blog. All of this is just a little over a year old, and we have seen immediate (and fun!) results. I am a huge believer in social media!
As we grow + learn more about ourselves, evolution may be necessary. How do your dreams evolve as you do?
My dreams have gotten larger, some might even say preposterous. But as I have learned more about me, design, my clients, it makes me want to reach even a broader audience and have even a larger impact!
When do you know when it’s time to let go of a goal and move on to another?
Never say never. If I am passionate about something that I feel is a good idea, I don’t give up too easily.
What inspires you?
Travel, fashion, architecture, books, magazines, and art inspire me. I also have to say that I’ve been spending a lot of time in NYC, and that definitely energizes my creativity. It’s that “Empire State of Mind.”
Creatives tend to have numerous passions, how did you hone in your focus to keep your creative self satisfied?
I am very curious by nature, so I love challenges and risks. I can never say my life is boring.
Your favorite go to books/magazines that you adore?
My bedside table is literally stacked with piles of books and magazines. Reading is truly one of my favorite pastimes and relaxation methods. Right now, my favorite design books include HUE by Kelly Wearstler (refer to it weekly for ideas!), The Great Lady Decorators by Adam Lewis (very inspiring!), and Glamorous Rooms by Jan Showers (classic elegance). I also love to read biographies about successful and influential people. I truly am a design magazine junkie and love pouring over every single one of the major national ones each month. There is almost nothing better than laying on the beach or poolside with 3 or 4 design magazines.
Persons you have looked up to for drive + inspiration?
My female heroes of the past include Dorothy Draper (a trailblazing great decorator), Grace Kelly and Jackie O (for their infinite grace and style), and Florence Knoll (incredible furniture designs). Today, I am enamored with the fashion designers Diane von Furstenberg (for a still relevant 40 year design career, now including interiors) and Tory Burch (for an incredible “real clothes” fashion empire), Kelly Wearstler (for her risk taking and bold design), and Candice Olsen (for putting chic design on TV).
What do you recommend for creative, budding entrepreneurs working to create their
dreams?
Passion. Curiosity. Hard work. Excellence. Be yourself, not someone else.
images provided by studio m via marc jacobs, elle decor, unknown sources
