Hey there, lovely readers! Today's a special day as I received my award from Prestige Awards, and I thought it's the perfect time to give you a sneak peek behind the scenes at I am Emily Design & Marketing.
Ever wondered what a creative's workspace looks like? Well, I'm about to spill the beans. For me, it's all about comfort, inspiration, and creativity. When you work on your own, like I do, your workspace becomes your haven. It's not just a desk; it's your personal sanctuary, and I'm thrilled to share it with you.
Over the years, my workspace has evolved from my dining room table to a converted garage, an office, back to the dining room during the pandemic, and now, I have a cozy little office in the garden. It's the perfect setup. I leave home in the morning, work from my office, pop back for lunch, and I'm on hand if the kids need me or there are errands to run. At the end of the day, I lock up, and I'm back home to enjoy quality time with my family, leaving work behind.
So, let's dive into the details of my creative haven:
Colour Scheme
Being a true brand enthusiast, my office is drenched in my brand's colours, which are a delightful blend of Tiffany blue and representing my lifestyle blog brand, pink and rose gold. These colours complement each other beautifully and, when I'm immersed in them, I feel like I'm living and breathing my brand's values. I must admit, I get a tad obsessed – anything I spot in my brand's colours when I'm out shopping just has to come home with me. My office is now a treasure trove of random trinkets, a million notebooks, and an overflowing stationery stash.
Personal Effects
Around my workspace, you'll find photos of my favourite people (which I've removed for this virtual tour). These snapshots serve as constant reminders of the love and support that surround me. I also keep little personal touches, like my yoga trinket dish – a gift from my stepdaughter – which I use to hold my bracelets while I'm working to prevent them from clinking against the keyboard. Since yoga is such a significant part of my life and my office doubles as my yoga space, it houses my yoga mat, yoga blocks, Scentsy Buddha, and calming crystals. These personal effects contribute to a comfortable and stress-free workspace, enhancing productivity and well-being.
Storage
My office is my sacred space, where I house things for work alongside an array of supplies for various crafts. Having a designated space that's entirely my own is pure bliss, especially when you share your home with a partner and kids. It's essential to have a retreat where you can unwind and focus on your creative pursuits. My shelving unit also serves as storage for my Tropic collection. As a Tropic Ambassador, I need a dedicated spot for all my goodies for my lovely customers. This way, my home remains my sanctuary, untouched by work-related clutter. I also sneakily stash away birthday presents for the kids, ensuring they won't find them during their snooping adventures – but let's keep that between us!
Drawers
Now, my two favourite desk drawers! First up, just one of my many stationery drawers. I absolutely adore stationery! Colourful pens with different nibs, notebooks, colour-coordinated sets – I can't resist them. This obsession has been with me since childhood, and it shows no signs of waning.
My other beloved drawer is the snack drawer. I'm all about healthy eating most of the time, whipping up fresh dishes and experimenting in the kitchen. However, every now and then, the mid-afternoon slump calls for something sweet. And my go-to sweets? Candy Kittens, of course! If you haven't tried them, you're missing out. They blend big flavours, honest ingredients, and eco-conscious packaging – a perfect treat for this marketing enthusiast who's also a packaging sucker!
Books
My workspace boasts an extensive collection of books. The shelves are lined with a diverse array of reads, from yoga and lifestyle literature to books on creativity. At home, you'll find a vast collection of recipe books, perfect for a culinary enthusiast like me who enjoys cooking up fresh, delicious meals daily. I also have a stash of holiday reads – easy-reading "chick-lit" novels that transport you into someone else's drama. I reserve this type of reading exclusively for vacations, as attempting to dive into something more creative or informative keeps my mind from fully unwinding. Instead, I leaf through my workspace books during lunch breaks or when I need a screen-free moment, saving my holiday reads for those relaxing getaways.
Plants
One of my workspace's standout features is the array of plants. Located at the bottom of my garden, I enjoy a lovely view of my small but charming garden, which I've lovingly brought indoors through a mix of faux and real plants. While I wouldn't call myself green-fingered (my partner's the one with the gardening expertise), I've managed to keep alive plants that are easy to maintain, like succulents and my monstera (which still surprises me!). I adore the calming effect these plants have on me, providing a touch of the outdoors indoors.
Achievements
I firmly believe in taking pride in your business achievements. According to Startup Genome, the failure rate for startups in the UK is approximately 60%. So, after 14 years in business, I think I deserve a pat on the back. My award from Prestige arrived today, though I was caught up in bank holiday chaos of flight cancellations and couldn't make it to the awards presentation. They kindly sent me my winner's award for Graphic Design Agency of the Year, along with a certificate, in the post. Later this month, I'll be attending the Best Businesswoman awards as a finalist in two categories: Solopreneur and Best Creative Business. I can't wait for the awards evening – win or lose, it'll be an incredible opportunity to mingle with some of the UK's best and most inspiring businesswomen.
And there you have it – a little glimpse into my creative world here at I am Emily Design & Marketing. I'd love to hear from you in the comments. What are your favourite things in your workspace, or perhaps you can share your go-to snacks for a productive workday? Let's chat!
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