Entrepreneuress 101: designing the perfect home office

After my fabulous week in Miami, I am blissfully happy to be back at home working at my desk. As most of you know, I spent the week meeting and then getting into deep conversation with some really powerful female entrepreneurs. I began to notice that as soon as I told them I was an interior designer, they said to me "Oh, I so need your help!" Most of them admitted that they were working on being more visible in their businesses, which means letting your clients get a behind-the-scences look into your world. One of the things we learned is that this is a very powerful tool when it comes to marketing, branding and spreading your message. Being really visible. 

How visible are you willing to be?

I often look at and study women entrepreneurs who are really making their mark on the world. One of my absolute favorite ones to watch is Megan Hess. I first fell in love with her home in Melbourne, which led me to following her on instagram. One thing I picked up on is how her office is always perfectly on brand for her. She's able to communicate her level of excellence through photos of her work space. 

It's beautiful, feminine, hints of Parisian inspiration. Just as beautiful as the work she does. 

I've found that every women entrepreneur who I look up to has an incredibly well put together home office. I truly believe in the importance of creating an office space that is representative of how you want to be seen in the world. In the second half of 2016, I've designed more offices than any other room in the home. It's also no secret that this year has been another year to the rise of the feminine entrepreneur. We women are taking a stand for our dreams and its time to create a life and home that reflects the best possible version of ourselves. 

What does your home office say about your mission in this world? 

I can't help but notice how in Megan's office, you see she invests in beautiful pieces. Luxurious fragrances, fancy pens, beautiful lighting, artwork that she created doing what she loves. It's important that you elevate your work space to meet the ideal level of your business and success. Even if you can't afford your dream furniture, I highly recommend getting rid of things that you don't love, even if they are functional. Only have beautiful pieces that keep your work space organized, clean and inspiring. For example, the gold tray on the desk is a beautiful way to corral collections. If you can't afford a super glam one, hit up your local antique mall and find a beautiful diamond in the rough. It's such a fun thing to put together a beautiful space for yourself. Make the experience delightful and fun. 

When you take the time to invest in your space in this way, it will show through in your success. 

What can you do today to up-level your office? How can you clear out for investing in your dreams?  How can you better communicate your purpose through your decor?

When I work with my clients, before we begin to design the space, I work with them on creating the ideal vision for their success and then we design from there. We get focused on core values, mission statement and ideal clients. It's a special method I like to use called #successXdesign. With the start of 2017 right around the corner, its the perfect time to get really clear on your vision, make the moves to set you up for wild success this next year. Now is your time to shine! 

All photographs from @meganhess

Entrepreneuress 101: investing in your dreams

I've been working from Miami and exploring this fabulous city all week. Over the weekend, Art Basel brought in art enthusiasts and designers from around the world. It was incredible to meet these people and discover new artists to admire. There is something magical and luxurious about Miami that makes me dream a little bit bigger. The yachts, the hotels, the beauty. . .all completely aspirational. You can follow along my travels here on instagram or Facebook. 

In order to keep on the path and pursue my dreams, It was also my intention to attend a women's entrepreneurship conference. I spent 3 incredible days around some pretty inspiring people. What I found most mind blowing, was the process of taking the time to reflect on my year for 2016 and being determined to celebrate my accomplishments. Not only is it important to take note of the big milestones I've had like finishing my book, creating Ista Magazine, moving into my dream condo. I realized the importance of reflecting on the small accomplishments  even more. How often do we take the time to celebrate the small wins? For me it was things like, moving up to the next level in my yoga classes, committing to my meditation practice, giving back to my community, learning to make my most favorite dishes, etc. 

It's important to reflect and celebrate every win no matter how big or small, so you can move into 2017 with momentum. 

Working for yourself can sometimes get a little stagnant, so I believe its important to surround yourself around other like minded people. To be open and learn from them. We spent 3 days together at the Ritz Carlton and it was such an incredible experience. In this room were beautiful, feminine, women millionaires who are changing the world. It was such an honor to listen to their wise advice. I truly believe it was the most invaluable information I have ever learned. We learned their mindsets and strategies, how they reached six figures, how they are making an impact and leaving their mark.  At the same time these are women, being wives, raising children and nurturing their homes and families. One woman has 6 children at home and is still living out and pursing her dreams. It was pretty awe inspiring. 

For my Unleash your Ista members, I will be adding my notes from this conference to the UYI platform so you too can implement the strategies these women use in their personal and professional lives.

I realized how powerful it can be to invest in yourself. Whether it be with a mentor, personal trainer, seminars and packages. Investing in travel to explore and inspire your inner creativity and brilliance. It will add to the richness in your life personally and professionally. You'll be feeling so abundant from what you receive, you will have more than enough overflow to share with others. 

I had such an amazing time at this conference and connected with so many inspiring entrepreneurs from around the world! It's important to surround yourself with the ideas, information and mentorship that successful women who have gone before you share. Find a mentor. Choose someone who you admire, study her moves and implement what you can from her. The student always surpasses the teacher. 

Now I am off to continue to explore and learn in this beautiful city.