On Wednesdays, I share a list of things I’m seeing, liking, thinking about, etc. This is my weekly bulletin board!
ANONYMITY HOBBY: I’ve always been this way — I felt like the world was becoming what it was supposed to be when I stepped off a plane in Milan, Italy, and no one knew who I was. I was 19 and studying abroad for the semester. No one needed a thing from me — I was free to be me. I feel the same way as I pull up random bar seats and walk down the street here in NYC. When I look back, the biggest growth phases of my life are marked by times when I threw myself into places of unknowing. The first week I moved to Charleston, I knew no one and was living in a 400-square-foot carriage house (shed), and I felt like God had carved out a space for me to breathe. I find great comfort and relief in anonymity. Last year, I spent a week running around Nice, France, by myself. It helped sharpen my ability to hear myself. There was no one to consult but my inner voice. When you’re in a completely new space, most of your daily roles evaporate, and your sense of self is stripped down to your authentic self. I think this is why, when traveling or flying 30,000 feet up in an airplane, you can start to hear yourself think. Your desires become clear. Because there is no one around you who expects anything, you have no choice but to be you. Next time someone asks me about my hobbies, I’m adding “being anonymous in a new city.”
A WORKSPACE HUNT: When I left Charleston for the summer, I also left my office, where I would sit for 8 hours straight on the phone, behind. You can’t do hours of phone calls from a cafe — that’s called overstaying your welcome. This has sent me on a hunt for the perfect place to work in the city. WeWork is very convenient and has many locations. Easily book a day pass, and they have cold brew on tap. The locations I have gone to are tech bro havens, which makes for very interesting eavesdropping. Do not be intimidated. Also, the staff is so nice and helpful. Yesterday I tried The Malin in West Village. Okay dreamy! Much more my speed. Do you remember the days of The Wing? I used to idolize the design and branding of that place. It’s giving that. Right now, I’m writing this from The Lily Pond. A perfect cafe with good lunch options and wifi. Bookmark in case you find yourself in the West Village and need a laptop-friendly local.
MEN ARE MOSTLY NICE: Growing up, I wouldn’t describe myself as “boy crazy.” My life is mostly immersed in a girl's world (still is). I had a serious boyfriend in high school, and found myself very focused and not paying attention to men in college, and then embracing adult dating post-grad. This has included long-distance relationships, many one-date-too-many situations because my young people-pleasing self didn’t know what to say, flights to different cities, people still watching my Instagram stories, and a hilarious Rolodex of stories. There is endless dating advice online, and oh my Lord, it’s confusing. As with any venture, I find that just trying yields better data than any talking-head expert could give. Lately, my dating experiences have been pleasant. Men making dinner reservations, showing up early to secure tables, calling when they say they will, listening to me, leaving me notes, and following up. One showed me photos of his garden, and another had researched opinions on Taylor Swift’s discography. My friend’s boyfriends are making their birthday’s special and don’t hold back with affirmations. Now there is no personal love story to write home about (don’t get too excited). But — there are men trying their best out there. I have seen it lately. I hope this gives you hope.
HOME FINDS ON SALE: This lamp I love! These chairs make my backyard. These chairs are at my dining table. Very cute umbrella on sale for under $130.
WHAT I’VE BOUGHT IN NYC SO FAR: I immediately purchased this tee in white and navy after trying it on in store. The fit is perfect. I got a small. Expensive, but think of the cost per wear! I love these flats I found on sale at Loeffler Randall. Immediately walked 20K steps in them out of the box. I also randomly got my doubles pierced on Saturday morning. Proof that the NYC energy is getting to me. My dad said no tattoos. (lol) These shoes are on my wishlist. I hunted this Zara set down because, despite the jester energy, it was surprisingly awesome on. I love this bandana-inspired card holder. Wearing these wrap sandals with every night out outfit.
MOVIE I LOVED: Voicemails from Isabelle is so good. A bit heartbreaking, but in a therapeutic way. I can’t stop listening to this song from the soundtrack.
DRESSES ON REPEAT: My closet is limited here, but simple dresses styled with different accessories and a Rent The Runway subscription are all I need. I love this white linen one. Ordered in a small and under $60. This black dress is the perfect summer dress. So flattering and still girly with the eyelet details. I wore it with a belt last night and paired it with different necklaces throughout the week. Literally wearing it day to night. I’m packing this red gingham number for the 4th. This little woven bag is a great size, comes in different colors, and is under $30 right now.
ART HEALS: Explore Kerry’s art here! And more on her inspiring story here.
WHERE MY BUSINESS IS AT: Migrate is a team of four full-time (including me) and a few very key part-time people. I have been following the unmarked path of building a marketing agency from scratch since I was 19. 7 years later, things are working. My team is excellent and handles things. My role has shifted from the weeds to the captain's seat. I have time to work on my personal brand, which is meaningfully contributing to payroll. I used to read about “delegation” and roll my eyes. Like, what the actual heck does that mean? How can it not be you doing everything? Now, every time someone other than me answers an email, it feels like an angel earns their wings. But this didn’t happen through one conversation or one day when I decided to do something differently. This has been a gradual experiment of sustained trying over time. All things are created out of a sustained period of consistent trying. There is no way around this. Migrate is currently my child, and you know what they say about raising babies — “One day, you'll put your child down and never pick them up again. You won't know it's the last time when it's happening.” However, I never want to pick up email again. So praise God for that.
SPEAKING OF TAYLOR SWIFT: Do you guys really think she’s getting married at Madison Square Garden this weekend?
On that note —
Sending love!
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Can confirm 1. NYC loves you and 2. there are certainly men going above and BEYOND out there!!!
“Jesters were professional entertainers, trusted advisors, and truth-tellers in royal and noble households” I think this set is more fitting than just literal??