You might remember myĀ 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 yourselfā¦ Sara Beth in a nutshell!
Iām 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 Faulknerās Mississippi hometown (New Albany, not Oxford, people), and I now live in the Magic CityāBirmingham, Alabama. I married the love of my life on a snowy February day, and heās 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!
Iāve been creating art since I was 3. Iām 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. Thatās not too much to ask, is it?
Where did nimblee originate?
The word ānimbleeā (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, ānimblyā 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 speakingāāquick, light, agile in movement or action.ā 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 Iāve 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 workāyou name it. We probably did it. I then left the shop to pursue my business full time, and Iāve kept up my floral work as another creative outlet…and itās nice to get away from the computer sometimes. š
Interestingly, Iāve 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. Iām 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. Iāll take it.
Iām especially drawn to feminine piecesāflowy, delicate, comfortable. Boots and skinny jeans are staples I canāt live without. I typically stay away from things that are super tailored or matchy-matchy. I like dresses when itās 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 donāt 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 thingsāpieces passed down, old photographs, refurbished furniture. I tend to enjoy color, contrast, and texture. Iām not afraid of pattern or bold combinations, but I like to contrast with minimalist undertones. I like pieces that are beautiful but functional. Iām 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 doesnāt 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.
Whatās your favorite project youāve 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. Thatās something I really enjoy about brandingāyou get to work on some of the most unexpected projects, and itās a welcomed challenge. Not only do you get to design, but you also have to learn the ins and outs of the business youāre 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! Iām 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?
Iām always the most inspired in New York City. Thereās inspiration everywhere you look, and itās 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 mostā¦the blog provides an outlet to get to do that more often. I also enjoy the āhappy accidentsā 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 cornerā¦ 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. Itās 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. š
If you could go anywhere in the world tomorrow, where would it be and why?
Iāve 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. Iāve done zip-lining, repelling, and Iām 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? š
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!
And speaking of crib… Here’s the one we ordered! I wanted something super simple so this one from Ikea did just the trick. (Don’t worry… We are NOT getting that bedding!)
THE HIVE | The Lovely Bee 