knock knock

i'm back and locked in 🔑

Dec 08, 2025

Hi!!!

*I promise this newsletter is not entirely whiny, but I had to paint the full (realistic) picture for you guys before the fun stuff. Just so you’re up to speed!*

Cue the usual preamble.

Phew. I truly underestimated how grueling and long the house-buying process was. And I don’t mean just the formal real estate part. I also mean the emotional toll and capacity it takes on a person. I’ve spent the last month and a half oscillating between utter bliss + excitement AND overwhelming stress.

our house is truly the most perfect place in the world / pinch me

Stress about the fact that I just gave all of my money away; Stress about undertaking a mortgage; Stress about packing/moving/Goliath logistics; and Grieving the amazing living situation I’ve had the privilege of being in over the last 2.5 years. Not just the fact that we were able to live rent-free for that long, but also because living in my late grandmother’s home made me feel more connected to her somehow. Moving felt like leaving her.

All of these complicated feelings and responsibilities on top of ongoing neurological challenges and work – which now, more than ever, feels like the thing I should be laser focused on. Building my business is something that truly fulfills me. But now, I’m responsible for this giant thing that is dependent on my studio’s success. That’s….. a lot to grapple with.

Additionally, I’ve felt guilty for not showing up to TCC the way I should, and I hope you guys can forgive me 🤍 I’ve been storing up so many ideas and lots of inspiration, though; and I’m so happy to be back on the horse.

Expect lots of interiors content in the weeks to come, as well as some cozy holiday bits, too!! If there’s something specific you want to read, let me know 🕯️

BUYING CLIFF HAVEN

The offer on our house was accepted in late October and we closed about a month later. We can’t believe it’s real. We affectionately call it ‘Cliff Haven’ as it’s nestled in Birmingham’s historic Forest Park neighborhood.

i can’t wait to show you guys allll of the house / this little vignette is a lush pathway on the frontside – leading to a sweet little shed and our screened-in porch

my mom collecting acorns in our front yard on closing day :’)

HOSTED MY BEST FRIEND’S BABY SHOWER

My best friend Lily is welcoming a bb girl in February, and I joined forces with another friend to host a shower for Lily and her husband Andrew. The day after we closed on our house, we headed to Atlanta and filled up on fresh air and quality time in honor of my mini bestie coming soon 🐝

*most of my newsletters are ‘too long for email’ so please read them in the substack app here ty*

SAW T-PAIN IN CONCERT AGAIN

If T-Pain is in Birmingham, Imma be there. It’s my millennial duty.

PRODUCED A FUN DINNER CLUB SHOOT FOR A HALLMARK CLIENT

shop the website edit

CHECKED TWO BUSINESS GOALS OFF OF MY 2025 LIST

☑️ Secure an architect on my roster (this has been a goal of mine for two years, really)

☑️ Establish at least one relationship with a creative agency and lock in monthly work

Every year, I try to set at least three achievable goals for my small business. This year, I really wanted to establish relationships with *the right* creative agencies. I’ve spent 2025 sending lots of cold emails – two of which have resulted in awesome relationships and monthly retainers. Yay for ambition and just enough Zoloft to soften the blow of complete silence and/or rejection.

I started working with Clarity Studio here in Birmingham back in February on another project and am currently managing socials for their client Jeffrey Dungan, an award-winning architect. Clarity’s work is the definition of bespoke and I swear everything they touch turns to branding gold.
Back in September, I started working with Hugo & Marie, a creative branding agency based in New York. Their work and company culture truly set them apart from the rest in the best way. I feel so lucky to be in their orbit and be consulting and project managing for their client, designer Nicole Hollis. She was just featured in the AD 100 (again)!

RETREATED TO MENTONE (AGAIN)

If you’re an OG TCC subscriber, you may remember when I took a work retreat to Mentone, AL last year and stayed at the most serene AirBnb. Well, I returned this year but with my best friend and our husbands. It was lovely.

POPPED UP TO NASHVILLE TO VISIT A CLIENT AND SECURE SOME DINING CHAIRS

my client kelley estes has the most gorgeous home

My wonderful client Kelley Estes graciously sold me some Arne Jacobsen dining chairs, so I ventured up to Nashville to scoop those up and gather some inspiration.

these chairs looks sooooo good at my dining table

I popped into some interiors + antique stores while In Nashville:

Analisa Design | Virginia Richardson Antiques

Kelley referred me to these gals who own two separate businesses but share a cool warehouse space. Analisa has lots of MCM and vintage pieces while Virginia’s curation leans more traditional and antique. Both gorgeous. Here are some of my favorite things I saw:

i nearly bought this coffee table — iron and glass with a brass lower

Robin Rains Antiques

This was another recommendation from Kelley and probably my favorite spot I visited in Nashville. Robin Rains is an interior designer and also runs this insanely gorgeous showroom that left me SO inspired. To my surprise, I happened to be there during one of the shop’s big sales.

GasLight Antiques

My visit to this spot resulted in having time to kill and doing a quick Google search. It’s one of your typical massive antique stores with everything from fine furniture to old license plates. I only left with a lampshade and a Paddy Wax candle. I’d still recommend checking it out, though!