Over the years I’ve changed and changed and changed. Haven’t we all? Creatively, I am in a really good place right now. Emma and I talk about this all the time… we think it’s good to experiment in your twenties. Try every possible path until you find a good fit. That’s what I’ve been doing. My twenties were full. From working with magazines, to mainstream retail, to a 100% handmade business, to a local vintage shop, to designing a dress collection and so many opportunities that came about as a result of A Beautiful Mess.
People ask me all the time about future plans. Do you want to start a magazine? Would you do TV? What’s next for the blog? Are you going to try this or that…. I always answer quickly, politely and without much detail. Something like, “It’s in our five year plan”. Maybe because until recently, I’ve never considered that there was anything that we didn’t want to do. I just wanted to try it all.
Reflecting back and looking forward are two of my favorite things. I’ve learned equally from my mistakes and successes. In particular, I’ve learned the virtues of focused energy. Experimenting is amazing, but at a certain point it’s best to commit. That’s where I am now. That’s where our brand is. I know what it’s like to balance a business that does 4-6 things at all times and I’m ready to balance 1-2 (maybe 3… haha) and do them really well.
In my twenties I also learned that great things can happen when you focus all your energy on one project for a period of time. I learned to dream big and appreciate each small step. I guess what I’m trying to say is that I’m ready to step into my thirties now. (even though it’s a few months away) It feels good to be decisive about what we want, what we don’t need and where our brand is going. I’m more excited than ever.
PS. What does this photo of Emma have to do with anything? Not much of anything… I think it’s pretty and she borrowed my camera for the weekend.
