On Copying Vs. Inspiration

I know what you're thinking- I get back on the blogging train after a few months hiatus and after a few lighthearted posts I go straight into a serious one. But in reality, it's been on my and some of my industry friends' minds lately. And when I saw an Instagram post from Kathryn at Creme Brands (@kathrynduckett) the other day, which lead me to the source of the conversation,  I decided I wanted to join in on the conversation too.

Let me preface all of this by saying that I believe it's extremely hard to define the fine line between copying and simply being influenced by someone else's work. After all, everywhere we turn there are beautiful pictures on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook...everyday someone is perfectly styling a table in the right light for the perfect 'sneak peek'. I think it's natural to want to hold yourself to a standard, or to admire what someone else is doing. I find this especially hard if you're a perfectionist, like me. I mentioned yesterday that I realized I only have four posts on Instagram in the month of October- and I completely realize it's because most of the photos never made it off my iphone because I just didn't think they were good enough.

But perfectionism aside, I do agree with these ladies that way too much gray area is being taken advantage of. It almost seems the days of "how can I create something different" are replaced with "how can I recreate that". I think being inspired by someone or something is a beautiful launching pad for something even better. I've come to realize over the years that everyone has to find their own way of doing things. Jacin Fitzgerald of Lovely Little Details (@lovelydetails) even mentioned once that she never looks on Pinterest anymore because no matter what it seems everyone has already done "your great new idea".

So with that, I propose that we have a little tunnel vision. Put your head down and respect your strengths and weaknesses in business, social media, and how you find inspiration. Now I understand why almost all of the wedding designers I've had the opportunity to speak with almost always say they never read wedding blogs- they don't want to become swayed, even subconsciously. It's like the saying goes- be aware of what's going on (trends, competition, etc), but don't become obsessed. For me, I'm realizing that while I still read wedding blogs, I've also added in a copious amount of interior design and home reads....it still keeps me in the creative, and most of all it inspires me to find ways to incorporate those style elements into my work.

I'd love to hear...what have your experiences been with copying, or seeing so much of the same things in your industry on social media? How have you dealt with it? 

Xo,

Brandi

The Turning Point

You read and hear so often about those people that have “made it”. You see their accolades and their gorgeous creations. Their businesses seem to be well-oiled machines running a mile a minute all the while the key person stays in the spotlight, smiling and groomed to perfection. It’s this perception that I think makes so many up and comers stop coming up. Maybe it’s intimidation, lack of confidence or belief in themselves, or a combination of all of the above. Maybe even jealousy or envy?

What I’m realizing, especially in the last few years of business, is that most times what we’re not seeing is the journey leading up to the “made it”. Or, the turning point if you will. I’m learning that in order to be successful, you have to hit the turning point. The exact moment when you decide to succeed and create the definite plan to do so.

For me, I’m in the midst of the turning point. I’ve experienced a lot of growth and new clients in the past couple of years, and with that comes a whole new set of trials and tribulations! My team has been tested and my own personal confidence has definitely been tested to the max. It’s hard when you realize that something that is supposed to work (either by watching it work for others or having “the rules” ingrained in your head)….just isn’t. For you, that is. So this is my personal turning point- in business and in life. I’m finally accepting that I have to do things in a way that works for me- my creativity, my lifestyle, me. And any other way will do nothing but break me down because it’s not me.

So with that , my new goal is to simply live and breathe my business for me. Life is too short- my little bubby just turned one and I just can’t believe how fast it flies by- and if what I’m doing doesn’t make me happy, it’s just not worth it.

Have you hit your turning point yet? Or do you feel the tug like it’s coming up around the bend? If so I bet it’s getting close. Would love to hear about your turning point! Here’s to the happiest you and me!


Oh and PS: Stay tuned for a super exciting announcement this week....you won't want to miss this!

Xo,

Reflections | Engage!13 Part 2

I'm back with more reflections from last week's whirlwind trip to Engage!13 Montelucia Resort and Spa, and the video from days 2 & 3....the best of the two videos if you ask me. Day 2 was jam packed with breakfast, speakers, a break with bacon (not kidding), and then a dine-around evening followed by a dessert after-party. One of the most exciting parts? Every single time we left the room we came back to another surprise or gift...the swag alone at this summit was unreal. The dine-around dinner events were held at three different locations- a picturesque soon-to-be venue in Scottsdale, Restoration Hardware (so jealous of the sweet little plants that group received) in honor of Eddie Zaratsian's living lifestyle brand in conjunction with RH, and finally another group of Engagees stayed at the resort for their dinner. Each table featured one of the speakers, so it was nice to be up close and personal with some of the best of the best.

Day 3 started with a mega inspirational breakfast outside on the lawn (surrounded by and underneath breathtaking canopies by Raj Tents) and Simon T Bailey. From there we entered into a half-day of breakout sessions for the most amazing Q&A periods...can you imagine being able to ask anyone anything about their businesses? Finally, lunch in the courtyard followed by the gifting lounge (more presents!) before heading out to get ready for the grand Gala that evening. And the Gala? Amazing. Designed by Todd Fiscus and executed by some very talented individuals. I'll let the video do the talking about this event, because whatever I say here will not do it justice.

Without further adieu, my reflections on the last two days of Engage!13:

1. My favorite quote from Day 2 was from Matthew Robbins: "...Be your very best at the place you're at right now." So true, isn't it? Really had to let that one sink in.

2. Sylvia Weinstock is such an interesting and worldly woman. Hope our paths cross again someday.

3. The bands at Engage! are simply amazing. Never underestimate the power of a really talented live band.

4. On that note, the mixologists from The Grand Bevy were amazing to watch. Just goes to show how food and drink can really contribute to a grand experience!

Xo,

engage!13 | Montelucia - Days 2 & 3 from I Do Films on Vimeo.

Inspiring Photo No. 62

Today is more like inspiring words....not only is it MLK day (an inspiring day in itself), but these words, found over at Note To Self, just sat with me. It is true, especially in creative work, that I think when you come across an obstacle you find inspiration. So whether you're planning the wedding or creating designs for a client, remember this. And have a very happy Monday and holiday if you're able to sleep in one more day!

Via

Xo,

Weekend Notes + December In Photos

It's Friday! Has anyone else felt like this first full week of work has been tough to get through? With all of the new resolutions in full force, it can add just that much more to a day making it feel extra full. This weekend I'm looking forward to finally starting on the boys' rooms- my type A self has literally broken the two somewhat overwhelming projects into mini tasks per weekend left until Baby H makes his appearance. We are giving big boy Kaden his big kid room (complete with loft bed, new, bright bedding, and his current crush- all things automotive and siren related), while Baby H will be receiving a serene and soft room with modern touches and a pop of color here and there. I've got inspiration boards for both rooms and will be posting them here soon so stay tuned! What are your big weekend plans? If you're in Boise you may be playing in the snow (I'm sure we'll have some of that thrown in with the projects too)!

Our December flew by (which is why this photo post is coming a little late), but was filled with so many good things. Some of our favorites below...

One of our biggest projects last month was a new year's eve party we had the honor of helping with up at Whitetail Club in McCall- here's just a little snippet of the goodness there:

The entire Soiree team had a rare moment together at the Idaho Event Professionals holiday party:

And we were delighted with newlywed Christmas cards: 

And here are some links you may have missed over the past week on the blog and on Facebook:

I rolled out my 2013 intentions....

....And we started our Best Of 2012 weddings round up series. 

I joined a book club....

....And have been loving this cleanse to start the new year off right.

And finally, our fall style shoot was featured over at Style Me Pretty last week- be sure to take a peek at the inspiration for the shoot too.

Xo,

Recognizing the Accomplishments

via

You know what I have come to realize (and dare I say, accept)? We are the worst at complimenting ourselves. We're quick to admire others, but it takes a lot for us to admire ourselves. Lately, as the 2012 wedding season has been slowing down and coming to a close for us, I've had some time to sit and think about the year and even years past. After each wedding season I am normally a little ragged around the edges, hair is astray and I'm a little unkept (if we're being honest here). We work hard during the season and all the while raising this baby I call Soiree. But this year I was trying to focus on the positive rather than beating myself up on some things that maybe didn't work as well as I wanted them to. And it hit me one day- I realized just how far I (we) have come.

In six short years I have:

- Quadrupled my business income
- Grown my business
- Been featured in national press
- Left my awful full-time job in the mortgage industry (coming up on my 3 year anniversary!)
- Realized my dream of becoming a niche company in a highly saturated field

And as I thought about it even further, I realized even things like implementing business technology, systems, and ideas unique to our business are accomplishments too. I was in upgrading my iPhone a couple of weekends ago, and the salesman (a very good one at that, looking back at my bill) began asking about my business as he was contemplating starting one himself. As I spoke to him, I realized that everything from the phone system we use to how all of my employees are able to work remotely thanks to systems we own is an accomplishment. In that moment I felt like someone was admiring me. Crazy talk, folks.

So I leave you with this: I encourage you, especially if you're feeling run down, beat up, and a complete failure, to take a few hours and write down everything you've accomplished in your business. I think you'll find that many of those things are unique to your business and no one else's. And for me, this helped shine light on new goals that are brewing that will in turn grow the business even more. I can honestly say that this one little exercise was better than retail therapy.

What have you done or accomplished as your business has grown each year? We would love to hear about them in the comments!

~Xo and happy dreaming,

Savvy Creative

This post was inspired by two things- one was this post, which I thought was a necessary reminder to the whole "the grass is greener" mentality, and also a question I received recently.

Like the post above, I too get so many questions and comments like "your job must be SO fun" and "how neat you get to play with pretty things all day!". And I do love my job and I do love what I get to play with most days. But mixed in with all of that there are budgets, proposals, numbers, negotiation, employees, schedules, invoices, taxes, and more lists and timelines than I'd like to admit. So it's a good thing, that from the outsider's perspective, it looks like everything came together effortlessly and magically unfolded before their very eyes. That means we did a great job at curtaining off the not so pretty!

Behind the scenes

As a business owner, not only am I in charge of the integrity of a client's event, but I'm also in charge of running the business. So, I have to admit it saddens me when I see someone "jump in" to become a wedding planner because they possess some creativity. It saddens me, because even though I took measures to educate myself before hanging my shingle, looking back, I essentially leaped into business because I saw a void in our marketplace and wanted so badly to fill it. But I knew nothing of the other side to running a successful business, a creative one or not. I can also say I'm happy when I see someone with the courage and tenacity to make a real go of it because no matter what owning a business and all that comes with it is no easy feat and should be celebrated. On that note, a few tips I've learned along the way:

- Accept that there are some things you'll have to do yourself, especially in the beginning. Know that there will be trials, tribulations, things that worked, and things that failed miserably. Accept that some things will need to change as you grow and evolve.

It's not always easy...just try to have fun with it.

- But keep the things that are working and work to keep them effective- You may have to tweak them as your team grows or create more systems, and that's ok.

One thing that will never change: having my Venti iced coffee on wedding days. A tradition for almost 7 years now!

- Outsource what you can, especially those items you're not good at. Accept that not everyone (or many) possess the ability to be efficient with both sides of the brain. Your work and home life will be much less stressful once you identify these qualities and eliminate those that suck your time away. 

Give me color swatches and linen samples any day..

So, do tell...what business and creative-related questions do you have or are you facing? I consider business networking one of the best forms of therapy, er, help there is. I fully believe in having business coaches and mentors, and connecting with other business owners on much of the same problems you might be facing. I'd love to be able to address those questions here- so do feel free to post a comment with your question, or if you have any tips and tricks of your own that you've discovered please leave those as well! 

Xo,