I’ll never forget the first time I saw Danielle.
I discovered a book in my local bookstore called Style Statement.
I picked it up and was instantly enamored with the tagline, “Live by your own design”. So good.
I flipped to the back and saw Danielle’s photo + bio.
She looked like a goddess. Her presence jumped off the pages. Her words resonated deeply.
I bought the book. And devoured it cover to cover.
For the record, my Style Statement {as discovered in ’08} is Creative Authentic.
It still feels right today.

The lessons I’ve learned from Danielle span all areas of my life.
Work, relationships, spirituality, style, you name it.
I’ve applied these lessons and watched as my life has taken on new directions and forged new paths.
Her words are pure magic.
Here are a few that have brought me the greatest transformation + joy.

:: WHAT I’VE LEARNED from Danielle LaPorte ::

No. 01 :: There’s always more to let go of.
Just when I think I’ve worked out one of my big life issues or have made peace with a part of myself, something else pops up and forces me to do more work. That’s the thing they don’t tell you in therapy or counseling {at least mine didn’t} – there is always more. Just as life is a long journey, so is the process of unfolding who we are and excavating and making sense of the depth of our soul. Trust me. That “issue with mom or dad”, it will be with you forever. Only it won’t look and feel the same. It will morph and shift and change into something new. That’s both the complexity and the beauty of being alive. Since I’ve discovered this powerful truth, of realizing I will never be “finished” with my work, I feel less like I’m in a race to the finish, and instead am enjoying this wild ride called my life.

No. 02 :: Sharing your story is the surest way to create a unified field of empathy. And empathy moves mountains.
Storytelling as a way of communication and as an art form has been around for thousands of years. I used to think that nobody would care about my story, or what I had to say. That my story was the same as all the millions of others – not unique, special or particularly interesting. How wrong I was. From starting this blog, I began to realize how my little musings about life affected others. I began receiving emails, comments and sweet notes from readers who “got it”. They appreciated my willingness to share. They actually liked my stories. By telling them, I’ve created permission for others to do the same. The circle of empathy instantly widened. And just might be changing lives. I know it’s changed mine.

No. 03 :: If you want to live in the light you have to call things out of the darkness by their real name.
This one hit me like a ton of bricks. Because by nature, I like to hide in the dark. Literally and metaphorically. I like darkness. I like a room that is only illuminated by candlelight. I’m a night owl. I find shadows fascinating. I have a predilection for heavy, dark, emotionally poignant stories. For exploring the dark corners of my soul. Depression and I are on a first name basis. And yet, I desperately want to live more of my life in the light. To feel lighter. To laugh. To not take life so seriously all the time. To not be afraid of my emotions. To embrace my highly sensitive nature by showering it with light. Step one? Call it by its’ name. Fear. Self loathing. Disconnection. Sadness. Anger. Whatever is present and true. Whatever ails you. Call it by its’ name.

No. 04 :: Acceptance is medicine.
I couldn’t agree with this more. In my own life, I tend to resist things. Hard things, sad things even pleasureful things. I resist like a madwoman. In fact, when I’m getting a massage, I lay there, knowing I want to feel relaxed and blissed out, but instead my fists and jaw are clenched like I’m in a fight for my life. It’s crazy town. Breathing has really helped me to accept whatever is happening, wherever I am.
For example, accepting that I might not be making enough money to fully support myself, isn’t saying, “I give up. I should quit what I’m doing and go get a full-time job. Screw it.”. To the contrary. Accepting where I’m at means that I’m speaking the truth. I’m here, in the present moment and this is the truth of my life. Do I want to change it? Hell yes. Great. Where do I start? Immediately the energy shifts and I feel like things are possible again. That’s the power of acceptance.
Like Mary Poppins says, “Just a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down”.
I have no idea why that’s relevant, but it just feels right. So I’m going with it.

No. 05 :: Let it be easy.
Who decided that everything has to be so damn hard? Who coined the phrase, “No pain no gain?” Because if I could meet them, I would kick them in the shins. Growing up it’s a phrase I heard A LOT. You gotta work hard. Sweat profusely. Life’s not easy, it’s not supposed to be. The weak get weeded out. Only the strong will survive. Ugh. What a load of crap. My experience with this? Whenever I adopt this false-belief system as my own {temporarily}, nothing happens. My blog feels like a chore, I’m cloudy and confused about what’s next, I get depressed and everything just flat out sucks. But, if I take on the mantra of “let it be easy” – amazing things manifest. My work doesn’t feel like work. I’m happy. I laugh more. My relationships feel effortless. I feel connected, in my groove and in the flow. I love my life. Even my cats seem to like me more. Allowing more ease into my life might just be the greatest lesson I could ever learn. Out of ease, everything else is born.

No. 06 :: Everything you do is promotion.
It doesn’t matter if you’re a business owner, a freelancer, an employee, a blogger or a crafter – self promotion is where it’s at. Sadly, promotion has a bad wrap. I remember when someone first told me that I’d have to “sell myself” as a filmmaker. Say what?! Hell no. Sell myself? That sounded like some kind of schmarmy-businessy-used car salesman-y kinda thing. But my tune changed when I learned the real meaning of promotion. And now? I love it.
I’m a big believer that we all have gifts to share. Whether it’s your killer vocal range, a life-changing iPhone app, organic body oils or your badass marketing skills – you have something to give In fact, you probably have multiple somethings. So let your life, you words, your attitude, your interactions, be your promotion. You love what you do, what you create and what you have to give others. Why hoard it, when we need it? And yes, we do need you. Let promotion be easy, effortless and organic. Enough with third-person website bio’s and stodgy sales strategies. Instead, what feels good? Start there.

No. 07 :: Burn out is a natural part of shining.
Hallelujah! Can we get an A-men for the burn out? Just like the stars in the heavens above, we all will burn out. One way or another. We’ll get sick of our 9-to-5, reach the end of a road in a relationship or experience the painful reality of loss. Eventually, we burn the candle until it’s spent. We’re often taught that the candle should always be burning, that our career defines us and that our knight in shining armor is forever. But guess what? It’s not true. The light goes out. A journey ends. The flame is extinguished. But that doesn’t mean we can’t or we won’t shine again. In order to see the glory of the stars shining, we need the darkness of the night sky. I’ve learned to welcome burn out. To embrace the pain of not knowing what’s next. To accept the end. Because from there, I grow and learn to burn even brighter. A phoenix rising from the ashes.

No. 08 :: Knowing how you want to feel is half the journey to liberation.
In her latest book + digital experience, The Desire Map, Danielle dissects desire. I hadn’t given much thought to what I desire. Obviously I want things – but I never realized that what I’m really desirous of isn’t stuff, it’s feelings. I want to feel a certain way. That’s why I buy the shoes, eat the cake, read the magazine. We all have a set of core desired feelings, i.e. feelings that drive us. Once we determine what those feelings are {and they are highly individual}, we can setup our lives to be in alignment with them. In other words, we can live happier and more fulfilled, because we make decisions in our work, relationships and lives, that line up with how we want to feel. Doing this work and discovering how I want to feel from moment to moment has been a revelation – liberation is just the beginning.

No. 09 :: We must have the daring to be nothing but ourselves if we are to know what true power is.
Authenticity has been a part of my M.O. since I was a kid. I wouldn’t have used the word authenticity at the age of 8, but I was decidedly buzzing to my own tune, even at that age. Being anything other than myself feels like a slow, painful death. Dramatic? Maybe. But I truly can’t think of anything worse. “To thine own self be true” is a phrase that pops into my head whenever I feel myself trying to pretend to be anything other than who I am. And who I am changes. Minute to minute. I’m not the same as I was last month and certainly not last year. However, as long as I stay true to who I am in the moment and do what feels good {ding ding ding, core desired feelings}, I have access to a great inner strength and a powerful level or self-trust and confidence. Nothing feels quite as luscious as being comfy in your own skin. Am I right?

No. 10 :: By loving your sadness, you’re respecting your truth.
In my world, crying and PDS (Public Displays of Sadness) were always a sign of weakness or being “too sensitive”. So I grew to hate being sad. I tried my damnedest to not cry, especially not in public. Instead of growing stronger, this made me weaker. Because I was holding back some powerful emotions, when they emerged, it was like a tsunami. Over the years I’ve learned that embracing my sensitive nature and my emotional self, is empowering, not weak. My truth is that I feel things. And I feel them deeply. More deeply than most. I am highly attuned to the energy and feelings of others as well. It’s not something I can turn off and I don’t want to. Instead I’ve learned to respect what I’ve been given. And in turn, it’s become a superpower.

No. 11 :: If you round out your edges, you lose your edge.
I’m not really super-girly. I like sparkles, the color pink and flowery sundresses. But I like to throw in some black motorcycle boots for good measure. Everything from my current pixie haircut to my five tattoos, to my non-traditional approach to career and life, seems a bit edgy, at least where I’m from. And I like it that way. In fact, I thrive when I’m on my edge. When I’m pushing my boundaries. Too many times I have been encouraged to make myself a bit more conventional. To sand down the bumps and smooth over the rough spots. To conform. But come hell or high water {what does that even mean?}, I will never file ‘em down. The uneven lines, the mismatched shades, the disregard for the proportions of life – it’s what makes me, me. Steven Tyler knows what I’m talkin’ about.

No. 12 :: You’re going to feel guilty. Breathe. Keep going.
Guilt isn’t an emotion that I’ve ever thought much about. I hear as a mother guilt comes rushing in at breakneck speed. But I’m not a mother. And I’ve never really felt guilty about choices I’ve made or actions I’ve taken. But the thing is, guilt is a deceptive ‘lil bugger. When I really looked at guilt, I noticed that I have it in spades, it’s just tucked away in a dark corner that I don’t visit too frequently. I feel guilt. And once I do, it’s a downward spiral meets perfect storm. First comes guilt, then comes shame, then comes sadness, then enters depression. Rinse. Repeat. Oye-vey.
Guilt, just like anger and sadness and all of our assorted human emotions, is just that, human. You can’t NOT feel guilty. But you can change your relationship to it. Instead of wallowing in it and allowing it to take over your life, do as Danielle says – breathe. And keep going. This is something I’ve tried not just with guilt but with any of the more “difficult” emotions. And it works. For reals.

 
~

I could go on with hundreds of other Danielle-isms that have impacted my life. She is a genius with words, a poet and a priestess who speaks from the heart.
If you haven’t touched Danielle’s greatness yet, head over to her website and soak it in. She has loads of free goodies to partake from – and if you’re interested in The Desire Map or her book, The Fire Starter Sessions, they’re available there too. If you click here, you can buy The Desire Map directly. I’m an affiliate of her program, which means I’ll get a little somethin’ somethin’ if you purchase, but if that feels weird to you, just go to her site and get it there. Either way, I believe in you and in her, which is why I like to share the love.

Thank you D. For the work you do. For the love you spread. And the lives you touch. Your work inspires me everyday to reach new heights and explore new depths. I have such deep love and respect for you. I can’t wait to see what comes next.

Tell me, what lessons have you learned from Ms. LaPorte? How has her work impacted your life?
If this post is your first encounter with her, what did you glean from the words above? What’s your biggest take away?
Leave me a comment below and share some of your favorite bits of wisdom and inspiration. As always, thanks for sharing your stories with me!

xo

Marie Forleo changed my life.
Rather, I should say, Marie’s presence in my life, was a total game-changer.
I know that’s quite a statement to make, but it’s true.
Back in 2009, I was in a pretty dark place.
Uncertain of where I was headed, no inkling of what I wanted anymore and in a partnership that was long over. I was a mess.
I stumbled across Marie via another of my biz + life heroes, Danielle LaPorte.
I’ll never forget the first video I saw of Marie. She was promoting her event in NYC called Rich Happy & Hot Live.
I was instantly drawn to her on-camera charisma and goofy personality, combined with rock solid biz smarts.
The woman had it goin’ on and I immediately knew, I HAD to meet her.
Fast forward almost four years later and my life has drastically shifted. From a place of discontent, feeling unfulfilled and like I wasn’t living out my dreams – to a greater sense of purpose, presence and meaning in not only my work but my life.
Everything changed, the moment I decided to sign-up and attend RHH Live.
Since I don’t want to bore you to death with my endless stories about how my life has shifted from meeting Marie, I decided to give you a little bit of the highlight reel.
This month I’ve compiled a few of the most poignant lessons I’ve learned from Mama Marie.
Enjoy!

:: WHAT I’VE LEARNED from Marie Forleo ::

No. 01 :: Clarity comes from action, not thought.
Sitting around and thinking of what we want to do {or be, or see, or create}, doesn’t actually manifest results. Instead, we must take deliberate action. This might mean instead of thinking of that person you want to reach out to, actually calling them. It could also look like, sitting down and meditating, instead of merely thinking about doing it day after day. Even if we’re not clear about what end result we’re hoping for, just taking action {any action} will create a forward momentum. This momentum combined with the trial and error of conscious action, means you’re participating in life. You’re actively creating the life you want to live. You’re daring to dream. This is the place where magical stuff happens. Count on it!

No. 02 :: Go pro, or go home.
This is one of my favorite lessons from Marie {via author Steven Pressfield}, and it’s one of the biggest lessons we all need to learn at one point or another. The bottom line is this, in every moment of your life, you’re either operating like an amateur or a professional. An amateur does things half-assed, is late for meetings, doesn’t give 100% of themselves and let’s their negative attitude and self-limiting beliefs {i.e.: “I can’t do it. It’s too hard. I don’t have the money”, etc.} run the show. In contrast, a professional gets up every morning, practices extreme self-care, is on time, doesn’t let their mind-chatter run the show and is in it, to win it. Any of this sound familiar? Marie’s take on going pro is that it’s entirely within your reach, at all times. You just have to choose it and embody it. I know which camp I’d rather be in, do you?

No. 03 :: Hire it out, yo!
Attending RHH Live in NYC was definitely one of the best decisions of my life. While I was there I got to hear Marie talk about a concept she calls “Hiring it Out”. Here’s the thing, there’s no possible way we can do it all. Yes, we’ve been told {especially us ladies} that we can do anything we put our minds to. It’s true we can DO anything – but we can’t BE EVERYTHING.
In order to be truly great at our work, in our relationships and all other parts of our life, we have to get help. We must learn to delegate. Think about all the things you loathe doing every single day {cleaning the house? picking up groceries? bookkeeping?}. Out of this list, what can you hire someone else to do for you? When you do the cost/benefit analysis and figure how much time and money your’e wasting on things you can’t stand doing – spending the few extra dollars to simplify your routine, makes all the sense in the world. And it frees you up for the stuff you really love. Score!

No. 04 :: Intuition rules.
We all have that little place inside ourselves that knows. That signals us when things are feeling good. That keeps us out of harms way. And that lets us know we’re scared, but making the right choice. That place is our intuition. It’s always there to guide us, if we listen. And that’s the key, all we have to do is listen. When we tune in and listen, we can never be led astray from our true, authentic selves. Though this is a concept that is often easy in theory and complicated in practice, the best bit of wisdom I’ve learned over the years is to take baby steps. And to trust, that whatever truth is coming up for you, whatever your intuition is trying to tell you, is there for a reason. Listen.

No. 05 :: Marketing isn’t sleazy, it’s love.
I used to hate the idea of sales and marketing. It sounded like something you do if you want to be in Corporate America, or maybe a car salesman. Neither of which ever appealed to me. But Marie turned that whole notion on its’ head, in no time. She makes learning marketing strategies and concepts, FUN and relevant to today. Even more than her approach to marketing, I love her philosophy. Marketing is all about love. Say what? That’s what I thought too. But check this out – Marketing = love. And love = connection, honesty, loyalty, compassion and understanding. When you love your clients, customers or fans, marketing is the way you express your love for them and inspire them to take action. It’s been said that great marketing inspires us to change and grow – it leads us in the direction of who we want to be. Powerful stuff, no?

No. 06 :: Be present.
Being present is like waking up. It’s using your senses to take in the world around you. And bringing your full attention to whatever you’re doing or whomever you’re with, in every single moment. Think about it, how many times have you tried to multi-task, i.e. listen to Spotify, while writing a blog post, while “talking” to your partner about their day {said as I sheepishly raise my hand up high}? The idea that we can multi-task is a myth. And a potentially dangerous one, that keeps us from being fully present in the moment. Being present allows you to bring your best self to the table {and helps you avoid crashing your car while texting and driving}. Without presence, you’re half-assing your way through life and likely missing out on some amazing moments and opportunities.

No. 07 :: Spirituality begins with gratitude.
I’ve used a great app {called Gratitude Journal}, off and on for the last few years. It allows you to make a list of what you’re grateful for each day. I’ve noticed that when I use the app and make a record of all that’s amazing in my life, my day starts and/or ends on a perfectly satisfying note. I feel grounded, at peace and quite happy with my life, even despite the inevitable painful circumstances. Gratitude is a practice. The effects of the practice show right away, and deepen continually over time. As Marie said, living a spiritual life begins with gratitude. Start there.

No. 08 :: Celebrate your uniqueness!
At the end of every single Marie TV episode, Marie says “…the world needs that special gift that only you have…”. Can I get an A-men? This lesson took me years and years to learn, but is something that I try to pass along through my own work. We are all creative. We all have special, unique gifts that we’re here to offer the world. And if you hoard your gifts and don’t share them with everyone, we will all be missing out on something major. You really are THAT important and that valuable. So hop to it. Get to creating, to visioning, to magic-making – we’ll be here, waiting!

No. 09 :: Everything is “figureoutable”.
When I first heard Marie say this {at her live event in NYC}, I instantly thought, “damn straight! This has been a mantra of mine for a long time. When I was working in Hollywood, I was trained by the best-of-the-best, in one of the hardest and most demanding jobs in the industry. ‘No’ was never an acceptable answer and ‘I don’t know’ didn’t exist. I had to strike those phrases from my vocabulary. And I’ve been all the better because of it. When in doubt, Google it. Ask a mentor or someone you trust. There is always, always, always a way to figure out how to solve a problem or resolve an issue. Always.

No. 10 :: Love what you do.
This isn’t just about loving your job. It’s about bringing passion, enthusiasm and engagement to EVERYTHING you do! Yes, everything. Whether you’re cooking dinner or folding laundry or changing your kiddo’s diaper – do it with love. Having a strong sense of pride and love for the mundane things in life, trickles down to your work, to your relationships and the rest of your life. Bring love into everything you do. And watch as things begin to shift, doors begin to open and life seems a little sweeter.

So those are just a few of the powerful life lessons I’ve learned from the beautifully talented and graciously giving Marie Forleo. I’d love to hear what lessons you’ve learned from Marie. Let me know in the comments below!
And if this is your first time hearing of Marie and her work, head over to her website, where you can glean TONS of free wisdom about having a business and life you love.
Marie, you’re a total rockstar and I’m so honored to be in your world!

xo

{On the set of Lunchbox Blues, my Directorial debut, circa 1999}

Earlier this year I had an epiphany.

Well, it was part epiphany, part breakdown.
After 15 years of wanting to produce other people’s films, I decided what I really want to do, is direct my own.

My film industry peeps will understand how big of a lightbulb moment this is.
For those who aren’t familiar with the industry, let me try to explain.
It’s like saying I want to go from being an accountant to dancing backup for Justin Timberlake.
Or from being an improvisational performance artist to working on wall street.
In other words, a BIG switch.

The film industry is mostly setup so that you choose one discipline or professional path and you commit to it.
You find your niche and you stay there.
Once you choose to be a writer, you’re a writer.
When you’re the actor who only does comedy roles, you get more comedy roles.
You become “type cast” and it can be hard to reinvent yourself, if you want to.
It’s not unlike our parents generation, who believed you get the degree, get the job and then stay at that job for the rest of your life. Earn a salary. Get bonuses. 401K. Benefits. Security. All that jazz.
Today? Not as much.
On average a person changes career paths five to seven times in their life.
Things aren’t certain, secure, or safe anymore.
Truth be told, they never were.

There are many reasons I’ve had a love-hate relationship with the entertainment industry since leaving in 2005.
One of which is that the industry is old, stodgy and very slow to embrace change. They are mostly comfortable with certain, safe, secure. It shows in their business practices, their movies and how they “type cast” one another.
It took awhile but I now know that I’m not just a filmmaker. I’m entrepreneurial. I like a lot of things. I’m a Jane-of-many-trades. A renaissance woman. I enjoy photography, fashion, food. Music. Travel. Writing. Starting up new businesses. Social Media Marketing. You name it and I probably have or want to try it.
So being pigeonholed into a single role, in a world that didn’t see being multi-passionate as an asset or allow me to fully tap into my own creative power, was limiting. Suffocating really.
And so I left.

There’s a running inside joke – that goes like this . . . everyone who is writing, producing, editing, etc. is actually kidding themselves. Because, what they really want to do, is direct.
Directing is seen as the ultimate job. The King. The Auteur. The Captain of the ship. Everyone else contributes to help make the Director’s vision a reality. We exist to help them bring it to the big screen.
It’s a position of perceived {and actual} power. And power is alluring.
So deep down a lot of people harbor the secret desire to be in the captains seat.
For years, I was certain I didn’t want to direct.
Even though I had directed small things before going to film school, once I entered into the lion’s den, I committed to the path of producing 150%. There was no doubt in my mind that I was a producer through and through.

And yet in January of this year, as I had been slowly building my blog, pursuing creative endeavors and listening to my creative callings, I heard the whisper.
The whisper that said I needed to make a movie. That I needed to tell MY stories. In my own way.
That I needed to direct a feature film.
I was conflicted, but I knew the whisper couldn’t be ignored.
The funny thing about our deep desires {especially creative ones}, is that they can’t and won’t be ignored. Eventually, when you’re ready, when you can finally tune into your own frequency, the truth will present itself.
But hearing the truth is only a part of it.
Embracing it and acting on it is a whole other thing entirely.

{On the set of Lunchbox Blues working with two of my actresses, circa 1999}

My practice in embracing and working towards my dream of making my first narrative feature film, is an exercise in purposeful action.

Each day I take a small step. I read a book for research. I take photos for inspiration. I talk to someone else about it. I write a sentence or two. It might seem like nothing is getting done, but in reality, by doing these little actions, I’m moving mountains. My own mountains of resistance and fear.

What I’ve realized is that my entire life, the long non circuitous path that’s gotten me to the present day, has been in preparation for me to tell my own stories. Everything from acting in high school plays to teaching yoga to studying life coaching, has all been in service of this bigger vision. A vision that I couldn’t possibly have seen or understood at the time.
Everything in my life has led me to this moment of truth. Of being able to surrender enough to hear the whisper. To heed the call.

Today, I can say with 100% confidence, that what I really want to do is direct.
What do you really want to do?

The Top 5 things on my radar this week!

San Francisco Edition.

{Source: The Architect’s Newspaper Blog}

Aether

I’m not even a woodsy, outdoorsy kinda girl {my idea of “roughing it” is a Motel 6}, but Aether’s San Francisco outpost, filled with plenty of quality wears for the outdoor enthusiast, is definitely on my must-see list. Mostly for the obvious reason. It’s made of three shipping containers! Peep the cool video below . . .

{Source: The Bold Italic}

Ramen Shop

Ok. I’m cheating.
This one’s in Oakland, but I just had to include it. It’s Ramen. In my old ‘hood (Oakland).
A worthy reason to pull me across the bridge if there ever was one!

{Source: Aesop}

Aesop

Aesop has hit my old stomping grounds on Fillmore Street. This Australian brand is among my top favorite skin + body care lines.
Clean. Luxurious. Perfectly scented. I highly recommend trying out their products. I’ve only seen them in boutiques and major luxury retailers, so I’m super excited to check out their new west coast digs.

{Source: Alt Summit}

Altitude Summit SF

I have such awesome blogger friends. They alert me to new blogs I should check out and most especially events like this one {thank you Rubies & Ribbon}. If I can make it happen, you bet your sweet cheeks, you’ll see me at Alt SF.
UPDATE :: I just saw tickets are already sold out. Sign me up for the waitlist por favor.

What’s on your San Francisco radar?
Anything I should check out this weekend while I’m in the Bay?
Let me know in the comments below!

xo

Community
Adventure
Service

These are three principles of the World Domination Summit.
The annual event in Portland Oregon where a small army of remarkable people gather to learn how to live an unconventional life and change the world.
No biggie.

From the mind of the original travel-hacking, globetrotting, non-conformist, Chris Guillebeau, this event is unparalleled.
I’ve attended many seminars, workshops, business building, soul-lifting and inspirational weekends.
None of them can touch what Chris and his dedicated team have created in Portland.
It is a place where some of the most interesting, creative and socially conscious people gather, from all corners of the globe, to hang out, get inspired and strategize – over street food and games of skeeball!

At last year’s event, Chris left all 1,000 of us attendees speechless, and in tears, when he handed us each a crisp $100 bill.
He urged us to take the money and pay-it-forward. Invest in someone else. Give back.
It was a moment that I will never forget.

Luckily this moment was captured on video . . .it still gives me the chills.

Knowing that this person believed in us enough to hand over {what could have been} a $100,000 investment {in his rapidly growing event}, and instead gave it to a group of edgy entrepreneurs, was mind blowing.
He took giving, to another level.

I spent the better part of 6 months in deep contemplation about how to use my $100.
I felt the weight of wanting it to be perfect.
The best way I could possibly honor myself, Chris and everyone at WDS.
The $100 bill sat in its’ envelope, untouched. But not forgotten.

And so today I’m finally ready to reveal how I put the $100 investment to use.

You see. I’m a GodMother.
To a beautiful 3-year old sweetie named Marielle Scott.
We call her Mari.
Mari was born with SMA {Spinal Muscular Atrophy} Type II.
It isn’t curable.
In fact, it’s terminal.
Even though we’ve all known this for some time now, it never gets easier to say it or write it.

Her mom {one of my best friends}, Maya Scott, is without a doubt, the bravest woman I know.
She is selfless and powerful.
Kind and loyal.
She’s a mother. A wife. A daughter. A friend to many.

When Maya told me that she wanted to start a business a few months ago, I was SO excited.
I won’t get into the particulars right now, but suffice it to say,
Maya is going to be creating edible, artisanal magic in Seattle.
I’ve gotten a taste.
And let me just say . . . her goodies will Blow. Your. Mind. {and your tastebuds}

My boyfriend and I offered to help her.
He could design her logo and website.
I could consult with her on getting the business started, marketing, branding, social media, etc.

Then it hit me like a bolt of lightning while I was sitting in a movie theater in West L.A.

Community.
Adventure.
Service.

My $100 investment belongs to someone who I believe in.
Who believes in her community.
Who brings adventure and light to even the darkest days.
And whose service to her daughter, her husband and her family brings me to tears.

This Christmas, I packaged up the $100 bill along with a copy of Chris Guillebeau’s book The $100 Startup and sent it off to the most deserving person I could think of.

To my friend.
Maya Scott.
With a note that (loosely) said ::

Maya, I am investing my $100 in you.
In your company :: Yellow Door Provisions.
(great name, right?)
To help you reach your dream.
Because I believe in you.
And I love you.

What greater gift can you give than that of believing in another person’s dreams?

Chris believed in me enough to give me $100.
I had to pay it forward.

Even though the holiday’s are over, it’s always a good time to give.

Who or what can you invest in TODAY?
Leave a comment below and let me know, so I can help you cheer them on!

To Dreams!
xo

P.S. The final round of tickets for the 2013 World Domination Summit will go on sale THIS Wednesday, January 16th at 9am EST / 12pm PST. They will sell out quickly (I mean, in minutes).
Care to join me this year? Here’s your link to get on the notification list!

Modern Apothecary + Expert Estheticians. With Heart.

If you’ve been around this blog long enough, you might have a sneaking suspicion that I have quite a love of pampering + beauty + everyday luxury.
There’s nothing like a massage, facial or body treatment to clear my head, ground me and leave me feeling renewed and deeply relaxed. Am I right?

While I was living in Oakland, California, I was always on the look out for great spas and wellness centers. Sadly they were few and far between. The only one worth mentioning, is a sweet spot I stumbled upon 5 years ago in Berkeley ~ Supple Integrative Skincare.
You step inside the fabulously curated apothecary, and are instantly in scent(sory)-heaven.
Not only is this quaint boutique well-stocked and filled to the brim with impeccable product lines (REN, InFiore, Arcona, Kahina, among others), but the customer service and treatments are impeccable.

I’ll never forget meeting Supple’s Holly Pope for the first time.
She oozes cool-ness. The kind of woman you just HAVE to be friends with.
Holly’s got a certain something. A grounded, multi-cultural perspective on life and business.
A renaissance woman by all accounts.
I immediately felt I had met a kindred soul.
And so of course, couldn’t wait to ask her a few questions about her life, beauty rituals and what she knows for sure.
I hope you enjoy getting to know Holly + Supple Integrative Skincare!

Holly, tell me a bit about you + how you came to be involved at Supple? What is your role there?

I’m an Esthetician & the Director of Supple Integrative Skincare. Supple was founded by Alison Supple Evans eight years ago and then changed ownership last year, when I was brought on board to helm the ship. Alison and I met in 2006 and it was love at first sight (and smell) when I walked into Supple. I was very familiar with most of the lines we carry and Al and I spent hours that day chatting about the Apothecary life. About a month later Alison called me and asked what I was doing and if I run her shop for 5 months while she & her husband went to Europe. The obvious answer was yes! And thus began my life at Supple.

Personally, my background is pretty eclectic. I have a BS in Biology/Chemistry, an MFA in Art History, I’m a licensed Esthetician and I have a MA in French Literature. I’m also an Ayurvedic Practitioner and part of the Federation of Circus Arts in France.
I was raised in France and came to California to study and studied almost everything that I had an interest in. Between schoolings, I traveled from South Africa to the South Pacific, Southeast Asia, South America. I learned how to make potions, lotions and tinctures using roots, herbs, plants and nuts from native women around the globe.

What’s the most challenging and the most gratifying thing about running a business?

“Change with change” is always a challenge. Trends and people come and go. I have to say that rolling with those changes can be challenging at times. But change can also be gratifying and liberating once you let go of how things used to be.

You source + carry some pretty amazing product ~ what’s the philosophy on choosing products for Supple?

Effective! I tend towards natural products but I want to see and feel a difference in my skin and the skin of our clients. I also like the stories and integrity behind the brands.

You have gorgeous skin. What’s your personal skincare routine?

It changes seasonally, currently I am doing the following;
AM routine ~ cleanse (with a cleansing pad), apply a daytime serum then day cream and some sort of SPF.
PM routine ~ cleanse, apply one of the many serums, depending on the night, currently I have about 3 serums in rotation. I love serums. I’ll add a lotion or cream if I am feeling dry or have been traveling.
Weekly ~ a cleansing mask and a hydrating mask.
During the day/throughout the day ~ hydrosol spritz, blotting papers and lip conditioner.

What does beauty mean to you?

One word. Grace.

WHY do you do what you do?

Because it’s beautiful. I like people to feel and look beautiful, it’s such a pleasure when clients come out of the treatment room glowing and relaxed.

Your family background is so interesting, can you tell me about your heritage and how that has informed you and your work?

Being bi-cultural and multi ethnic, I love the beauty in all people. From my childhood in rural France, I love seasonal living ~ the fruits, vegetables, flowers and herbs that bloom in the different seasons welcoming the changes and “profiting” from the richness of what’s available during different times of the year.
Our skin also changes from season to season and I like to be able offer a solution to these changes.

You’re a well-traveled woman, what are your Top 3 favorite spots in the world?

France
Rural spots from South Africa to New Zealand
Ireland

What keeps you inspired and motivated?

Nature.

What’s something you KNOW for sure?

I am gracefully maturing.

~

And isn’t that what we all hope for ~ graceful maturity as we move through life?
A big thank you to Holly Pope for being a part of The Girl Who Knows community!
And if you find yourself in the neighborhood, I recommend booking a treatment or even just stopping by the apothecary for a little shopping + a chat with the lovely Holly – and do tell her I said hi!

As a special treat for my beautiful readers, Supple is kindly offering a FREE head massage or décolleté treatment with any facial booked between now and December 31, 2012.

Click here to learn more about Supple + book your appointment!

Here’s to beauty + relaxation. Every single day.

xo

Organic Day Spa + Sanctuary!

I’m a spa junkie.
BIG TIME!
There’s nothing quite like being pampered + massaged is there?
It’s one of the few indulgences in life that I couldn’t do without.
Pure soul food.

Back in 2005 I worked at one of San Francisco’s premiere day spa’s.
And it was there that I crossed paths with the lovely Denmo Ibrahim.
Denmo had a vision even then.
And a deep passion for healing. A true dedication to her art.
From this, Earthbody was born.
Part day spa. Part apothecary. Part sanctuary for the soul.

Denmo is a 1st generation Egyptian American who grew up in NYC with her mom and brother. It was her early travels to Cairo, where she was steeped in community, culture and spirituality, that she discovered the power of ritual. And of creating things by hand with integrity and love.

As a young person Denmo suffered a few physical injuries which required knee surgery at the age of 11 and foot surgery (on both feet) in her early twenties. She felt disconnected from her body at times, yet was still agile enough to receive a Masters degree in physical theatre.

Her background in performance set the stage for a lifetime of creativity. But it wasn’t until stumbling upon a Thai massage course in San Francisco that her own body awoke to a new way of being.

Her quest to fully understand the body mind connection led her to study with visionary thought leaders in the field at The School of Body Mind Centering, the World School of Holistic Healing and Mount Madonna.

I’m so excited to share Denmo’s wisdom and love with you.
Her spa is a deep reflection of her personal philosophy on love, healing, and holistic living.
I hope you enjoy getting to know her, as I have!

~

What are the origins of Earthbody? How did you get started?

Earthbody began as a one room private practice in 2006. I saw clients 3 times a week and had a client base of 4 people – two of whom were my friends)!
Within 6 months, I was able to open my first one room studio. Within another 6 months, I had waiting list.
I really didn’t expect this kind of demand.

In seven years of business we’ve grown from a single therapist private practice to a sustainable company with fifteen employees. We’ve served over 8,000 people.

Though it was one of the biggest challenges I faced, the core of Earthbody always remained true – to offer exceptional treatments to heal the body and mind so that each person could walk away from a session more awake, alive, and whole.

What does beauty mean to you?

I believe beauty is the fruition of space.
I think its a surrendering of what we want to who we are.
This is often a very difficult process. We so much want to be or look or act a certain way – to have certain merits we can toss around to give ourselves worth. But as we experience more of life, we see that these are props.

I think that the process of letting go of ambition in a way allows us rest in something much more grounded and real.

click to tweet this!

We do not need to go anywhere to be who we are. We just need to slow down, stop and notice.
This is beauty.
This is why my work is so fulfilling.
Because self care practices like coaching or body treatments are an invitation to slow down and look within.

Being half-Japanese, I’m fascinated with lineage and heritage and how it shapes us.
You have an interesting cultural background. Can you tell me a bit about that and how it has shaped your life + work?

My parents were born in Cairo. My brother and I were the first generation to be born in the U.S.
Visiting my family as a young person, gave me insight to community in a way I’d never really known.
The women spend their entire day preparing meals from the land. Locals don’t eat out. Families have access to their own gardens, livestock, and equipment to make meals. I think this impacted me in such a big way.
If you want the best, you make it with your own two hands.

I created Earthbody Organics, a full holistic bodycare line handcrafted by healers, using these principles. It started simple – I just wanted clean products to use in massage sessions. But it grew to formulating exquisite blends and creating a conscious manufacturing process.
The result is a concentrated formula free of cheap fillers like glycerin, wax, alcohol, and water. Our pure plant based ingredients are nourishment for the body. They are crafted with integrity.

How do you stay inspired and motivated as a business owner?

I go into retreat for 3 weeks once per year.
I cleanse.
I exercise 5 times a week.
I read. I get bodywork. I give up my job. And then rehire myself.
I don’t take things so seriously. I try to create space. I don’t lock myself into identifying solely as any one thing but remember that I’m also a lover and artist and writer and coach and sister and daughter and San Franciscan and soon to be wife.
And when I remember that my work is part of the whole, joy returns.

I personally believe that body treatments aren’t a luxury, they’re a necessity. What are your thoughts on this?

We have forgotten our true nature.
The mind is running the show for most of us. And sometimes we just need to cut it.
Spending an hour on the table isn’t really about the muscles (although they love the attention).
It’s about putting your body in front of your mind. This creates a shift. It’s a simple way to say I care enough about me to experience the world through my senses.
Regular treatment has an affect on the mind. Physically, you become more relaxed, agile, lighter.
Mentally you can experience balance, clarity, and ease.
And emotionally you can taste peace.

The result I think is embodied joy.
It’s really that simple.
So then I ask you is joy a luxury?
I don’t think so.

What does your creative process look like?

I often get the most creative in retreat when I’m not working. This is when the flood of ideas comes rushing through.

What’s your personal self-care philosophy + routine?

Wow – one of the lessons I learned the hard way was that I had to have a self care routine or else nothing worked.
So now I receive bodywork once a week.
I’m currently on a three week detox cleanse (which has been amazing).
I work with a personal trainer.
I have a nightly skincare ritual that makes my skin feel incredible but also smells amazing from Earthbody Organics.
I write each day.
And I cook once if not twice daily.
I meditate.
I go on dates with my fiancé.

The important thing is that I show up. I realized I can’t just be a walking to-do list.
There are things that maybe don’t have as much of a sense of accomplishment, like taking my vitamins, but it’s a long term vision of wellness.
For the first time I feel what balance can be like. And it takes a lot more effort than I realized, but its so possible and totally worth it!

You’re an Ayurvedic practitioner and holistic coach – how does that inform your work at the spa?

When people choose Earthbody, I think they choose us because of our integrated wellness philosophy.
We’re the only day spa in San Francisco owned and operated by Therapists – which says a lot about how the menu is designed, the experience of the clients, and the thoughtfulness of every treatment. The holistic education and practices that informed me are at the heart of Earthbody.

What is a quote that you love? One that guides your life.

“There are only two rules. Start and continue.”
~Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche

Now for some fun tips! What are your Top 3 favorite spots in your ‘hood (San Francisco)?

Hayes and Kebab – owned by Kurdish brothers who still hold a real sense of hospitality.
Samovar Tea Lounge – the tea is overpriced but the ambiance makes way for wonderful conversations.
Patricia’s Green Park – a little secret haven of lush in the city with art, kids playground, garden, and picnic benches.

Why do you do what you do?

Because only by doing can I learn and transform. Because I am utterly compelled. Because I love you and I want you to have all of me.

As a fellow “girl who knows”, what do you absolutely know for sure?

You are perfect.
You hold all the answers for your life.
You belong.
You are needed in this world.
I KNOW you have a purpose.
I know you can heal old wounds.
I know that love and truth and joy are not things that you and I just say would be nice. But that we’ve experienced it and have a right to it in every single moment.
I know that when we don’t have it, we will be heart broken. But I also know that this small death is the only way to wake up. That becomes the gateway to joy.
This I know.

~

Simply put, I absolutely adore Denmo. Her words, her work and her life are pure poetry.
I’m so honored to have been able to share a bit about her and Earthbody.

As a gift to you beautiful readers, Denmo is generously offering a 1-hour Holistic Coaching session by phone or Skype for $89 (regularly $225). The offer expires December 1, 2012.

I kid you not, BIG shifts can occur in 1-hour with her. BIG. And I say this from personal experience.
Click HERE for more info (and be sure to mention THE GIRL WHO KNOWS when booking to secure your special rate).

Head over to the Earthbody site to book your holistic coaching session with Denmo.
And if you’re in the Bay Area, I can’t recommend her face + body treatments highly enough. They are the absolute BEST!

xo

Musings on creative genius + uniqueness + Albert Einstein.

Via Modern Cookie on Pinterest

Have you ever loved something so much, that you rave about it to everyone you know?
You indulge in it frequently?
Give it as gifts?
And it would probably make your all-time Top 10 list?
But then, out of nowhere, you have a super sour experience that leaves you wondering. . . WTF?!

Well, I had this kind of experience at a mega-popular L.A. eatery not too long ago.
I was told by management as I waited for my to-go-order, that I wasn’t allowed to take photographs of anything in the store.
Now, in the days of Instagram + Twitter + iPhones + Samsung Galaxy’s, I don’t really get this kind of policy.
Not sure about you, but I’ve never been told that before. Ever.
And I’ve been to A LOT of places in my life.
In fact, restaurant and shop owners are typically thrilled to have someone spreading their gospel for them. For FREE.

I was peeved, but I obliged.
I walked out and was left feeling reprimanded over something I didn’t believe was wrong.
Has this ever happened to you?

Before I left, I asked the management where this policy came from, they replied “the owner believes if everyone gets to take photos, competitors will steal her ideas”.
Really?!
Oh wow.

I felt my biz consulting hat begging to be put on and my coaching muscles wanting to be flexed.
Instead of trying to change their policies, which clearly wasn’t going to happen in the moment, I ran to my car to jot down my thoughts on what I perceive to be a really bad policy.

What I desperately wanted to ask the restaurant owner herself, in that moment is . . .what are you so afraid of?

It’s not like your idea is THE original idea.
It isn’t as if NOBODY else has ever created an eatery + retail store like yours.
In fact, the design inspiration stems quite clearly from other spots I’ve visited in NYC and Napa Valley.
Just sayin.
The not-so-nice-Stephanie had a few other choice remarks, but the thoughtful-and-curious-Stephanie was wondering what lessons were here for me to learn.

I’m continually curious about the mindsets that keep us tripped up. Keep us prisoner of our ego’s.
That prevent us from truly reaching our fullest potential and expression of ourselves.
I’m curious about this in individuals and equally (if not more) curious about these principles in business.

What became glaringly obvious in this experience, was the owner was, what I like to call, “hoarding her genius”.

In other words, she’s stuck in the mentality of “there’s not enough to go around”.
It’s the antithesis of what I believe and know to be effective in life and in business.

My perspective on this mindset feels brutal, even for me to hear, but it’s quite true for most of us.

What you’re creating has likely been created before.
Or thought of before.
By someone. Somewhere.
At some point in time.

Aside from the (quite literal) bursts of genius from guys like Albert Einstein or Benjamin Franklin, there’s not much in our world that is original.
Ideas are a dime a dozen.
And when it comes to lifestyle brands, you’re most likely not reinventing the wheel.

~Albert Esinstein | image via Valentina Lori on Pinterest

This doesn’t mean everything you do is unoriginal.
What IS unique, is your particular spin on it.
Your brand of je ne sais quoi.
What you bring to your ideas, your art, your business, your creative pursuits, your relationships, your life.
That is what makes your offering unique.
And nobody can take that away from you.

How could you express this uniqueness in a world where just about everything’s already been done?

• Try offering up stellar service and impeccable quality (like at Eric Ripert’s Le Bernardin in NYC).
• Or putting your entire heart into your handcrafted, custom blended face + body care products (like Julie Elliott at InFiore).
• Or devoting your business to helping others overcome loss and death and grief. By showing up with transparency 100% of the time (like Christina Rasmussen at Second Firsts).

There are hundreds of thousands of more examples of unique businesses, unique artists, unique individuals who are infusing themselves into their work.
This kind of alchemy is precisely what makes them originals. Standouts. And successful by all accounts.

If we’re always coming from a place of lack, we can never truly feel abundance or gratitude.

(click to tweet this!)

And we can never reach our full potential as human beings.
Never.

The most original and creative people I know recognize that everything in life is fleeting.
Especially success and fame.
They admit that they’ve been inspired by the great masters and those who came before them.
There’s no shame in this. In fact, there’s great strength in paying homage to your sources of inspiration.

The common trait I see amongst these people is humility, which encompasses self-understanding, awareness, openness and seeing other perspectives.
Humility is part of the secret sauce if you ask me!

So, what are your thoughts on this?
Are you a hoarder (of your creative genius)?
Stuck in the lack mentality?
How can you let go and move towards more abundance?

I hope this post sparks something in you! Let me know by leaving me a comment below.
And if you liked it, please share + spread the love.

Until next time . . .

P.S. You didn’t think I forgot did you?

I’m thrilled to announce the winner of these gorgeous earrings by Kate Ellen Metals
(featured in last week’s GET TO KNOW post) is . . .

Kerry Connor

Congratulations Kerry! You’ll be receiving an email from me very soon with more info.
Hope you enjoy them!
xo

Love + Metal!

I’ve never really been a sparkle + jewels kinda girl.
My taste runs more simple, refined, understated (with a teensy hint of glam + edge).
I’m always on the look out for great clothing + accessories, but jewelry has never been a “go-to”.
It’s great when it’s gifted, but not usually something I’ll purchase for myself.
But honestly, after this post, I think that’s about to change!

A few months ago I was exploring Oakland’s Popuphood, which has been garnering quite a bit of buzz lately.
I turned the corner into a beautiful brick alleyway and stumbled on a true gem, Kate Ellen + Crown Nine.

Crown Nine is designer Kate Ellen’s flagship store, an expertly curated jewelry gallery, that feels like a perfect mix of art studio + boutique. Everything in the store feels ultra-refined. From the hand-picked designer collections, to the quirky art and elegant accessories. Each and every item in the store feels purposely chosen.

My senses were in full overdrive mode once I stepped inside. The white walls are the perfect backdrop for the beautiful art that adorns the walls. The jewelry is flat out stunning. And the accessories are to die for.

Kate is self-taught.
She’s a jewelry designer + metalsmith, who was appropriately named Best of San Francisco in 2010 by 7×7 Magazine.
No small feat!

Everything she makes is 100% handcrafted in her humble studio in Oakland’s Jack London Square.
She focuses on marrying the industrial with the natural and uses a mixture of ancient techniques to craft her work.
Her design philosophy centers around simplicity, timelessness, and “things I want to wear myself”.

I’m a fan-girl for all things curated.
So, you can imagine how excited I was to meet the lovely designer in person and get a generous invite to her work space + studio.

I watched her create some gorgeous pieces while we chatted about life + passion + teaching + art.
The girl is so down-to-earth, mega-talented and incredibly generous (she gives back to several charitable org’s thru her business).

In fact, she was a social worker and educator before she found her creative calling.

“I always daydreamed about being a painter, a singer, a dancer– but none of these things came very naturally to me. When I found metal work, I was instantly in a groove. My hands just seemed to know what to do. And I enjoy the thrill and excitement of wielding dangerous tools and getting dirty at work everyday. The process very much appeals to the tomboy in me, and the end product adorns the girl in me.”

~

I put together a little teaser video so you could get a behind-the-scenes peek at designer Kate Ellen and her store, Crown Nine.
Watch + read on for an in-depth Q+A, plus 2 crazy sweet surprises at the end (oh yeah)!

Edited + Creative Direction by fistfull of cake films
Music by Arcade Fire, “Neighborhood #3 (Power Out)” ~ buy here.

~

Tell me about the origins of the name Crown Nine (which I LOVE).

When I was trying to name the space, I tried a lot of names and sent out a survey to family and friends–which was a great way to eliminate ones that did not work.
An artist buddy and I were talking about some possibilities, and he suggested combining words from two of my favorites into Crown Nine, and I immediately loved it.
Now it means a lot–it’s about adornment, it’s about our location on 9th st, but more importantly it’s about civic pride.
We created the logo to give the viewer a sense of confidence and connection to the city of Oakland with it’s oak leaves.

How do you define beauty?

Beautiful is what stirs up your heart and your guts, things that move you from within. For me, beauty is about the poignancy of realness and truth.

How do you stay inspired and motivated as a business owner?

I chose to be a jewelry designer because I like projects. I need discrete objectives over short periods of time, and then I want to move on and do something new. Custom work is also invigorating for the same reason, I love being able to combine my style with someone else’s vision.
I am also highly motivated because I am constantly rewarded for what I put into my work. The more thoughtful energy I put in, the more surprising the rewards have been.

I personally believe that body adornment (jewelry) is a way to express aspects of who you are. What’s your philosophy behind your designs? How do you want someone to feel when wearing your pieces?

I think jewelry is a really special and sacred art.
Each person has within them a form or shape that they are drawn to, whether they create it themselves or simply recognize it in the world. When I create something, it is my shape or form coming out and being manifested as an object and when another person sees that and connects with it, it’s almost like finding someone else who shares your form, who shares your aesthetic view of the world.

My uncle calls it finding other members of your aesthetic tribe.
Adornment is then very personal, and you add another layer of significance when jewelry acts as talisman for intimate experiences and relationships.

When someone wears my work, I want them to feel a shade truer to themselves and very confident.
I also want them to feel very comfortable and to interact with the jewelry– I design a lot of things that are kinetic and fun to play with while wearing.

What does your creative process look like?

Usually it is very spontaneous and very driven by the material. I don’t do much sketching or pre-planning, I just get an idea and go. Some of my best and most popular pieces were accidents that I edited and refined over time. While I am working I have to listen to something, either music or one of my favorite radio programs like This American Life or RadioLab.

What is a quote that you love (that guides your life)?

Ring the bells that still can ring
Forget your perfect offering
There is a crack in everything
That’s how the light gets in.
~Leonard Cohen

What are your Top 3 fave spots in your ‘hood (Oakland)?

This question is SO hard, I have so many favorites and a long list of places I want to try!
So here is a list of what I did this week:
Cafe 817
Lake Merritt
Dogwood
Luka’s Taproom
Cosecha
Farmer Joe’s

What music are you listening to right now?

I’ve been sort of obsessed with George Harrison and I always have Broken Social Scene on rotation.

WHY do you do what you do?

Because I love living creatively, I like things to be challenging and always changing, and I really value freedom.
There are certainly trade offs when working for yourself, but my work really suits my personality.
I like being able to make a decision and make it happen, to put things in motion right away. I was always terrorized by the slow pace of things in school and while working in the professions. Maybe I am impatient. But I like things to be interesting and new all the time.
I also hope one day to have kids so I have intentionally built my business in a way that I will be able to be a mom and a designer if I am ever lucky enough to have my own family.

How do you balance the creative part of your job with the business part?

This can be a struggle, mostly because I always feel short on time and in order to be creative I really need to have free space and time.
I would say that 10% of my business is the highly creative part where I am developing brand new ideas.
The other 90% is the hustle–which I love and find rewarding and challenging in other ways.
The hustle includes everything from marketing, branding, event planning, social media, and all the way down to the smallest tedium involved in running a store, a studio, and an online business.
I am just now really beginning to know what my key competencies are, and I am going to hire folks to take care of the parts I am not good at which I know will free me up to put more energy into the things that I rock at.

What do you absolutely KNOW for sure?

Who I love. (Turns out I love a lot of people).

~

Did I tell you Kate is amazing?! I’m totally smitten with her + her work.
I hope you loved getting to know a little bit about this talented designer + incredible entrepreneur!

Kate is a big fan of The Girl Who Knows community and decided to offer a rare, limited time 25% discount on ANY Kate Ellen Metals pieces from today thru November 24, 2012!

Hello?! Crazy right?

Don’t wait.
Get over to Kate Ellen Metals online shoppe and select one of her many pieces (or a few).
The holiday’s aren’t that far off + personally I think these unique pieces make the PERFECT gift + you support an amazing independent business owner!
Total win-win.

Enter this unique coupon code at checkout: THEGIRLKNOWS.

And P.S.
Because you’re awesome (and so is Miss Kate), I’ll be giving away a pair of her best-selling Birch earrings (an $85 value)!

All you have to do to be entered to win is the following ::

1. Get signed up on The Girl Who Knows mailing list (if you aren’t already) by filling out the form at the bottom of this post OR clicking HERE.

(note :: be sure to tag The Girl Who Knows on Facebook in order to be entered to win)

Easy peasy!
Good luck + the winner will be announced in next week’s blog post.

Until next time . . .

Tea Towel Perfection!

I first stumbled across Studiopatró at an event in the East Bay (near Oakland, CA). A close friend told me to run (not walk) over + check out their goodies. So I did.

I was instantly enamored with the simple, organic designs and crisp feel of their signature tea towels. The linen is so perfect, you almost don’t even want to use them. I bought a few. Took them home. Washed (and dryed) them per the instructions. And low and behold the softest and most supple multi-purpose towels I have ever owned. Honestly. They’re the bomb.
To say I am a fan is an understatement.

Founder Christina Weber, a longtime art director (for the likes of the Williams Sonoma catalog) + graphic designer, created Studiopatró out of her enduring love of design, typography and pattern. P.S. In case you’re wondering, Studiopatró means “pattern studio”.

And for the record, these aren’t just any old tea towels. They’re hand-printed in Oakland, California on 100% super luxe linen fabrics (of the European variety) with water-based inks. And since they’re a natural, sustainable fabric, they’re strong and withstand the rigors of daily use. In fact, like fine wines, they get better with age.

The prints + typography are whimsical and so fun! With sayings like, “Love is all you need”, “Stripes make everything better” (don’t they though?), and an array of words o’ wisdom for the creative cook. I want them all.

Christina and I immediately hit it off when we met and she invited me to her cozy studio in San Francisco’s Marina neighborhood to see her team in action. I put together this little video of my visit, just for you!
Check it out + be sure to read thru to the end for a special surprise (from Christina, with love).
Enjoy!

~

Tell me a little bit about yourself Christina and your path.
It started in the sixties when I discovered Marimekko. Why was ink-on-cloth so exciting? The bold patterns and vibrant colors were so “modern”. No more calico for me.
Art and design called out to me loud and clear. Teaching art turned to graphic design, and I spent 25 years putting ink-on-paper. But a growing collage of leaves, maps, typography and architecture took over my studio walls. Patterns emerged, and so did Studiopatró.

How did the idea for Studiopatró come about?
I wanted to design products – to design things, objects, beautiful things for the home. I had been designing printed communications as a graphic designer for years. . . it was time to do something new.
The perfect canvas became the tea towel, a natural fit for its endless interpretations and inherent sustainability. I love that the simple kitchen towel becomes a special token. . . and still remains its humble, hard-working self.
It’s important to me that Studiopatró designs, hand-prints and sews all products locally in the San Francisco bay area, with people who share a passion to create high-quality, enduring, and lovely products.

Photo :: StudioPatro

Photo :: StudioPatro

Photo :: StudioPatro

Where does your design inspiration come from?
From travel, great design magazines, visiting art museums – from architecture, looking at street fashion, and from nature, of course.

How do you cultivate creativity?
Sketching and drawing and looking at everything, wherever I am.

I love entrepreneurial women and you are most certainly that! What do you find to be the most challenging AND most gratifying part of being a business owner?
Challenging: the bookkeeping and record-keeping parts of the business.
Gratifying: working with wonderful people.

How do you stay inspired and motivated everyday?
I’ve always had a passion and drive to create. So the creative aspect of my work keeps me motivated.

Tell us about the future of your line. Any exciting developments or new products on the horizon?
I’m interested in promoting my new tagline “USE CLOTH NOT PAPER ”
New products will support this!

What does beauty mean to you?
Beauty is joyful, it’s inspiring and gives meaning to life. It can also be restful, and even peaceful.

Is there a particular mantra or quote you live your life by?
“Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful.” ~William Morris

Why do you do, what you do?
To keep learning new things – to keep life fresh, to challenge myself, to stretch.

What are your Top 3 favorite spots in your ‘hood (San Francisco)?
Hmmmm… the view of the Golden Gate Bridge from Crissy Field
Rose’s Café for roast chicken
Flora Grubb Nursery

What’s one thing you know for certain?
Simplicity is best in everything.

~

As a little bonus video treat for you ~ check out Studiopatró’s own video :: 12 ways to use a tea towel (totally adorable)!

AND as a special bit of goodness just for TGWK readers, Christina is giving you 20% off your entire order at Studiopatró online!
I know.
You’re welcome.

Visit Studiopatró’s online store + enter the code GIRL WHO KNOWS at checkout to get your super sweet discount!

And hurry, the offer is good until September 30, 2012!

Photo :: StudioPatro

I hope you enjoyed getting to know Christina Weber and Studiopatró ~ a true San Francisco gem.
Until next time. . .