Inspired
I could recap my evening at the Hickory Chair showroom in Dallas... but suffice it to say I am more enamored with Suzanne and her marvelous (new!) collection for the brand than ever. She is gracious, warm and exudes an effortless glamour we can all only hope to achieve. Her furnishings, like the talented designer herself, exude a feminine grace and attention to detail so fine as to go almost unnoticed. But to those with an eye for details (raising hand) there is much to see. I left inspired, enriched and happy. While my list of Kasler items continues to grow, so does my appreciation of how very hard she's worked to arrive at her station.
The recent pandemic of our generation - and entire species -is that we're all looking for the easy score, the quick fix, the fast rise to the top. But without merit and a foundation of excellence it will never have legs. I see a business like Suzanne's - a brand, a business, an empire, really - and I have to pause and appreciate the years of effort she invested in herself and her craft.
My recent move to Dallas has given me time to reflect on my business and my talents. As Suzanne shared details on how she got her start, it became clear I should continue to follow my heart and my true passion. There will always be others looking into your life and telling you what you "should do" or "need to do" - but anytime I've chased someone else's dream and mistaken it for my own I've been unhappy. It's time to distill the idea down to it's purest form and pursue it with fearless fervor.
The great truth of life is that you'll never compromise your way to happiness. The relentless pursuit of your dreams - and really, only YOU know what dreams your heart contains - is what you must focus on. It will drive you to work harder, laugh harder and enjoy the process.
It's a lot to take from a book signing at a designer showroom, but life is funny that way. You never know where or when your truth will rise to the surface.
If you haven't yet purchased a copy, do yourself a favor and snap up Inspired Interiors. And if Suzanne comes to your area for a signing event, RSVP. Especially if it's at a Hickory Chair showroom. Otherwise, you can purchase a signed copy online.
{Fantastic images above of Suzanne's Atlanta office, featured in May 2010's Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles Magazine.}
How much do you love Atlanta? Who would've ever thought this Southern town could be so...so...chic? *coughs* I knew. Even though I'm not a big fan of cities in general, I love how far Atlanta's come in making a name for itself--outside of being the hip-hop capital of the world, that is. ;)
Great post, Franki. Especially love your comment about following your own dreams, not someone else's.
Kudos, lady!
C xx
Posted by: Cathleen Holst | January 21, 2011 at 08:16 AM
As a published author you certainly know about pursuing your dreams.
I do find it to be more challenging as a married woman with a child. It complicates things even more that I run one or two businesses with my husband. Theres the tendency to go along with things and do things for the team on more than once occasion. But as the person who brought that spirit of entrepreneurialism alive in him, its important I dont extinguish the flames of my own fire. He may be head of household, but Im still responsible for my own happiness and my own path to success in life. And frankly, I have a business and a personal brand Im building - and he has his.
Its that delicate dance of marriage where we jointly pursue our team dreams and our solo missions in life. Ahhh, complexity!
Last night offered just the kind of distance to reflect on my own moment that I needed.
Love you, girl! Cant wait for book #2!!!
Posted by: franki durbin | January 21, 2011 at 08:48 AM
I am a huge fan of Suzanne's work and am excited to hear she has a showroom in Dallas.
I also enjoy your enthusiasm. Going back to your inspiration board, how bits and pieces of it actually "come true". I am a believer and am working on figuring out what I want from my path in life.
Thanks Franki
Posted by: CarrieC | January 21, 2011 at 09:03 AM
Hey Franki
a perfect dose of realisty for the weekend. There is so much truth to really following your heart. And it's hard! So often we put ourselves last,it's a delicate balance of selfish and sacrifice..
Cheers to making your dreams!
Vie
Posted by: Vitania | January 21, 2011 at 09:16 AM
You are so welcome, Carrie!
Posted by: franki durbin | January 21, 2011 at 10:17 AM
I think we all needed that Vitania! I certainly heard my call to action last night!
Posted by: franki durbin | January 21, 2011 at 10:18 AM
Fabulous photographs Franki !
I love that you mentioned "following your own dreams and not someone else's".
Wonderful post. I am inspired!
Posted by: Carol | January 21, 2011 at 10:41 AM
As painful as it was to read, I really thank you for this post Franki, I know I am not following my own dreams but lack the courage? to find out what my own are. You are an inspiration to me because you and your posts make me feel uncomfortable which is what I need to get me to wake up to my dreams. thank you Franki.
Posted by: Jo | January 22, 2011 at 02:10 AM
They say that the first step to change it to get disturbed with your present path or situation. If you are completely comfortable your brain has no need or desire to come up with a different plan.
The more disturbed (dissatisfied) you can get, the better chance you'll have at at successfully mapping out a new course of action.
Jocobeth - you should grab a notebook pen right away and write down in great detail the life you'd be living if you could have the life of your dreams. Pour your heart into it. Be fearless!
Posted by: franki durbin | January 22, 2011 at 07:01 AM
I can't wait till I have an office that looks like that! I'd put mine in a giant barn so I can really show off those giant drum shade chandeliers.
Posted by: Duchy | January 25, 2011 at 06:09 AM
Stacy, that's a great idea. Ive seen some amazing home offices people have built in guest houses and carriage homes. Those drum fixtures are a things of beauty. Sweet simplicity.
Posted by: franki durbin | January 25, 2011 at 01:54 PM