girlboss – Snapshots & My Thoughts by Ailee Petrovic

Décor October 15, 2015

#GIRLBOSS: Jamie of Jamie Sawicki Art & Interiors

If you’ve been following along for awhile, you’ll know I love contemporary art (see post here with favorite artists). So when I first saw Jamie Sawicki’s artwork, I seriously swooned. It totally embodies everything I love about art. We re-connected recently via email (she’s my high school friend April’s mom!), and then she came over to our house two weeks ago to have some of her pieces photographed and to discuss a fun styling project. I was so excited when she agreed to be a part of my #GIRLBOSS series!

Jamie is a ball of happy energy. Seriously! I love her. And not to mention her talent! We unloaded eight paintings from her car, and each one was like: “Ohh, love that one. It’s my favorite.” “Wait, no, that one is.” “Never mind, that one.” You’ll see what I’m talking about as you scroll down. Also, she doesn’t just do paintings – she’s an interior designer as well (which you’ll see in the next post we do together!).

#GIRLBOSS September 15, 2015

#GIRLBOSS: Ryann of nineOnine creative

I first met Ryann at a Cocktails for Creatives AIGA event at Julep in June, and I knew immediately that we would become friends. As a fellow paper lover, I have a sincere admiration for Ryann’s work as a stationery and graphic designer. She is the owner of nine0nine creative, which she explains the meaning of below in her interview.

I took head shots and product photographs for Ryann two weeks ago (fighting Mother Nature the best we could!) at Meredith’s house, and we had so many good laughs. Her stationery sets are seriously so gorgeous – I love her work, and I’m excited to introduce her as my most recent #GIRLBOSS (read past interviews here).

#GIRLBOSS June 19, 2015

#GIRLBOSS: Jenny of A Fine Flourish

I followed Jenny of A Fine Flourish on Instagram for awhile before finally meeting her at Christina Leigh‘s Tinsel and Tables workshop last winter. She was teaching the attendees calligraphy, and I was seriously mesmerized with her perfect script. Her handwriting is truly flawless, but what really stuck out to me was how genuine and sweet she is.

Flash forward a few months, and I was running on our regular path with Isla when I saw Jenny outside her parent’s house. We stopped to chat, and I realized she was the real deal – she’s one of those people whom you meet and just cannot help but like. Soon after, we met again with three other talented ladies to discuss how to foster community in the creative community of Houston. And the rest of our friendship is history!

So, the second #GIRLBOSS interview (first here) is with this gorgeous mama (I die over this photoshoot with her gorgeous daughter, Bailey). Happy reading! After seeing her photos and scouring her Instagram, you’ll know whom to contact if you need any hand lettering done! I’m not going to lie, I cried while reading her post. It’s very motivational!

#GIRLBOSS May 22, 2015

#GIRLBOSS: Meredith of Cake & Confetti

I’m very fortunate to have recently been plugged into a group of successful female business owners in Houston, and being newly self-employed, I want to make sure that I am learning from these inspiring girl bosses (or #GIRLBOSSES – which, by the way, if you haven’t read Sophia Amoruso’s book, you’re missing out). I decided to start a Q&A series with these women, and the first interview is with Meredith Staggers, the owner of Cake & Confetti.

Meredith and I only recently met, but we have 140 mutual Facebook friends, so I feel like I practically have known her my whole life (lots in common to chat about). I’ve had so much fun getting to know her over the past month and a bit, and I am so impressed with her business savviness. Cake & Confetti just turned two (see some sneak peek photos we took this week on her and my Instagram!), and I know that there are so many amazing things ahead for this boutique company. I hope you enjoy reading Meredith’s answers below – I definitely did (insert confetti emoji) – and definitely make sure to follow along on Instagram. I promise it’ll make your feed just that much prettier.

Personal June 23, 2014

2014 Summer Reading List Part 1

I used to read a lot, but then I graduated college and started working and quickly, reading became a past time suited only for vacations. I read six books during our honeymoon to Bali – my favorites being Da Vince Code and Where’d You Go, Bernadette? Both books were total page turners. Now that Isla has arrived, I do not have a lot of free time; however, I have been reading books on my iPhone while breastfeeding, as page flipping is much easier than texting (unless you one-finger type!). So far, I’ve read four books – The One and Only by Emily Giffin, The Fault in our Stars by John Green, #GIRLBOSS by Sophia Amoruso, and Love Does by Bob Goff.

The One and Only by Emily Giffin is an interesting read – especially for a Texas girl, given that the story is based in Texas and mentions The University of Texas at Austin (my alma mater) throughout the entire novel. The story is based on a sports editor, Shea, whose life is changed drastically when her best friend’s mother dies from cancer, her job changes, and she begins dating the Dallas Cowboys quarterback. There is an interesting (yet predictable as the story unfolds) plot twist which really freaked me out – I won’t ruin the plot line, but it’s perhaps the only Emily Giffin book that I wouldn’t recommend reading. I absolutely love her other novels – Baby Proof, Where We Belong, Heart of the Matter, Love the One You’re With, Something Borrowed, and Something Blue.

Cue me sobbing. A lot. The Fault in our Stars by John Green is probably not a good book to read immediately after having your first child. This story is about two teens battling cancer – a beautiful love story – but Sasha walked into the nursery on multiple occasions as I was feeding and found me crying uncontrollably. I kept telling him that Isla cannot get cancer, to which he completely agreed. Besides my hormonal self, the book is beautiful. What a moving read. I am not sure I’m ready to see the movie any time soon, but I would definitely recommend this book and will be buying the hardback book to read again in the future.

I decided to read #GIRLBOSS by Sophia Amoruso after Christie (of KiKiMac) recommended it. I flew through it and immediately decided that I need to create my own business. #GIRLBOSS is extremely inspirational – especially for those with an entrepreneurial spirit. The book outlines how Sophia grew Nasty Gal from a small eBay business to a multi-multi million dollar online retailer. #GIRLBOSS should be read by anyone who needs motivation to start doing what you love.

Loves Does by Bob Goff has definitely been my favorite read so far. This amazingly strong Christian lawyer tells a variety of stories about his life – all of which are unbelievable and had me both laughing out loud and sobbing. Love Does is one of the most inspiring books I’ve ever read, and Bob does a wonderful job tying his unique tales into God’s love for us. “Simply put, love does.” This novel is a must read.

I’m now reading The Vacationers by Emma Straub – I’m enjoying it so far. Other books I have lined up after include Wild by Cheryl Strayed and Gone Girl by Gillian Flynch. Do you have any good book suggestions?

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