Today is a pretty big day for me.
Eighteen years ago today, I landed in California with two suitcases and absolutely no idea what the future held for me. After living in a guest room for a few months, I started my career in architecture. Since then it’s been a long lesson in trusting the universe, being open to change, and dreaming big.
Fast forward to today and I’m settled into my very own private office (eeek!) where conduct my business, which includes both my photography services and The Grove Studio. Let me tell you - it has NOT been a linear path to get here or an easy one!
While I celebrate this crazy journey and what is still in store for me, I also want to share this latest milestone with you! So today, I’m giving a peek into my new office space.
Just one month ago, I was still working out of this small corner of my bedroom:
Yep, that’s about a 2.5’ space between my bed and my closet door. My “desk” consisted of a rolling cart, which worked surprisingly well, actually!
What I didn’t fully realize until now, though, is that the biggest down side to this setup was that I was looking at my work calendar and lists ALL. THE. TIME. You can see that I had a dry erase surface on the closet door so that I could easily jot things down - great for business, bad for every other part of my life!
Also, this tight setup meant that any time I had a video call or recording to make, there was a lot of prep involved to make the background, lighting, and equipment all camera-ready.
Now, I have a private office that is dedicated to just working. It’s not too far from home, it has a great view with beautiful trees, and it’s just big enough to make magic happen!
This office is The Grove Studio’s new home until my personal home situation is… roomier. So when this space was set up, it was all about making the most of what I already had. It was time to get creative! This meant making the most of what I already own, minimizing wall damage, and keeping the budget low - in total, I spent about $120 in small items to finish setting the space up.
Wanna take a look? Here are some photos from our new little corner of the world:
Gotta love a view of nature! A window was a must for me, and this one is even operable.
When decorating, I wanted to reuse as much as possible my existing items and minimize holes in the walls. So I only used thumbtacks to put things up, and ended creating a pretty homey spot for visitors!
You know there had to be food in here, too! The wall has my core values: Self-worth, trustworthiness, service, humor, freedom, adventure, integrity, community, legacy, possibilities, and home.
Vintage pieces round out any space!
This inspiration wall was fun to pull together - all downloadable art purchased from artists on Etsy.
The embroidered quote is a gift from my sister, the book a gift from a friend, and the plants from my mom. These special items are part of what keep me motivated every day!
If you notice a white brick wall behind me in videos or calls…. it’s not real! This backdrop helped make my home work space function way better. Now it hides some boxes from storage that need to remain packed up in my office. Ah, the magic of filming!
I love celebrating all of YOUR wins, and so I try to also remember to celebrate my own. Walking through the door of my first official office felt pretty darn special.
Onward and upward!
xo
