Hello, FOX 5 News! & Shop Local for Holiday Gifts

Have you ever been on live TV? Until this past Friday, me neither!


I received word a few days ago that there was an opportunity to be one of several local entrepreneurs and artisans featured on our local FOX 5 News station ... and would I participate? (The answer: yes, of course!).

About 48 hours later, I was headed to downtown DC and gearing up to share Mira Jean Designs textiles and holiday gift ideas* (more on this, below!) with viewers, including our tea towels, available in any of our artisan textile designs.

 A peek at some of our watercolored fabric designs, now available in tea towels for the holiday and hostess gift season. 

My family joined me for the fun; we reported to the studio ahead of schedule and were directed to "The Green Room." There, we had the chance to meet fellow artisans and entrepreneurs who were all part of the Shop Local / Shop Made in Arlington segment.

It's a family affair! The Hougen crew on the set of FOX 5 News

Such a fun event! And what a wonderful group of fellow creatives and entrepreneurs in the room. Participants included Julie Jernigan of Jules' Jewels (fun fact: Julie and I first met almost 20 years ago; she was the cantor at our wedding! The Universe works in mysterious ways); Stas and Salim, creators and co-founders of Can You Solve Me Puzzles and Lori Stultz of Dennison Lane. We are all part of Arlington's new Made in Arlington pop up near Courthouse. (Local friends, check it out when you're doing your holiday shopping this season!).

The big surprise? About 10 minutes before we met newscast anchors Tony Perkins and Shawn Yancy (also an artist in her own right), we received word that the segment was going to be recorded "live." Suddenly our convivial room got very quiet! Lol.

The highlight for my son? In addition to experiencing being "on set" during a live telecast, he had the opportunity to hang with the Can You Solve Me puzzle creators Stas and Salim. If you don't know these guys and their puzzles, know this: their products are a must buy!! I first met them about a year ago, at Arlington's premier Made in Arlington pop up. I was immediately hooked on their puzzles.

My son (far right) on Cloud 9 with Chief Strategist Salim Khene (far left) and Founder Stas Casa (middle) of Can You Solve Me Puzzles.

Can You Solve Me puzzles are available for all skill levels (beginner | intermediate | advanced). Last year, we bought a few (a bargain at only $5 ea ... the perfect stocking stuffer!) and all generations spent time around the family table trying to solve them. So... much... fun! (and no, they did not pay me to write this!!). Love these puzzles.

Fun on the set (this was *before* they told us we were going LIVE! gulp!)

Not only that, but Stas and Salim are true gentleman. Unbeknownst to me until later in the evening, they gave my son a few puzzles when I wasn't looking - AND they could not have been kinder and more generous after the segment, staying late to help everyone schlep out display tables and more. These guys are the best.

So as I gear up of for the holidays, what am I thankful for? Family, friends, home; the creativity and and generosity of people like Stas and Salim, and the opportunity to support fellow artisans and entrepreneurs as I look towards my holiday shopping list. Thank you, Arlington and FOX TV for the opportunity,

xo, Kate

p.s. Our Mira Jean holiday gifts include tea towels, available in any Mira Jean textile design. Simply order online or select your favorites and email us today to place your order! If we have it before Thanksgiving we can guarantee delivery before Christmas.

We are also offering Lavender sachets, stuffed with a long-lasting, high grade French blue lavender and hand sewn by yours truly. These aren't even online ... we are too busy!! But, they are at the new Made in Arlington Shop near Courthouse. Or, you can email us at Info@MiraJeanDesigns.com to place your order. ($8 ea or $2 for $15 + shipping ... while supplies last! Limited quantities).  Happy Holidays & Shop Locally!

Our Lavender Sachets in various designs, including Corgis from our new Pup Collection, created in collaboration with local artist & illustrator Emily Dere

Shop Arlington: The Urban Farmhouse

This past weekend, I had the pleasure of doing business with one of my favorite new local boutiques, The Urban Farmhouse. Local friends and family: have you been? If not, add this stop to your list of 'go to' boutiques for gifts and housewares, it's one not to miss.

Cards, ice buckets, barware, soap dishes and more ... perfect for hostess gifts. 

One of the tabletop displays at The Urban Farmhouse. Love the pitcher: "You say tomato, I say ... Bloody Mary."

While the boutique is new to Arlington, the owner, Cissy Barnes, is a retail veteran having worked for Crate & Barrel at the regional level for years. Her trained eye for great retail finds shows via her beautifully curated collection of farmhouse-style housewares and gifts.

Love the selection of soy candles and natural rugs

One of the sweetest parts of the boutique? Walk into the store, head to the main room, turn the corner ... and in the back you will discover the sweetest little "nook" of wedding gift ideas for brides and grooms. Such a sweet surprise!

The wedding nook in the back

We are thrilled to add this boutique to the list of local retail partners. Cissy carries our custom bridal bouquet pillow line as well as our regular Mira Jean Designs pillows. (This week's batch was designed to go with her new, apple green farmhouse bench ... LOVE this green color! I almost came home with the bench for my own front porch).

Pillow delivery: Before ... 

... and After! 

Enjoy & happy shopping!
xo, Kate

In the Press! New Feature in Arlington Magazine

The other day I was in the check out line at Whole Foods, browsing the latest issue of Arlington Magazine ... and lo and behold, there was a feature on yours truly, Mira Jean Designs Pinch me!

Our feature article(!) in the latest Arlington Magazine HOMES issue

I was interviewed back in November by the talented writer and editor Adrienne Wichard-Edds, whom I have admired for some time for her great scouting and sourcing of all things artisan and local. (After all, it was Adrienne who profiled one of my favorite boutiques, covet; and Arlington's best home made play dough for kids, Happy Dough Lucky).

Am beyond thrilled to be in this latest issue -- and an issue all about one of my favorite things, no less: Homes!

Thank you, Adrienne & Arlington Magazine!

xo, Kate

p.s. Yes, that's a peek at our new Tunisia design colorway in yellow, getting ready to ship as part of a custom pillow order for a client in the midwest ... more on that and our custom colorways, coming soon!)

Historic Home + Fellow Entrepreneur Spotlight: Moley Evans

People (myself included!) often say it is a small world ... this blog feature is a true testament to this.

If you know me well, you know I absolutely *love* historic homes. Years ago, my mother in law invited me to tour a magnificent one: a turn of the century Antebellum farmhouse in Alcova Heights, Arlington, Virginia. Her good friend Alice lived in it and was a master gardener; I remember vividly the day Alice graciously gave us a tour of her beautiful home and its surroundings. It was a house and garden to remember. 

A house to remember: the front door of this historic grand home with its welcoming front porch, haint blue porch ceiling and yellow door. Photo courtesy of its current homeowner, Moley Evans.

Fast forward about fifteen years ... and I found myself back in the home's dining room with the new owner, Founder & Director of EverWonder Moley Evans, talking about fabrics for her newly remodeled kitchen. My friends, this is the Universe at work. 

The view from Moley's dining room table, looking into her beautiful new kitchen (pre- roman shades)

Moley is an amazing business owner and entrepreneur. A fellow mom of two, she launched an after school enrichment and summer camp program, EverWonder about ten years ago -- and it's been growing ever since. 

Moley was kind enough to sit down with me this winter and share her thoughts and advice for fellow women entrepreneurs, below are excerpts from our conversation. She also selected my watercolored Aquafern textile design for roman shades in her newly remodeled kitchen(!!). Check it out: 

Do as the romans do: Moley and I collaborated on custom roman shades for her new kitchen in our Aquafern watercolored textile design on linen & cotton canvas. 

I am honored to have some of my Mira Jean Designs textiles in this historic home -- a home that is such a thoughtful blend of old + new. Even the coffee table in Moley's family room honors the home's past: it was custom made, from an old tree that had to be taken down on the property:

The Evans' family's coffee table, custom made from an old tree formerly on the grounds. 

Thank you for following along (and p.s. if you're a fellow mom and entrepreneur, would love to hear your $.02 on running a business, too ... what advice would you offer? Do you have a 'to do' list when you're on vacation, too? Tell me!).

xo, Kate

A Conversation with Fellow Entrepreneur Moley Evans:

Tell us about your business - what is your role, and how did it start? 
I am the Founder & Director of EverWonder Camps. I taught for six years, and then when I had my second child started tutoring ... which in turn sparked wanting to launch my own after school enrichment programs. Today, EverWonder offers camps across Arlington and Northern Virginia.

What advice would you offer fellow business owners? 
You write a business plan and think it's one thing -- but don't be afraid to make changes and get advice from other people. Brainstorm with others! Don't be afraid to say, "I was wrong about that." Do stick up for yourself and your product. Most importantly, celebrate your successes. As women and moms, we often do a lot. Don't be afraid to ask for help - and know it's okay to say no.

It is also very important to give back to the community. This is a big part of what we do at EverWonder. We sponsor the Jennifer Bush Lawson Foundation's Annual 5K Run, donate to Doorways for Women and Families, and more.

What's the best thing about running your own business? 
I love love love being able to give people jobs! I also love mentoring employees, creating incentives for them that help them grow, and providing teachers with work when schools are out of session.  I also love that I have a viable business that I could hand down to my kids.

What was the biggest surprise in running your own business? 
How much work it takes! It's hard to stop working -- even when I'm on vacation. There's alway a 'to do' list.

Tell us more about your beautiful home. 
It was built in 1836. The house has a spiral staircase, windows everywhere, pocket doors and a screened in porch. Douglas Wallop and Violet Lucille Fletcher ("Lucy") lived in it, in the 1950s. He wrote "The Damn Yankees." She was a writer, too, used to throw parties and played the piano ... I love that she is a part of at the home's history.

What other updates have you made to the home? 
Paint, paint, paint! When we first moved in, rooms hadn't been painted in 25 years. We also turned a back porch that was added in the 70's into a mudroom. Upstairs, we kept the same window line to keep the integrity of the house.

To learn more about Moley Evans' EverWonder camp classes and programs and ways they give back to the community, visit their website at: everwondercamps.com

##

Collaboration Feature #3: Potter Stacy Snyder

Hello, Friends! 

I am so excited for you to “meet” my friend and potter Stacy Snyder via today’s post, the latest in my Collaboration series featuring fellow moms, entrepreneurs and creative business owners.

I met Stacy years ago; our kids went to the same preschool. We share a love of natural textures, printing techniques and color. The past two springs, we collaborated on a Spring Studio Sale. It has been such a treat to watch her craft evolve over the years.

Earlier this year, Stacy and I chatted more about her work over coffee. (Who wouldn't want to drink coffee out of this mug?!). I hope you enjoy learning more about Stacy's work as much as I did. 

xo, 

Kate

p.s. Attention, Holiday Shoppers! If you are looking for hand crafted, functional and beautiful holiday gift ideas, check out Stacy's Holiday Pottery Sale happening this weekend at her home studio. Located at 508 N. Kenmore Street in Arlington, VA, hours are 10a-5pm this Saturday, 12/3 and 12-5p on Sunday, 12/4. 

Pictured above: one of Stacy's beautiful mugs on my desk. My favorite way to start any morning!

When did you start your career as a potter?

In 1999, I built my cabin and studio and officially started as a professional potter.

Where do you draw inspiration?

One of my main sources of inspiration are photographs of the collaborative duo, Bernd & Hilla Becher, German photographers of industrial architecture ... and bike races! I love the energy and complexity of the races … the little villages that they go through … the roof lines in the architecture.

Pictured above: bike mugs and vases from Stacy's new white clay series

I also love the work of the historic Japanese potter, Rosanjin.  He would create these sets of plates - but instead of all being the same, they were part of a family. Similar … yet each one unique. They would look like brothers and sisters; quintuplets! He also had a way of layering surfaces, contrasting colors, foreground and background.

How do you approach your craft today?

One of my major goals in the work I do is to develop a contrast - for example, contrast in delicacy and strength, shiny and matte textures; bold and delicate lines, colors and black & white.

 

Photos above courtesy of Stacy Snyder Pottery

What advice would you offer to others pursuing a creative business:

The advice I received from my professors: “Nobody will invest in you, unless you invest in yourself.” So set up your studio, give yourself the time and have confidence in yourself.

Also, it takes balance - and that balance is always changing. Especially as a parent and a mother. You have to always adjust that balance, because it never stays the same. Just when you think you have your kids on a nap schedule, it all changes. This is the same with work. This is also part of the challenge and joy of problem solving.”

Share a moment of surprise in your work:

I remember a story from one of my teachers, a potter. As she was working, she was talking to herself saying, “Oh, I’m in trouble, I’m in trouble!”. I think about that sometimes when I’m in my studio. Sometimes getting yourself in trouble can help you find the best solutions. It’s a great place to be. 

As an artist, if you want to grow, sometimes you have to get yourself into trouble. You have to put yourself out there. And you have to make mistakes. That’s one of the best things about being an artist. 💛

What's Up? Pop Ups!

It's been hopping around here as usual. With the arrival (finally!) of spring typically comes spring pop ups, and this year has been no exception.

Last Saturday we were back at the wonderful Red Barn Mercantile with our pillow collection. I always love being in this store, whether it's for a Mira Jean Designs event - or just to shop. :-) (Confession: favorite purchases are cards from their amazing and funny card collection ... so hard to choose! And Syndey Hale candles).



While there, we tested out some new textile designs including our Navy Waves lumbar pillow. I'm pleased to share, it quickly found a new home. (Wouldn't this be the perfect pillow on your couch or sun porch, come Fourth of July? Email me and I can make you one, too!)



Post Red Barn, the pop up prep continues. This weekend I will be back at my friend and the very talented potter Stacy Snyder's home for a joint home studio sale. Below is a glimpse of Stacy's work. I have admired Stacy's work for some time. We met years ago through our kids' preschool, and I love that we are now collaborating on a spring show together.

All are welcome at the Studio Sale! Hours are: Friday wine & cheese opening 5-7pm / Saturday 10a-5p / Sunday 11a-3pm. Address is: 508 N. Kenmore St, Arlington, VA 22201. 

Meanwhile if you read my last blog post you know I've been inspired by my wedding florist Holly Chapple to paint some new floral textile designs. While I'm not in *LOVE* with any of them yet, the painting continues. I hope to have some new floral designs to share with you, soon.



Until then, enjoy this glorious weather - and if you're in / near Arlington, VA this weekend, mark your calendar to pop by our spring studio sale! Hope to see you there.

xo,
Kate

Collaboration Feature #1: Photographer Shelly Han

I am thrilled to share this interview with friend and photographer Shelly Han. This is the first in my Collaboration series; stories and interviews with fellow creative women entrepreneurs and business owners that I have had the honor to meet through my work @MiraJeanDesigns. My goal is to share their stories, work and words of wisdom for fellow creatives. Let me know what you think & enjoy! 

Last week, I shared photos from the wonderfully talented photographer, Shelly Han. When I was first starting out @MiraJeanDesigns, I had the good fortune of meeting Shelly. We've been collaborating ever since. 

Shelly's photos have a beautiful way of capturing color, light and energy. Fun fact: her favorite subjects are actually people. (Luckily for me, she still photographs my textiles, too). I recently asked Shelly to share some insights on her work, creative process and more. She graciously agreed and today we are sharing the interview with you here: 

Kate@MiraJeanDesigns: How long have you been a photographer?

Shelly: I started photography in middle school with my dad's film camera (digital wasn't around for another 20+ years) and bought my own camera (Canon AE-1--I still have it!) with my graduation money when I was a senior in high school. That same year I did an internship where I developed photos of the stars (the heavenly kind) at the University of Arizona's space science center -- but ended up pursuing a degree in political science. 

K: When did you know you wanted to be a photographer; when did you get the photography "bug"? 

S: Even during college and living abroad I continued to take pictures. But the photography disease (frankly, "bug" is just not a strong enough word!) returned in full force when my kids came along. I realized I needed a different set of skills to capture little things that refused to stand still so I started studying on my own and then fully embraced digital photography as it was just emerging. 

K: What do you love photographing the most?

S: People! I love capturing an emotion, a moment, a fleeting look in the eyes. I rarely take landscape photos, or photos of flowers. It's all about the face for me. Although, if you think about it, hands and body also can convey an emotion, so it's just all about having a person in the frame. The next best thing: a dog! 

K: Would you be willing to share a story about a particularly surprising photo shoot? 

Yes! One of my strangest shoots I've had was in the deserts of Turkmenistan. I had the opportunity to spend one night camping at a place called the "Gates of Hell". It's essentially a football field-sized crater that is filled with natural gas. It was created when they were drilling for gas and the ground sunk beneath them. They thought they could burn the gas off and start again, but forty years later it's still burning! At night it is the most amazing sight. I had done some research ahead of time and planned the equipment I would need, extra batteries (because no place to plug in!) etc. It was incredible. Once night fell I enlisted my camping buddies to all stand in a row in front of the pit while I took the photo. I loved the result not only because it reminds me of an incredible place and experience, but also because it represented to me what I could create if I planned ahead and prepared properly. Here is a photo of me in front of the crater during the day and then the shot I took after dark:

K: What makes it fun?

S: The unpredictability. Even if I'm shooting at the same spot, you are shooting with different people and the shoots are never the same because of that. This factor also makes it challenging, and sometimes stressful, but it's also what makes the whole thing fun for me. I like to be challenged. I like it when people say, "Oh, I don't like to take photos", or "I always look bad in photos."  That's like whacking me in the face with a white glove--game on! I want to be able to figure out how to bring that person along, capture their personality, make them fearless in front of the camera. We should all be fearless in front of the camera. Sometimes I think I'm a therapist just as much as a photographer, and I love it. 

K: If you had one tip for amateurs on how to take great photographs, what would it be? 

S: One of the best tips I learned a few years ago from a teacher was about paying attention to perspective. Not only learning to quickly read what is in the frame (a quick eyeball sweep around the whole frame to look for distracting elements or poles sticking out of heads) but also the height from which you are shooting. This teacher looked at my portfolio and he said these are almost all taken from 5'5" (that's how tall I am). So get a little workout in by bending low to the level of your kids, or stand on the nearest bench and get a little height. Your pictures will be more dynamic if you vary the perspective. 

K: Where do you get your inspiration from?

S: I follow a lot of photographers on Instagram for constant inspiration, and I am in a VSCO Film Users group on Facebook where there is stunning photography from around the world on a daily basis. You can check out the related website here: http://www.lookslikefilm.com/  I also keep a board on Pinterest with any and all things, but mostly photos, that inspire me one way or the other. I call the board "Fuel for the fire". Feel free to check it out: https://www.pinterest.com/shellyhealdhan/fuel-for-the-fire/

K: If you had one piece of advice for an entrepreneur or business owner, what would it be? 

S: Embrace the accounting! I'm still not there 100 percent, but I finally realized that to be a successful business owner you have to like business. Who knew! So I am slowly coming around to convincing myself that the business-side of things can be fun, and of course rewarding, if you get it right. There is absolutely no need to be a starving artist.You can be a great artist and a great business owner. 

K: Do you have a favorite or most memorable photo you'd like to share? 

S: Here's what it takes for a photo to make it into my top tier: awesome natural light, a real expression or emotion, and, finally, if it brings back a good memory then it's gold. This photo of my husband, Lianchao, fits all three criteria. We were sitting outside with family at a beautiful mountaintop cafe in Greece with gorgeous light from the setting sun, house wine in a carafe on the table, and he turned to me to say, "Cheers". Yes, indeed. It's one of my favorites. 

All Photos Courtesy of Shelly Han. Photos and text by Kate Hougen and Shelly Han.