#TheScoutGuideBoise

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Getting to Know Us... Anna Augusto

In this first Q & A of our series “Getting to Know Us,” we’ll introduce you to Anna Augusto of Augusto Fine Rugs. We think you’ll like her as much as we do!

What inspired you to start your own business?

With an inherent appreciation and attraction to textiles and rugs, I found my calling in the area rug business.  With more than a decade concentrated in area rugs, it became apparent it was time to go out on my own and have the ability to serve my clients on a personal basis as the owner of Augusto Fine Rugs in the Spring of 2016. 

What are some of your favorite things in your store?

This is an almost impossible question to answer.  Every rug in the showroom has its own unique purpose, personality, and beauty.  Although if pressed, I would lean to a few antique Persian pieces and the Nepalese production pieces we have in the showroom. There's a certain quality to the craftsmanship and materials that are unforgettable.

What is unique about your business?

We have the seasoned ability to work with our vendors to offer solutions for common area rug limitations such as fiber content, size, color, texture and even price through our custom offerings. There is very little we are not able to do.  I won't deny custom does involve process, time and collaboration, yet the end result is a beautifully produced rug you will enjoy for years to come.  If custom is not a possibility, we have access the nearly every major rug vendor in a variety of price points and constructions, both one of a kind and production pieces, to find exactly what you are looking for.  In addition, we always order samples of potential rug options at no cost.  We understand it is vital to see a rug in the space before investing in a room-sized piece. It does happen, yet it's rare we cannot source or create what you are looking for.

Words to live by?

Buy the best, and you only cry once.  ~Miles Redd

What is your dream job?

At the risk of sounding overly grateful, I love what I do.  Yet it didn't happen by accident. ��The ability for me to do what I love, and work with quality vendors, clients, and products, has been years in the making.  I try to balance the memory of the effort and the rewards along the way on the days that are difficult. That's the definition of a dream job for me; one that is both challenging and rewarding.

How would you describe your style?

I believe I am equal parts of classic and bohemian.

What does "local" mean to you?

To me, "local" means direct interaction with the people and businesses that produce our goods and services.  Sometimes these connections occur in geographical proximity, and sometimes the interaction is across the world, yet an intimacy with the final product remains.

What's your favorite thing about Boise?

Boise is home.  No matter where I go, I know that I am from a beautiful city.  I love our downtown, our passion for our sports teams and our collective adoration for our natural surroundings. We live in a special place.

What's in your bag?

Everything.....except the one item I invariably need. 

What's your favorite or least favorite food?

Unfortunately, I can be a picky eater, so there are a lot of things I don't like.  I am not adventurous when it comes to food, so I tend to stick to the basics.  I prefer bland, simple food. Sigh. 

Tell Them Scout Sent You!

~Allie

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24 Hours with Camille Olson  of The Design House

Camille Olson purchased The Design House three years ago with a vision to establish a workplace built on approachable, positive, efficient and collaborative design services.  We recently sat down together for an inside peek at her life both inside and outside of work. A traditionally private person, she thoughtfully shared what a typical day in her life looks like below. 

photo: Snapshots by Jolene

5:30am - I wake up at the same time and either practice or teach yoga 7 days a week at YogaSix. My practice truly is my grounding and where I find balance and a spiritual reprieve during busy or stressful times. After yoga, I tend to lean toward a quick and easy breakfast along with a much-needed stop for coffee at Dutch Brothers. Now that I'm an empty nester (Olson's daughter recently relocated to California, and her son is a student at BSU), I really try to take that early morning window as time just to myself.

(Olson, photographed with her daughter): Ampersand Creative

8:30 / 9am - I arrive at the office and tackle administrative work and plan for the day. My current staff includes 5 designers and an admin team, and each month we get together for a team member meeting where we all sit down and Skype in remote employees. Creating a positive work environment and opening up a platform for questions and feedback is so important to the culture I hope to build for this office.

10am - It's fairly regular to have product knowledge meetings with our vendors at least twice a week. It can range from previewing the latest trends and offerings from furnishings to fabrics, flooring, tile and window coverings. Honestly, any element that can be found in our clients' homes is a priority to educate our team on.

12pm - I'm loyal to another local small business, Rise & Grind for my lunch fix (I love the Mexican Mocha Shake). It always feels so nice to support people in local business and they are without a doubt one of my favorites. I gravitate towards a healthy on-the-go lunch option as I'm often rushing out the door for meetings in the afternoon.

2pm - I love the culture being created here at The Design House and building this brand, but I'm thrilled to have recently started taking on my own clients again. My afternoons are typically dedicated to working directly with those clients, as well as builders or contractors.  

4pm - 6pm -  I'm typically wrapping up my office day around this time and when I get the chance I enjoy spending quiet evenings unwinding at home. This time of year I love grilling simple, fresh meals and relaxing on the patio. I also am very active with philanthropic efforts, and evenings often include events supporting local non-profits close to my heart (Idaho Youth Ranch/Wine Women and Shoes, St. Alphonsus, Women's & Children's Alliance, Camp Rainbow Gold and Dress for Success).

photo: Abby Blossom Photography

The Design House is featured in both Vol1 and Vol2 of The Scout Guide Boise. You can read more about their services and contact Olson via their website: THE DESIGN HOUSE.

Be sure to tell them THE SCOUT SENT YOU!

- Jaclyn

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TIP TUESDAY with Diane Panetta of Growing Wild Greenhouse

Do you love the look and benefits of having live plants in your home, but convinced you'll never be able to keep them alive and thriving? TSG Boise Local Discoveries Member Diane Panetta of GROWING WILD GREENHOUSE ensures us you are NOT alone. She’s sharing a few key tips for success below that will leave you believing in both yourself and your plants.

DP: All too often I strike up a conversation with someone at an event who's admiring a rented fiddle leaf fig, or a passerby at the market who's accompanying her plant-loving friend at my booth, and I hear them almost sheepishly tell me with some alarm that they have a "brown/black thumb", or that they can't keep anything alive and plants don't like them.

It honestly breaks my heart a little every time!

Here's what I want to say to all of them (and would if we had the time)...

1) Try not to take it personally. Plants naturally want to live and thrive. They are not judging you, or your lack of knowledge in their care. They are as forgiving as life can biologically be, and do the best they can given the non-natural environments we subject them to (think lush, rainforest-floor dweller moved into a 10" black plastic pot that now resides in a Boise townhome with one nearby glass window).

2) Get informed. If someone gifted you an armadillo (and there was no chance you could re-gift it), what would you do? Hopefully, you'd try to learn what kind of care it needed! What does it eat? What does it like/not like? Is it normal for it to do that thing it does? The same is true with plants. They are living things that require a certain level of care and maintenance. A plant owner gets to learn about each of his/her new foliage friend's needs. We live in the magical time of Google, and everything and anything can be found there...including tons of great information on plants! If you prefer other methods, the library has plenty of books on the topic, as does your local extension office, plenty of master gardeners and garden clubs in the area (not to mention all of the talented nursery/garden center/plant professionals who spend each day answering your type of questions). Just ask!

3) Be kind and gracious to yourself when your plant dies. Yes...not "if", but "when". Because the truth is, we've all killed a plant - or twelve - in our day. And as sad and unfortunate as it can be, it helps us realize what we might have been doing wrong. It's how we can grow! When something dies, inspect it and try to learn from the situation. Pull it out of its pot and look at the roots. Are they a soggy, brown mess? You probably rotted them by overwatering. Inspect the plant closely. Are there pests you didn't treat for? That might have also had something to do with its decline. Although a plant autopsy might sound a little morbid and strange, it's really just another way to ensure you do better with your next plant!

4) Buy from a reputable source. I know we all want a good deal, but I'm here to tell you, not all plants are grown/treated equally. How they are produced, as well as managed and handled in between the time they leave the grower and make it to the storefront, can easily effect your success as a plant owner. Be sure that they are healthy and happy before you bring them home. 

5) Pick the right plant friends. Assess the light in your space and choose accordingly. If you go on vacation for two weeks at a time, take that into account too. Some plants require a little more specific care than others. Find out what plants will thrive in your space before bringing them home.  

6) Lastly...Have fun, stay curious, and believe in yourself AND your plants!! No matter what color you think your thumb is, plant ownership is definitely worth it!

-Diane Panetta 

Panetta opened Growing Wild Greenhouse in 2017, offering both direct plant sales along with a plant rental service for indoor and outdoor events. To read more and contact Panetta, visit Growing Wild Greenhouse and tell her the Scout sent you! 

- Jaclyn 

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Get to Know Suzanne Lee Chetwood

Known for her vibrant depictions of western landscapes, local artist and TSG Boise Member Suzanne Lee Chetwood easily matches that vibrance in person with her joyful and infectious personality. We recently caught up with Chetwood for a quick Q&A where she shared more about the inspiration behind her work along with a glimpse into her every day.  

Tell us a bit more about how art and this passion for creating first came into your life?

"As a child, my mother allowed me to paint and draw on the walls of a spare room to my heart’s content. My parents would whitewash each exploration of art so I would always have a fresh canvas and no attachment to my previous discoveries. At the age of 12 my father taught me how to oil paint. At 15, I was offered a scholarship to attend the Pennsylvania’s Governors School of Arts for painting. During this six week program, I became a Pottery student and returned home to work with world renowned potter Jack Troy at Juniata College. Soon after, I began to attend classes at Juniata and apprentice for Jack Troy. I continued my education at Boise State University earning a B.F.A with an emphasis in Painting and Pottery and a K-12 certified teaching degree. I then opened the “Garage Gallery,” my small art business."

Your passion for art seems to be matched with your passion for being outdoors, how do the two intersect?

"For me, art comes from an ephemeral experience, such as sitting on a rock getting ready to begin a rock climb. I notice the wind feather in the grasses below and my next painting unfolds before me. Creating is my way of communicating through color, texture, line, and form. Idaho rivers and landforms carry a story and significant value to me. The draining of snowmelt in the foothills, the way it carves the land on its way to the river, and the cultivatation of the farmland inspires my work. The colors at the open and close of each day truly define my palette."

We love that you are featured in the Local Discoveries section of TSG Boise Volume 2. Tell us a few of your personal favorite local discoveries and what a perfect weekend in Boise looks like for you.

"Saturday I love to start my day with coffee at Slow by Slow and take my twin daughters (Scarlet + Vivian, 8) to Atomic Treasures for a treasure hunt to pick out an eclectic gift. Lunch would be at Wild Root starting with bone broth and then family rollerskating at Treasure Valley Skate. Date night with my husband Patrick often lead us to Red Feather downtown and visiting an art event at Swell, Jump, Visual Arts Collective, or Gem Center, capping it off with a Boise Circus Guild Show."

*Photo courtesy Kimberlylee Miller Photography

"A perfect Sunday? Sleeping in till 8am (with my daughters bringing me green tea in bed) followed by the day spent at one of our local rock climbing areas (the Black Cliffs, Table Rock, Swan Falls...) while enjoying the sunshine! I love to be outside, ground myself in the Earth and bathe in nature to gain inspiration for my work and energize my spirit!"

While Suzanne regularly participles in national and international exhibitions, her loyalty to local is obvious in her very full schedule across the Treasure Valley. You can find her at the following upcoming events:

Visual Arts Collective 7th Annual Art Deck-O (May 3rd || 5pm) 

6th Annual Zions Bank Art Show (May 9th || 4:30pm) 

Eagle Plen Air Festival (June 1st - 8th)  

Suzanne Lee Chetwood is based in Boise, ID. She has been a professional artist for over 20 years and has travelled to points around the globe gaining inspiration for her aesthetic. Beyond exhibitions and events, Chetwood is also available for corporate collections and private commissions (suzlee22@hotmail.com).

Tell her the SCOUT sent you!

-Jaclyn 

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Getting to Know Maison Blue

Walking through the doors of Maison Blue tucked away in the quaintest of corners in Eagle, ID feels like stumbling upon a local hidden gem. Owners and mother/daughter duo Rhonda and Alexandra Pollock opened their doors just 5 months ago after dreaming up the concept for years. A blend of European inspired antiques seamlessly exist alongside contemporary hand crafted home goods, each carefully selected by Rhonda and Alexandra.    

"Traveling is one of our shared passions that we utilize to find brands, pieces and collections we love,” shares Rhonda. “Cities like San Francisco (where Alexandra studied Art History), to Charlottesville (where we first discovered The Scout Guide) have all played a part in curating the collections available at Maison Blue.” 

“It’s so exciting to bring new brands to our clientelle, collections we’ve discovered at specialty stores across the country that previously haven’t been available here in the Treasure Valley,” shares Alexandra. 

While a relatively new business to Eagle, Rhonda and Alexandra have embraced the support of their community and are looking forward to participating in the Eagle Art Walk on April 25th from 5-9pm. Organized to celebrate local arts and culture, the event features area artists set up in galleries and shops throughout the downtown center. Patrons can enjoy light refreshments, styling consultations and meeting with local artist Sherri Carter at Maison Blue throughout the evening.  

*Maison Blue is located at 50 N 2nd St in Eagle, ID. Stop by during store hours (Wednesday - Saturday from 11am - 6pm).

Tell them the Scout sent you!

~ Jaclyn

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Getting to Know Us...Lana Newman

Blogger, Lana Newman, writes a sweet little blog called “Newman’s Nest”. Learn more about her is our "Getting to Know Us" Q & A series.

Tell us about your blog and what inspired you to start it?

I originally started the blog back in 2011 shortly after I moved away from my family in Texas because I wanted to share my adventures with them, whether that be exploring the Treasure Valley as a tourist turned local, trying a new recipe or DIY project, or traveling throughout Idaho and beyond!  My blog has become my online home for anything creative that inspires me, whether it’s my capsule wardrobe, creating a mini modern farmhouse in the suburbs, or making the everyday an adventure!

Do you do this as a full-time job?

I work part-time as a Digital Convention Sales Coordinator for the Boise Convention and Visitors Bureau, so the blog is considered more of a second part-time job/side-hustle!

What has surprised you the most about blogging?

I always have known I enjoyed taking photos and thought my blog would be more of a visual story, but the writing aspect has surprised me!  Writing has become a passion of mine, and I continue to grow in that area.

How would you describe your style?

My personal style is classic mixed with modern minimalism.  This also translates into my design style, which is simple and modern.

What is your dream job?

Any job that allows me to direct visual and creative goals is a dream job for me! Working in the tourism industry has opened my eyes completely to a whole range of dream jobs.  Photographing and/or writing for a travel publication would be at the top of my dream job list!

What is one thing that people would be surprised to know about you?

I’m on the cover of a magazine!  That surprises me, too!    

What does "local" mean to you?

Local means community.  Locals know, are known by, and embrace the community - this love of community is what makes our local scene so welcoming and special!

What's your favorite thing about Boise?

The collaborative energy!  Boise is all about joining together and building something unique.

Which celebrity would you most like to meet?

I want to meet Dallas Shaw- she’s a well-known fashion illustrator and Visual Director.  Her work is amazing, and I’d love to chat with her about her creative process.

What's in your bag?

Depends on the day since I keep my work bag and diaper bag separate!  But I do have a clutch that I transfer between the two which has my essentials- car keys, business cards, a card holder for my license, debit and credit card, a roller ball of Tocca Simone perfume (my favorite!), hand cream, my Boom Stick Color for lip and cheek touch-ups, Ray-Ban Wayfarers, and usually a crumpled receipt or two!

www.newmans-nest.com

Tell Them Scout Sent You

~ Allie

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ART || Now through January 6th, Boise Art Museum is featuring Matteo Pugliese's The Guardians. Don't miss out on this beautiful sculptural series! #TSGArt #TheScoutGuideBoise #LiveLoveLocal (at Boise Art Museum) https://www.instagram.com/p/BnEWINKAjaj/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=391uk0iqfk4f

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Taking Your Favorite Summer Pieces into Fall

Is that a nip in the air? The calendar still says summer, but fall is just around the corner. That doesn’t mean you have to completely change out your wardrobe though. We asked Piece Unique owner, Natalie Durham, and stylist Heather Schwabe of Style Therapy to show us how to take a couple summer staples and transition them into fall.

We started with a breezy summer sundress and a pair of white denim.

Right: Merritt Charles Dress, Matisse Flip Flops. Left: Johnny Was Top, AG Jeans, TKEES Flip Flops.

Add a thin turtleneck bodysuit, a cashmere poncho, and a wide leather belt. Finish with a western or ankle boot for a classic look.

For a more casual vibe, throw on a white t-shirt, a military jacket, some lug-sole boots and a fabulous cross-body bag.

Upper Left: 27 Miles Poncho, n:Philanthropy Turtleneck, Merritt Charles Dress, Streets Ahead Belt, Frye Boot.  Upper Right: Eric Michael Ankle Boot, Matisse Mule, Eric Michael Ankle Boot.  Bottom Right: Zadig & Voltaire Jacket, Merritt Charles Dress, Monrow T-Shirt, Frye Leather Bag, Frye Hiker.  Bottom Left: Frye Slip-On, Eric Michael Hiker, Eric Michael Bootie.

We’re seeing a lot of feathers for fall. This look can go romantic, funky or Hollywood glam, depending on your shoe.

Just in time for football season and back-to-school, this casual look works, even after Labor Day. Change up your footwear with a hightop, or bootie.

Upper Left: n:Philanthropy Turtleneck, Lamarque Jacket, Merritt Charles Dress, Frye Mule.  Upper Right: Frye High-Top, Eric Michael Bootie, Johnston & Murphy Bootie.  Lower Right: 27 Mile Sweater, AG Shirt, AG Jeans, Melissa Sneaker, John Varvatos Backpack.  Lower Left: Frye Hiker, Dkode Ankle Bootie, Tamaris Bootie.

We’re crushing on this pumpkin velvet duster and black burn-out tank. Pair with a leather weekender bag and you’re ready for fall.

A dressy animal print top and camel suede boots give this look just a touch of sophistication.

Upper Left: For Love & Lemons Coat, Bishop + Young Tank, AG Jeans, Love Heals Necklace, Bed Stu Bag, Eric Michael Sandal.  Upper Right: Matisse Mule, Matisse Boot, Matisse Slide.  Bottom Right: Paige Blouse, AG Jeans, Matisse Boot.  Bottom Left: Matisse Slip-On, Matisse Suede Boot, Calleen Cardero Bootie.

For more help transitioning to fall, pop into Piece Unique, or give Heather a call, you’ll be happy you did!!

https://www.pieceuniqueco.com/

http://www.missstyletherapy.com/

Tell Them Scout Sent You!

~ Allie

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Getting to Know Us...Emily Fisk

Emily Fisk’s who writes the blog “Made of Stories”, is such an inspiration! Read her “Getting to Know Us” Q & A, and see if you don’t agree!

Tell us about your blog and what inspired you to start it.

I’ve always loved to write, and when I finished my degree in English and started working from home, blogging felt like a natural outlet. I blog to connect with other people—particularly inspiring women who are doing some incredible work locally and around the world. My local writing group (Unread Stories Club) also encouraged me to start blogging. I write about working from home, parenthood, and faith.

What has been the biggest difference in your life since you started blogging?

Blogging has connected me with a community of other writers who’ve inspired me to submit my work to more publications and invest in my creativity. I’ve made real friendships and learned so much from talented people. I’ve expanded my view of the world and learned from people whose experiences are different from mine. My life is richer for it.

What would you say is the biggest challenge about blogging?

Writing is a vulnerable craft; sending your words and thoughts out into the world can feel like harsh exposure. I write from personal experience, so it can be challenging to decide how much to share about my life (and especially my kids’ lives). I’m always walking the line between the authenticity I want to share with my readers and the privacy and comfort I want, as well.

Words to live by?

Mary Oliver’s poem “Sometimes,” and these lines in particular: “Instructions for living a life: Pay attention. Be astonished. Tell about it.”

When you’re not working, you’re___?

Outside with my kids and husband, usually exploring the gorgeous trails and outdoor spaces right here in Boise.

What is your dream job?

Getting paid to write and talk about writing all day long. My future plans are to land this dream job by continuing to write and getting my MA to teach writing.

What does “local” mean to you?

Local means the love I have for Boise that spurs me to be involved in our city’s future. I’m immensely proud of the community here and how we’ve grown (mostly) gracefully (so far), and I’m invested in making sure there is room for everyone here—that means buying from local makers, donating to local causes, voting for school funding, advocating for needed services, and being an active part of this vibrant community.

What’s your favorite thing about Boise?

Hands down, my favorite thing about Boise is our access to the glorious outdoor beauty Idaho has to offer.

What’s in your bag?

Burt’s Bees tinted lip balm and lots of trash from my two kids (#momlife).

What’s your favorite food? Least favorite?

Every week, I make homemade personal pizzas with all the fixings for my family to kick off the weekend, and that paired with a cold local beer… mmm, can’t beat it. My least favorite food is the only food I’ve encountered so far that I won’t eat: Swiss cheese.

www.EmilyFisk.com

Tell Them Scout Sent You!

~ Allie

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Getting to Know Us...Lauren Kawano

Meet fashion blogger Lauren Kawano in our continuing “Getting to Know Us” feature. What a breath of fresh air!

Tell us about your blog and what inspired you to start it.

I truly just LOVE fashion and style, and I've always appreciated being able to differentiate myself from others by the clothing I choose and the makeup I wear, so sharing that became important to me. 

Who takes the majority of your photos?

Family or friends really...I don't have ONE specific person who comes and takes my images. I usually like to have things be super organic so whoever is with me at the moment will just take my photo for me!

Is this your full-time job?

It's NOT! The idea of that would be fun, but I love working in the social media realm with my other clients. I don't know how much I would love only working for myself. 

Who was your first style icon?

Alexander McQueen. He was a legend. And his legacy still to this day is just dumbfounding. He pushed the limits to the point of breaking and yet everything is tasteful and tells a story. He is legendary; my first and forever style icon. 

How would you describe your style?

I HAVE NO IDEA. "Very odd." This question is so hard to answer because I truly don't stick to ONE style category. 

What is your dream job?

I would love to be an artist. The older I get, the more I appreciate art. Paintings and sculpture, moving art. I think art is stunning and I would LOVE to be an artist of some sort. 

What does "local" mean to you?

For me, it means one word - BOISE. That's only because I was born and raised in Boise and that is where I belong. 

What's your favorite thing about Idaho?

Oh my goodness... that's so hard...I would have to say my favorite thing about Idaho is the outdoors. I LOVE being outside, so the fact that doing anything outdoors is so accessible is AMAZING for me.

Who or what are you a "closet" fan of?

Mmmmmm...closet fan of...I have no idea. Nothing...I don't really hide anything that I love! 

What's in your bag?

My GO-TO product or item in my bag is about 3-5 pairs of sunglasses... WHICH IS NO JOKE! I love having options and switching my sunnies up with each outfit or with my mood. So I am ALWAYS carrying multiple pairs of sunglasses. 

IG @ LaurenKawano

Tell Them Scout Sent You!

~ Allie

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Getting to Know Us...Alicia Rodman

This week in our “Getting to Know Us” series, we introduce you to real estate agent Alicia Rodman, of The Brick Group. She knows Boise and McCall like no one else!

What inspired you to start your own business?

I began my real estate career at 19 years of age and put myself through college working in the industry.  I started as a real estate agent, and worked through the ranks as an agent, sales manager, associate broker, designated broker, and was VP of sales and marketing for a large regional builder in our area just before starting my own company.  It seemed the perfect next step in the progression, as I had experienced so many positive things that other firms were doing and also some of the things I would do differently.

What do you love most about your career?

Sharing my love of Boise!  In addition to that, I see each client as coming to me with a box of puzzle pieces, yet the box doesn’t have the picture!  Getting to know the client, their needs wants, and personality helps me build the puzzle and identify what Boise experience is going to serve them well based on that.  It is always a challenge, and that keeps me engaged and motivated!

Before you started your business, what was the most unusual job you've ever had?

Since I started as a Real Estate assistant at 19…the truth is that my jobs prior were typical teen/high school and early college jobs.  I worked in restaurants, hotels, and even tutored athletes as a work-study job. What is unusual is that my first real job was when I was 12 years old (masquerading as a bit older) as a bus person at the Mill Restaurant in McCall Idaho, which I did all the way through high school graduation.

Who was/is your mentor or role model?

Wow, so many!  I am inspired by a wide variety of people!  The human experience is fascinating to me, and I am continually impressed by people who are genuinely kind and are motivated to help others.  Career-wise, I would not be who I am today without having been given the opportunity and been mentored by Scott and Lysi Bishop (Keller Williams Boise) at such a young age. I am grateful to them always.

What is one thing that people would be surprised to know about you?

That before landing in McCall Idaho at the age of 12, I had lived in Lake Tahoe, New York City, San Francisco, Mexico, Texas.  In Texas alone, I attended 6 different elementary schools! Luckily, I stayed in McCall from 6thgrade all the way through high school graduation.

What do you never leave home without?

My phone.  And a water bottle.

What does "local" mean to you?

Local, to me, is a lifestyle unique to any given area, that celebrates the culture, values, and general activities of that area while supporting its’ residents.

What's your favorite thing about Boise?

The people

What's your favorite vacation destination?

Travel is my thing so I cannot choose one.  I like to explore and see and experience new things…diverse things…beaches, skiing, river rafting, European markets…the world has so much to see, do, and experience.  Travel IS my favorite vacation.

What's your favorite cocktail?

Does the Miss Emily Shake at Westside Drive-In count?

http://www.brickre.com/team/

Tell Them Scout Sent You!

~ Allie

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Getting To Know Us...Lorelle Rau

In this 3rd installment of our series “Getting to Know Us”, meet Lorelle Rau of Lorelle Rau Studios. We love her passion for what she does!

What inspired you to start your own business?

I have been working in both art gallery and museum settings for the past ten years. Since moving to the Treasure Valley in 2016, I recognized a need for more personalized, wide-ranging art resources due to Boise’s growing population and the decline in commercial galleries in the area.

What do you love most about your career?

I love connecting with people and being able to match artwork to the individuals’ taste, style, and budget. It is a fun challenge, but I’ve learned that there is something for everyone!

What has been your biggest success to date?

Successfully managing a large-scale artwork installation of 150 framed prints and photographs in a hospital in Southwest Virginia.

Words to live by?

“Art is not a thing: It is a way!” –Elbert Hubbard

When you're not working you're_____?

Hiking in the Foothills with my Shepherd Mix, Tanner.

What is one thing that people would be surprised to know about you?

I am 6’1” tall, and I played Division I volleyball in college.

What does "local" mean to you?

Supporting and being involved with members of one’s community

What's your favorite thing about the Treasure Valley?

My favorite thing about the Treasure Valley is its incredible access to the Foothills and the short drive to the Sawtooth and White Cloud Mountains.

Where is your favorite vacation destination?

The Outer Banks and the Appalachian Mountains in Western North Carolina.

What's in your bag?

Tape measure (for measuring walls and artwork), iPad (for showing images of artwork to clients), and iPhone (for photographing interiors and communicating with clients).

www.LorelleRauStudios.com

Tell Them Scout Sent You

~ Allie

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Getting to Know Us...Amy Pence-Brown

Continuing our member Q & A, meet blogger Amy Pence-Brown, body image activist, writer, artist, and public speaker. We think she’s pretty rad!!

Tell us about your blog and what inspired you to start it.

I started it nine years ago after a devastating layoff from what was at one time my "dream career" during the recession. I'd wanted to start a "mommy blog" about our quirky adventures, our New Year's Resolution to not buy anything new for an entire year, our art projects, gardening, my love of vintage things, and unusual Idaho road trips but just lacked the time until that point. I called it "Doin' It All, Idaho Style" on Blogspot and it's always had a personal, vulnerable slant to it. I transferred it to a fancy new website two years ago now at www.amypencebrown.com.

How do you motivate yourself to keep the blog up and running?

As a writer, I'm always composing stories in my head so getting them down on paper or the screen is a relief and a way to process new ideas and emotions and share my research and my heart. I also write for magazines on motherhood and body image and occasionally for newspapers on the same subjects. 

In the future where do you hope your blog will take you?

Well, my blog has already taken me to write my very first book - a narrative nonfiction book on motherhood, body image, and feminism that my literary agent is pitching to publishers right now so stay tuned!

Words to live by?

In a society that profits from your self-doubt, liking yourself is a rebellious act. -Caroline Caldwell

What are 3 things still on your bucket list?

Only three? Read all the books on my bookshelves, take my kids to Disneyland, and give another TED talk!

What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you?

I used to pick up dead bodies at night as a mortician's assistant for a funeral home in Oregon. This work along with my studies in the history of death and working to shift our American way of thinking about it has greatly informed my body positivity.

What does "local" mean to you?

Supporting people doing good honest work right here in Idaho.

What's your favorite thing about Idaho?

Our pristine, wild natural landscape.

Where's your favorite vacation destination?

What vacation? I did just actually get back from a vacation with a girlfriend in Boston for the very first time which I adored, as I miss big city life sometimes.  My dream vacations always involve a beach, lots of liquor and good food and no children, but that's not my reality right now. Honestly, I'm not picky - I'll go anywhere outside of Boise and call it a vacation.

What's in your bag?

Dr. Pepper LipSmackers (my favorite!), a catalog from a sex toy party, toy cars, my cat eye sunglasses, my reading glasses, a fabric handkerchief, a change of clothes for my toddler, whatever feminist book I'm reading at the time, a reusable water bottle, hand sanitizer, business cards, radical body positive buttons given to me as a gift, crayons, my iPhone (of course!), old airplane ticket from speaking at Oregon State University and my room key from The Mirage hotel in Las Vegas (I recently was flown there to teach a private body love workshop for one of my members of the Boise Rad Fat Collective).

Tell Them Scout Sent You!

~ Allie