Sunday, June 14, 2009

My life on the D list


In my early twenties I had few aspirations for myself. Graduate from college, (because my Mom told me to), and create a 12 step program for my addiction to Jamba juice and Baja fresh. I unexpectedly met the man of my dreams, or shall I say he met the woman of his dreams, and I entered into a state of ignorant bliss. Wandering aimlessly within my ignorant bliss, my soon to be husband in his own state of bliss, carried me through financially as I found my way. So I decided to become a doctor. It is a respected profession, disciplined (which I clearly am, ha!), grounded, and you get to wear a fancy white coat with big pockets full of important instruments, like pens and prescription pads!

It didn't take long to figure out that the white clearly didn't work after labor day, and the pens? Well those could be purchased half off at the local school bookstore. So I decided to go into nursing. They had way more fun, made good money and they MARRIED Doctors. All the benefits without all the work. Perfect. But I failed to realize I already had the man of my dreams, and he was far from a doctor. Ok, so their were major holes in my plan. Or rather, holes in my head; oh to be 20 again!

I graduated with a degree in Biology with a minor in fine arts. So what did I do? What every 20 something ends up doing. I worked 25 different minimum wage jobs, in a state of ignorant bliss while my soon to be husband carried me through financially. It was perfect, how could it not last?

Fate herself finally stepped in to rescue me. With her head in her hands, a tear in her eye, and thoughts of all my stupidity. I got a job working for a designer. Not just any designer. A double D designer. DESIGN DIVA, with her all that and a bag of chips att-it-TUDE. But what she didn't know? I was 20, in a state of MAJOR ignorant bliss, and I was getting married. Shall I say more?

It only took six weeks.... Within two weeks I decided "this is what I want to do!" (this would be career choice number....) Within four weeks I ambushed her in an appointment to learn EVERYTHING. Within six weeks, I was out of a job, AGAIN! (Insert soon to be husband who is STILL carrying me financially)

Luckily, like religion is to Sundays, my good fate turned and came to me. I got motivated dare I say even ambitious, and unlike my 12 step program this was an ACTUAL goal. I went back to school, and graduated with a big Double D, only mine stands for DESIGN DEGREE. I still had my ups and downs. We moved to Vegas, where I questioned if I was "D" material but my true religion occurred when we moved to TN. I launched my own design firm. Through shear determination, sprinkle in a little blood, sweat, tears, and maybe even a little spit, though I would never admit it (after all Im a lady, God-dammit!!) I have grown and expanded each year to get to where I am today.





It took me some time, reflection, and a lot of stupidity along the way, but I found it, the path or purpose in my life. But despite all this hard work, I still find myself on the D list, gasp!.
How is it that someone like Cindy Crawford gets a furniture collection? Or Kathy Ireland builds an entire empire on the design business? She grossed 50 million dollars in the home decor business in 2007. Barbara Barry, Johnathan Adler, Kelly Wearstler, Darryl Carter I can see, but Cindy?
I don't find myself in the leagues of those listed above. I still need some years on me to gain that kind of genius. However, when I found out yesterday that Miley Cyrus signed a deal to start her own furniture line with Rooms to Go, I found it quite paradoxical. It makes perfect sense to me that a 16 year old would know exactly how to design, implement and sell a product for a HOME in which she doesn't even own one yet.

So this is my open letter to who ever the HELL (TARGET!) will listen.

I want a line of accessories and home decor. I still have a few holes in my head. I tend to spit when Im angry (but I'd never admit to this) and Im no longer in my 20's. Big Bonus? Or Big Set back, hmmm not sure.... Either way, I actually know a thing or two about furniture, and accessories. I have the BIG designer Badge on my chest to prove it, and for once, it's actually turned right side up. I have MADE a living making choices on how to design, implement and sell a product for which Im QUALIFIED to do. Interested? I don't sing, dance, or have my pics plastered all over the Enquirer but I have graduated from High School, college even (thanks Mom!) and I actually know a thing or two about design. So, Target if your listening, I love your store, shop their all the time, and I think you should give me a shelf, maybe even two( after all Im pretty damn good at what I do) so that My life can get off the D list. Thanks,

27 comments:

  1. You write beautifully...I love your blog!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  2. I think you deserve it, too! I'd find out who does the interior design/accessory line for Target and e-mail them every day, if I were you. Also, you should bug Ellen DeGeneres. Seriously...If you had an angle you could get on her show and from there, the sky's the limit! BTW, trying to celebrate Sx3 and a college graduation today at the same time. We'd sure love it if you came by!

    ReplyDelete
  3. I don't even like to think about all of the talented designers that are on the "D" list. When I daydream about winning the lotto and building my dreamhouse I almost have panic attacks about "missing out" on things that I would love (had I known about them) for said dreamhouse. What if I had the house built and then saw something in a magazine that I loved but it was too late? Weird I know. I do the same thing with music...how many GREAT songs are out there that I have never and will never hear? SO much is a matter of who you know, luck, and being in the right place at the right time. Unfortunately, hard work doesn't guarantee you global success :( I PROMISE that if I ever win the lotto I will call you to decorate!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Hi Amanda, I totally agree about the whole celebrity design bit. I think that Target started it all with their Isaac Mizrahi stuff. It's getting a little carried away though and I do think it can detract from seeing where the real talent is. I think you should write that letter to Target and wake them the heck up!

    Good luck with it too...and thanks for stopping by!

    ReplyDelete
  5. When does the rally begin? My MINI is already loaded, you just say the word! This will be bigger than Legally Blonde 2. I'm ready to march in front of Target in support of AB HOME INTERIORS' BILL!

    And you can pay me in chocolate ;)

    ReplyDelete
  6. What a great post! It's always clarifying when you are happy with your career. I used to be a teacher but I hated it and now I'm a nanny (even though my degrees are collecting dust) but I'm much happier!

    ReplyDelete
  7. I so agree with you about the celebrities getting their own lines! I am one class away from my interior design degree and thinking about some of these people not even having to take a class and making millions drives me crazy!

    BTW your shop looks awesome! My aunts, uncles and cousins all live in Columbia, TN and I love the Brentwood/Franklin area when we visit. It is so pretty there!

    Best of luck with Target! :) Anything is possible if you try to make it happen!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Holy Shiz...Miley Cyrus has a furniture line???? Where's my Credit Card??? LOL!!! J/K! Don't worry darlin...your name will be in Lights soon enough!! (BOB ;O)) And I'm not talking about a "Red Light Special"!
    As usual fabulous post! I can't wait for the morning I wake up to you as the SITS F/B! :o)
    XOXO,
    Kristen

    ReplyDelete
  9. Oh, amen. It's all so silly, the whole cult of personality thing...

    ReplyDelete
  10. Good luck with your plans. You are one determined chick, which is what it takes...I still haven't found my calling and I am in my forties - gah!!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Thanks for the love.
    This was really well written I enjoyed reading it. ;)

    ReplyDelete
  12. Thanks for stopping by my little corner. I am in my late 30's and have no clue what I should/want to do. I love your blog and your style. As for the Miley line; I'm sure it'll be as classy and tasteful as she is!;0)

    ReplyDelete
  13. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Fabulous piece...Very well written...You go girl! I absolutely love it!

    ReplyDelete
  15. Great post!
    Great insight!
    Thanks for stopping by my blog and commenting

    ReplyDelete
  16. Miley Curus designing something! Really. Didn't know that one!

    But I am sure and can see that you are a grt designer Amanda and a jolly good writer too! You will get off that D listing. I just know it! Just like I know I am following your blog too :)

    ReplyDelete
  17. Stupid pop stars stealing our dreams :( haha!

    ReplyDelete
  18. That's so cool! I'm glad you found your true purpose!

    ReplyDelete
  19. Excellent post! I just loved how authentic you are! It inspires us to do the same!!

    ReplyDelete
  20. That's too funny!! A doctor huh?! I'm glad you ended up a designer, you do great work! And its far more interesting to read about people who collect bibles!

    ReplyDelete
  21. first time here, but I am following you now, girl.

    I will def. buy your line at Target. Sign me up. SUCKIT, Miley...

    ReplyDelete
  22. You should be on the A list!!! Miley Cyrus shouldn't be designing anything but her next sext message to one of the Jonas Brothers. Should we start a petition?

    ReplyDelete
  23. Tell 'em sister!!! Fantastic post! I am with you 100% on the Miley thing. I mean come on. And by the looks of your portfolio, you have nothing on that little girl.

    By the way, I wanted to give a huge thank you for swinging by my blog (from SITS.)

    And guess what? I'm from Franklin! I used to work off of West Park and Old Hickory in Brentwood about 5 years ago. I moved to Dallas but my Mom still lives in Franklin and has a custom framing business.

    Small world eh?

    ReplyDelete
  24. Great post! I hope you get off that dreaded list and onto a Target shelf ASAP.

    Thanks for stopping by my blog, hope to see you again someday:)

    ReplyDelete
  25. You've got my vote! I love Target as much as the next style savvy thirty-something mom and entrepreneur and would love to buy your stuff there! Keep us posted :)

    ReplyDelete
  26. n and production the exhibition will also explore the company's innovative store design in which Louboutin is always closely involved.Although Christian Louboutin is associated with all varieties of red-soled shoes, he prada ukbelieves that the perfect shoe for a woman is the pump. The master shoemaker gave a talk at London's Victoria & Albert Museum, where he said that "A good pump is a silhouette, like

    Shen family, dealing with its own attitude, it may not seem so simple now that, although they are happy and affectionate, indeed show from their hearts out, but there is always somewhere, let sink with felt some different, because the party's at a time with the boss, she could not help but eyebrows were carefully looked at the judge and Xiaoyan's sister. [Sub] [leaf * you * You]Just went up to the

    outin's shoes and thus quality of the shoes. Red lacquer Gucci Bagsapplied to the sole of a shoe is unlikely to improve the operation of the shoe unless there is some anti-slip compound in the lacquer.Under the third prong, the question is whether the particular feature claimed by the trade mark, i.e. the red soles, is "essential to the use or purpose" of the particular product, i.e. the Louboutin shoes on

    nail salons offering a "Louboutin" treatment by painting the underside of customers' nails red. The continuing reference to anything with red on the underside should be of significant concern to Louboutin.The Coach Poppy HandbagsLouboutin case demonstrates both the best and worst of trademark law. On one hand, trademark law should have rewarded Louboutin for the effort expended in building his brand and achieving sec

    ReplyDelete