You might remember my post from last week directing you over to the blog of my darling friend Sara Beth where she introduced me as well as our collaborative blog project which we are calling The Lovely Buzz!
Well, today it’s my turn to introduce you to her!
If I had to pinpoint a time where Sara Beth and I officially became friends, I would have to go back to the summer after our sophomore year of college when we were both Rush Chairmen for our sororities! We had meeting after meeting (after meeting) together and were fast friends from that point on!
Since that summer, we’ve enjoyed hanging out whenever possible, which these days is mostly at the Veranda in Starkville after home games noshing on some Peanut Butter Balls and sipping on a cocktail! (Sara Beth and her cute hubby Jonathan live in Birmingham so seeing them in a real treat!)
Also since that summer, I’ve been keeping up with her blog, drooling over her graphic design talent– she has her own company called {nimblee}!– attempting to pick up a few of her floral design skills via photos she posts of the flower arrangements she does, and living vicariously through her travels!
Not sure what inspired this picture, but we both kinda love it!
It’s obvious to see that I hold SB in high regard, so I’ll give you the chance to get to know her a little better with some Q&A!
Give us a little background on yourself… Sara Beth in a nutshell!
I’m a farm-raised girl who thrives in the city. I know how to ride a horse and jump on a hay bale, but I can navigate a subway system confidently, too. I was raised in William Faulkner’s Mississippi hometown (New Albany, not Oxford, people), and I now live in the Magic City–Birmingham, Alabama. I married the love of my life on a snowy February day, and he’s my best friend and biggest supporter. No one can make me laugh like he does and no one points me to the Gospel more. We love traveling, good food, movies, and being outside any chance we get. We also are mildly obsessed with our Brittany spaniel, Copper.
Sweet Copper!
I’ve been creating art since I was 3. I’m a graphic designer, and I design everything from typography to web sites to florals. I enjoy music, dance, photography and Saturdays when I have nothing to do. Cooking and bubble baths de-stress me. One day, I want to do a month in Switzerland, Germany, and Austria. That’s not too much to ask, is it?
Where did nimblee originate?
The word “nimblee” (my business name) originated from an inside joke that my husband, Jonathan, and I have. After throwing business names around with him and a former Creative Director, “nimbly” came up and it seemed to fit my personality and work perfectly. We played around with the spelling, and {nimblee} was born. I like that it looks and sounds abstract and that it also has deeper meaning. It symbolizes the value of being nimble, creatively speaking–”quick, light, agile in movement or action.” This flexibility enables me to think outside the box…and the work itself calls for a nimble mind and spirit.
Tell us about your involvement in the flower biz!
My grandmother is a florist, so I’ve been around flowers for as long as I can remember. I started designing flowers over 10 years ago. I worked with a wedding florist in Mississippi during college breaks and learned how to take care of flowers and the fundamentals of floral design. I got to work with her on large Southern weddings, and it was a great place to learn the ins and outs of the design process. After moving to Birmingham, I started doing floral work on the side for some designers in town, and after a stint as an Art Director at an Ad agency, I started my own business and picked up a part-time floral design job in a shop in Mountain Brook. It was great because I got experience with drop-in clients, weddings, events, Christmas work–you name it. We probably did it. I then left the shop to pursue my business full time, and I’ve kept up my floral work as another creative outlet…and it’s nice to get away from the computer sometimes. 🙂
Interestingly, I’ve discovered that the opposite ends of my work somehow help each other in a sense. I feel that my florals are stronger because of my graphic design background and my graphic design is inspired by the natural beauty of the flowers that I get to work with. I’m blessed to work with both!
Describe your fashion style.
When I asked my sister and mom this question to try to get some help, they responded with this:
Urban chic + artsy hippie.
Sure. I’ll take it.
I’m especially drawn to feminine pieces–flowy, delicate, comfortable. Boots and skinny jeans are staples I can’t live without. I typically stay away from things that are super tailored or matchy-matchy. I like dresses when it’s warm, and I love layering in the Fall and Winter. I also love just a few nice pieces of jewelry-I like to keep it minimal.
Every once in awhile, I love the super glam look, too, though. I like to channel my inner Carrie Bradshaw when I put on a pair of heels (which I don’t wear that often).
My style icons? Gwyneth Paltrow, Kate Hudson, Keri Russell, SJP, and Grace Kelly.
Describe the style of your home.
Eclectic meets traditional meets artful. I love mixing traditional silhouettes with modern flair. I also really love original artwork. Our home is full of original pieces and some that are just special, too. I like sentimental things–pieces passed down, old photographs, refurbished furniture. I tend to enjoy color, contrast, and texture. I’m not afraid of pattern or bold combinations, but I like to contrast with minimalist undertones. I like pieces that are beautiful but functional. I’m in love with mood-lighting and candles. Overall, I like to think that our home is eclectic and homey.
What are three things your dream home will one day include that your current house doesn’t have?
A master bathroom with a huge tub (perfect for long bubble baths), a built-in ice machine in our kitchen, and a fireplace with a big mantel.
What’s your favorite project you’ve worked on in the past 6 months?
I got to do some branding work for a grain elevator in the Mississippi Delta, which was a lot of fun. That’s something I really enjoy about branding–you get to work on some of the most unexpected projects, and it’s a welcomed challenge. Not only do you get to design, but you also have to learn the ins and outs of the business you’re branding. Creating perceptions for people is one of the most exhilarating things I do.
Where do you find inspiration when it comes to what to blog about?
Everywhere! I’m inspired by the smallest things in everyday life to larger issues that make an impact and stay with me. I love design that is well done and smart. I also find inspiration through travel, fellow designers, bloggers, movies and music.
Where is your favorite place to look for design inspiration?
I’m always the most inspired in New York City. There’s inspiration everywhere you look, and it’s constantly changing and evolving. People are not afraid to take risks in the Big Apple, and that inspires me as much as anything.
What do you most love about blogging?
I think I enjoy the writing the most…the blog provides an outlet to get to do that more often. I also enjoy the “happy accidents” that happen along the way. I love when I start blogging about something and an unexpected theme emerges that is even better than my initial thought. Writing is full of surprises!
The holidays are right around the corner… What are you most looking forward to when it comes to Thanksgiving/Christmas?!
Oh, this is just my favorite time of the year. I look forward to picking out a fresh Christmas tree with my husband, twinkle lights everywhere, holiday movies at the Alabama Theatre, and the Hymn Sing at our church. It slows me down and makes me reflect on the true meaning of Christmas. I also enjoy being with family and friends around a table of comfort food and good conversation. It’s the most wonderful time of the year for a reason!
Describe your perfect day!
My perfect day probably starts on an exotic beach somewhere. I would wake up to the waves rushing in and the sun shining. Jonathan and I would enjoy some coffee and a big breakfast of french toast, fried eggs, fresh juice, and tons of fruit on a balcony outside of our room. We then would get beach ready and head out to the sand with Copper, who would stay by our side and not run down the beach (this is the perfect dream day, right?). After a day of sunning, swimming, and throwing the frisbee, we would get ready and go out to dine at a nice restaurant where I would enjoy fresh seafood (Lobster, please) and wine. Of course, no perfect day ends without dessert, so we would enjoy some kind of chocolatey goodness and then go out for fancy dancing to big band/jazz music (we prefer the likes of Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin).
Ask me this question again in a few weeks…it might be a day in Paris then. 😉
If you could go anywhere in the world tomorrow, where would it be and why?
I’ve had a hankering for Greece lately. Mykonos, anyone?
What is the most unique fact about yourself? (or one of them, anyway!)
Some people find it surprising that I am very feminine but also athletic and outdoor adventurous. I grew up dancing, but I was also a pitcher in fast-pitch softball and the member of 5 state championship teams. I’ve done zip-lining, repelling, and I’m not afraid of a little dirt. Adventure is the spice of life, after all!
THANK YOU SARA BETH! Think Jonathan would mind if Price and I joined y’all on your month-long vacay to Bavaria? 😉
Stay tuned for future The Lovely Buzz posts, and in the meantime, be sure to keep up with Sara Beth over at My Latest Buzz!
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