4 things that ban.do has taught me

As some of you know, I hope to someday own my own brick and mortar business. This dream of mine sometimes veers into "obsession" territory.  I find myself using my free time trying to learn as much as possible from other business owners. It's easy to be inspired, especially on instagram, my favorite social media outlet. I've been following the success of Ban.do since I was in middle school--2008, almost 10 years ago. Wow!

Just a few things that Ban.do does well:

1. Consistent branding. I could look at any of their photos out of context and think, "BAN DO." That doesn't mean they aren't dynamic though. They manage to stay within a certain color pallet without it looking forced or redundant. They know their customer, and she's fun, not afraid of color, and has a unique sense of style. I look at their images and think to myself, "I want to be that" or "This inspires me." And you know what that means? I'm going to buy their products to feel closer to this brand I feel connected to visually. This all might seem sneaky, but as someone who wants to own a business down the line, I find it totally clever and inspiring. The most clever part? Read on...

2. Creating a brand that people want to belong to. Like I said, creating a brand that people want to be a part of is crucial to success. Ban.do's tagline is "We're serious about FUN." Who wouldn't want to be a part of a brand that encourages you to embrace the fun things in life, like pool parties, brunch, and sparkles? Sure, this isn't everyone's cup of tea, but there is a strong demographic that does identify with the bright-colored dreamland that Ban.do creates. The best part? The women behind Ban.do want you to join their #bandogirlgang.

3. Inclusive marketing. The amazing thing about clear branding of a business you love is that consumers who identify with it are going to want to share their love of it, whether that is through instagram or word of mouth. If they get it, they get it. Throw in a fun hashtag like #bandofuninthesun and consumers will not only want to photograph your product, but they will try to photograph it in a way that will encourage the brand to repost it. And you know what that means? Not only creating community, but also FREE marketing. Score.

4. Transparency. The business leaders that I admire most are the ones that are killin' it in their respective fields with grace, humility, and a whole lotta fun. The founder and artistic director of Ban.do embodies all of these things for me. Her candid take on leading a business is something that I've always looked up to as an aspiring small business owner and leader. She's never afraid to be vulnerable, to open up and literally say "Hey, my life looks awesome, but really I'm having a bad time lately." As someone who has always struggled with anxiety and depression, it's always a relief when a super successful woman shares not only her ups, but also her downs. Honestly, I think it's an incredible business move. Who doesn't want to feel like they not only can purchase items that will make them feel more like the cool chicks on instagram who are making them, but also that they can actually relate to these badass women? It makes me feel all warm and fuzzy, included in their brand, and thus makes me want to buy their products even more. Now that's a successful business model!

 

obsessed: peggy guggenheim

Ever since Ted and I visited the Peggy Guggenheim Collection in Venice, I've had a little obsession with the eccentric and stylish Peggy Guggenheim. Can you blame me? Just look at her... and her dogs!

gotta start somewhere

found

"Comparison is the thief of joy." "The worst enemy to creativity is self doubt."

Easier pinned than practiced, am I right?

I'm trying to fix that. I've been known to beat myself up for not being creative enough. It's hard when the thing you identify most with (for me, being crafty) is something that takes work. Time. Patience. Kindness to yourself. People start to expect things of you--that everything you wear must be handmade or something. It hurts to say, "No..." Because to be honest, I rarely have the time and courage to take on a big sewing project. I know I am capable of making cool things. I made a duffle bag for Ted last holiday season, for goodness sake! And I'm incredibly proud of that. However, the things I find the most joy in making are smaller, more frivolous items. Things that aren't necessary for anything other than to make someone smile or perhaps giggle. Like an avocado brooch.

Sometimes a bad joke flits across my mind when I'm feeling particularly inadequate: "Crafts are just crappy art."

It's hard to look at a beautiful minimalist charcoal drawing framed pristinely and not think my work is worthless. The truth is that COMPARISON IS THE THIEF OF JOY, PEOPLE! So you have to keep on trucking along, making your felt bits and bobs, and share your light because it's your own, and not anyone else's.

One of the reasons I started an Etsy recently was to start thinking more business-like. One day I hope to open a craft store that will house beautiful odds and ends that will inspire others to MAKE. I want them to find treasures, cozy up into a couch, and sip some tea while they dream up their next project. I want them to have a thirst for new knowledge that can only be learned with their hands. I want someone who has spent their whole life saying "I could never do that" to DO THAT. Because creating something with your own hands builds confidence. It's tangible evidence that you have learned a valuable new skill. And whether that value is as a piece of artwork or a pillowcase, it's all valuable. And hey, YOU made it. So that's cool.

I guess what I'm trying to get at is that you GOTTA START SOMEWHERE. If it's with avocado brooches and dog banners, so be it. It's a step in the right direction.

stay here: north fork 53

Before Ted left for the summer, we spent a couple of days in Nehalem, a sweet town on the Oregon Coast near Manzanita Beach. Our intent was not only to relax and enjoy each other's company in some beautiful new surroundings, but also to scope out the charming North Fork 53 Bed & Breakfast for an upcoming wedding Ted was photographing.

We have been fans of B&Bs since our first encounter with one in Castle Combe, England. There's something so sweet and romantic about staying in a B&B. Yeah, Ted and I are already old folks... That's okay, though. We embrace it!

We were absolutely smitten with the house, the food, and the grounds. Ana, the bed and breakfast manager, made us feel right at home immediately! She even had homemade treats in the fridge waiting for us. Our whole stay was just as sweet.

Our first floor room was simple and cozy. The surrounding garden and trees were a haven for lovely walks and laying in the grass. Absolutely heaven. Did I mention that the included breakfast was delicious and fresh, with roasted veggies straight from their organic garden?! Um, best deal ever!

The only minor problem we encountered was that we weren't able to figure out our private bathroom's bathtub--probably just us being clueless--but even that was an unexpected delight, because we discovered that the upstairs bathroom had a beautiful walk-in shower! It was meant to be, I guess. We enjoyed our stay there so much I'm already dreaming of our next stay.

nostalgic + ready for something old in a new way

I've been on and off the blogging train for some time now. Tonight I'm feeling a little nostalgic for the blog world, and my small corner of the internet. So here I am, again. All images from my Pinterest board Live Colorfully, an oldie by goodie!