"I Check In With Me"
At the root of it all, it’s you… Or at least that’s how it should be.
TheMakerista.com
My heart has been full this week with beautiful, deeply rooted client meetings, Discovery Calls, master minds and coffee dates with colleagues and even yesterday’s ‘A Quarter Til Wine’. I had the opportunity to connect with women from all over the country that were at various stages of uncovering themselves, and some even seeking it out for what seemed like the first time in a very long while. One thing that was not planned but seems fitting was that all of these women were mothers. These incredible women were not only trailblazers in their own right, but women that have cared and nurtured the lives of others. It seemed that unlike most others in my circle, these women, these mothers, were committed to uplifting those around them but also, understood on a deeper level, the importance of their own voice and identity and embraced the expression of that in their home.
On yesterday’s Instagram Live episode I had the immense pleasure of speaking with Gwen Hefner of The Makerista. What began as an intimate sharing of a dress she made for her daughter almost eight years ago has evolved into a trailblazing hub where classics are celebrated, where whimsy can run free, and where knowing thyself reigns supreme.
The month of May I wanted to focus my attention to the conversation of building a personal aesthetic that was a reflection of the pieces of ourselves that are uniquely ours. Despite the trends that come and go, there is an internal cadence that guides how we express ourselves in the world. The clothes we wear, the foods we eat, even where we shop all tell a story about the way we see ourselves and how we nonverbally translate that to those around us. My first step when working with clients, and arguably the best first step is dissecting what that means for them and leaning into that. My job is to unearth and express one’s own voice in the tapestry of their home. But it’s their job to provide that voice. I feel that that is when design transcends something ‘pretty’ and turns into the most profound expression of art we’ve witnessed.
Gwen has an immaculate way of both evolving but also diving deep into herself, and avoids being swayed by the trends that come and go like the tide. She equated it to one thing, knowing thyself. When asked how she is able to keep the blinders on and push back on chasing every trend that comes her way the answer was simple, “I check in with myself”. The most difficult part in our modern era where it feels like we are being force fed what to like, what to wear, and even when to pivot, it is hard to calm down the noise enough to hear ourselves think. However, having a healthy relationship with that voice will navigate you through and makes all the difference.
I encourage you, especially if you are a mother (or frankly anyone that may have given so much of themselves along the way) embrace the good, the bad, and the ugly. Embrace the quirks that are you, and the parts you’ve held onto for an eternity. As you approach your home, explore and do not shy from the evolution and growth that is inevitable. But when you come to a cross road where something has piqued your interest, take a beat and ask yourself “if this me?”. Is this something that makes it into the novel of who I am, or is this a moment that I can appreciate it from afar? Our homes are intimate, and having the privilege to become a part of these spaces should come at the price of supporting our voice, and never should it drown it out.
To all the mothers and mothers in waiting we celebrate you! We celebrate the intricacies that your tapestry and we hope you share that with those around you! As our sincere thank you for the endless dedication you have shown we encourage you to take advantage of booking a complimentary Discovery Call. No matter if you have a whole house remodel planned or simply want to create a spot to read in your sun room, we want to help start that internal conversation as a gift.