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So I rarely let people take pictures of me because I am very self conscious, but a very dear friend came to visit me and snapped this shot as she walked into my shoppe. Not too shabby. (Thanks @wildcraftinghistory) #smallbusinessowner #interiorsdesignstudio #interiordesign #empoweredinteriors #ihatephotosofmyself #femaleentrepreneur #womanbusinessowner #friendships (at Empowered Interiors) https://www.instagram.com/p/BpayygpAvSB/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1m8t1c8yrft9n

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The past week has been a whirlwind and posting on social media literally did not crossed my mind the entire time. Even though sharing several moments would have advanced my brand, my name, and my business, to be honest, I kind of liked the break. It is easy to get discouraged with social media because in this day and age, getting noticed has become increasingly difficult. But should that be the only objective for individuals like myself? Am I only supposed to post certain pictures or specific videos and stories? It’s a little obnoxious trying to keep up. I just want to successfully run my business, bringing together history and design, while at the same time broaden the accessibility to interior design in various ways, including social media. So what does that mean? I am not sure really. Do I want to be an influencer? Sure, why not. I don’t think there are many of us that would say no. But is just posting perfect pictures and funny videos the only way we can obtain the influencer crown? Who are we influencing exactly and what is our responsibility once we walk down the runway with the crown on the head and bouquet of roses in our arms? How much influence does the perfect image of kitchen have? Why am I on this soapbox? The answer is, I’m not sure. I just wanted to post a sneak peak of some inventory I received today. I have 23 days until I open. I’ll get off my soapbox now. 😉 #femaleentrepreneur #smallbusinessowner #homedecorstore #socialmedia #interiordesign #interiordesignstudio #empoweredinteriors #interiordesigner (at Empowered Interiors) https://www.instagram.com/p/BnDDQ5VgNmv/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1dre2thsjlqmj

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Let the space planning commence! #empoweredinteriors #retailspace #smallbusiness #femalebusinessowner #interiordesigner #interiordesignstudio #femaleentrepreneur

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This Woman In 2008, I was presenting at one of the big history conferences in NYC. By this time, I had become more comfortable and confident in my work. So, unlike my first conference, I was actually excited about this one. Little did I know that I would meet a woman who would become one of my best friends. Carolyn (@wildcraftinghistory) was actually chairing the panel I was on and even though we only talked for a few minutes before and after, I think we both made an impression on each other. Flash forward a few months and we were both at the big women’s conference that had caused me so much angst the first time I attended. I know we ran into each other again and talked some more, and if my memory serves me right, we decided to stay in touch through this new social media thing called Facebook, which at that time you could only join if you had a college email address. Throughout the next couple of years our friendship grew. I watched as she developed a career at a big southern research institution that shall not be named. We connected at several different conferences, where on two occasions, we both realized our friendship meant more than academics because while we bonded over scholarly interests, we found it hell of lot more fun to go shopping and talk about our marriages, kids, providing each other support when it was desperately needed. Her life took a dramatic turn several years ago. In that time, I’ve seen her blossom into a queen bee. She just received tenure from a fabulous SALC and if anyone deserved it, she does. Academia fits her, but she knows it does not define her. She has added to her life passionate pursuits that only make her stronger. She is unstoppable. Throughout the past few years, she has been my continuous champion. In some of my darkest moments, she was a light. As I start my new career, I am happy and relieved that I have a cheerleader like her on the sidelines that appreciates and totally gets what I am trying to do. She exudes empowerment and that is what my design firm will emulate each and every day. #empoweredinteriors #bestfriend #dontcry #empoweredwomen

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I’m excited about my upcoming trip this weekend, but at the same time, I am realizing that I have no clue what to expect! You may hear cries for help this weekend! 😆 #highpointmarket #intimidated #interiordesign #empoweredinteriors (at Pingree Grove, Illinois)

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This is why I bought a pick up truck. #midcenturymodernfurniture #vintagefinds #vintagedesign #empoweredinteriors #lovemynewjob #interiordesignbusiness #interiordesigner

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Seriously, why is it that FB chooses the crappiest frame to start your live video with??? I mean wtf? #fblive #empoweredinteriors #interiordesignvideo (at Pingree Grove, Illinois)

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Fashion can have a direct influence on interior design. The following video explores why. Do you agree? If so, if you look around your home, do you see fashion's influence? If not, why not. Discuss in the comment section! http://www.wishtv.com/indy-style/how-runway-fashion-can-inspire-your-interior-design/1166567971 #fashionandinteriordesign #empoweredinteriors #interiordesign #fashion (at Pingree Grove, Illinois)

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My live video is up on FB! https://www.facebook.com/762264530628709/videos/801648786690283/ (Seriously, FB has to find a way to share these videos) #latenightdesign #empoweredinteriors #fblive #ramblingvideo (at Pingree Grove, Illinois)

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So for the next couple of weeks, I will not be publishing blog pieces. I am updating my website and I have a new name for my blog! I want to wait until the website is ready to go before I publish any new writing. However, I started my video series, Late Night Design, and I’ll still be publishing my mini blogs. I’ll let you know when the site is ready to go! ❤️ to you all! #interiordesign #empoweredinteriors #interiordesignblog #newwebsite #latenightdesign

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AD filmed Tommy Hilfiger’s Plaza Hotel apartment: https://youtu.be/GOUvZrKiRI8 I feel like Robin Leach should be narrating. In all seriousness, I don’t inspire to be a luxury designer. It is not who I am. I am not interested in the 1% because, well, they have enough influence in this world. I want to design for real life. Yes, upscale design can inspire. So find what you like in luxury design videos and images (I know I do), but let’s believe that good design can be found anywhere, from a small bungalow in Chicago to track suburban homes. #interiordesign #middleclassdesign #blog #empoweredinteriors (at Pingree Grove, Illinois)

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Good news is, I recorded my first FB live video for my new series Late Night Design! If you are on FB, check it out! Bad news is, I have no clue how to get the video to post to Instagram. Any ideas? #cluelessabouttechnology #latenightdesign #videosharing #empoweredinteriors (at Pingree Grove, Illinois)

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How #hpmkt Changed My Life on 04/15/2018 Can I be honest? On Friday morning, I really came close to cancelling my trip to High Point. I know that it was only nerves, but I was just not looking forward to it. I really wanted to stay home with my husband and kids, but I pushed away my fears and got on the plane. And I am so glad I did. Before I can go further, I want to share my experience at my first history conference over 10 years ago. I was a bright eyed graduate student who had a paper accepted to one the most important women’s history conferences. I was thrilled, excited, and looking forward to meeting some of the biggest names in gender and women’s history. It sucked. In short, and if I look back, it foreshadowed my future in academic. I should have run. So you can understand my trepidation about going to this event. Yet, by the third or fourth hour into HPMKT on Saturday, I already realized something was different. I met an amazing sales rep at Loloi who talked to me for well over 2 hours about rugs, from manufacturing to fibers. I met other designers who wished me well on my journey and expressed how much they loved my business name. Dance and trance music snaked up and down the hallways, giving me the confidence to walk with a little more swagger. I was in heaven. But yesterday was even better. While some of the experiences were similar, after a meeting with the sales rep from Uttermost, I walked around and realized this was the moment. See, I have been working in retail part time since 2006 and while I liked it, since January, I’ve been restless. I thought changing jobs was the answer, but today, I realized it was time to step off the plank. While I am keeping my academic job for now, when I return home, I will begin my business plan, apply for business loans, and take the steps to find studio and warehouse space. I may have walked into High Point an unsure attendee, but on 04/15/2018 Empowered Interiors officially opened for business. I hope you all continue to join me on this ride. #interiordesign #empoweredinteriors #interiordesignblog #lifechange

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My blog post is finally up! Today I look briefly at the history of painting furniture. https://www.empoweredinteriors.com/blog/painting-a-new-history #interiordecor #paintingfurniture #chalkpaintedfurniture #chalkpaint #vintagedecor #vintagedesign #empoweredinteriors #blog #interiordesignblog (at Pingree Grove, Illinois)

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I love how my logo look over one of Spicher and Co’s (@spicherandco) vinyl rugs. So pretty! #vintagepatterns #vinylrugs #interiordesignstudio #smallbusinessowner #empoweredinteriors #logo (at Empowered Interiors) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bo4dAtMAHl8/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1bbycxir02x04

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It's Monday, so Share your Find! Did you visit any estate sales, vintage shops, and/or antique stores? Did you find something special? While I did not have a chance to go to estate sales, I did snag this beautiful Art Deco cabinet. Gorgeous, right? So what did you find? I can't wait to hear about the items in the comment section! #vintagedecor #estatesales #estatesaleshopping #estatesalefinds #antiquedecor #empoweredinteriors (at Pingree Grove, Illinois)