Monday's Letters

Dear Mr. Hooker, this weekend we stumbled upon a PBS documentary series on English castles on Netflix and our inner nerds rejoiced. Who knew the term "eaves dropping" came from little figurines in the eaves of Henry VIII's castle or that the Downton Abbey castle, Highclere, is the real-life home of an earl? And even more surprising - who knew you were such a history buff? Little moments like that, snuggled up on the couch with coffee on a Saturday morning, make my heart happy. 

Dear Daybook, you've been the subject of most of the Elle & Company inquiries lately. I've been itching to share your new look and reveal what I've been up to for the past few months, but I can't quite yet. I'm hoping to give Elle & Company followers a peek at you in the next month and tell them your story, but until then, you're my best kept secret.

Dear Ann Voskamp, your book One Thousand Gifts was recommended to me by at least 10 friends in the past 2 months, so you can imagine my surprise when a package arrived for me a couple weeks ago with the book nestled inside. I've been taking my time with it, savoring each thoughtful word, and I haven't been able to put it down. Thank you for changing my perspective and helping me recognize all of the blessings that are constantly poured out on me.

Dear Jake, how 'bout them Hokies?! Hooray for a great new quarterback, awesome play calling, and a surprising win over Ohio State this weekend. This season might be promising after all!

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Have any of you read One Thousand Gifts? What did you think about it? And does anybody else have a quirky love for documentaries like we do?

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Recent Letters

Coffee Date with Hilary Kennedy

Hilary Kennedy is a busy lady. This Emmy Award winner is a host on a national morning news program, a style contributor to Fox News Magazine and MSN Living, and a fashion blogger. She has interviewed some of today's most famous celebrities and has made appearances on popular TV shows, and yet she is one of the kindest, most down-to-earth people I know. 

Somewhere in the midst of the many things filling up her busy schedule, she took the time to join us for a Coffee Date. So today we're switching things up and letting her sit in the interview seat. I'm thrilled for you to get to know her better!

What's in your coffee mug this morning?

I love Yogi Breathe Deep Tea. I drink a cup every morning before work, because it does wonders for seasonal allergies!

What does a normal day-in-the-life of Hilary look like? 

I work on a national morning news show called Eye Opener at the moment, so I get up at 1:30 a.m., get hair and make-up ready, and then report to work at 3:00 a.m. I record voice overs for the show, look over the script for the day, and research stories we are reporting on. We do a quick rehearsal at 4:30 a.m., and then go live from 5:00-7:00 a.m. I sometimes tape pre-produced packages after the show to air at a later date, such as a cooking segment. I have been working on another home and lifestyle show in the afternoons, so I typically head there right after the morning show and tape most of the afternoon or record whatever voice overs we need. If I can squeeze in hot yoga before dinner, I try to do that. I do a little Bible reading before bed, and then my head hits the pillow around 6:00 p.m.

How did you get your start and what do you attribute most to your success? 

I obtained my degree in Radio-Television-and Film, and shortly afterwards I worked as the Entertainment Host for the Dallas Stars Hockey Team. I began to work in some local home and lifestyle shows after that, and then on a few national shows. I think any success I have definitely comes from God's goodness and lots of prayer. I think my greatest success, though, has been marrying my wonderful husband, who always supports me in what I do. Having his support, along with the encouragement and prayers of my family has changed my life.

What are your fashion staples? Where are most of the clothes in your closet from?

I am a big believer in a well-tailored dress, so I have most of mine taken in or hemmed by a local tailor so they fit properly. I think a nude pair of Christian Louboutins are a great investment, too. I love to wear a simple pair of gold hoop earrings, which I think are a wonderful staple for any look. Since I supply my own wardrobe for a lot of the shows I work on, I frequent budget-friendly places like Forever21, Zara, and GAP. Once you get the less expensive items tailored, you can't tell they only cost $20!

It seems like you have a wide range of activities filling up your schedule. How do you simplify and keep it all together?

Having some quiet time to yourself for prayer and reflection is one way I keep things together. I also use iCal to send me reminders about meetings and upcoming birthdays, as well as a fantastic invoicing/expense service called FreshBooks. It simplified my business process like no other!

You've had a lot of amazing opportunities, from interviewing Sir Richard Branson to receiving an Emmy award. What has been your most memorable experience? 

I think my most memorable experience with my job was getting to sit down and chat with Sir Richard Branson. It took place in front of hundreds of people, but he made it feel as if we were the only two people in the room. He's charming and kind, and one of the nicest people I have ever met. Celebrities are just regular people with cool jobs, and it's always gratifying to meet one who hasn't let their immense success change how they treat people.

Which fashion trend(s) makes you cringe?

Okay, I have to confess...the "arm party" trend drives me nuts. It doesn't look comfortable and makes it nearly impossible to type on your computer! I also wouldn't mind if people didn't mix so many prints together anymore. Maybe it's my matchy-matchy nature, but too many stripes, polka dots, and tribal prints in one look give my a headache! :)

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I know I say this every time, but this is one of my very favorite Coffee Dates. I especially loved getting a sneak peek into Hilary's day and learning how she got started in her industry. I would love to hear what you enjoyed most about today's Q&A with her (and I'm sure she would too!) 

Follow along with Hilary

Blog   |   Instagram   |   Facebook

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Recent Coffee Dates

One word that might be hindering your business

There are countless young women trying to make a living in the creative industry. From wedding photographers and event planners to graphic designers and calligraphers, numerous talented ladies are striving to turn their passion into their full-time job. This market is saturated with young entrepreneurs, and while I admire all of my peers who have made the leap and are striving to make it in this industry, I'm realizing how easy it is for all of these new small business to run together. 

Months ago I started brainstorming ways to branch out and differentiate myself from my peers. I examined Elle & Company's mission statement and noted the use of one word that's frequently used in my network of creative friends. The more I thought about that word, the more I noticed that it was not only causing me to blend in with the crowd; it was leaving me directionless. So I began to steer clear of it. I revised my mission statement and headed in a new direction, and within a couple weeks my readership and my sales doubled.

It's possible that the same word that held me back might be hindering you, too.

Encouragement.

In general, it's a great word. Seeking to offer encouragement to others is an admirable goal, and we all know the world could use a lot more encouragement. However, encouraging others shouldn't be the sole purpose of your business.

Here are some of the mission statements I've seen from many well-meaning creatives:

"I want to encourage others to live an authentic life." "I want to encourage people not to give up." "I want to encourage and empower others to be the best they can be."

These mission statements sound fantastic. They sound like something that every customer, client, and consumer would want. But the problem with these lofty ambitions is that encouragement is a very broad term. There are countless ways that you could go about encouraging others to live an authentic life, not give up, and be the best they can be. When encouragement becomes your sole purpose, you will constantly be chasing a moving target. You will end up right where I was: frustrated and directionless with nothing tangible to offer. 

So how do you break out of the encouragement trap? Three ways.

Solve a problem.

Instead of setting "encouragement" as your goal, set out to solve a problem. Is there a need for more honest, witty greeting cards out there? Make that your mission. Do your clients need a talented photographer on hand for each of life's seasons and milestones? Come up with a solution for that. Your business will be profitable when consumers see their need for what you're selling.

Recognize the difference between help and encouragement.

The definition of help is to "make it easier for someone to do something by offering one's services or resources," while the definition of encouragement is "the action of giving someone support, confidence, or hope." Help provides tangible services and resources; encouragement does not. Instead of striving to encourage your customers, offer them a great service or product.

Aim to be the best at what you do. 

The most encouraging, inspiring people are those who are the best at what they do. Hone in on your strengths, develop them, and share them with others.

Breaking out of the encouragement trap will not only give you direction in this competitive industry; it will help you stand out among the other creatives in this field. Instead of striving after being an encourager, embrace the roles of problem solver, helper, and expert in your business.

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Do you need help with the direction and mission of your business? I would love to chat with you. Leave me a comment, visit the contact page, or send me an email at lauren{at}elleandcompanydesign.com. 

And for more business tips, blog advice, and subscribe to the Elle & Company newsletter and follow along on Bloglovin', Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

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Related Posts

Today's Top 3 - Blogs, Designers, and Fonts

A little over a month ago I reached out to my Instagram friends and asked them to throw out questions for a spin on a regular Friday Coffee Date. They asked me everything from Jake and my love story to the different fonts I use, and there were so many great questions that I didn't have the chance to answer them all. So I came up with a fun little series that I'm calling Today's Top 3 to share some of my favorite things.

Top 3 blogs I follow

• Young House Love - Because who doesn't love following along with John and Sherry? Not only do they have the world's coolest job (blogging about transforming their house) but they have a great sense of humor. I would like to think if they lived nearby, we would be friends.
• Elembee - I get far too excited when I see one of Lisa's posts appear in my Bloglovin' feed. Not only is she practical, but she's willing to share tips and insights that have been helpful for her business and doesn't fear breaking the mold. If you're another creative business owner, you'll love following along with her, too.
• A Beautiful Mess - This is just a given. Elsie and Emma are so creative and have taken the blog industry by storm. They are not only an inspiration to me as a blogger, but they are always posting recipes and projects that I'm always pumped to try,

Top 3 designers I admire

• Molly Jacques - Molly was the first calligrapher I started following along with. Her background is in art, she's married to an artist, and she's also an adjunct faculty member at an art school. Her work has been published in The New York Times, Martha Stewart Weddings, Nike, West Elm, Target, and Ford. And oh yeah, and she's in her twenties, no big deal. 
• Lauren Bradshaw - Lauren's work is so simple, playful, and illustrative. She's the founder of Walnut Animal Society, a collection of stuffed animals that are hand-crafted, original, and timeless. If you haven't seen Ruthie the Deer, Henry the Fox, Eleanor the Bear, or Chester the Raccoon, you need to pay them a visit.
• Amanda Wright - I don't know which I love more: Amanda's quirky illustrations or her hilarious sense of humor. Thankfully her products are a perfect blend of the two. From birthday cards that read "one year closer to death" to anniversary cards that say "you are sweeter than bee vomit," you just can't find designs like hers anywhere else.

Top 3 fonts I use

• Kailey - Who doesn't love a feminine script-y typeface? This is my go-to "pretty font" and I use it frequently around Elle & Company. It was also designed by Molly Jacques, so of course I'm a fan.
• Sanchez - When I'm in need of a slab serif font, I turn to Sanchez first. It's a little more rounded than the standard Rockwell and it has a lot of variants to choose from.
• Avenir - And if I just need something clean and simple, I often choose Avenir or Avenir Pro. It's great for both body text and headlines.

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Alright, it's your turn! What are your top 3 favorite blogs, designers, and fonts? 

Weekly Truth

Each week I design a new iPhone background with a different verse and share it on the blog. Seeing Scripture several times throughout my day reminds me of truth, strengthens my faith, and helps me me memorize God's Word so I can accurately share it with others. Feel free to download, pin, and share these backgrounds as many times as you would like!

"Dearly beloved, I urge you" 

I love how Peter addresses the Gentiles he's writing to. Beloved. He's urging Christians to keep themselves from the things that are hurtful to them because he loves them. He cares for them and he wants their good.

"as sojourners and exiles"

I highlighted these words in this week's background because this truth is so important: This world is not our home. The more I reflect on these words, the better picture I see of a traveler passing through. As a sojourners on this earth, our efforts shouldn't be to acquire permanent possessions here, as if we're remaining here, but we should be steadily preparing for our final destination.

I love how one commentator wrote, "A traveler takes along as few things as possible; a staff is often all that a pilgrim has. We make the most rapid progress in our journey to our final home when we are least encumbered with the things of this world."

"to abstain from the passions of the flesh"

In order to have an impact on this world that we're simply passing through, we must keep ourselves from the lust, lies, slander, deceit, hate, and jealousy that we're so often drawn to (Galatians 5:19-21). These "passions of the flesh" are personified as if they were an army of rebels or enemies that are constantly seeking to destroy our joy, peace, and usefulness. They're harmful and destructive, and although they may seem satisfying in the moment, they're never beneficial. 

My prayer is that this verse would remind us of our citizenship in heaven and help us guard our hearts from those harmful desires that seek to destroy us. I hope that your heart is encouraged by the One who lived a perfect life in the midst of this foreign, hostile world. 

And for those of you who would rather have a little reminder on your computer monitor, your mirror, or your fridge, I've added some verse cards to the Elle & Company Library this week:

I'll continue to add them each week as I post new Weekly Truth backgrounds. As with all of the other design files in the Library, print them as many times as you like and share them with friends. Click here to log in or click here to subscribe to the Library today!