Starting with a blank slate can be totally overwhelming – but is completely exhilarating! As a brand new mom and after 10+ years working professionally as a marketer, and watching eagerly on the sidelines as so many amazing women and friends took the plunge and carved out a space for themselves in this social and connected space, I found myself at a crossroads. Do I go for it? Can I ACTUALLY make a career out of what I truly love? Baby on hip, I sat typing and deleting and typing and deleting for about 3 different sessions before my subconscious resurrected some cliche advice from Mark Twain that really got me going – “Write What You Know.” Now, I’m not a writer by trade (though I was pretty spectacular in all of my english classes, and did pen a different blog once upon a time as an outlet during treatments for breast cancer). Hell, I’m not even a designer by trade. But here is what I know:
For as long as I can remember, I’ve been obsessed with design.
It’s true. When I was a little girl I had my dad help me make a model of my room and furniture to scale on the computer and I would spend hours dragging and dropping, arranging and rearranging my space. HGTV has been playing on loop in the background of my life since we got cable. I begged my mom to let me redecorate my room for just about every birthday from age 8 on, and spent most of my summer paychecks in college buying all new bedding and decor for the upcoming year’s apartment.
I live in a constant state of redecoration.
As an adult, my obsession for design has manifested itself into my home and the homes of those closest to me. Designed our first home from the ground up and sold it for a large profit. Much to my husband’s disdain, I’ve now found a way to somehow touch or completely transform almost every last bit of our 3400sq-inch “turn key” home. (I said “almost” – don’t worry, I’ve been saving the best for last!) I’m constantly sought after to help friends and family with inspiration or solutions to their design woes – And I’m pretty good at it. Why NOT turn my passion into my profession?
Online shopping for amazing pieces is my drug of choice.
Maybe it’s because I live in a small town that lacks great shopping options. Maybe it’s because I get stressed out watching The Handmaid’s Tale and need a 2nd screen task to distract myself. All I know is that i’m REALLY good at finding treasures online. Nothing gives me a better feeling than when friends enter my home and compliment a piece I found on massive discount – I am compelled to share what an amazing bargain it was instantly, every time. I’ve decided it’s finally time to share the fruits of my online shopping labors with a wider audience… because I can’t buy EVERY piece I eye (can I though?)
I have a few surprises up my sleeve.
I mentioned before that the bulk of my professional background to date has been in marketing. To be more specific – real estate marketing. And, most recently, I’ve been handling the marketing for the family business (RV Dealership) part-time from home while I take care of my baby. My background has my business + design wheels churning… let’s just say, there might be some design projects with amazing before and after results to follow along with in the not-so-distant future. More to come soon, I promise!
Above all else: I know in my bones that this is what I’m supposed to be doing, and I’m ready. For the ups, the downs. The work, the reward. The mistakes and the successes. Craven Haven is a place for inspiration and collaboration. Follow along while I share projects and glimpses from my homes and the other homes I’ve touched. Take advantage of the treasures I share to enhance your own space, or reach out and hire me to help transform. Get inspired!
