When I look back on 2016, a lot has happened. Much has baffled and disappointed me. But I've learned a lot and met some fantastic people along the way. Today's podcast is a review of this past year's Style Stories and the lessons that I learned from each.
#1 Prolific creativity is often the result of a youthful spirit.
from Kelly Christine Sutton
Sidenote on Kelly... This past year, she and her husband took what I'm now going to call a "leap of youthfulness" and purged the majority of their belongings in order to downsize into a mobile tiny house. It's pretty cool and definitely in line with this first Style Story lesson. Get the full scoop HERE.
#2 Powerful impact starts in our own backyard.
from Carly Burson
Carly's company Tribe Alive, offers sustainable economic options for women in poverty in developing countries.
#3 Do the work. Trust the path. The dots will connect eventually.
from Jamie Ditto & Allie Hill
Read Jamie and Allie's Style Story.
#4 Confidence is a work in progress... Like anything.
from Kristi Drayovitch
#5 Hard work and kindness, practiced daily, have lifetime effects.
from Elaine and Christopher Moock
Seaminx, the artist management agency that represents my work as a prop stylist, is going into their 18th year of business. Turns out, the strategy for success doesn't have to be overly complicated or exceptionally original. #bekindworkhard
#6 Successful artistry is deeply rooted in working with what you've got.
from Gina Bender
#7 Find your tribe... In real life. Take note. Be encouraged.
from Arianna Jones
In closing, a poem shared by my in-real-life acquaintance, Emily Paben, creative director of Magnolia Home.
"the year is done. i spread the past 365 days before me on the living room carpet. point to the one where i decided to shed everything not deeply committed to my dreams. refused to be a victim to self-pity. here is the week i slept in the garden. in the spring i wrung the self-doubt by its neck. hung your kindness up. took down the calendar. danced so hard my heart learned to float above water again. in the summer i unscrewed all the mirrors from their walls. no longer needed to see myself to feel seen. combed their weight out of my hair. i fold the good days up and place them in my back pocket for safekeeping. draw the match. cremate the unnecessary. the light of the fire warms my toes. i pour myself a glass of hot water to cleanse myself for january. here i go. stronger and wiser into the new."
The Year is Done by Rupi Kaur