New Apartment, New Beginnings!

All right, so it's been a few weeks since graduation. And pretty much since that day, I have gone nesting crazy. Yes. I've found a new place, and want to fill it with pretty things. I want it to look sleek and chic, and reflect my taste. I'm drooling in front of West Elm by my apartment, and am envisioning a big mirror to make my apartment even bigger. Black, funky bookcases, a cool TV, an actual full size bed instead of this freakin twin that my 5'10" body just will not accept.

As you can see, I have even joined The Nest, and yes, I know, you're supposed to do The Knot thing first but I don't care. Above is a ticker until I move into my new place in August. It's so roomy and the light is fantastic. I can't wait to decorate it and make it a home, instead of a place to live - if that makes sense. I've bought some photo frames from my black and white photography from Italy, and have assembled my brand new drafting table for my calligraphy that I got from Blick.

And instead of slowing down after graduation, I feel that life has only sped up. Like today, for instance, went by so quickly. All of my businesses need my constant attention: wedding calligraphy season has passed, and frantic "I need these done in a week!" brides are flooding my business. I've also recently committed to a part time salaried position with Boston Logic, at which I specialize in SEO and online marketing, which I'll get into some fun times later :) Also coming up, some great esty sellers for featured shops! Stay tuned!

Advice for decorating little apartments without paint welcome - it helps having an interior designer as a mom :D

Graduation from Tufts University and the Museum School of Fine Arts

Well, it finally happened. After four years of some of the best experiences and learning of my life, I officially became a college graduate yesterday, May 23rd 2010. I can't believe that it's actually over - that 16 years of education has come to an end (for now...maybe ;)

I've learned so much about myself and what I can do. I have started my own wedding calligraphy business, which has seriously taken off in the past few months. I currently hold a Marketing Associate position with Boston Logic, which was the location of my internship for my last Entrepreneurial Leadership Minor credit. I've applied the Search Engine Optimization practices that I've learned here to my own blog and website.

I've designed and sold countless pieces of handmade jewelry, and innovated recycled sail products that have been quite successful products of sale on my website. I also learned how to make handmade books and journals, and am excited about this new direction - as well as all the creative paths I have yet to discover.

So what does the future hold? I don't know. Does anyone, really? I am looking into constructing a gallery out of a family friend's barn, which could bring art and great culture to my hometown of Weymouth, MA. I want to expand my calligraphy, including raising prices a bit to compensate for my growth and the receipt of my newly received Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree (p.s., there's still time to apply for my free wedding calligraphy giveaway, expiring June 31st!).

All I know now is that I feel accomplished. And yes, it is an ending. But it is also a beginning full of possibilities, and I'm excited to show this world what I can do.


Read Mom's reflections here.
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"The Family Business" - And yes, it's exactly as it sounds

I got my entrepreneurial spunk and creativity from my parents, and I have to give them credit in this post.

My Dad is amazing. Ever since I was little, I remember being able to bring him anything that was broken, and he could fix it. Like my CD Walkman, which he fixed with a fork and a piece of string. Don't ask.

He also got really involved in projects with me; like I was an angel for a Christmas pagent, and Dad made these crazy cardboard wings that he spray-painted gold and white (airbrushed to look like feathers, of course). He then attached clear fishing string from my wings to little hoops around my thumbs, so that when I moved my thumbs up and down, the cardboard wings would flap.

I'm telling you, absolutely amazing! He's now doing marine canvas and upholstery work, so PLEASE let me know if you need work done, because he is the best, GUARANTEED! He also does a bazillion other things, like make awesome signs and repaints names on boats.

Mom is also one of the most intelligent, passionate and strong women I have ever known in my life. We have co-founded a company together called "Dock This Way Embroidery & Design". She is a saleswomen, very charismatic and inspiring. She's quick on her feet, and worked in corporate situations where she handled clients and stressful people VERY well. She's also got a great eye for color, and does a great deal of interior design work. Pictured here is an item from our *intimate apparel* collection, of cute underwear and PJs...I think its a nice nautical depiction on the butt :)

Dock This Way is a customizable merchandise shop that we are currently negotiating a lease in the new Launch in the Hingham Ship Yard.

We may or may not factor in the constant playing of Aerosmith throught our store in our business plan :)

(Get it? DOCK THIS WAY!!! Ha ha...)

Pictured above: Left, my dad re-upholstered this entire chair. Right, one of the embroidered PJ sets.