Why I Do What I Do

The question I get asked the most, since I started my blogging career nearly nine years ago is: what inspired you to start HonestyWTF? The short answer is: I'm in it for all the extraordinary places, people and things that simply fuel my love of discovery and innate curiosity. So naturally, I was excited to partner with LinkedIn to share examples of how I've been able to become a window into a diverse and inspiring community of artists, designers, creators and professionals. This is just a peek into the network that motivates me to what I do . . .

PAINTED MARY

Spaces tell stories. What lies behind certain objects that make up a room, a interior vignette or even an accidental composition can tell all kinds of tales. And artist Mary Finlayson has the wonderful ability of storytelling with her vibrant gouache paintings. The former art educator and therapist starts her process by flattening a composition, modeled after a memory, specific items in her home or a photograph, and then skews the objects and amps up the colors with her signature bold color palette. I had the pleasure of meeting Mary in her home based studio a few weeks ago to witness the magic, as well as her new collection of hand knotted durhie and wool rugs, in real life. Not only is her work and her space so full of life and exuberance, Mary, herself, is a direct reflection of that energy. Her new mom glow is also so sweet to witness and overall, her deep passion for her craft is deeply inspiring.

BRYR

Like with Mary, I had a crush on BRYR clogs long before actually meeting designer Isobel Schofield. Needless to say, knowing her made me love the brand even more - if that was at all possible. Isobel and the company culture she's created in her charming Dogpatch studio, which coincidentally housed an old clog factory back in 70s, is a true reflection of her passion, generosity, and overall, just genuinely good human qualities. It's no wonder Isobel named her company BRYR, which in Swedish means “to care”. There is so much intention and care that goes into the clog making process - from design to production to the ultimate customer experience. I've so enjoyed following the success of BRYR thus far, and can't wait to see what's in store for Isobel next . . .

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Can you now see why I love my job so much? How can I possibly not be inspired to the story of such talented and brilliant people? But now, I wanna know . . . what inspires you? What are you in it for?

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This post was created in partnership with LinkedIn. All opinions are my own.

Leave a Comment

13 Comments

  1. Rena wrote:

    I get repeatedly the same question 🙂
    xx from Bavaria/Germany, Rena
    http://www.dressedwithsoul.com

    10.26.18
    Reply
  2. Eva wrote:

    Such beautiful spaces and talented women! It’s obvious to me why you’d enjoy your work. 🙂 Awesome pictures of the BRYR studio – those die cuts are so cool!

    Eva | http://www.shessobright.com

    10.26.18
    Reply
  3. Doing something that is our own passion and passion is the most fun thing to do, because we will be total to do what we love.

    10.28.18
    Reply
  4. I’ve been a reader for a long time. I love your blog for its peeks into new trends and its consistently beautiful photography. Your writing is professional but not stuffy. You’re conversational but not silly. And your overall aesthetic is clean and simple and NEVER gimmicky. I, like you, and I imagine like most bloggers, have an unquenchable desire to share. I’ve got a good eye for what or who is fresh and interesting. I can deconstruct my reasons for why I’m charmed and then share those reasons with the world. The whole kit and kaboodle is a blast. IIt is never boring, always fun, and shockingly addicting!

    10.28.18
    Reply
    • Erica wrote:

      Thank you so much for your kind words, Mithra. As much as I’m inspired by the artists, designers, and creators that I write about, it’s readers like you who also inspire me to do what I do every day! xx

      10.29.18
  5. Astha wrote:

    Beautiful Picture.
    http://www.swarnprastha.com/

    10.30.18
    Reply
  6. Your pics are aesthetically pleasing throughout and you truly seem to connect with readers. Keep doing what your doing you are on to something!

    11.1.18
    Reply
    • Erica wrote:

      Thanks, Sheereen!

      11.1.18
  7. nancy simms wrote:

    O I Love this !!

    1.16.21
    Reply
  8. EssayServiceScanner wrote:

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    5.18.21
    Reply
  9. Noah Graham wrote:

    I’m a web developer. I make websites and apps, but I’m not just a programmer. I make things because they’re fun and because they’re useful. And, to be honest, because they’re a way to get my mind off things that are less fun or less useful. I will read https://www.resumehelpservices.com/zipjob-com-review/ now to find the best writer. But there’s more to it than that: I love working with people and making things together. That’s why I do what I do.

    12.4.22
    Reply