Hello, Fall! & Partnering with ASID

Happy Early Fall! Summer is over and we are settling in to a new routine for my fourth and seventh graders. Mira already has our Fall "to do" list up on the kitchen chalk wall ... check it out! Looks like it's going to be a busy autumn. :-)



Work-wise, it's been busy announcing our new textile collection to interior designers across the country - and closer to home, presenting to interior designers affiliated with the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID).



At the encouragement of my SCORE business coaches, I joined ASID earlier this year as an Industry Partner. Thanks to my coach Ellen Brotman, this in turn led to last week's meeting ... such a great opportunity! Not only did I get to meet with a room full of professional, local interior designers, but also met fellow guest speaker Stacey Tranter of Twin Diamonds.

Stacey and her company Twin Diamonds' work is beautiful. They specialize in wallpapers and decorative painting. Stacey brought a few samples with her to the ASID meeting, check them out. I just love the natural textures, colors and artisan touch:

Two painted wallpaper samples, above, shared at the meeting. The textures and subtle colors are beautiful. 

Above: another wallpaper sample, painted and stenciled. Love the natural colors and textures of this one!

Twin Diamonds does custom stenciling, too. Check out this bathroom and its coastal colors:

Photo from Twin Diamonds' website

Stacey and I share a love of all things custom. If you have a color or design you want, just ask her ... chances are she and her team can create it for you.

Speaking of custom, during the meeting one of the designers shared a design dilemma: she spent a day at the DC Design Center, picking out fabrics for a client's new kitchen ... only to find that the repeat pattern they selected wouldn't accommodate what they were seeking, nor was it within their budget. The next step? The designer is bringing me to the client's home, to see the space and discuss potentially painting a custom textile design that works just for her. Will keep you posted! Hope your fall is off to a great start.

xo, Kate

Welcome, Summer Intern Maddie Donley & ... We're in The Washington Post!

It’s been a whirlwind few weeks as the kids wrapped up the school year, transitioned to summer camps, joined swim team and … I welcomed my first Summer Intern, Maddie Donley to Mira Jean Designs. Welcome, Maddie!

Maddy by one of her paintings from 2015 

A rising second year student at UVA, when I first met Maddie I knew she’d be a great fit. She is smart, positive, has great ideas -- and is a fellow artist, too. I'm thrilled for you to "meet" her via this quick interview:

Where are you from?

I grew up in Arlington, Virginia and have lived here my whole life. I love the proximity to DC. It's always surprising to me when people visit that they’re shocked by the monuments; I did crew for four and a half years and would see them every day, rowing on the Potomac.

What are you studying currently at the University of Virginia?

I haven’t decided on a major yet, but am studying French and am trying to decide between Art History and Government. I’ve always been interested in public policy - and I’ve always had a passion for art. It’s so interesting to see how art has developed over time.  

Do you have a favorite artist? 
I love Degas; the way he’s able to create movement in all of his paintings.

You’re an artist yourself; what kind of work do you do?

I love to paint, I’ve been painting since I was little. My favorite thing to paint is portraits. I usually work in oil and acrylic. My art teacher in high school was a real role model. She never said there was a right way to do anything - because there isn’t really in art - and she was very constructive and helpful in getting people to develop their own styles.

Check out one of Maddie's portrait paintings, here: 

What inspired you to want to intern for Mira Jean Designs?

I was interested in the small business and artistic aspects. I’ve never really seen how a small business works and art has been a passion of mine, so the connection between the two is interesting. The experience will also help me decide what I want to do, career wise.

* * *

These past few weeks Maddie and I have been in serious office work mode, tackling some not-so-glamorous - but necessary - activities to help grow the business. Speaking of growing the business, did you see we were in The Washington Post?! You can read the full article here. 

I am still pinching myself that this happened. They ran the article online in mid-June ... and then IN PRINT(!!) last weekend. Special thanks to my SCORE business mentors Ed Coleman and Ellen Brotman who helped make this possible.

More soon, and hope your summer is off to a great start.

xo, Kate