Anyone who’s run a blog for any length of time will tell you there are many wonderful things about it. But at the top of that list? The people you get to meet along the way. Folks like Clara Persis, who unquestionably ranks amongst the the sweetest, most inspiring women you’ll ever have the pleasure of getting to know. Captured by Bryce Covey, there’s a full gallery, and more Behind the Blogs here!
SMP: Some words you live by?
CP: “Vulnerability is the birthplace of innovation, creativity and change.” – Brené Brown
SMP: Any guilty pleasures?
CP: Sweets in any form, preferably anything with cream cheese frosting. Or a really indulgent brunch- a loaded Bloody Mary, eggs benedict, and pancakes of some kind for “breakfast dessert.”
SMP: What did you think your dream job was before your dream job found you?
CP: I didn’t have a specific dream job, but I’ve realized in looking back that I did have a dream job structure. And somewhat embarrassingly, it came from Sex and the City. But it wasn’t Carrie! It was actually Samantha. I was fascinated by the way she got to be her own boss. I loved how her office always looked so sleek and organized, and how she had complete control over her surroundings. And though you didn’t really get a very accurate sense of her “clients,” I really liked the ways her days varied. From a young age I craved working for myself, managing a team, having a job that allowed me control over my own schedule, allowed me to be creative while still strategic, and to work in an environment that I loved. That pretty much embodies what I now do. That said, I really would like a bigger office space outside my home, but all in time!
SMP: What’s your favorite quote that describes your creative process?
CP: “If something scares you, you should probably be doing that thing.” I have a tendency to let my fears and anxiety get the best of me, which can hold me back work wise. The most exhilarating and inspiring projects often involve some form of risk, but the rewards and fulfillment I reap from those projects are the biggest. I’m really trying to remember that as I take some big leaps to expand my business in 2014.
SMP: If you had the opportunity to get a message across to a large group of people, what would your message be?
CP: Do not be afraid to want a lot (something I learned from Debbie Millman). I think we’re all capable of way more than we think, it’s just a matter of breaking our goals into tangible to dos, fighting as hard as we can to not let fear hold us back, gathering as much help as possible, and realizing things take a very very long time.
SMP: If you could do it all over again, would you change anything?
CP: Hindsight is 20/20, so perhaps I wouldn’t have majored in philosophy in college (never ended up getting that law degree…). But then again, writing tends to be one of my stronger skills and has literally landed me clients. Without having to read and write as much as I did during undergrad, I might not be where I am today. That said, I wish I had worried less about figuring out what I wanted to do with my life in my early 20s. If you focus on moving towards your passions, things really do come together.
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SMP: What is one piece of advice you would give to a blogger just starting out?
CP: Produce the highest quality content you possibly can, make sure it’s consistent, and network like mad.
SMP: What is your favorite item in your home?
CP: I got some new organic bedding from West Elm before the holidays and I’m absolutely in love with it. It makes my bed feel like a big white cloud! It’s heavenly to dive in to at night.
SMP: What’s your best tip for balancing work and personal life?
CP: When you work for yourself, there is quite literally always something you could be doing. I struggle a lot with feeling like I’ve “done enough” at the end of each day, but have learned that if I just keeping going and sacrifice time for myself, or with family and friends, that makes me less productive overall.
SMP: What was the tipping point in your business that made you feel like your blog was going to thrive?
CP: It was less about my blog and more about my business thriving that made me realize I must be doing a thing or two right with the blog. When my blog started bringing in business or new clients would say, “Your blog is beautiful! We want to work with you because of it!” I felt like I was really hitting my stride.
SMP: What is the hardest lesson in business you’ve ever learned?
CP: Don’t undercharge for what you’re worth. It will just make for a miserable working experience.
SMP: Stranded on a desert island question… what’s the one cocktail you would take with you?
CP: Mmmm a Michelada! It’s like a beer and Bloody Mary combined, with lots of lime and salt.
SMP: What color do you think will stand the test of trend time?
CP: For my personal sake, slate blue.
SMP: One thing every style savvy homeowner should have?
CP: A tastefully scented candle. It instantly makes a room feel cozy and inviting- perfect for entertaining or simply relaxing at home.
SMP: If you could buy yourself a single gift of any cost, what would it be?
CP: A second home somewhere warm that I can escape to in the winter months, most likely Southern California. I love New York but the lack of sunshine in the winter is brutal!
Photography: Bryce Covey Photography | Event Planning: West Elm
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