My Inspiration

Inspiration can come from many different places, people or items in your life. There is no right or wrong answer to what inspires you as long as it generates passion, creativity and ideas! This list is ever changing as I grow and experience new things in life but here are some just to name a few!

My husband, Chris but not just because he is the love of my life and he makes me skillets but because of his approach to life, work and love. The one thing about Chris that is truly unique is his ability to relate to all types of people. He will talk to a stranger on the street in the same way he would talk to the CEO of a major corporation. He is genuine, relatable and always himself – a quality of his I try to emulate on a daily basis!

My mom  & dad – these two are the reason I follow my dreams in the first place! Early on my parents supported me in whatever path I took, encouraging me to think outside the box, embrace my creativity and use my imagination. Activities like OM (Okyssey of the Mind) growing up allowed me to be super creative and learn to put my imagination to use.  The support and opportunities they gave me is unmatched and I will never be able to thank them enough.

My sisters – Big Girls! The youngest of three, these two helped shaped the person I am today. The best role models the youngest could ask for and best friends, too.

Bare Naked Ladies – not their mainstream stuff but listen to all their Cd’s – they have so many good songs that always clear my head and get me thinking.

Mumford and Sons – my new fav band, every song is a little dark but also powerful.

The Civil Wars – one of the best duos to hit the scene in a long time. I listen to their music while I edit and blog.

Dean and Deluca – yummy sandwiches and neat gift baskets. I like how this company strives to be top of the line with every aspect of their store – from the sandwiches to the white hot chocolate.  It inspires me to make every aspect of my business outstanding from customer service to top notch albums!

Doritos Cool Ranch – genius in a bag, what can I say!

Mizzou Tigers – watching my team play always inspires me!

Anthropology – they always have the most amazing window displays and catalogs!  Giant trees made of paper and their whimsical designs invoke a folksy, comfortable feeling. I love shopping there but I also go to see what the windows look like or what creative display is inside. Their store and catalogs are always creative and playful instead of stuffy or intimidating. This is a lot how I want my company to be perceived; a creative and approachable studio offering high quality products and services.

Vintage Market – great vintage pieces for your home. (Zona Rosa) I probably go here once a week because it changes so much. I love the old movie reels, bird cages and amazing furniture. It is a great place to dream up ideas or look for fun props for shoots!

Nikon – helps bring my ideas to life

Roasterie Coffee –  Brooksider Bob – so yum! I also love the grassroots marketing behind this company. They are involved in so many aspects of the community and other local brands like Boulevard Brewery.

Westies – one in particular!

Chicken Fondue – a birthday tradition! It doesn’t really inspire me but I love it, ha!

Burton Morris – the colors are always so amazing and I love his twist on pop art.

Colorado – look around it doesn’t take much to get inspired! Just sitting in my parents backyard is amazing and I will often just walk around with my camera and shoot.

Bobby Flay – the cooking mogul – I want his empire. He inspires me because he always stays true to his southwest style of cooking – Spice! Reminds me to always stay true to my style and who I am, to be myself!

Death Valley – again, all you have to do is look around. The landscape is so unique and so different to most environments in the US. I grew up coming here as a kid and visited again with my family last fall.  It gives you such an appreciation for nature and the incredible landscapes around us.

Fox Acres – where I got married! So relaxing and secluded, a great place to gather your thoughts and be creative.

Nordstrom – I just love this company!  Again, another company that offers high quality products and customer service that is unmatched by competitors. They write the book when it comes to customer service and how they treat new and regular shoppers. They are also one of the great success stories following the recession.  Their stock plummeted (like most retail chains and every company for that matter). However, they stuck to their values and continued growth even in a time of uncertainty, now they are back on top and better than ever. The best lesson and inspiration drawn from them is – the customer comes first always! Design your business model around their service expectations and you will do great.

Corned Beef and Hash – not really inspiring but yummy and keeps me going when I shoot, ha!

Mizzou Swimming & Diving team – reminds me everyday of all the hard work I put in for swimming: to take that same drive, same determination and put it into photography, life and love.

BBQ – Bryant’s reminds me that simple things can be good and often better than anything too complex – KISS baby.

Orange – the color always picks me up, brightens my day and gets me thinking! That is why one wall of my office is bright orange with my logo smack in the middle!