Around this time last year I began working with Whitney English on branding and business strategy for my blog and what I do. I didn’t even know things like this existed until I began visiting with my friend Elizabeth of Lovely Little Parties. She told me about branding and different business strategies and workflow ideas etc for creatives. She opened a whole new world for me. Thank you Elizabeth. I was struggling with business growth and time management and some other hard issues at the time. Perfect timing for a little direction. I began to realize there were other women out there with creative dreams and ideas and growing businesses that wanted to take hold of their talents and opportunities and mold into something wonderful, both for themself and others. When she mentioned Whitney English of course I knew the name. I had long admired her brand and work and style. I never dreamed she would work with someone like me but I sent her an email and I began to read about her Authenticate ideas.
Her philisophy and experience with business and the creative world made a lot of sense to me. I realized I could really learn from someone like this. I also wanted her graphic design “touch” on my look and web presence image. And along with Lindsay Letters who did my lettering for my logo and Kate Baird who did my web design, the “exterior” did begin to change and look better!
Little did I know what she would ask of me and help grow in me would far surpass any help with a logo I desired. See that is the myth that a good brand and image are about a logo and “look” its not. There is so much more involved with a business and a brand than the exterior. Just like people. It’s what’s inside that counts right? From Whitney I have learned about the core of a creative business and its importance in the journey. As a Christian I should have known that but as a designer and creative I often get caught up in “the look,” the exterior. So together we began talking about the real reason I do what I do and why it’s grown and been successful on some level. The heart of the matter so to speak. And there were tears y’all. It is a bit like therapy. It’s actually a lot like therapy and its been good.
Whitney has reminded me over the last year to continually go back to the core. Why do we do what we do? She says if we are being fake that we can’t sustain it and she is right. I could never work as hard as a I do day in and day out if I didn’t love it. You just can’t fake it…you can but there can’t be continued sustainability, creativity and success. And even when it’s good there will be struggle. And haters and complications when you put yourself out there for hire and online. It’s a given. But Jesus said “when there is trouble” not IF there will be trouble so not to be surprised right?
This post isn’t just about how great Whitney is…it’s really about basic truths rooted in biblical concepts about purpose and self-awareness and keeping the main thing the main thing. The bottom line, yes Whitney helped with the development and look of my new website. Yes she has helped with my development as a creative and businesswoman, she has pushed me to look at my core and my dreams and my confidence and ask what if and why? And at the end of the day I know the true revelation and wisdom comes from above not a person. But I am so thankful excited to see what God is doing through Whitney and Authenticate. So much of what she has taught and encouraged in me this year has come from her honesty and vulnerability about her own walk in business, family and faith.
She also has helped me face and deal with tough issues like raising my fees and learning I can’t say yes to every opportunity. All hard things but necessary to address.
It’s Authentic y’all and its not clear cut answers or directions. But it’s some good stuff! The truth is Whitney is so smart and analytical there are times she wears me out and leaves my head spinning. She is type A AND creative. That is a crazy intense combo and I am not the type A. There is no way I can do or even think about everything she has suggested for my business. Just like her day designer, I love many aspects of it but I dont use every box or have the attention span to read all of the small print. Nonethelesss, she has stretched and helped me think outside of the box and as cliche as it sounds, try to be more Authentic about my self and my business. About grasping onto and running with some opportunities and saying NO to others. No is hard. It’s scary. Saying no to money and clients is hard. But there are some great things at work like personal health and sanity and timing and kids. I will never forget sitting in a parking lot talking on the phone and her saying “you are going to have to decide what your limit is” and she was right and is right. The bottom line is we all need to ask WHY from time to time.
So why am I posting about this? I know I am talking in circles but I am sharing from my heart. I decided to finally do this because so many people email and ask about how my business and blog developed. I had been guarded about some of that for a while because of some criticism but I am ready to let go of that fear and hindrance. So when people ask “How can they do what I do?” What advice do I have for someone that wants to get into decorating or making money with a blog? Well The truth is I don’t consider myself a blogger or writer but a decorator and stylist with a blog. And I know people cringe when I say “it was all God’s perfect timing” but it was and that is the truth. I never could have orchestrated the growth and success of my business on my own. So I am not being evasive when I dont give specific answers, just honest. So it has been a lot of God’s blessing and also a lot of hard work. Fun work is still work. Much more work than a cute logo or blog design can convey. And I have learned some things along the way. Working with Whitney has helped me stay grounded in what I do and why? To identify my strengths and build on them. To have confidence in my talents and what I have to offer. To move forward but be true to my core. So I would say to those who ask, try to find a mentor, pray for one. Or join a group like Whitney is doing with Authenticate. It’s not for everyone and I realize that but it has helped propel me to the next level I believe. Along with many many other people. It feels very vunerable and even boasting to speak about my work this way but I want to share about what God has done and is doing in my life and business. So there you have it.
In 2014, Whitney is starting a new program where she takes 30 women through ten months of her Authenticate program and ideas. Why? to encourage them and refine them and help them get to the core of what makes them and their dreams Authentic and unique. She won’t be designing their websites or making their logos or giving them specific answers. She will be developing a community among these 30 women to discuss important issues with honesty and wisdom. I am excited to be a part of this and if you are interested in this type thing read more about here. Thank you for letting me share a bit differently today. Back to decorating next time with more from my West Elm photo shoot and a post on sources for the boys bathroom.
Wow! Holly how great is our God! So proud of you and your blossoming biz! And so proud of you for sharing a little piece of you here today! Through true self expression we really do express from the inside out! I LOVE charge what your worth and don’t apologize! Your confidence and grace is shining my love!
Love this, Holly! Love you! This is exactly what I needed to read…I’m contemplating Authenticate, and trying to get on the best track for 2014! This was well written and I appreciate you sharing a bit of your heart! I also absolutely love your mission statement 🙂 Keep rocking! Also-I’m emailing you a tool that may be the decorators dream. Stay tuned. XO!
I’m loving your post and your honesty and your heart! I follow Whitney and agree with all my heart with what she shares. I wish I could join Authenticate, but I lost my income this month & the handbag business I’m starting has only sold 3 bags in months. I relate to you on being stuck at times on the business. I’m praying for a mentor, a signature design, open doors & the possibility of, someday, giving back to other women.
Thank you for sharing your experience with Whitney’s authenticate sessions. I am working with her right now and second that she is amazing! I am right there with you in that my head is sometimes spinning after our calls with all of the ideas she suggests which is a good thing. She certainly has a gift!
Hey Holly – Oh my, you have me in tears. I knew when we met last January “it was all God’s perfect timing” and this blog post is like reading my heart. Thank for posting so eloquently. Through meeting you I got to work with Whitney & Kate, our little company is growing, and we try our hardest to do it all with the grace that comes from above. Love you and hope to see you soon xxx
I am drop dead tired after only 4 hours of sleep last night and 9 hours of a photoshoot here today, I was just going to take a long bath and head to bed, but SOMETHING made me read your post here. 🙂 (God’s perfect timing maybe?) Thank you for the beauty of your words reflecting the beauty of your heart.I am going to check out Whitney’s site in the morning. It is obvious that He is using her to work through your life. Blessings to you both, since your words blessed me tonight.
Enjoyed that, Holly! Congratulations to you – I especially admire you for realizing God’s hand in all of it.
-Trish
I signed up – I need it. Thank you.
I just love you – is that weird to say that? Have loved to watch your journey – YOU inspire me.
xo~Jill
You are amazing and I’m so happy to call you my friend. Chat soon!
Holly, thank you for your precious words. I love you and have loved working with you this year! Thank you for being so supportive of me, too!
Oh Holly, thank you so much for posting this! I have really been seeking the Lord on the gifts He has given me. How to bring them together and honor Him and bring finance into my home and His kingdom. I am really considering signing up for this! I’ve spent years in limbo…..is just might be His answer!
Lots of Love,
Terri
Giggling; Type A and Creative is crazy intense!!
This actually sounds incredible. I’m so full of ideas…but then so busy with LIFE right now…but having the business is, well, such a necessity; I’m at absolute odds with everything at the moment. Gonna pray about this one.
Absolutely love this….absolutely need it, absolutely heading over to Whitney’s site. Thanks so much for sharing your journey…I’m in the middle of it all and excited for what is in store for me and for my biz but would LOVE a little bit of good direction…love your blog, Holly! You’re the best…thanks again for sharing. Happy Friday!
Oh I’d love to do this, but cannot afford it at this time 🙁 What a wonderful way to grow alongside others who are on the same journey!
Really love you sharing your heart. I can relate to and appreciate so much that you said. The more I fall into blogging, the more I feel things pushing me away from my core. Being surrounded by people who ground me and keeping my eyes on the Lord seem to help that.
Have a great weekend, Holly!
this sounds wonderful! i pray that it’s a real blessing for you.
Totally awesome. My good wishes are with you. Congrats
What a great post Holly. I’ve always thought of you as a designer first. And such a beautifully talented one. Thank you for the advice and I”ll be looking more into it.
Your vision inspires me! Thank you for sharing your heart and giving us space to create/nest and know we are made to do just that! Made in His image. An artists daughter.
I loved this post, Holly! Well, I love all your posts, but this one really spoke to me. I have struggled with my own little design business and it’s refreshing to hear that others have ups and downs, too, in their business. Thanks for inspiring! I’ll have to check out Whitney’s site.
Beautifully written, Holly! You are amazing. So excited to see you next month and and for your help to make our house a home.
Holly thank you for opening up about all of this blog and business information. I know that takes courage. I think you don’t sound like you are bragging but blessed with gifts and talents that God has given you and you are sharing those wonderful talents with others. I really do love your style and blog. Recently, I started a blog too, so this is exactly the kind of information that I need. Thank you for sharing. I have a lot to think about now.