Our Big News - Noisette Academy

Her branding is dope! 

One of my all time favorite blogs for creative professionals is Noisette Academy and a last month I saw that Isa, the owner, put a call out looking for people to guest post for her site. She was asking for people from cities all of the world to submit and so I thought - hey, Lisa and I should submit for Awfully Grand and write about San Francisco. I'm pretty sure Lisa read over my email and thought, sure, yeah, go ahead, but then we got it and we were like, um, wow! Isa really responded to this line in my application, I said, "We know super fun spots for creative professionals to unwind, go on creative adventures, grab a drink, eat some delicious food or just awesome places to sit down with your journal and GET inspired."


So, we went on an adventure to the Golden Gate Bridge, which has always been an inspirational spot for Lisa and I. Subscribe to the Noisette Academy blog, so that you can follow our adventures. I think that Isa's idea was super smart and we're so proud to be part of this series. The moral of this blog post is to take a chance when you see a potential opportunity. Next time you see a fun internet contest or if you've been thinking about approaching a blogger about a guest post - don't hesitate - do it! 


Special thanks to Isa for picking us! We get to write about living creative lives in San Francisco - can it get better than that on a Monday, no, it cannot!


Click HERE to subscribe to The Academy by Noisette Marketing - this is where our posts will show up.


Here is her mission statement, just in case you weren't sure that you loved her already.


The Academy is a resource and learning community for independent business owners in the creative industry. We aim to inspire, educate and support you whilst helping you grow your creative business. Starting a business is challenging, sustaining it and growing it, even more so. The Academy is brought to you by Noisette Marketing and our team of contributors, a group of talented designers and marketers committed to supporting and promoting independent business owners.


xo
Sarah

To Have & To Hold

A few weeks ago while checking my email after yet another glamorous breakfast with my 18 month old daughter, yes I ended up wearing ALL the oatmeal, I received some pretty awesome and totally unexpected news. Staring at me from my inbox was an email from Etsy requesting one of my Zelma Rose Pocket Squares for their upcoming wedding event To Have & To Hold. I had to read the email about 4 times because my heart was beating so fast and also my daughter was drawing on the furniture with a red crayon. Essentially it said, as all requests usually do, to send the item quickly, and maybe we will use it maybe we won't. Okay good enough for me. I gathered together my A-Team (you can read about them here) and got to work. Here are some pics of what I sent...

Now I should say that Etsy has been really really good to me. While it has taken time to build a customer base on Etsy, the people who run the show over there have given me props from the get go. My designs are regularly featured in the Etsy Finds emails, and I have even been so lucky to have popped up over on the Merchandising Desk blog posts, but, being included in To Have & To Hold was huge!!!! The event is this Saturday and it is SOLD OUT! But like with all press, there is no telling what the response will be. Yes, it is possible to be featured in Better Homes and Gardens and not see an increase in sales, press is funny like that. So I'm prepping and planning and getting organized, but whatever the response it will be a surprise. Good thing I loooove surprises. I'll keep you all updated, of course.

Happy Friday

xo

Lisa

Teahouse Studio in Berkeley

Jesse with the rest of the students in our class chat.

This weekend I got to head over to Berkeley on one of the hottest days on record for a super fun natural light photography workshop with Jesse Freidin at Teahouse Studio. I'd been dying to go to Teahouse Studio ever since I saw the announcements about it opening and so I jumped at the chance when I saw this class in their newsletter. I'll be blogging about my experience at the workshop on my photography blog - stay tuned.

So, why is Teahouse Studio so freaking awesome? There are a few reasons: the space is gorgeous, there is a ton of beautiful things laying about that are destined to inspire you, it is owned and operated by 3 dynamic women - Tiffany, Mati & Stef. I got to take the class with Stef and talking to her was great. I wanted to let her know that a lot of other women who are creative professionals are pulling for them to be successful. This bit from their website makes my heart happy:

Teahouse is a place where you can take your big dreams and make them a reality.

We believe in community and creating conversation around creativity and joyful living.

Thankfully Stef allowed me to walk around their space and take some photos with my phone. They've all been posted to my Instagram feed, but if you haven't seen them yet or you aren't following me (sarahderagon) here they are.

Great book shelf - obviously, these were my favorites.

This is Jesse. He has rad camera tattoos!

Inspiration board belonging to Stef.

Neat art held up with washi tape. I totally need some of that!

Journey song speaks the truth!

This is what creativity looks like.

Tools of the trade.

See the DIY reflector in the front of the frame?

Make sure that you check out the classes at Teahouse Studio. I'm already plotting out the next one that I will attend. Click here for the class schedule. When Lisa and my schedule gets less nuts I would love to venture over to Berkeley with her and spend some time with the women who make up Teahouse Studios. Hopefully this post will be coming in the fall. If you've attended a class at Teahouse Studio, let us know! Which one did you take and what did you think?

xo

Sarah

Knot Shots - San Francisco Weddings

If you've ever had a conversation with me about photography I've probably expressed something about how hard weddings are, but last month I was converted. I went down to LA to photograph a beautiful couple and as I was preparing for the shoot, which means I spend hours and hours on wedding blogs, I remembered that wedding photography was how I first fell in love with photography. Was I anywhere close to being where I needed to in order to be a successful wedding photographer? No way! But the past year I've continually honed my skill and style and now I'm ready to come out as a wedding photographer. I'm working on my website, which should launch this week, but I wanted to share with you my fancy new logo by Molly of Rabbit Foot Fern.

If you've never gotten a professional logo or graphic design done before Molly is amazing to work with. The entire process is collaborative and she'll always make you laugh. The vibe we were going for was something that would appeal to both same sex and heterosexual couples, since I want to work with both. I wanted classic muted colors and a strong timeless font. She delivered and I will always sing her praises!
So, if you know of someone who is getting married, recently engaged, coming up on an important anniversary or if you're just in love and want someone to take some fancy pictures of the two of you - call, text or email me. We will have a blast together and you'll get some beautiful images that you can send to your mom. She loves that, you know?!

What are some big plans you're working on?

xo
Sarah

Monday Monday Monday

Sarah & I have been busier than ever! So much great stuff going on. Coming off our super fab Success Squad meeting yesterday, our creative juices are flowing and we are on overdrive! We will be filling you in on all the exciting news throughout the week, but for now, here are some of the ideas that keep us going when there is little time to stop and reflect.

Source: jjumpjennifer.tumblr.com via Lisa on Pinterest

Source: Uploaded by user via Lisa on Pinterest

Source: boozebagbettygoestorehab.blogspot.com via Lisa on Pinterest

Source: gotopublicschool.com via Lisa on Pinterest

What has you inspired this Monday morning?

Hope it's a great week for you all,

xo

Lisa

A Love Letter to San Francisco

The other day someone asked me why I love Instagram, it was just after the big news hit that Facebook bought them for one billion dollars (this has to be said in a Dr. Evil voice) and I told them that through Instagram photos I write a love letter to San Francisco. I went back over Lisa and my Instagram photos and it is true - most photos we post are honoring our beloved city. I am posting my top 5 favorites from our feeds the past few weeks and you'll notice the prominent Golden Gate Bridge in the pics, yes? We went there early one Saturday morning for a little adventure. We have some big news to share with you about that - not quite ready yet, but when we are - you'll be as stoked as we are!

Are you on Instagram? Post your user name in the comments and we'll follow you!

xo
Sarah

Trinkets and Stories

The other day I was doing a photoshoot at my friend's house and while she was changing outfits I wandered around her home and shot some fun details. What I love about visiting people's homes is seeing what trinkets they have around. Each one tells an emotional story and was placed somewhere with love and care. Of course, there are those homes where there is no heart, but they are the acception to the rule. So, I wonder, if I came to your house what trinkets would I discover and what stories do they tell? If you have a favorite trinket at your house - snap a photo of it with your home and send it our way - include a few sentences about the story behind it as well. We love a good story!

xo
Sarah

Stuck

Argh. I'm stuck. The worst part is I know it. It will be momentary, but all the same I could live without it. When I am able to get perspective I remind myself that these times of standing still are rest for when things really get moving. There is something to be learned here. I'm open, listening, and hoping I reach a stride again soon.

Source: bit.ly via Lisa on Pinterest

I'm working on it!

What helps you when you get stuck?

xo

Lisa

The No-Stress Interview

Friday I had the pleasure of visiting with my pals over at Stitch Labs to be interviewed for Stitch Spotlight, an upcoming series focusing on Stitch customers and their businesses. It's always a blast going over to the Stitch office. The team is so lovely, brilliant, and fun and the energy always gets me so inspired!

Source: Uploaded by user via Lisa on Pinterest

While the interview was very low stress for me, it did awaken some jitters as I was pulling myself together that morning. Instead of dissecting why I would be nervous about being casually interviewed about Zelma Rose by people I know and like, I just went with the feelings and did a little old school interview prep.

Source: 28.media.tumblr.com via Lisa on Pinterest

Here are some of the interview prep tips and tricks I have picked up over the years.

• So What Makes You So Great Anyway?

A mentor told me quite some time ago that his best practice for interview prep was to read one of his reference letters of recommendation right before an interview. I have followed this piece of advice for years and while Friday was not a job interview, I did employ this practice to prepare. Instead of reading a letter of recommendation I took a look at my customer feedback over at my Zelma Rose Etsy shop. It was really helpful to have what customers appreciate about my work fresh in my mind, when answering questions about my business.

• It's the Opposite of None of Your Business.

Whether you work for someone else, or yourself, what you do is your business. Own it. Know the ins and outs of your job. Both the parts you find interesting and the parts you dread. Whether you need to crunch numbers, pull together line sheets, prepare product samples, portfolios, or writing samples, get intimate with what you do at your job on a daily basis. These are the oh so important facts of our work we forget when tending to the minute by minute tasks. Give yourself a little refresher course of the micro and macro of your job before your interview.

• Remember It's Not Just About What Makes You Qualified on Paper, It's Also About What Makes You Qualified in Your Heart.

Now more than ever you need to be clear about why you love what you do. Competition is super high these days and employers are looking to create both a qualified and passionate workforce. Even if you don't remember what inspired you in the first place, think back, even if it is really far back, to remember that spark that got you interested in your career in the first place. When did you and your career share that first kiss? Passion is contagious and your excitement about a potential position will be inspiring! If you are struggling to find that passion, think on one thing about your job that you do not hate. Yeah it sounds dismal, but sometimes we just have to dig deep, ya know?

• Get Some Perspective

I put this toward the end because it's the hardest. Yuck! If getting perspective on what we do, our qualifications and expertise were easy, interviews wouldn't make us so nervous. Stepping back to take a look at ourselves takes practice and if you are not there yet, admit it, and ask a friend for help. Have a friend or partner read over your resume. Does it properly represent what you do? Your job title? Your level of expertise? Too often we sell ourselves short in this way and getting an outside perspective can really help. We are often the last person to call ourselves an expert, but if you are, then claim it, no one else is going to be at the interview rooting for you, but you! Become your own cheerleader.

• Be Yourself

Yawn. Could I be anymore cliche? It's true though. A friend had the rare opportunity to apply for the same position twice, within a 3 year period. This position was her dream job and after not nailing it the first go around, she always kept an eye out to see if the position opened up again. It did, and instead of going to the interview pretending to be the person she thought they wanted to hire like she did the first time, this second go around she put HER best foot forward and went as her genuine self. She nailed it and they loved her so much, she has been happily working away at her dream job for the past 6 years. It can be scary to really be ourselves and even if your interview calls for you to step outside of yourself, find a small way to bring a genuine part of you to the table. No matter the job, I have always let employers know that I like to have fun and laugh. This is true and this is me. While this sounds like it might not be appropriate for an interview at a psychiatric facility, you'd be surprised! It got me in the door there and a few other places I'm sure.

Source: baeditions.com via Lisa on Pinterest

What are your favorite interview tips? What has you nervous and freaked out about your upcoming interview? What has you excited? Share your thoughts below!

xo

Lisa

Call for Writers

Source: puglypixel.com via Ayessa on Pinterest

Here at Awfully Grand we're always looking for other people to inspire us and sooooo......here goes the first EVER call for writers. 


Are you someone who has been dying to try your hand at writing for a blog? Want to see your name in virtual print? Have a rant? A rave? Something you think that creative professionals should know? 


Email us at awfullygrand@gmail.com and we'll talk to you about writing a post (or two) for us. We sure do appreciate you considering our small request. We'll keep being awesome, ok!


xo
Sarah & Lisa 

The Custom Dilema

A good deal of my business at Zelma Rose comes from custom orders. A lot of small business owners cringe at the thought of that, but I love custom work, which I did not realize was such a rare thing. It does take time, and there are lots of small details to contend with, but I love working with my customers to help them create something really special. I just finished a beautiful custom set of pocket square handkerchiefs for a customer's second wedding anniversary. I'm really happy with the way they came out and this order in particular called for something I had not done before. A hand embroidered date onto a pocket square. That's why I love custom work! New ideas and inspiration from my customers.

Zelma Rose Custom Pocket Squares

Zelma Rose Custom Pocket Squares

Custom work keeps things fresh, challenges me with new queries and ideas and this is why I love it!! That being said, I do have a very well established set of guidelines for myself when it comes to custom work. These guidelines prevent me from over extending myself, help keep each order organized, and assist me with clearly spelling out to customers what I will and will not do. I'm often asked by fellow creative business owners for some guidelines to create a happy and healthy custom based business. As always, it comes down to boundaries! Here are some tips for creating a happy custom order:

• Spell it out. Write out your custom orders like you are telling someone who has never set foot in a kitchen how to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Yes, you must start with taking the bread out of the bag!
• Do not offer the world. Give a limited number of choices. People are overwhelmed by too much choice. This is a fact. For custom pocket squares, I give my customers a choice of three thread colors to compliment the fabric. This works great for both of us. I know the finished product will come out great because I have tested the color combinations, and customers get a choice based on their preference.
• No returns. Custom work is for one person only, that specific customer. State in your store policies that custom work is not returnable. It only has value to one person.
• Charge a custom fee. I know this is hard, pricing is difficult enough, but custom work takes more time and this time must be accounted for. Communication with customers, running out to get that last minute supply, all these things take time. Come up with a fee that at least covers you for a few trips to the store.

I could go on and on, but that seems to be a pretty good start. What do you think about custom work?

Awfully Grand & Awfully Lame

You can't have one without the other. I promise, I've tried.

• Sarah started the week out with this one...50% off Easter candy at Walgreens on Monday. Reese's Peanut Butter eggs anyone?
• Getting a haircut. I'm seeing my stylist on Wednesday and I can't wait. I finally started paying real attention to my hair again two months ago, and damn it feels good! Cut & color here I come. And by the way, redheads seem to have the most fun.
• Ruche. After searching high and low for skirts and tops that I can run after a toddler in and still look my fabulous self, Ruche has saved the day. Colorful knee length skirts and tops that steal the show.
• Style only to be followed by the glaringly practical. I've had a few appointments with shops and galleries in the past week and I've been dressing the part. I love shoes, but since becoming a mom, most of my more amazing shoes have been neglected. These Dansko (which by the way, 2 years ago if you told me I would even be saying Dansko I would have growled at you) heels look nice and I can still manage to run in them.

• Still with the sourcing. I'm getting closer though. Meeting with a retail specialist next week to help get my butt in gear for wholesale.
• Rain. I know, I know, we need it, but I prefer the sun.
• Arguing with myself over hiring an intern. I really need one, so why don't I just do it already. Something is getting in the way. I'm working on it.
• Sleep. Sometimes I fantasize about all the work I could get done if I just had two days where I didn't need sleep, or have to pay the price for not getting any. I think that means I want to be a robot. That's even more troubling than being stuck about the intern thing. Sheesh!

How is your week going?

xo

Lisa

Investing in Each Other's Success

Source: etsy.com via Sarah on Pinterest

The inspiration for this blog post was originally written on a piece of scrap paper that has been in my wallet for the past few months. I'm pretty sure I wrote it out when I was frustrated with the support that I was getting (and at the time probably giving) other women entrepreneurs. Why? Because I really struggled with jealousy. Yes, that ugly green monster sure loved hanging around with me! I was jealous of other women's success, websites, blogs, ability to take amazing photos, put together cute outfits and post about the day to day activities in their lives. It took a lot for me to snap out of it and honestly, it still bothers me from time to time, but I've learned to switch it into something positive - mainly, cheering for their success not trying to tear them down. And um, yes, when I get jealous I feel like I'm back in middle school again - sucks, but it is true. I think that jealousy takes a ton of unlearning - as a girl it is written into my genetic code.

Source: slumberdesigns.blogspot.com via FIToriBLOG.com on Pinterest

I've really tried to get at the core of what bothered me and part of it is they were living an authentic life and found their bliss and they weren't afraid to tell the world about it. I will acknowledge that the bloggers who only write about how amazing their lives are do get annoying from time to time. I'm drawn to the women who are open with sharing their struggles, who aren't afraid to post a little rant when they are feeling like crap or something doesn't work out exactly the way they'd hoped it would. That's what I love about Awfully Grand - we are being as real as we can about where we are right now and we hope to get better, make more money, have our art support us 100% and if it doesn't you'll sure be hearing about it. Never before have I felt that my fate is in my hands and that is some powerful shit.

Source: designporn.ca via Julia on Pinterest


Ok, so back to this note for the blog that I mentioned earlier. I decided to start up the Success Squad because I wanted to surround myself with women who were not only rooting for my success, but who I could invest in as well. It feels really fabulous to know that there are a group of ladies out there who want to see my make it as an artist! So, I wrote down a list of things that I thought I could do to show others that I was invested in their success. What do you think and if you made a list like this what would it say?

1. Collaborating on creative projects with other women.
2. Returning emails within a few hours.
3. Sending thoughtful responses to emails vs. a simple thank you or yes, I got it.
4. Being as honest as possible with them when I see something problematic. (this one is so hard!)
5. Sending inspirational articles, blogs posts, books, magazines to one another.
6. Once a week send a 'check in' text with lots of fun emoticons.
7. Coffee dates where we let it all hang out and speak our truths - good & bad!
8. Retweeting things that we like.
9. Sharing content on FB to introduce them to our friends/fans.
10. Leaving thoughtful comments on their blogs.
11. Buying their stuff on Etsy or paying them for their services.
12. Reminding them of how far they've come.
13. Tell them why you admire them.
14. Be their constant cheerleader!
15. Comment on what they're doing on various social networks.

Lots of little things can add up to a whole lot to someone who feels like they're pushing, pushing, pushing and getting no results.

Who are your cheerleaders and what do you do to show them that you care?

xo

Sarah

New Business Ventures

In March I flew down to Los Angeles to photograph one of my best friend's sister's wedding. She got married at the Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanical Gardens and wow it was gorgeous. When I saw that she was engaged on FB I immediately wrote to her and was like "I have to shoot your wedding, pick me, pick me, pick me!" which was kind of insane because for the past year or so, I've been saying that I don't shooting weddings.

Why would I say that, you ask? Because it is an enormous amount of work, lots of stress, tons of email correspondence, pressure to get the shot, at least 12 hours on your feet, processing around 2,000 images, carrying around pounds of equipment and you'll probably get kinda sweaty. But I knew that I would do a good job for Sarah and Ryan and when I went back to the wedding blogs like Snippet and Ink, Rock N' Roll Bride, 1000 Layer Cake, etc....I remembered that's how I fell in love with photography in the first place! Wedding photographers do incredible work and they're there with you on your biggest day. My wedding photographer has become one of my best friends and I totally want to be adopted by the family of the groom! It is a lot of responsibility to photograph someone's wedding and maybe that's why I was hesitant to do it - but now, I trust in my skills, believe in myself as an artist and I did a stellar job. Woo hoo!

So, I packed up my gear, didn't sleep much the week before and photographed a beautiful event for two dear friends. And I think I'm hooked because all of a sudden I'm getting requests to do engagement sessions and I'm working with Molly of Rabbit Foot Fern to make me a new logo for my wedding photography business. I can't wait to show it to you - she's so damn good it is ridiculous.

Here's to my new business venture and yes, I am totally insane to be running not one, but two photography businesses on top of my regular day job. Sometimes the universe provides us a lot all at once and you just have to go with it.

All of these photos are from my Holga camera that I had with me during the wedding. Kind of blurry yes, but they capture an incredible day in 12 prints. Can't wait to send these to my bride and groom and I'll totally be doing this for all of my couples - film is not dead!

What new business venture would you start up if you knew you couldn't fail because I kind of feel like that right now!?