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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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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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Today. At 10am, I began a new path when I officially opened my doors to my design studio and shoppe. It has been a crazy few months filled with a semi-truck load of Diet Coke, very little sleep, periods of calm and panic, and just sheer joy doing what I love. After the ribbon cutting, I heard many gasps and excitement about what people were finding (they actually bought stuff!). I even had a possible client who came in because she was excited to see that there was a new designer in town. I am optimistic, but a little scared that no one else will come in. But I just need to stay focused, stay positive, and work my ass off! #interiordesigner #crystallake #crystallakeillinois #interiordesignstudio #femaleentrepreneur #femalebusinessowner #smallbusinessowner (at Empowered Interiors) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bn_7G-wAeaU/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=12zqfs6h6v36a

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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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New Beginnings This past Saturday I turned in my lease, as well as the first and last month’s rent to my realtor for my new design studio and retail space. The search for a commercial unit has been a surprisingly slow process, as I navigated through the commercial market, finally finding a spot that came on the heels of a particularly eye opening psychic reading. (I’ll elaborated more on this in a little bit.) When I handed her the check though, it all became real. And to be honest, I have never been so excited in my life... To read more, please go to my blog: https://screwthewallpaper.com/new-beginnings/ (at Crystal Lake, Illinois)

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The beginnings of empowered interiors/design studio and shoppe. #entrepreneur #femaleentrepreneur #interiordesignbusiness #interiordesignstudio #smallbusinessowner #homedecorstore (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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Throwback Thursday With another 4th of July behind us, I thought I would extend the holiday for one more day share historic images of how individuals decorated the exteriors of their homes for the holiday. Not much of difference, eh? #tbthursday #tbt #4thofjuly #vintagedecoration #oldhomes (at Pingree Grove, Illinois)

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Introducing Screw the Wallpaper! Today I relaunch my blog, with a new title, "Screw the Wallpaper!" Now you might be wondering why in the world I would give my blog this title? Well there is a funny story behind it and one that resonates with me. You can read all about it here https://screwthewallpaper.com/why-screw-the-wallpaper/. The content of the blog will still be historical in nature, but I might be raising a little hell, a rebellion of sorts. Who knows, but if anything, I am not one who likes to follow the status quo, especially in design. So saddle up and join me on this ride. Soon saying "screw the wallpaper!" will be spoken with a tone of affection!

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Introducing Screw the Wallpaper! Today I relaunch my blog, with a new title, "Screw the Wallpaper!" Now you might be wondering why in the world I would give my blog this title? Well there is a funny story behind it and one that resonates with me. You can read all about it here https://screwthewallpaper.com/why-screw-the-wallpaper/. The content of the blog will still be historical in nature, but I might be raising a little hell, a rebellion of sorts. Who knows, but if anything, I am not one who likes to follow the status quo, especially in design. So saddle up and join me on this ride. Soon saying "screw the wallpaper!" will be spoken with a tone of affection!

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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)

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Sometimes you snag the best stuff when you visit other cities. #midcenturymodern #midcenturydesign #homedecor #vintagedesign #vintagedecor (at Wynsum Antiques & Interiors)

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I don’t remember taking this photo. #charlestownsc #cobbledstreets #bricksidewalk #accidentalphoto #texture (at Charleston Historic District)

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The Unitarian Church of Charleston #charleston #historicgraves #mothernaturesbeauty #historicgraveyard #charlestownsc (at Unitarian Graveyard)

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Serenity and Inspiration Among the Dead It might be odd for an interior designer to post a image of a faded gravestone nestle within an overgrowth of vegetation. And maybe it is because I am a historian that I found this setting so peaceful. I have had a fascination with graveyards since I was a child. In Elizabeth, NJ, when my grandmother made me walk downtown, in between buildings there were cemeteries dating back to the Revolutionary War and sooner. I found the faded years and names etched in stone fascinating because I wondered who they were, how they lived. That curiosity continued and when on my trips, I would enviably wander through pathways lined with markers. I find peace among the dead for some reason. Macabre maybe, but these last resting places are beautiful and serene, not haunted or scary. And as I walked through overgrown paths, not only was wondering about the dead as I noticed the ages of death, but the colors, texture, lightness and darkness provided inspiration, while providing serenity. It was the dead’s gift to me. #charlestownsc #historicgraveyard #mothernaturesbeauty #historicgraves #charleston (at Unitarian Graveyard)

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Walking Within Mother Nature’s Shadow. In downtown South Carolina the Utilitarian Church of Charlestown opens it gates and welcomes visitors to walk its windings paths bordered with lush, albeit overgrown, vegetation. You almost feel as if you are transported back in time. And you might be, especially as you begin to walk amount the many gravestones have become an extension of Mother Nature. But, as I have written before Mother Nature is the ultimate interior designer. She might be guided, but she will show her beauty off, especially when she left unchecked. I will share the gravestones in a second post, but there is a stillness and a beauty that exists here. #mothernaturesbeauty #southcarolina #charleston #charlestownsc (at Charleston, South Carolina)