Tranquil Reflections: Decoding Designer Lifestyles

Last week, Lisha and I discussed the common notion that designers lead glamorous, picture-perfect lifestyles. With the increase of home improvement television and social media influences; the idea of perfection finds new ways to stir up the fomo (fear of missing out) we all seem to experience. We can take one look to our left or right and easily find inspiration in someone's fashion, home design, cooking, or fitness routine. Inspiration is drawn from the trendsetters and go-getters of the world. Naturally as entrepreneurs, designers are among that group. We stylize life, so would it be too far fetched to picture our lives as perfect? The answer is yes and no. As designers, visual thinkers, and fabricators; we bring ideas to life, all the while balancing function and aesthetic. Some even make it look easy, but I assure you it is not. It takes blood, sweat, and often times tears to keep steering the business train. It isn't the glitz and glamour of photoshoots, discussion panels, and business cards that makes a business successful. It is strictly a character game. We as designers have to figure out a healthy work-life balance of our own, just as you do. We have to make necessary sacrifices in order to provide quality services and build profit. Our homes are sometimes just as chaotic as yours, our kids go out of control every once in a while, and we dread laundry just as much as the next person. We are by no means living picture-perfect, we just know how to stylize the craziness. I wear my imperfections with pride, because at the end of the day, I am just one woman. I love what I do and I'm sure my fellow designers do as well. I can't quite speak for others, but I love when I'm at my most bare, authentic self. I love coming to the office, kicking off my shoes, and getting right down to business until hours feel like minutes. It might not be what you would think, but its the reality behind the expectation.