There’s a point where getting dressed stops being about options and starts being about clarity. Not in a restrictive way, but in a way that removes the need to reconsider everything, every time. Uniform dressing, at least the way I’ve come to understand it, isn’t about wearing the exact same thing every day. It’s about creating a framework that’s consistent enough to rely on, but flexible enough to still feel like you. It’s an edit. And like most edits, it’s less about what you add and more about what you decide not to.

One of my favorite styling tips comes from Coco Chanel herself: “Before you leave the house, look in the mirror and take one thing off.” This thoughtfulness and one last glance in the mirror to edit doesn’t dull anything or remove a special moment; it actually helps accentuate the outfit and keep things focused.

Over time, I started to notice that the outfits I felt best in weren’t the ones that required the most thought. They were the ones that felt familiar, balanced, and already resolved in a way that didn’t need to be questioned before leaving the house. There’s a quiet confidence in that because if you’re doubting something, you’ve usually already got your answer.

When certain decisions are already made, silhouettes you return to, colors that always work, pieces that consistently hold their place, everything else becomes easier. Doing the work upfront to understand what fits you properly, what lines and cuts work best on your body type, and your needs, creates a more effortless process of getting ready each day.

Removing the friction is where uniform dressing starts to feel less like a style choice and more like a system. That system doesn’t have to be rigid, but it does give more efficiency and confidence. As a wife, woman in business, dog mom, friend, daughter, and everything else in between, I’m making hundreds of decisions daily. While the decision of what to wear that day isn’t always a hard one, putting a system in place where the outfits help me always feel my best and give me more time and energy is a win.

The Uniform

For me, that’s often meant a foundation of black. Not because it’s safe, but because it’s clear. It simplifies combinations, sharpens everything around it, and creates consistency without requiring attention. Not to mention, it is one of my favorite colors to wear.

Another aspect of my system is finding out what I’m most comfortable in for running around the office, to and from Broadway, and for sitting in a lot of meetings, while still being appropriate for work. For me, this translates to staple denim, interchangeable tops, some form of jacket because I’m always cold, but want the flexibility to remove it, and comfortable boots. From there, it’s small shifts. A different jacket. A change in texture or color, or adding something slightly unexpected, but still within the same language. Nothing that disrupts the whole.

That’s the difference; it isn’t about reinvention in each outfit, it’s about refinement. And over time, that refinement becomes recognizable. Not because it’s repetitive, but because it’s cohesive. There’s less second-guessing, less overthinking, and less pressure to make something work, because I know it already does. But not only does it work, but I am also comfortable in it and feel most like me.

In a way, uniform dressing is just an extension of the same idea that being put together has very little to do with trying harder. It’s the result of decisions that have already been made and repeated enough times to feel natural. Not more options. Just better ones, chosen consistently.

How you build your own uniform

If uniform dressing works, it’s not because it looks a certain way. It’s because it reflects a version of you that’s already been decided. And that’s usually where figuring out your uniform starts. Not with what you think you should wear, but with what you already return to without thinking about it. The pieces you reach for when you need something to work. The outfits that make you feel the best version of yourself. There’s usually a pattern there, even if you haven’t defined it yet.

It’s less about creating something new and more about paying attention to what’s already consistent. You can start by asking yourself a few questions.

• What do I wear most often when I feel like myself?

• What pieces do I never have to adjust or second-guess?

• What colors or silhouettes do I keep coming back to?

• What feels easy, even on days when nothing else does?

• Are there any requirements for my workspace or environment?

• What do most of my days look like, and what do I need to consider?

The answers are usually more obvious than expected. From there, it becomes an edit that you work from and buy toward. Keeping what aligns, letting go of what doesn’t, and building around the pieces that already make sense. Not to limit your options, but to make them clearer. Of course, there are outliers in your closets for special occasions, fun nights out, and truly unique environments, but the exercise of knowing what works best for you is tranferable to all those categories and really unlocks your closet.

There’s a certain kind of presence that feels put together before you can even pinpoint why. It’s not loud. It’s not overly styled. And it’s rarely the result of trying harder. If anything, it feels like the opposite.

We tend to associate being “put together” with effort — more time, more options, more thought. But the people, places, and environments that actually feel this way are usually operating from a different place entirely. One that’s quieter, more consistent, and far more edited.

It’s not about doing more. It’s about doing less, better.

The difference is often in the details — the ones that don’t immediately stand out on their own, but work together to create a feeling. Clothes that fit without needing adjustment. Pieces that show up again and again without feeling repetitive. Nothing is pulling too hard for attention.

And that’s what creates the ease.

Because when everything doesn’t need to be reconsidered every time, there’s a natural confidence that comes through. Not performative, not overworked — just aligned. This is also why “put together” doesn’t necessarily mean dressed up.

It’s entirely possible to be wearing something simple, even expected, and still feel polished. In many cases, that’s exactly what allows it to work. Simplicity leaves room for consistency, and consistency is what builds identity. The same can be said for environments, brands, and even the way a night unfolds. The ones that feel the most effortless are rarely accidental. They’ve just been refined to the point where nothing feels out of place. There’s restraint in that. And clarity.

Trying harder often introduces noise — more options, more decisions, more room for things to feel slightly off. But being put together has less to do with adding and more to do with knowing what doesn’t need to be there at all. It’s an edit. And over time, that edit becomes recognizable. Not because it’s different every time, but because it isn’t. That’s what gives it presence. Not effort, but intention, applied consistently enough that it no longer feels like effort at all.

I’ve found that this technique of editing has shifted most areas in my life for the positive. Whether it was editing down my closet rather than filling it, focusing on the friendships that felt easy rather than finding new ones to invest in, scheduling less on my calendar to be intentional about the things that were left, or minimizing my morning routine from 6 steps to 3 non-negotiables. Editing has given me a lot of focus on the things that matter to me and helped me find the version of myself that feels put together in most aspects. Of course, I’m not perfect and still have days that have too much, emotions that overflow or even outfits I look back on and question who I thought I was wearing that. The goal isn’t to be so structured that we mitigate change, but to feel aligned in who we are and the goals we’re after. And believe it or not, what we’re wearing impacts that.

Editing Your Life, Not Adding to It

1. Your Closet

Getting dressed is often where this shows up first. Not because it’s the most important, but because it’s the most visible.

A closet that works isn’t built on options — it’s built on clarity. Pieces that fit, repeat easily, and exist within the same language. Nothing is competing for attention, nothing that needs to be convinced into working. It’s less about variety, more about consistency. And over time, that consistency becomes its own kind of identity. With that, consistency is a visual representation of your identity. And this doesn’t have to be boring. Your consistency could be focused on wearing color, pattern, dresses, or even unique shoes and bags. No matter the identity you want to portray, find the consistency factors that make your closet you, and focus on those.

Where the put together aspect comes is within a few aspects of best practice - impeccable fit, ease, and quality. With these three aspects in mind, you’ll have a great foundation for editing that closet.

2. Your Calendar

A full calendar can look productive, but it doesn’t always feel that way. There’s a difference between a schedule that’s packed and one that’s intentional. The latter tends to have more space than expected — not because there’s less to do, but because what’s there has been chosen more carefully. Not everything needs to be included to be effective. In many cases, the clarity comes from what’s been left out. Removing more from your schedule allows the time and energy to be shifted onto thinking about your time rather than being so busy that you blindly follow your calendar. Is that hour-long meeting really necessary? Do we need the full hour? Refocus your schedule on the intentions and goals you have rather than external expectations and commitments. We, of course, still have those and are accountable to them, but when your schedule is full of invites from others, is it really even your schedule?

I’ll be sharing a blog post soon about how AI helped me rebuild my schedule with an intention that has been a game-changer.

3. Your Environment

The same is true for the spaces you move through. The places that feel the most considered are rarely overdone. The lighting is right. The music makes sense. Nothing feels out of place, and nothing feels like it’s trying too hard. It’s not one defining feature; it’s everything working together, without friction. If you’re in environments that feel like constant friction or they don’t complement the intentions your after, it’s time for an environment change. Shift and adapt our environments to guide the schedule, lifestyle, and habits you want to be making. I shared more about this in my morning routine blog post if you want more tangible examples, but your environment shapes your life so why not focus on making it everything you need feel put together?

If you’ve ever asked someone in marketing, “How did you learn this?” the answer is almost never just school or a job title. It’s usually a mix of experience, mistakes, curiosity — and a handful of books that quietly shape how you think. I’m a big believer that marketing should be a group activity, and while I haven’t had the longest career, I’ve learned a lot from the network I’m grateful to be a part of and the books that taught those people a lot of what they know and have shared with me.

I’ve always believed that the best marketing isn’t really about marketing at all. It’s about people. About decision-making. About creativity under pressure. About how ideas land, spread, or fall flat. I’ve found the same to be true in the majority of the marketing books that sit on my bookshelf. Sure, they’re filled with best practices and marketing principles, but the true artform of marketing lies within the people that shape them, the systems that propel them, and the creativity we nurture.

Whether you work in marketing, want to work in marketing, or are simply looking for a more well-rounded understanding of how marketing principles show up in business and life, these are books I consistently recommend when someone asks me where to start. Think of this list as a bookshelf I’d happily point you toward if we were grabbing coffee together and you asked for a read that will reshape your perspective.

Creativity, Discipline & Doing the Work

One of my favorite conversations to have with people is about how creativity and artistic ability are not mutually exclusive. Some of the most creative people I know couldn’t draw a convincing stick figure, and some of the most artistic people I know have a hard time looking at problem-solving creatively. These books break the mold on the idea of creativity and how everyone has a level of creativity they can unlock and sharpen, no matter their profession or how well they can visualize something on paper.

These are for anyone who creates for a living, or is expected to show up with ideas even when inspiration is nowhere to be found.

The Accidental Creative: How to Be Brilliant at a Moment’s Notice by Todd Henry
This book reframes creativity as a responsibility, not a mood. It’s about building habits, systems, and clarity so you can deliver strong work consistently — especially when the pressure is on.

Creative Confidence by Tom Kelley and David Kelley
A reminder that creativity isn’t reserved for designers or artists. It focuses on confidence, experimentation, and empathy as skills anyone can build — and benefit from.

Brand, Strategy & Positioning

If you’ve ever wondered why some brands just make sense, and why others feel forgettable, these are essential reads. Being creative is an aspect of marketing, but without the formulas and systems that make it all work together, that big idea may never come to life or last the test of time to build brand loyalty.

The Brand Gap by Marty Neumeier
A foundational book that connects strategy and creativity in a simple, visual, and incredibly practical way. It’s one of those reads that permanently changes how you look at brands. Apologies in advance for how you will never be able to look at a marketing campaign without the Brand Gap lens again.

Juicing the Orange by Pat Fallon
This book challenges you to unapologetically think bigger, push against category norms, and create brand ideas that actually move people emotionally. And then it breaks that down and asks you to do it on a bigger scale. The best marketing ideas and brands are built from tension, sitting in the uncomfortable to find the comfortable, and breaking what already exists to find the true value. Marketing dies in complacency, and this book pushed me more than most to operate in that mindset regularly.

Positioning: The Battle for Your Mind by Al Ries and Jack Trout
An older classic that still holds up. It explains how brands win or lose in the mind — and why perception often matters more than product itself. The true win in marketing is convincing millions of people that a product that hundreds of other companies have is better than another, not because it is, but because the consumer perceives it to be. Ideally, you’re in a unicorn situation and marketing a one-of-a-kind, ca n’t-be-beaten product, but more often than not, the strategy is positioning rather than product.

Obviously Awesome by April Dunford
This modern take on positioning is instrumental in crowded markets. Clear, practical, and helpful for articulating what truly makes a brand different. This book takes positioning to the next level and breaks down why context, a specific target audience, and differentiation set brands apart from the crowded markets they are in.

Messaging, Storytelling & Making Ideas Stick

Messaging, Storytelling & Making Ideas Stick

These books focus on communication, how to say the right thing at the right time, clearly, without overcomplicating it, and even when silence is a stronger tool than the perfectly worded pitch. Every marketing campaign should include a story, but where the best campaigns set apart from others is when the team behind them gets granular about how it’s said, the visuals that accompany it, the voice sharing it, and the level of detail in every single one of those categories.

Made to Stick by Chip Heath and Dan Heath
A breakdown of why some ideas are memorable while others disappear. It introduces simple frameworks for clarity, relevance, and emotional impact. There’s a reason certain commercials, brands, and visuals stick with you, and this book gives you the cheat code to unlocking why they do. Spoiler, it’s usually the most clear, focused, and stripped down messaging that is remembered most.

Building a Story Brand by Donald Miller
A straightforward framework for simplifying brand messaging using storytelling principles. Especially helpful when you’re trying to clarify what you actually do. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned in marketing? The customer is the main character, not the brand. You’ve already lost the plot if your main message is talking about you.

Everybody Writes by Ann Handley
A reminder that writing is a core business skill. Practical and approachable, especially for anyone creating content, emails, or digital communication. You don’t have to be a copywriter to nail the skillset of writing with clarity, tone, and connection.

Psychology, Behavior & Why People Say Yes

Understanding people is essential in marketing and in life. Why they do what they do, what they care about, and how to unlock that in marketing strategy to meet them where they are is a foundation for the best campaigns. While understanding your audience is a great tool for marketing, these books taught me a lot about people in general and how to work with them, build off ideas, and, even more importantly, they taught me a lot about myself.

Influence by Robert B. Cialdini
A classic for a reason. It breaks down the psychology behind persuasion and decision-making, and once you read it, you’ll start seeing these principles everywhere. Most people already have an answer in their minds before they even ask the question. They are influenced by what they consume, social proof, and invisible context clues around them, so most of the time, their mind has already decided for them.

Alchemy by Rory Sutherland
One of the most interesting books on this list. It challenges purely logical thinking and shows how emotion, culture, and perception drive behavior. We wouldn’t be human if we operated solely on logic, and the factors of how campaigns and products make us feel usually matter more than price, features, or efficiency.

Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman
More dense, but incredibly impactful. It reshapes how you think about decisions, bias, and judgment well beyond marketing. A key takeaway from this book for me was about the notion that people are more motivated to avoid loss than to achieve gain, which has major implications for pricing, messaging, and how value is framed.

Growth, Modern Marketing & Competitive Advantage

For thinking beyond tactics, trends, and short-term wins. In today’s world, virality seems to be the goal. While growth, competitive advantage, and trends are aspects of that, brands that make the biggest impact are those that create longevity. The books below focus on driving attention, creating demand, and how to stand out in markets.

Contagious by Jonah Berger
Explores why certain ideas spread organically. Especially useful for understanding word-of-mouth, cultural relevance, and shareability. If you’re interested in social media marketing, influencer marketing, and content, this book touches on the aspects of identity, connectivity, perception, and the emotion that is needed to drive action rather than just bringing attention to something.

Blue Ocean Strategy by W. Chan Kim and Renée Mauborgne
A strategic lens on creating demand instead of fighting for attention in crowded markets. More business-focused, but incredibly valuable for marketing leaders. Many marketers are focused on beating their competitors, but the real marketers are focused on making them irrelevant because they’re creating new demand in a redefined space altogether.

2025 didn’t ease in or let go softly. It was sharp in places. It shifted the ground under my feet in ways I didn’t ask for and couldn’t fully prepare for. It was a year that demanded growth before I felt ready, growth that wasn’t always graceful, but real.

There were days that felt heavy before they even began. Days where showing up looked less like ambition and more like endurance. But there were also moments of real momentum. Milestones reached. Work I’m proud of. Wins that, on paper and to those looking in were the highest achievements, and yet even in those high points, I found myself quietly wondering what more I could do. If I could sustain what I had built. If strength was supposed to feel like more of an arrival than this.

Somewhere in between achievement and uncertainty were the small moments that kept me human. A little too much champagne. A girls weekend screaming Jonas Brothers lyrics at the top of my lungs with best friends. Laughing at myself for thinking I could white knuckle my way through everything without ever needing a pause. Growth, it turns out, is rarely linear and often requires questioning everything, filtering the noise, and bringing yourself back to the people who remind you who you are.

Not every year gets to be labeled great. Some years are simply formative. Some years don’t sparkle in hindsight, they teach through friction. 2025 was that kind of year, one that held accomplishment and self doubt at the same time. One that has glittery chapters, and one that had me questioning what the next page was going to start with.

It asked me to let go of versions of myself that no longer fit, even when I wasn’t done loving them. It fractured assumptions and routines, forcing me to look at what was real versus what was familiar. But it also clarified what matters. It showed me that I can’t carry it all and setting some things down or that needing support doesn’t make strength any less valid. You can be capable and still need help. You can lead and still lean.

And still, there was laughter. There was love that stayed and grew. There were people who showed up in quiet, necessary ways. There was strength I didn’t know I had until I felt myself reaching for it, and allowing others to meet me there. There were moments where the most productive thing I did was laugh, reset, and try again the next day.

I found pieces of myself in the hard parts. The grounded ones. The scary and honest ones. The ones that don’t perform well on social media, or let alone even get posted. Pain has a way of refining you if you let it, of stripping things down to what’s essential. 2025 did that. It reminded me that resilience doesn’t mean facing it alone, and that sometimes survival looks suspiciously like joy in disguise.

As 2025 closed, there’s a temptation to wrap it up neatly. To declare a reset. To brand a new beginning. But the truth is, a new year is a manufactured milestone. A calendar flip doesn’t absolve the past or guarantee the future. Every day, ordinary and unnamed, is the real gift.

So instead of resolutions or declarations, I’m carrying forward what this year taught me. I’m going to find my creativity again and to write even when it’s imperfect. I’m choosing to sit comfortably in silence instead of chasing noise. I’m prioritizing friendships and time outdoors and travel that inspires me rather than exhausts. I’m going to continue to give as much as I can to others but know that doesn’t mean I’m losing myself to do so. I’m reading more books, drinking more champagne because, obviously, and keeping authenticity close, even when it’s inconvenient. Not because a new year demands it, but because the learning did.

Hope doesn’t come from a date. It comes from staying. From choosing to keep going with a little more softness, a little more humor, and a deeper trust in myself than I had before.

And that feels like enough. Happy New Year, y’all xx

My Favorite Thing to Make for Dinner? Reservations.

There’s a time and place for home-cooked meals… and my husband, Kollin, loves to cook so it works out well, but some nights, you just need to get out of the house and dress up. Whether it's a spontaneous Tuesday night or a carefully planned date, nothing beats being seated, handed a menu, and sipping a glass of wine feeling.

Nashville has no shortage of restaurants, but these are the ones we keep coming back to. The vibes? Immaculate. The food? Even better. Here’s a running list of go-to spots around town—and our favorites from the meals.

@presenttensenashville
Great atmosphere and cocktails. Their menu changes often, but get the burger. It’s a staple menu item for a reason.

@postinowinecafe
Such a great vibe and perfect lunch spot to grab a glass of wine and chat all afternoon.

@mimonashville
Our go-to Italian spot downtown in the Four Seasons. It’s the perfect balance of bougie and approachable. Great wine selection and impeccable service.

@sauced.nash
There’s no drink menu—you tell the bartenders what type of wine you like and talk it out as you try some to decide on. Great food and would be a great first date spot! They have a DJ on Friday nights too.

@sinatrabartn
It’s like you stepped back into 1950s New York and Frank himself is playing the piano. Order a martini and splurge a little on dinner. It’s worth every penny.

@limoeatery
If you’re looking for a casual spot but exceptional food, you have to try this place in East Nashville. Order some mojitos, the lomo saltado, and the ceviche.

@the_catbirdseat
You’ll definitely need to plan ahead for a reservation, but this has been our favorite meal in Nashville. Experience a chef’s tasting menu in an open kitchen, and have an intimate meal you’ll never forget.

@luogorestaurant
Another Italian spot we love, whose sister restaurant, Pelato, you may have heard more about—but we prefer Luogo for the atmosphere, more Mediterranean menu, and of course, the wine.

@biteabit.nashville
Another East Nashville favorite of ours and the best Thai food we’ve found here. We haven’t had one bad thing: our favorites being the Panang Curry, Gyoza, and Pad See Eiw.

@sundanewasian
Our “we don’t feel like cooking” date night that is consistently so good. Their cocktail, Peared Sake, is one of my favorites in Nashville, and you can’t go wrong with the oxtail pot stickers, wagyu crispy rice, crispy Brussels sprouts, and pad thai.

@carnemare
We aren’t huge steakhouse people, but this Italian steakhouse perfectly blends traditional steak favorites with Italian touches. Order a glass of champagne, the caviar mozzarella sticks, and your favorite pasta.

There are so many more places we would recommend, but we love these for an intimate, dreamy, and romantic date night. Now that we’re through the spots to try, how about what to wear? Linking some of my favorite date night pieces below!

I’ve been wondering what my next blog post would be after almost a year of not writing and six months without an outfit photo on social media. I almost wrote the word neglecting as that's how it feels most of the time, and there may be some truth to that.

This past year, there have been times I’ve been down on myself for not contributing more to this space that I created so long ago and hold so much love for. I could share many reasons or explanations as to why I didn’t write, find the time, or prioritize this brand, but the simple truth is that it wasn’t fulfilling me in the way it used to.

Don’t get me wrong. There is a difference between something not fulfilling you anymore and that fulfillment feeling different. Priorities shift, capacity changes, and creativity ebbs and flows. In this case, it is the latter.

Rather than just jumping back into writing about shoes or this year’s holiday gift guide, I kept thinking of ways I could write about why I haven’t been writing. And then I realized I just needed to write the truth. The majority of the reason is that I’ve been filling my time, energy, and space with other things - I’ve been out living, saying yes to things, trying new experiences, meeting people, and working - a lot. I’ve been building other brands, growing a team, and trying to keep up with just being a wife, friend, and daughter.

My absence from this space isn’t a reflection of my dedication to it or passion for wanting it to continue, but rather a representation of the other sides of my life that are being filled. Absence isn’t always negative, and yes, I do wish I would’ve shared more or kept writing, but then I think about all the concerts I attended, the date nights with my husband, the traveling we did, feeling the moments we were in rather than worrying about the photos of them or the blog post I needed to write after work.

This past year of not being present here has taught me so much about the importance of presence in general. So many of the blog posts on this site are truly important to me and filled with words that were and remain a part of me, but others are fillers and things that I wrote because I felt like I needed another blog post up, rather than actually providing value.

One of the lessons I’m learning is that our time is everything and we don’t get it back. There is nothing we can do to get more of it - we can’t buy it, trade it, reverse it, or do anything to pause it. I’m quickly understanding the importance of doing things you’re passionate about, spending your time where you want to cultivate the most and where you get the most value out of it. For a while, The Creative Brief wasn’t that.

That is difficult to write, but it is true. To become who I needed to be and grow further in several aspects, I needed to allow myself the space. It sounds dramatic because I realize we’re talking about a fashion and lifestyle blog, but deep in these digital pages are essentially my journal entries for the past seven years. Admitting that it wasn’t as important to me as it used to be feels like I’m abandoning it, but what I’ve learned from the time away, is that I’m abandoning the parts of it that don’t bring value to me - the yearning for the validation of others, the numbers game of always looking for more followers, readers, subscribers, sales, and the deprioritization of other aspects of my life.

I want this space to be fun again and a place where people learn things, find pieces they love, pick up a book or travel recommendation, and feel creative. The last year has looked different and been pretty quiet, but this post is to bring back the creativity, the fashion, the writing, and, of course, the champagne-filled stories. I love y’all and if you made it this far, thank you for reading. xx

Hey y’all, Happy New Year! I was looking back at the blog and realized I haven’t posted since July. That month was pretty crazy for us - we sold our house unexpectedly, moved downtown, and started an entirely new path than what we had planned for ourselves earlier that year. Since July, I’ve been thinking a lot about what the decision to sell our house has led us to, along with the decisions that followed. Almost 6 months later, I can look back and know it was absolutely the right call, but having the faith in the moment of making it was the challenge. We were going against what we knew, carving a different path than what the world around us was promoting, and jumping into a big unknown.

When we took the above pictures, we had just moved and I was questioning a lot. What had we done? Did we overreact in selling? How does this fit into the “plan” we had when buying our house and thinking life would go a certain way? How is this going to change the future and our timeline? If only I could tell my previous self what she’s up to now.

---

Growing up I was always led to believe that you went to school, met a boy, graduated, got a job, got engaged, bought a house, got married, started having kids, and maybe a dog or two in between. A lot of people around me started living that life and there is nothing wrong with it. Some people did the order a bit differently or started earlier than others, but that was the way things went.

In middle school, I read the book To Kill a Mockingbird, and to this day it is one of my favorite books. The sequel Go Set a Watchman explores the versions of people we see when we grow up and aren’t viewing them through the lens we have as children where we idolize our parents or think every adult has life figured out. After reading Go Set a Watchman, I realized that every kid probably goes through something similar and that the same can be said for the life we build ourselves.

The picturesque, “American Dream” lifestyle of a house, kids, a good job and a dog in the backyard is a beautiful sentiment and something that a lot of people want out of life, myself included. But life isn’t that simple for a lot of us. Even those who appear to have the life we’ve all been told to chase have setbacks, challenges, and hardships. We all struggle with comparison and jealousy at some level. But what many fail to remember is that we aren’t all meant to have the same life and furthermore, we shouldn’t be ashamed for living a life that doesn’t fit the mold of what others are doing.

This year, Kollin and I got some news about the first home we built together and we decided to sell. After years of living in apartments, moving several times, and finally getting the dream of owning a home, we realized something. We weren’t sad about it… everyone in our life felt so bad for us and wondered how devastated we were. Sure, we didn’t want to move or have to sell the house, but we felt a little strange about being so okay with it. But then we realized something. Owning a home is hard. It’s expensive and time-consuming. Growing up, that was the goal. Own something, make it yours, and build your family and wealth. When we got into the house we were really happy there and loved owning something, but as the months went on we realized we weren’t spending a ton of time there, the responsibility of everything was a lot and it wasn’t as amazing as everyone made it seem. The world around us romanticizes all of these life steps and doesn’t talk about how difficult things can be or the not-so-pretty side of things.

Yes, I’m proud of us and grateful for being able to buy a home and go through that process, but I’m more proud of us for making a change and living the life we want rather than the life that is expected of us.

What if the version of your story is that you go to school and end up not loving the career you picked for yourself or maybe “met a boy” turned into “met a girl"? What if you got married and had a great few years, but then things changed and you’re back to dating? What if you’re struggling with infertility or have decided kids aren’t the right choice for your family? What if you prefer renting over owning or you’d rather live in a van and travel the world than have roots in one place?

We all experience things differently and we’re all dealt a different hand in life, but without those unique and personal experiences, we aren’t who we are. So think about where you are in life right now and know that is where you’re supposed to be. Choose the life you want instead of building a life off of others’ expectations of you. Normalize living outside society’s path of what is next and figure out what makes you happy.

I wish I could tell the girl back in April who got the news about the new home she just built that everything would work out and this is actually meant to be. That one decision to sell completely changed the trajectory of what our life would look like. We’d move downtown, save money, end up living .5 miles from a new job that is everything I was looking for in my career. We’d create more opportunities for travel, spend more quality time with friends and family, and learn the importance of want vs. need again. We learned to prioritize certain desires and really focus inward on goals we set for ourselves rather than the goals the outside world is creating for us.

So, the girl in the above photos was scared. Scared of the decisions she’d just made, scared to make the leap in looking for a new job, scared that she was now behind in the timeline she planned for herself, and scared that everything would be different. The best part is that everything is different. It was still scary at times, there were still questions, but I challenged myself in ways I hadn’t before and made it through what was a huge setback to the world around us. That fear can and does still set in sometimes, but now I know I always have a choice in front of me and that it will work out how it is intended to. I suppose if we’re not leading a life that scares us a little, we may not be living at all.

Meet BOUTIQUE OWNER, SARA WALKER

Mark & Co offers a curated collection of closet staples and on-trend pieces. From timeless essentials to statement pieces that will elevate any outfit, their online boutique has something for everyone.

Hey, y’all! We’re halfway through the week and I’m so excited to bring this Brand Brief series back to the blog! As a series designed to tell stories of women in business and the truths and challenges that come with that, today’s story is just that. Sara Walker of Mark & Co Boutique is a Nashville-based online fashion boutique owner who sells beautiful, high-quality pieces for the sophisticated girl who still loves affordability.

I haven’t met Sara in person (yet!), but she is also a University of Kentucky grad, along with her husband, so I know we have a lot in common, including a love of fashion! We have a mutual family-friend connection and from the moment Sara reached out about Mark & Co I knew that it was a brand I wanted to share with y’all! Let’s dive into more of Sara’s story below:

Hi, Sara! THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR BEING ON THE BRAND BRIEF! What inspired you to start Mark & Co? 

Mark & Co was founded in the namesake of my late father with a simple dream of curating pieces that show the power and individuality of the everyday woman. 

What has been the most fun part of starting your business? And in contrast, the most challenging?

Mark & Co has been an amazing rollercoaster ride since we launched in April. The most fun part is getting to see my customers wearing their pieces and seeing the confidence on their faces when they get their new outfits! I have also built relationships and learned from so many very special people that I wouldn’t have gotten the chance to if it wasn’t for this business. Just like anything in life- there are challenges. For me, the most challenging aspect has been the content creation! I APPLAUD content creators because their jobs are not easy! Social media is always evolving and your business has to evolve with the trends to stay relevant. This is something I am consistently working on, learning, and also taking advice from peers who are well-versed in the social media space! 

You can only wear one outfit for the rest of your life. What is it?

I would LIVE in a good two-piece matching set if I could every day! The BOSS blue Mark & Co set is a favorite of mine.

What do you wish more people know about being a woman in business?

The world has come a long way with women in the workplace. I have worked in the Tech Sales world for almost 5 years now and have always known that I wanted to create something of my own that was empowering & life-giving. I love my day job and I know that the soft skills I’ve developed over the years in corporate America have aided the success of Mark & Co. I think it’s important for women to know that running our own business is not a “glamorous” job. As the owner of a small business,  you are the CEO, accountant, inventory team, sales team, customer support, etc. As women, we know that comparison is the thief of joy, and this is one of the easiest traps to fall into when running a business. it’s SO important to have a resilient mindset and an overall vision for your brand that you are consistently working towards every day. 

Where do you find inspiration for the pieces in your boutique? 

I truly believe that everything I carry in Mark & Co is a direct reflection of my personality, uniqueness, and style. Being from the South, the Southern influence is shown through my pieces as well as modern everyday essentials. I think one of the most beautiful things about fashion is not having to choose one specific “style.” I love that as I grow, my style evolves as well! 

What trends are you looking forward to in the coming seasons? Any that you’re loving right now?

I am looking forward to the fall & winter transition! Layering Is one of my favorite ways to style pieces, and fall/winter is the perfect time to do that! I think leather will be back this fall to make a statement as well as oversized blazers and staple pieces as the base layer.

Describe Mark & Co in three words.

Timeless essentials elevated.

Where can everyone find you? Share your website, Instagram, or anything!

You can find me on Instagram at @markandco.boutique & my personal account where I share all things Mark & Co as well as my personal life @lilsallywalker

Our website is www.markcoboutique.com Our Facebook page is Mark & Co Boutique

SHOP MARK & CO BOUTIQUE

I recently shared a #BrieflyStyled video with three Mark & Co pieces that y’all should check out here for styling inspo! I’ve linked some of my favorite Mark & Co pieces below for y’all and Sara was so generous to give TCB readers a discount code! Use code AMANDA10 for 10% off your order!