Tips for Selecting the Right White Paint Color and How to Use Them
With all the white paint colors out there, we do have some of our tried and true favorites that we start with as a baseline when meeting with our clients. Here are our top 5 favorite white paint colors.
In the world of interior design, few decisions are as seemingly simple yet surprisingly complex as choosing the right white paint color. While white may appear to be a straightforward choice, the reality is that there exists a vast array of whites, each with its own unique undertones, nuances, and effects on a space. As an interior design firm, we understand the importance of selecting the perfect white paint color to enhance the beauty and atmosphere of your living or working space. In this blog post, we delve into the intricacies of white paint selection, offering insights and tips to help you make an informed decision.
Understanding the Diversity of White
Contrary to popular belief, not all white paints are the same. In fact, the spectrum of white paint colors is incredibly diverse, ranging from warm, creamy tones to cool, crisp shades. Understanding the underlying undertones of white paint is essential for achieving the desired aesthetic in your space.
Warm Whites: Warm white paints often contain subtle hints of yellow, red, or brown undertones, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere. These shades pair beautifully with traditional or rustic interior styles, adding a sense of warmth and character to any room.
Cool Whites: On the other end of the spectrum, cool white paints feature undertones of blue, green, or gray, imparting a clean and contemporary feel to a space. These shades are ideal for modern or minimalist interiors, offering a refreshing and serene backdrop for your décor.
Neutral Whites: Situated between warm and cool tones, neutral white paints strike a perfect balance, making them incredibly versatile and adaptable to various design styles. These shades are excellent for creating a timeless and harmonious ambiance, allowing your furnishings and accessories to take center stage.
Tips for Selecting the Right White Paint Color
Consider Natural Light: The amount of natural light in your space can significantly influence how white paint appears. Rooms with ample sunlight may benefit from cooler white tones to prevent the space from feeling too harsh, while rooms with limited natural light may benefit from warmer whites to add warmth and depth.
Test Paint Samples: Before committing to a white paint color, it's essential to test samples in your space under different lighting conditions. Paint swatches directly onto your walls and observe how the color changes throughout the day, from morning light to evening shadows.
Complement Your Décor: Take into account the existing furnishings, fabrics, and finishes in your space when selecting a white paint color. Choose a shade that harmonizes with your décor elements, whether it's enhancing the warmth of wooden furniture or accentuating the sleekness of metal accents.
Consult with Professionals: When in doubt, seek guidance from experienced interior designers or paint experts who can offer personalized recommendations based on your specific needs and preferences. They can help navigate the myriad options available and steer you towards the perfect white paint color for your project.
With all the white paint colors out there, we do have some of our tried and true favorites that we start with as a baseline when meeting with our clients. Here are our top 5 favorite white paint colors.
Our Top 5 Favorite White Paint Colors
Benjamin Moore: Super White
Why we love it: It’s a bright and crisp neutral white that doesn’t have undertones of any other hues. We love using this white on kitchen cabinets to create a light and airy effect.
Benjamin Moore: Super white
Benjamin Moore: NARRAGANSET GREEN
Designed by: Sarah Jacquelyn Interiors | Photography by: Dustin Halleck
Benjamin Moore: Dove Wing
Why we love it: A creamy, warm white with undertones of gray and yellow. This color pairs well with darker grays and nicely brings out the purple tones of Benjamin Moore Stone.
Designed by: Sarah Jacquelyn Interiors
Benjamin Moore: Dove Wing
Benjamin Moore: stone
Benjamin Moore: Chantilly Lace
Why we love it: Delicate like lace, this white is soft, clean, and works with almost any other color! We love using it on doors, decorative trims, and fireplace mantels.
Benjamin Moore: Chantilly lace
Photo Credit: Benjamin moore
Benjamin Moore: OC 151
Why we love it: A subtly warm white that added freshness to the room without being to harsh. We love using this on ceilings!
Photo credit: benjamin moore
Benjamin Moore: OC-151
Benjamin Moore: Decorators White
Why we love it: A timeless, classic white with cool undertones. This white is great for walls!
Benjamin Moore: Decorators White
photo credit: benjamin moore
Embracing the Power of White Paint
In conclusion, the selection of white paint color is a multifaceted decision that requires careful consideration of undertones, lighting, and design aesthetics. By understanding the diverse range of white shades and following these tips for selection, you can harness the transformative power of white paint to elevate your space with timeless elegance and sophistication. Whether you're aiming for a cozy retreat or a contemporary haven, the perfect white paint color awaits to bring your vision to life.
Need help selecting paint colors, finishes, or environmentally friendly products?
Our Favorite Decorative Hardware Right Now
Decorative hardware is the jewelry of the space! Whether you’re redesigning your entire home or just giving one of your rooms a refresh, use decorative hardware to add a little beauty and personality.
Decorative hardware is the jewelry of the space! Whether you’re redesigning your entire home or just giving one of your rooms a refresh, use decorative hardware to add a little beauty and personality.
Here are some of the pieces we are loving right now!
Modern Matter: Harrison Knob
Why we love it: It’s got texture, color, and character! We love adding metal accents to a make a design statement. Plus, it’s completely customizable; choose from eight gemstones and three different finishes. These vibrant colors are everything!
Modern Matter: Dogwood Custom Knob - Patina
Why we love it: This delicate looking flower adds a feminine and timeless touch to any furniture piece. While we absolutely love the patina, this knob is also available in three finishes and your choice of seven different semi-precious stones.
Modern Matter: Kravet Dylan Pull - Polished Brass
Why we love it: These pulls are sure to add luxurious vibes to any room. We love mixing metals into our designs and we are totally here for this polished brass.
AUZ Design Studio: Small Pyramid Square Knob
Why we love it: These modern square copper knobs add personality to any furniture piece. The finish is so unique and the textured lines on top are subtle and delicate.
Rocky Mountain Hardware: Emerald Cabinet Knob
Why we love it: This crafted hardware has exquisite detail with a handmade look. Perfect for kitchen cabinets in a traditional or transitional design.
Rejuvenation: Kennaston Drawer Pull
Why we love it: The sleek design of these pulls adds chic interest. We love the mix of leather and brass! These would be the perfect addition to a sophisticated kitchen.
Need help selecting the perfect decorative hardware for your home? Schedule a design consultation today!
our top 5 favorite white paint colors and how to use them
With all the white paint colors out there, we do have some of our tried and true favorites that we start with as a baseline when meeting with our clients. Here are our top 5 favorite white paint colors.
People often ask us “What’s the perfect white paint color?” This is a difficult question to answer, because it really depends on your space, surrounding elements, lighting, and the design goals you are trying to achieve. Paint color should be the LAST element you select in your design. There are thousands of paint color options out there, and they vary by hue (color), value (lightness to darkness by adding black or white), and intensity (brightness or dullness by adding the complement color). Whites are particularly tricky because they often have undertones of blue, green, yellow, and red that can affect the look of your space.
Picking the perfect paint color takes a trained eye to understand all of the elements in the space and how they work together harmoniously. So I like to rephrase this question to:“ What is the perfect white paint color for your space?”
With all the white paint colors out there, we do have some of our tried and true favorites that we start with as a baseline when meeting with our clients. Here are our top 5 favorite white paint colors.
Benjamin Moore: Super White
Why we love it: It’s a bright and crisp neutral white that doesn’t have undertones of any other hues. We love using this white on kitchen cabinets to create a light and airy effect.
Benjamin Moore: Super white
Benjamin Moore: NARRAGANSET GREEN
Designed by: Sarah Jacquelyn Interiors | Photography by: Dustin Halleck
Benjamin Moore: Dove Wing
Why we love it: A creamy, warm white with undertones of gray and yellow. This color pairs well with darker grays and nicely brings out the purple tones of Benjamin Moore Stone.
Designed by: Sarah Jacquelyn Interiors
Benjamin Moore: Dove Wing
Benjamin Moore: stone
Benjamin Moore: Chantilly Lace
Why we love it: Delicate like lace, this white is soft, clean, and works with almost any other color! We love using it on doors, decorative trims, and fireplace mantels.
Benjamin Moore: Chantilly lace
Photo Credit: Benjamin moore
Benjamin Moore: OC 151
Why we love it: A subtly warm white that added freshness to the room without being to harsh. We love using this on ceilings!
Photo credit: benjamin moore
Benjamin Moore: OC-151
Benjamin Moore: Decorators White
Why we love it: A timeless, classic white with cool undertones. This white is great for walls!
Benjamin moore: Decorators White
photo credit: benjamin moore
Need help selecting the perfect paint colors for your space? Schedule a 2 Hour Paint Consultation with us today!
Get the Best Sleep Ever! Luxury Products for a Relaxing Bedroom
Improve your overall health, wellness, and quality of sleep this year with these luxurious sleep products that will make for the most relaxing sleep ever!
Quality sleep plays a vital role in our overall health and wellness. Sleep allows us to recharge our mind and body, leaving us refreshed and alert to start a new day! Sleep helps to repair our heart and blood vessels and sleep deficiency is linked in an increased risk of heart disease, kidney disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and stroke.
Improve your overall health, wellness, and quality of sleep this year with these luxurious sleep products that will make for the most relaxing sleep ever!
1. Hästens Down Slipper Boots
These are one of my favorites and an absolute must have! Hästens Down Slipper Boots keep your feet warm during the cold Chicago winter nights. The material is so soft and breathable, it’s like wearing clouds!
$160.000
2. Slip Silk Pillowcases
3) Slip Silk Pillowcases help with wrinkles, bedhead, and sleep crease. Made with the highest grade of long fiber mulberry silk for softness and durability and no toxic dyes. We love the pink marble color way!
$89.00 Each/ Queen Size
3. Morgan Lane Sleep Lids Cashmere Mask Set
This Sleepy Lids Cashmere Mask Set is the perfect splurge to treat your self! Incredibly soft with an elastic bad for a comfortable and relaxed fit. Block out the light and sleep peaceful all night!
$198.00
4. Vitruvi Stone Diffuser
Designed to promote peace and relaxation, the Vitruvi Stone Diffuser in color Sea is one of our favorites to add ambiance to the bedroom! Add in a few drops of lavender essential oil create a serene oasis to melt away.
$119.00
5. Proper Sleep + Calm Tea
Proper Sleep + Calm Tea is for anyone struggling with falling asleep, staying asleep, or wants to reduce stress. It’s the perfect natural supplement to add to your wellness routine to support a restful mind and body.
$39.99
6. Hatch Restore Smart Light and Sleep Sounds
The Restore Smart Light and Sleep Sounds from Hatch can create a personalized routine to help you fall asleep, stay asleep, and wake up completely refreshed! Create a mood from a variety of soothing sounds and lights. Gently wake up to a custom sunrise alarm that supports healthy cortisol levels.
$129.95
7. Vispring Mattress
Invest in yourself by getting the best quality sleep every night on a Vispring Mattress. The perfect amount of softness and support. Melt away in this amazing mattress. Our favorite is the Vispring Lasalle.
Vispring LaSalle: $7,562.00 - $13,862
8. The Pillow Bar at Chicago Luxury Beds
Indulge in the perfect night sleep with a pillow made especially for you at Chicago Luxury Beds at The Pillow Bar. Their trained pillow makers will craft you a pillow for your unique sleep style, size and age.
$275 for One Queen Pillow
9. Sferra Millesimo Bedding
The Sferra Millesimo Collection is a lusciously soft, woven, polished sateen. Featuring an Italian lace inset, with a classic motif, this is luxury bedding at its finest.
$1,695 Queen Duvet Cover
$850 Flat Sheet
$695 Fitted Sheet
10. Luxome Weighted Blanket
This 30lb extra large weighted blanket from Luxome is engineered to help you relax and sleep better. Comes with a 100% Percale Cotton inner weighted blanket and removable cover that are both 100% machine washable.
$240
Need help designing your dream bedroom? Schedule a design consultation today!
10 Ways to Style Your Home with Vases
Accessorizing is the final layer when it comes to adding personality to your home. Even the most well designed spaces can look empty without the finishing touches added. One of our favorite ways to dial up the design is with vases. There are so many different styles, colors, materials, and textures to vases that when added, can easily elevate your home! Whether they are made of glass, porcelain, ceramic, wood, or even metal, vases can be just the thing to take your space to the next level!
Accessorizing is the final layer when it comes to adding personality to your home. Even the most well designed spaces can look empty without the finishing touches added. One of our favorite ways to dial up the design is with vases. There are so many different styles, colors, materials, and textures to vases that when added, can easily elevate your home! Whether they are made of glass, porcelain, ceramic, wood, or even metal, vases can be just the thing to take your space to the next level!
Here are 10 Ways to Style Your Home with Vases:
1) Make a statement in the foyer! Use an interesting, eye catching piece that will WOW your guests when they first walk in!
2) Decorate your living room coffee table! Remember the rule of 3’s when it comes making an arrangement. A decorative vase with flowers pairs well with a stack of books and a decorative tray.
3) Create a garden oasis in your living room! Go over the top with a big decorative vase and robust arrangement of flowers on the table.
4) The fire place mantel is calling! Use an assortment of two, three, four, our even five matching transparent vases with flowers to add airiness and natural elements to your mantel.
5) The kitchen island is a great place to bring in freshly picked flowers from the garden and add some style to the space.
6) Add visual height to a bedroom console by adding a tall sculptural vase, added flowers are optional!
7) Pick a vase with unique personality to use as a conversation starter when new guests come to visit!
8) Decorative vases are great for adding tactile and visual texture to a space, which creates a dynamic room design
9) Vases are perfect for bookshelves that need to be styled. A glass vase makes a great counterpoint and adds interest to wall full of books.
10) The dining room table is the perfect place for long stemmed vases. These vases leave a clear opening for your guests to talk across the table, while adding height to the space.
Need some inspiration?
Here are 8 gorgeous vases we are crushing on right now!
These Accordion Vases are made of ceramic with a matte gunmetal glaze.
this gilded i-scream vase is made of high-fired porcelain with real gold accents.
This Donna Macalda Head Vase by Stefania Boemi is made entirely by hand and painted in a dark burgundy matte monochrome tint. The eyes are glazed to stand out.
The Escalier bud vases are composed of crystal blocks sitting on top of each other.
Two layers of blown glasss skillfully joined into a single orb. this vase references ITALIAN design of the early 1970’s
The gemma vase in CHAMPAGNE crustal, takes on the look of a DIAMOND with it’s sharp corners and facets.
This large vintage floor vase is from the 1950’s by bay keramik..
This Blue Bird Ceramic Vase by , is one-of-a-kind, and made using a combination of lathe and hand modeling.
Need help accessorizing your home? Schedule a design consultation today!
Colorful Creatives: Events by JVB
This week’s Colorful Creatives feature is Jordan Vanden Bos of Events by JVB. This girlboss has found the perfect marriage between her business background and creative edge. Jordan’s love of the wedding industry started with planning her own wedding and has flourished over the years into an amazing business! Her passion for people and combined attention to detail make her just what you need to execute a flawless wedding!
Happy Friday and Happy International Women’s Day!
This weeks Colorful Creatives feature is Jordan Vanden Bos of Events by JVB. This girlboss has found the perfect marriage between her business background and creative edge. Jordan’s love of the wedding industry started with planning her own wedding and has flourished over the years into an amazing business! Her passion for people and combined attention to detail make her just what you need to execute a flawless wedding!
All soon to be brides take note, hiring a wedding planner is one of the best things you can do for your wedding day! My biggest regret was not hiring my wedding planner sooner. From personal experience, my realization that I needed a wedding planner was when I was scheduling the cake delivery. It was set to be delivered at the same time I needed to be on the rooftop getting married. It only took a few minutes for me to realize that wasn’t going to happen and I needed help. Hiring a wedding planner takes away all that stress and they handle all the little details that are important to you. They give you assurance that you and your spouse, plus all of your guests will have the most perfect day, one that you always dreamed of.
What I love about Jordan is her understanding of what brides really need throughout the planning process and on the day of! She sees your vision and handles all the details so that you can focus on enjoying your wedding. I hope you enjoy learning more about Jordan and be sure to follow her!
One of my favorite quotes from Jordan on starting a business:
“Learning what things to spend my time on was definitely a big challenge. When you first start your business you want to say yes to everything, but that isn’t always best for your business.”
Jordan Vanden Bos | Events by JVB
IG @eventsbyjvb
FB Events by JVB
Pinterest: Events by JVB
www.eventsbyjvb.com
1. How did you get started as a wedding planner?
I planned my wedding and a few miscellaneous events for friends and fell in love with the industry. It sounds cliche I know, but that is truly how it all started. I then began listening to a Podcast called She Creates Business and that’s what really motivated me to begin my journey. I have an educational background in business, which transferred into owning a business.
2. Did you always know you wanted to be an entrepreneur?
I think I have always liked the idea of doing something completely on my own, but never knew for certain that I would do it. At first it was scary to think about all of the legalities behind operating a busines, but once I understood them thoroughly it was a lot of fun to start Events by JVB.
3. What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve had to overcome with owning your own business?
Learning what things to spend my time on was definitely a big challenge. When you first start your business you want to say yes to everything, but that isn’t always best for your business. After trial and error with a few projects I have gotten to a place where I feel very good about the progress that my business is making.
4. How did you reach your potential clients when first starting your business?
At first there was a lot of word of mouth. My first client was actually someone that I reached out to via Facebook message. Now most of my clients find me on Google. I’ve learned that it’s hard at first, but once you build a foundation then the clients come to you.
5. Do you feel you need to educate people on what you do?
Sometimes I do have to help people understand what I do. When couples have a tight budget one of the vendors they typically eliminate first is a planner. That isn’t always the best for the couples though so I have to explain how much stress I can alleviate not only on the wedding day, but throughout the planning process.
6. What is your favorite & least favorite “hat” to wear as a business owner?
I love the organizational part of planning. Putting together timelines, schedules, and setting up to bring a beautiful vision together. My least favorite hat is probably running the social media. I always feel like there is a certain pressure to post enough valuable content.
7. How do you stay motivated?
My husband! He has encouraged me from before this dream even began. I can’t thank him enough for everything that he helps me with, for his positive attitude, and for his consistent support through this adventure.
8. Where do you look for inspiration?
I look to other vendors who I admire and at different trends that are changing all of the time (a lot of pinning!)
9. What are you working on right now?
A styled shoot for the end of March. Styled shoots are one of my favorite things because I get to meet and work with amazing vendors and put my own twist on the style of the shoot.
10. Where is your favorite place to work?
I love to work in my home office where my dog is usually snuggling at my feet and where there is a large glass door that lets the sunlight in.
11. How do you start your Monday?
After a wedding weekend, Monday is usually my day off. I start my Monday (and every day) with a cup of coffee.
12. What are some colors you are connecting with right now?
Slate blue...my sister-in-law chose it for her wedding in August and I cannot wait to wear the dress!
13. What are some of your favorite textures/ materials?
Lately I have been loving a touch of velvet.
14. What is something you could not live without?
I could not live without my pup. She always brings so much joy into every situation.
15. If you could travel anywhere in the world for inspiration, where would it be and why?
I would love to go to Italy. I went to Italy for my honeymoon but we missed Tuscany and I would love to go through the vineyards.
16. What’s your favorite season and why?
My favorite season is definitely fall. I love crisp leaves, fires, and sweater weather.
17. What’s your favorite thing to do in Chicago?
Walk along Lake Michigan with my husband and the pup on a nice breezy day.
18. As a busy business owner, how do you avoid burn out?
I take breaks to have a little time to myself. Whether it is a long walk with the family or a couple of episodes of Grey’s Anatomy, I always make sure not to forget to give myself a little break.
19. What are you looking forward to in 2019?
My sister-in-law’s wedding!
20. Any inspirational books you recommend?
The Business Boutique by Christy Wright.
21. What is a piece of advice you would tell your past self on the first day you started your business?
Don’t ever compare yourself to others. Just be you and work your hardest.
22. Anything I missed that you want to share?
Take your business seriously but don’t forget to have fun with it!
Colorful Creatives: Rachel Serb Photography
Rachel Serb is a Chicago Photographer, specializing in maternity, newborn, infant milestone, and family photos. In this interview, Rachel shares how she started her photography business, how she landed her first clients, and what keeps her motivated today. With the launch of her new branding for 2019, I’m so excited to share this week on Colorful Creatives, Rachel Serb Photography.
We made it through the polar vortex and it’s finally starting to warm up! I’ll admit I really haven’t left my home/office much this week at all, perks of being self employed! This last month, I’ve been working hard on putting together new Colorful Creatives interviews, design blogs, and behind the scenes on my interior design projects. 2019 is going to be a great year!
I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know Rachel over the last couple years and watched her develop as a photographer. She has a fantastic eye and is really able to capture the perfect moments, creating lasting memories for families to cherish. She just re branded her business from Little Dumpling Photography to Rachel Serb Photography and the new look is stunning! I’m particularly excited to share Rachel’s interview as her path to entrepreneurship wasn’t always planned. Her strength as a mom helped her overcome challenges with her family’s health, and out of necessity for flexible work hours, she found her creative passion. Sometimes life doesn’t always go as planned, but you always find yourself right where you need to be. This girl boss is killing it and is an inspiration for us all. I hope you enjoy getting to know Rachel Serb and be sure to follow her on social media!
Rachel Serb | Rachel Serb Photography
FB Rachel Serb Photography
IG Rachelserbphotography
TW rachelserbphoto
rachelserbphotography.com
1. How did you get started as a photographer? Do you have an educational background in photography?
I definitely do not have a background in photography. I never really knew I wanted to be a photographer full time until I started making strides to launch my business full time. I grew up pretty much always wanting to be a teacher. I hold a masters degree in education and I have several years’ teaching experience. After I took maternity leave with my son, I never went back into the classroom. My little one was diagnosed with a rare blood disorder and I needed to stay home with him for quite some time- he was unable to go to daycare. I needed a job that offered more flexibility. I always dabbled in photography. Every teacher has a “side hustle” and photography was definitely mine. I decided to launch my business full time so I could earn an income but have more flexibility around my son’s condition. I have now been running a successful business since 2016. I have recently re branded and my son is doing quite well with the help of neupogen injections. We have another little boy on the way.
2. Did you always know you wanted to be an entrepreneur?
Not at all! It just kind of fell into my lap. I totally love it though. I love being my own boss.
3. When did you know it was the right time to go full time on your business?
It slowly progressed into full time work. I definitely work full time hours now. However, I didn’t at the beginning. I had to work really hard building up a client base at first. Now, most of my clients are return clients. I am always happy to meet new families, too.
4. What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve had to overcome with owning your own business?
My biggest struggle has been finding a way to balance my son’s health issues and growing my business. Growing a business is difficult and very time-consuming. After making the decision to open Rachel Serb Photography things have fallen into place. Things have a way of working out when you are doing what you are meant to do. My husband and mother have been super supportive of my business. When I first started- I spent lots of time editing sessions for clients in a hospital room with my son. Now things are a lot better regarding his health— but it’s still hard to find enough hours in the day managing a toddler (while being pregnant) and working full time. Every day is a little bit crazier than the last.
5. How did you reach your potential clients when first starting your business? Has anything changed in that process now? What have you learned?
I started marketing in “mom groups” on Facebook! I never really marketed to friends and family. I wanted to go and seek out my own “real” clients- not just friends. Haha! Now-- I still use social media quite a bit, but in a different way. Facebook is a great tool! I also keep clients up to date with an email list, etc. I also make sure my clients are super happy and love their photos so they return and refer their friends. Referrals are HUGE!
6. Do you feel you need to educate people on what you do? How do you handle that situation?
Totally! People think I just come to them and take a few photos. They definitely don’t see how much work goes into the back end. There are also SO many expenses that go into running a business. Taxes, insurance, equipment, etc. I spend hours editing photos to perfection. Most individuals don’t know how much work goes into the final product. Between marketing, emailing clients, setting up shoots and sending out contracts, editing, importing and exporting photos, etc. I would estimate maybe 1/50th of my time is actually spent shooting. REALLY. I do, however, want my clients to have a seamless experience. I don’t want them to see how much work goes into a session. I want them to have it easy and just have fun and be relaxed-- make memories with their kids.
7. What is your favorite & least favorite “hat” to wear as a business owner?
I HATE working on website stuff. Rebranding was a huge pain, but SO worth it. I don’t like dealing with domains, SEO, etc.
8. As a busy business owner, how to do avoid burn out?
Just make sure you keep doing what you love. Look at the big picture. Why did you start your business? Certain seasons are hard but it is all worth it. I get better at facing challenges every day.
9. Where do you look for inspiration?
All over! I get ideas from my clients. I am always open to trying new things. Many times, clients come to me with a specific idea in mind. I also love to see what other photographers are doing too. Chicago has a great community of photographers and we love bouncing ideas off each other and giving each other tips!
10. How do you stay motivated?
It is pretty easy for me to stay motivated. I truly work hard and keep long hours, but I love what I do. I love my clients. I love seeing them happy. I LOVE seeing my clients cry when they look at photos of their children. I love making moms feel beautiful. I love watching my baby clients grow. I love my job. It is easy to do something you love.
11. How do you start your Monday?
I try to take Monday off--- sooooo COFFEE!
12. What are you working on right now?
Still working on finishing up the tail end of my rebrand. I changed my business name from Little Dumpling Photography to Rachel Serb Photography. I am also working on booking Spring/Summer 2019!
13. Where is your favorite place to work?
My favorite place to shoot is outside! I love love love shooting outside in the fall. I also really love shooting in my client’s homes. Kiddos are usually quick to warm up in home and we get some great photos. You don’t need to have the “picture perfect” home to get great photos.
14. What are some colors you are connecting with right now?
I love blush pinks and sage greens.
15. What are some of your favorite textures/ materials?
Marble, driftwood, greenery!
16. What is something you could not live without?
My son. My hubby. Coffee. My camera. Coffee. My mama.
17. What’s your favorite thing to do in Chicago?
I love going to the Shed with my son
18. If you could travel anywhere in the world for inspiration, where would it be and why?
I really loved shooting in Ireland. I am dying to go back.
19. What’s your favorite season and why?
Fall. It is my busy season and the PERFECT time for family photos.
20. What are you looking forward to in 2019?
The birth of our 2nd son.
21. What is a piece of advice you would tell your past self on the first day you started your business?
Value yourself. Value your time. Value what you bring to the table.
22. Any inspirational books you recommend?
The Little Engine that Could? Haha! Most of my time is spent reading to my son these days.
Colorful Creatives: & She’s Brave / Brave Girl Club
Meet Lizzie, graphic designer, social media guru, and branding extraordinaire for & She’s Brave and the Brave Girl Club. One of the best things about Lizzie is that she is so authentic. She knows who she is, what she likes and shes not ashamed to just be herself. I hope you enjoy reading about Lizzie’s journey to becoming her own boss and living her best life!
Happy Friday! Only twelve days left till Christmas, and even through I’ve been swamped this week with work, I’m full of holiday spirit! I finally checked out Frosty’s Christmas Bar and wow that place really is a winter wonderland! I went to Frosty’s with my amazing and talented cousin Michelle to celebrate her graduating from Northeastern Illinois University and becoming an elementary school teacher. Proud cousin moment! It’s amazing to be around other strong, confidant women that have found their calling and that are pursuing their passions. Wishing you the best of luck on this new chapter of your life Michelle!
On that note of strong, confident women. Meet Lizzie, graphic designer, social media guru, and branding extraordinaire for & She’s Brave and the Brave Girl Club. Sometimes life puts you on a completely different path than you expected and while it may not always be great, there’s usually a reason and a silver lining. For me, this year had it’s ups and downs, but meeting Lizzie was a silver lining. Lizzie was an instrumental part in building my confidence to finally start my own business. Since we both went through the process of becoming entrepreneurs around the same time, it’s been awesome to reach out to each other for feedback and support. Her online community The Brave Creative | A Community for Brave Girls with Big Dreams actually inspired me to start Colorful Creatives, as I was connecting with other like minded creatives in her group. One of the best things about Lizzie is that she is so authentic. She knows who she is, what she likes and shes not ashamed to just be herself. I hope you enjoy reading about Lizzie’s journey to becoming her own boss and living her best life!
Lizzie Benson | & She’s Brave / Brave Girl Club
IG andshesbrave
IG bravegirlclub
Pinterest bravegirlclub
FB andshesbrave
1. How did you get started with & She’s Brave and Brave Girl Club? Do you have an educational background in your field?
I started a blog my freshman year of college as a creative outlet. I quickly found a wonderful community online and started to get more serious about blogging, social media, etc. Over the years, I taught myself a ton about social media strategy, marketing, and graphic design as I worked on my own website and social channels. My junior year of college, I started marketing my services as a virtual assistant and social media manager. I found a couple wonderful clients quickly and worked with them for a number of years. I was earning a degree in Journalism, but had figured out through my side gig that I was much more interested in marketing, PR, and social media than I was traditional news journalism. My senior year I applied for a social media internship at my university’s communications department. I never heard back about it until I got a phone call like 3 months later from the head of the marketing department. She said that the person who was running the social media internship had passed along my info to her, and they wanted to meet with me to see if I’d be interested. Long story short, I got the internship in the marketing department and it turned into my first full time job after graduation. I worked there for a year and a half, then at the beginning of this year, I moved to Chicago for another job in social media. I was still working on design, blogging, and my own brand in my free time. The new job turned out not to be a good situation, and it gave me the push I needed to pursue my own business(es) full time as of October of this year!
2. Did you always know you wanted to be an entrepreneur?
I never in a million years thought I would end up as an entrepreneur, mostly because I always thought it was at odds with my creative sensibilities. But I should have known, because as a child I was constantly making crafts or marketing services to my poor family members to make some extra pocket money. I used to paint shiny pennies with glittery clear nail polish and sell them as “lucky pennies” for 50 cents. Now that’s a good profit margin!
3. Do you work a day job or are you full time on your business? When did you know it was the right time to go full time on your business?
Just over a month ago I took my business full time. To be honest, I had no idea if it was the right time or not. It had been my side hustle for over 5 years and while I had a distant dream of someday being my own boss, I definitely didn’t think I’d paid enough dues to make that a reality as a 24 year old. However, I was working a job that made me miserable every single day and it was increasingly becoming a worse and worse situation. I knew I needed to change courses, but the idea of interviewing around and finding just another 9-5 job that I knew I wouldn’t be 100% passionate about bummed me out so much. I started saving up all my extra money (which was no easy feat, I’m a total shopaholic) and having long conversations about finances and plans with my boyfriend and with myself. I realized there would never be a time where it felt 100% right to take the leap, so I finally just had to do it. And I’ve been so blessed to have seen my hard work pay off in the past month.
4. What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve had to overcome with owning your own business?
My main one right now is time management. Working from home every single day and setting your own schedule is wonderful, but it can be easy to lose focus and not know what to spend time and energy on. I remember waking up on my first day as a full time business owner and sitting down at my desk, ready to work - then having absolutely no idea what I was supposed to be doing. I had so many to do lists but all the things I wanted to accomplish turned into a spiraling black hole in my mind. Being organized and learning how to be a good time manager are invaluable skills as a business owner.
5. What is your favorite & least favorite “hat” to wear as a business owner?
My favorite hat to wear is probably that of the creator. As in, I love being able to sit down at my computer and work on creative things that fill up my soul and know that I’m helping other amazing business women build beautiful brands and pursue their own dreams and goals. My least favorite hat is definitely the accountant. I hate math and I hate thinking about taxes and cash flow. This is definitely the first thing I’m going to outsource when I get to that point.
6. How do you stay motivated?
By reminding myself how incredibly lucky I am to be doing what I do now. Sometimes when I get bogged down or overwhelmed or frustrated it’s easy to fall into an ungrateful mindset. When that happens I take a second, take a breath, and tell myself that I get to wake up everyday and choose where I work and when and on what. And that is an amazing freedom to have, and I never want to take it for granted.
7. What are you working on right now?
I currently have three different clients who I am helping create a brand identity and logo for their businesses. That is my absolute FAVORITE thing to do. I love logos and wordmarks and designing them, but I also love digging in deep to other people’s businesses and learning what they’re passionate about and who they help and what makes them tick. It’s so fulfilling and so fun!
8. Where is your favorite place to work?
Any coffee shop. I just love the hustle and bustle and being able to be part of a crowd while still keeping to yourself. It’s so comforting to me to set up shop in the corner of some cozy coffee shop and get to work.
9. Where do you look for inspiration?
I love reading other lifestyle and design blogs and scrolling through Instagram and Pinterest. There are so many incredible people in the world creating such beautiful things. The trick is to not get bogged down by the comparison game, especially on social media, which can be a fine line to walk sometimes!
10. How do you start your Monday?
I grab a cup of coffee, sit down at my desk, browse through my favorite blogs for inspiration, then spend a while answering emails and tending to whatever admin tasks I need for the day. I also like to take a look at my priorities and what I need to work on for the day and the week.
11. What are some colors you are connecting with right now?
Literally everything I create right now is either mustard gold, blush pink, or dusty blue. I don’t know what it is with the gold, but I’m so drawn to it. Everything I gravitate to is that color.
12. What are some of your favorite textures/ materials?
I’m such a sucker for velvet anything, and I really love natural woven textures lately.
13. What is something you could not live without?
COFFEE.
14. Where is your favorite place to travel and with who?
Any place I haven’t been before. I love exploring new places with my best friends or my boyfriend.
15. What’s your favorite thing to do in Chicago?
I love exploring all the cool and quirky little neighborhoods that are all over the place in Chicago. But I also really love walking around Michigan Avenue. Yes it’s totally touristy and crowded and sometimes super overwhelming, but I’ve wanted to live in a big city since I was like 8 years old, so I love to take a moment, stare up at all the giant buildings and lights and people and remind myself how lucky I am to be here.
16. Any inspirational books you recommend?
I love Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert, Women Who Run With the Wolves by Clarissa Pinkola Estes, Yes Please by Amy Poehler and Bossy Pants by Tina Fey. Basically any inspirational book by an amazing woman is a gold star for me.
Colorful Creatives: The Letter J Creates
This week, I introduce you to Jess, a self taught calligrapher from The Letter J Creates. Jess has mastered work life balance as a mom of two little ones, Zoey (4) and Zack (2), while running her calligraphy business. She’s also a Honeybook Educator, Wildflower Art Studio Ambassador, and co-founder of Naperville Weddings. I hope you enjoy getting the know more about Jess and The Letter J Creates. Please follow her on social media and leave us a comment.
Happy Friday! We’re one week into December, the tree is up, I’ve finally started my holiday shopping and my calendar is packed with work and personal events. I find that it’s so important to take time to recharge during this time of the year, making sure not to get burned out. I try to schedule time on Sunday's to restore and get ready for the new week ahead. It’s no secret that Monday is my favorite day of the week, just as long as I’ve had time to get my life in order on Sunday! I’d love to hear your tips for staying balanced during the holiday season, drop them in the comments on FB or IG!
This week, I introduce you to Jess, a self taught calligrapher from The Letter J Creates. Jess has mastered work life balance as a mom of two little ones, Zoey (4) and Zack (2), while running her calligraphy business. She’s also a Honeybook Educator, Wildflower Art Studio Ambassador, and co-founder of Naperville Weddings. I hope you enjoy getting the know more about Jess and The Letter J Creates. Please follow her on social media and leave us a comment.
Want to be featured on Colorful Creatives? If you or someone you know is a creative entrepreneur in Chicago, living their best life and wants to share their journey, email me at Sarah@SarahJacquelynInteriors.com. Shoot me an email just to say hello too! I love connecting with new people.
