atlanta

creative masters: ashley buzzy of press shop

I think once Ashley reads the word “master”, she’ll probably chuckle in humble disbelief. She and I have met a grand total of two times and within those two conversations, I became convinced that she’s got it all figured out. Not in a “got all of my ducks perfectly in a row” sort of way, but in a “real person with real expectations yet still a dreamer and a doer”… sort of way. Her studio, Press Shop, is filled with natural light and is quiet yet welcoming (like Ashley herself). I sat down with her one morning as she elegantly free-handed Happy Birthday using pink and orange brush tip markers. Her down-to-earth candor and entrepreneurial courage is exactly what you’d expect out of a seasoned ladyboss. I greatly admire her willingness to take risks as well as her ability to determine where desire meets capability and compromises with circumstance.

First things first – why printing, why letterpress? How did you get into this medium?
After taking lots of various printmaking classes in college, I realized in my professional life that I missed the process of actually using my hands to see a design or idea come to completion. Since I was already in the design and stationery business, I decided to invest in having my own letterpresses – they are the most commercially usable presses, don’t take up too much space and require very little maintenance. I love all kinds of printmaking, but letterpress seemed like the best press to personally own and operate a business with.

Flash back to ten years ago, or even just five. Did you envision that this is what your life was going to look like?
I’m not the type of person who envisions things, haha. If you asked me five years ago what my life would look like now I’d tell you I couldn’t care to think about that when there’s so much to get done today. That’s exactly how I would answer today if someone asked me about 2020. I think the key to my life has been to just keep making the next right choice and saying yes to the next opportunity that feels right in your gut. Not all of those choices have brought success or forward motion, but if you just keep trying different things, your gut will get a lot smarter about what to chase.

What do you think is the biggest misconception people have about running a creative business?
That it’s any different than running any other kind of business. I always tell people that running a business is 10% being really good at something and 90% learning how to do new things. People look at my work and assume that the majority of my day is spent creating beautiful things. Nothing could be further from the truth. 10% of my time is spent creating and 90% is managing administrative tasks, email, bills, legal/accounting stuff, logistics, the studio, etc. I spend a lot of time cleaning. When you run a business you are everyone from the CEO to the maid. If you think you’re gonna get to skip the maid part – sorry dudes!

Describe a typical work day for you.
I try to tackle on “physical” project as soon as I walk into the studio. Whether that’s cleaning up my mess from yesterday, printing a small order, getting some calligraphy on paper that I’ve been procrastinating on, etc. It feels good to get one of those to-do’s off my list before I get trapped in the black hole of email and errands. I try not to spend all day on my email – although it can be INCREDIBLY tempting to do that because it feels like being productive even if you never get any actual work done. Usually I spend a couple of hours in the middle of the day running around to the paper supplier and the post office, etc. I usually end up staying late if I’m having a creative moment. Most of my original content is created at the end of a workday when I’m doodling and ignoring that I’m hungry and should go home.

What are you inspired by? What is fulfilling to you?
I’m inspired by problem-solving. My favorite thing about running a business – or what keeps me interested in having a business – is creating business models or strategies and testing them. I really love to do that for other people too. I think being creative is great and all, but at my core I’m a business lady. I care less about WHAT I make and more about HOW I reach people with it.

a quiet afternoon at chrome yellow

With numerous cool coffee spots popping up around town, I feel like I’m getting closer and closer to heaven. Atlanta is almost at that point where every neighborhood has a great espresso go-to. One such lovely spot is Chrome Yellow Trading Co.

The most notable part of my experience every time I visit Chrome Yellow is that I feel an overwhelming sense of calm. This quiet peace makes me want to stay all day, but how many cups of coffee can I drink before the baristas think me crazy?

I adore the boutique’s clothing selection, but with coffee and cookies in hand I didn’t dare try anything on. That’ll have to change in the near future.

creative makers: charlotte smith

It took months of working with this woman to find out that she was a ceramist. And when I finally saw her porcelain pieces, it all made perfect sense. As is always the case, an artist’s work is a direct reflection of the person she or he is, whether intentional or not. Charlotte’s work is quiet, elegant, unexpected. Her live-work studio made me a bit jealous; with the sunlight streaming in through the loft, I felt a sense of calm and an overwhelming desire to get to work. My admiration for her diligence only grew.

How did you get here? Why did you choose clay?
It was something to do while I couldn’t find a job, that was a frustrating time.

Do you remember the first time you worked with porcelain?
Yes, it’s because they were out of the stoneware that I normally buy. I’ve not used stoneware since I tried porcelain that day. Well, aside from my black clay.

What does a perfect day in the studio look like to you?
I mostly work in the studio on Thursdays and Fridays along with the time I have off during the weekend. A perfect day in the studio is when I can complete enough things that I feel satisfied when I have to go back to work on Monday. I enjoy sunny days with my big windows. I also enjoy days that start with coffee.

If you could pick one functional item to make for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?
Well, I’ve enjoyed making cups for the last year, so why not more cups. They’re almost instant gratification, and I enjoy using them as small canvases to do patterns on or experiments with new techniques.

neva opet fall photo shoot

Neva Opet fall 2015 photo shoot @ Foster Atlanta
featuring three Ladyfingers muses wearing Kit & Ace technical cashmere tops

kit and ace supper club

Last week, I was honored to attend a private supper club dinner hosted by Kit and Ace. The purpose is beautifully simple: connect the creatives of our city with an intimate dining experience. I had no idea who was going to be sitting at the table with me, but I knew it was going to be something I never forget.

It’s amazing how easy it can be to talk to strangers, as long as you have an open mind and a desire to have a genuine conversation. Of course it helped that the guests were chosen for specific reasons.. but it was obvious that the thing that united us all was exactly what makes a dinner like this possible. A spirit that takes the road less traveled for a greater chance at happiness, beauty, contribution.

There’s not really much else to say. All the nuances that made this experience special are something I’d like to keep for myself and those who shared this with me. Needless to say, I hope there are more supper clubs in my future.

anthropologie ponce city market

If you live in Atlanta, then you know about Ponce City Market. If you don’t, then immediately drop everything and go drive up Ponce De Leon Avenue! Set for a grand opening in Fall 2015, Ponce City Market will be the new midtown shopping and dining destination for the next generation of buyers. What’s going in there? Well, first and foremost, Anthropologie! Yup, already open for your shopping pleasure.

If you prefer to experience the full surprise of its majesty, then don’t scroll down. It was everything I imagined and more, raw and elegant, real and inspiring.

a beautiful life

Oh man. Atlanta summer is right at our feet. The daylight is so much longer yet the weeks feel like they are just melting away. The year is half over and I’m wondering where all that time went. I don’t write on here nearly as much as I used to, but I don’t have a single regret about how I’ve been spending my time over the past few weeks. I used to say things like “I don’t have any friends” and “I have no idea what I want to do”. I think I’m way past all that now.

And so, while I’m well aware that is a little bit of a cheat, I’d like to take a moment to share all the ways in which my life is beautiful.

It’s important that you take the time to pause and do the same. If you get wrapped up in all the things you do not have, you’ll miss out on appreciating all the things you do. You’ll be surprised at how quickly it can turn your perspective around. I’m very lucky to have these things and to have an avenue through which I can express myself. I never want to take it for granted.

An unconditional love. Yes, I’m a very independent and strong woman. So when I talk about this kind of love, it makes me feel a little dated and silly. But, I simply wouldn’t have gotten to this point without the support and guidance of someone who loves me like he does. Everything I feel like writing sounds very cliche in my head (he makes me feel safe, he’s my match, I can’t imagine life without him, et cetera). But.. they’re all true. Uhhhh… “You complete me.” [cries].

Laughter and lightness. If you’re in your mid to late 20s, then you know how difficult is is to make new friends. Extremely difficult. By some stroke of luck, I’ve managed to collect more friends than I can keep up with. Friends who understand me, who care about my day-to-day, who want to know what’s going on with me, who want to just sit around and spend their time with me. Seriously, just the sitting around and talking has improved my quality of life exponentially. The girls that I’ve been surrounding myself with are lovely, inspiring, and they brighten my days more than I thought possible.

The push. Being able to satisfy the irresistible urge to create is invaluable. Every week I find myself wanting to buy more and more canvases. I’ve become addicted to the start; the blank canvas that used to terrify me is now what I crave. I never know where it’s going to end up, but I no longer fear that it won’t be worthwhile. It always is.

scarlett hill: wildfire

One of the many things that make my life worthwhile is the chance to connect with talented creative individuals who make the world look, sound, and feel more beautiful. Be it through canvas or song, creative expression is at the core of our humanity. So when I’m able to share my dedication and love for it with another person, there is an instant bond and understanding of spirit. This is what happened with me and Scarlett Hill.

They just get it. It’s not about a desire for fame or money (although some money would be nice). It’s about forging genuine connections and putting out more good into the world. Perhaps that sounds lofty for people like us – just starting out and trying to make a mark wherever we can – but it’s an aspiration I think we all could be more mindful of in the things we do. I’m honored that they gave me the opportunity to do this photo shoot for their album, Wildfire, coming out August 1st.

Check out their music video “Whiskey” and follow them on Facebook to stay up to date on their new releases!

malvi monday

Can you imagine what your life would be like if your job was to make and sell craft marshmallows?… I think it must involve a whole lot of s’mores and smiles (I obviously try to alliterate whenever the opportunity presents itself)! Aside from that though, Malvi Marshmallow Confections adds finesse to a treat we’ve always known to come out of a huge plastic bag. For the better portion of our lives, marshmallows have been a throwaway food relegated to act as a sugar filler, just a topping. Malvi, on the other hand, takes them to a level we’ve never been able to dream of.

Inspired by the wonderful simplicity of their flavor origins, I decided to doodle and paint around these little confections. I only wish the quality of these pictures was a little better! We’ve got chocolate mint, vanilla, and raspberry hibiscus…

If you haven’t gotten the chance to try this pillowy goodness.. get you some!