{meet} sherise lee from the radder

Photo by Angela Kohler 

Today I would like to introduce you Sherise Lee! She was one of the amazing gals I met at Blogshop a few months ago here in LA and I instantly knew she was a kind and creative soul. I will not linger too long, since she does a fantastic job letting us in. Even though, it ended up being a long post, it is well worth it! Please take a seat (if you have not already), put the kettle on and let's begin...

For those who are not familiar with your blog, tell us a little bit about it.

The Radder explores modern craft, rad folks, art and music from my perspective as a designer, maker, mother,  Bad Mama Jama (cue Carl Carlton) in Los Angeles via Brooklyn & San Francisco.

What inspired you to start The Radder and how did you end up choosing the name?

About 15 years ago I got totally into Studs Terkel’s approach of interviewing as conversational and akin to storytelling or folk tales. My mind is always blown by NPR's This America Life, Fresh Air and Story Corps. And there’s the work of DougAitken, who already renowned for his fine art installations, also explores creativity with the most amazing thinkers and artists of our time – from his 2006 book Broken Screen to his Patterns & Repetitions 2011 series and now his current project The Source.

So all of this – this sort of conversational, thoughtful, intuitive perspective is my aim in exploring my topics and I interpret that through the photography and writing. Photography is a medium that I’m excited about since I haven’t seriously picked up a camera since I processed film twenty years ago.

The Radder name itself represents my return to the West Coast from New York City. “rad, radical, radness” are all part of my vernacular.

Photo by Andrea Wyner

Do you have a workflow process when maintaining The Radder?

Ha-ha, not at all! I’m very much a working mother trying to balance “the juggle.” I’d be stoked if there were 3 me’s that all shared 1 brain – very Sci-Fi! The Radder has only existed for a few months, so my process is still evolving. It’s all very organic in that I follow what I love and that just rolls into the next discovery.

It is hard to create original content all the time without repeating what other people have already said. However, you do it extremely well! Do tell us how you manage to keep your creativity going and how you keep in contact with so many talented artists.

Thank you! The Radder is a platform of appreciation for all the amazing artists and makers here in Los Angeles. They and their creations are an endless source of inspiration. I fully believe there are magical vibrations in the air LA, not just magnetic plates creaking as earthquakes. I love capturing this moment in time and sharing the work, process and stories of all the creative folks.

From The Radder - Platform 

From The Radder - Artist Jen Garrido

I certainly have had my share of creative slumps. But, I live to be constantly challenged and inspired, so it’s more the opposite. I want to do everything at once. I want to learn and see it all at the same time. Anyone who has known me for a while is familiar with my aspirations to be a drummer (MoeTucker, Keith Moon), a glass-blower (after stumbling upon Michael Anchin’s studio when he was in the Lower East Side. I was to be his apprentice for a second), a ceramicist (Beatrice Wood), a crochet artist (hellooooo Clare Crespo!), a shop-keeper (Terri Gillis of TG-170, OG boutique owner), a chocolatier (fully inspired by the “bean-to-bar” ingenuity and sailing adventures of the Mast Brothers) and most recently a stained glass artist inspired by the art of Olafur Eliasson, my mother's Chinese folktales/mythology, sacred geometry, earth elements and the cosmos.

From The Radder - Artist Heather Levine

Sherise's stain glass

How would you describe your design aesthetic?

Ever-changing. For me, design, music, style, visual art, film, nature, literature, performance, food, people, space, time all merge together. In every movement, there is something I can appreciate: from needlepoint cats to Helvetica, Peter Saville to Stefan Sagmeister, Modern Rustic to Memphis, Minimalist to Psychedelic, Captain & Tennille to Krautrock, Gang Starr to Gang of Four. With that said, the more knowledge you have, the more you are able to filter with a discerning eye and an educated perspective.

From The Radder 

What are your daily website reads - any page that inspires you and helps you get your creative juice going? 

I don’t have a daily website read mostly because I don’t have time. I’m big on listening to NPR and college radio every day. I very much had music in mind when manifesting The Radder. Non-daily but sites I do go to: Instagram on my phone has replaced blog-reading for me. That’s more like hourly than daily. It’s where I get info on art shows, happenings, people’s latest work, etc. Pinterest is a nice quick visual fix. It totally beats all my old-school magazine tears and heavy binders. I still move around with all my magazines. And at my parents house, I have a stash of old issues by Ray Gun, Sassy, Émigré, Colors and NME that I will never part with. I still always go to the first blog I ever read, Design Sponge. Grace Bonney’s impact on décor, the bloggy-internet world and support of designers is truly awesome. Sight Unseen, like it’s name, is my favorite for stuff that I can’t find elsewhere.  I also admire the sensibility of contributor, Su Wu of I’m Revolting.

In truth though, I have always garnered most of my creative energy from friends and experiences. Even my mom will tell you I was like that as a kid.

How did your personal journey bring you to this moment right now?

Oh wow. That’s a loaded question in that I feel that my personal journey carries my family history. Recently, a wonderful Persian gentleman who is also a grandfather and local business owner said to me that "as a parent and as an immigrant, we carry our children on our shoulder so they can see what we can't see and reach what we can't reach." I’m Chinese-American with parents, grandparents and great-grandparents who went back and forth between the U.S. and China / Hong Kong / Taiwan. Without going into a full-blown-generational-Joy-Luck-Club novel (which it is), my father practically raised himself on the streets of Hong Kong and put himself through college by joining the U.S. Marines. My mom was raised by extended family who were under house arrest and worked prison labor during the Communist Revolution because they were teachers and doctors in the village. She had to sneak past guards daily until she was 8 years old! That’s heavy stuff at that age. In the U.S., both my parents became successful engineers in Silicon Valley. Through all that they raised me and my brother with nothing but love and support. I owe my humility and hustle to them.

But me, I grew up a total Cali suburban kid in Silicon Valley – skateboarding to 7-11 for Slurpees with my homies. I lived a brief moment in Santa Cruz for Women Studies and Sculpture, then rode around on a tricked-out '68 Vespa to art school in San Francisco and later drove cross-country to New York City. My husband and I moved from Manhattan to Brooklyn because there was no way I was going to troll up a 5^th floor walk-up in the summer 8 months pregnant. Now, 15 years later, I’m back in California with 2 rad little dudes for the open ocean marine layer, open sky, western sunsets, mountains and fresh produce year round. Avocados in January rule – except for the Avocado Cartel (that’s my NPR random knowledge from Good Food with Evan Kleinman!).

Is there anything that you most certainly cannot live without?

Not things, but my loves: hubs, kids, parents / family. But if I had to pick things, that’s the question right? Air, Food and Water. The basics.

In three words tell us how you would describe this exact moment in your life.

Connected by stardust.

Thank you so much Sherise for the amazing interview and for sharing a part of your journey on this planet! 

I learned and giggled so much while reading this and had a blast curating all the wonderful pictures she sent over my way - not to mention linking all the references and learning so much in the process! Don't forget to check out Sherise's blog, facebook, twitter, instagram, and here wonderful online portfolio as well! 

xoxo,

m

{meet} ashley fine of one fine day

Hello and welcome back! I am so excited to introduce you to the ever so lovely Ashley Fine of One Fine Day. I have been an avid reader of her blog and ever so addicted to her sense of humor. Let's get right to it shall we? 

For those who are not familiar with your blog, tell us a little bit about it.

My name is Ashley Fine and my husband is a pilot in the Air Force. As a result, we move a lot and life is ever-changing.One Fine Day is my attempt at keeping in touch with family and friends while sharing random happy thoughts, memories, and fabulous finds!

What inspired you to start One Fine Day and how did you end up choosing the name?

I'd been reading blogs for ages, and I always wanted to start one, but I got caught up on details like whether it would look just right or if I could find the perfect font. Silly, I know!? In the summer of 2011, I finally took the plunge. We had just moved to Hawaii and my husband, Nick, was gone a lot. New to the area, I knew no one and I felt very isolated. One lonelySaturday night, I found myself on Blogger and I started to play around with images and jotted down my thoughts. I found the creative outlet I'd craved for so long, and I loved it. I chose the name 'One Fine Day' because I thought it reflected the overall vibe I wanted to create on my blog and it didn't hurt that I could incorporate my last name too! 

What’s the one thing that drastically changed after you started blogging?

As you move around frequently, it's hard to find people that you connect with right away. My blog has allowed me the opportunity to meet people who get giddy about snail mail, abstract art, and ballet flats. No matter where we go, I get to take this fabulous community with me. It's such a gift! I never intended for my blog to grow as it has. For the longest time, I was convinced only my closest family and friends were stopping by out of pity or kindness. Ha Ha! After awhile, people started to reach out and cheer me on. I've found that sharing various aspects of my life has allowed me to relate with so many amazing people. Putting myself out there in the blogging community gives me the chance to create and connect.

Do you have a work flow process when maintaining One Fine Day?

I'm terribly Type-A, so I like to plan as much of my blog content as possible. However, I've found the more posts I plan in advance, the more forced my content feels. I have to remind myself why I'm blogging. I blog to create content that I'm proud of. I blog for ME first. My best posts are the ones that are spur of the moment. I try to look a week ahead, but nothing is concrete. Certain posts have become part of a regular series on One Fine Day. I think my readers like to have continuity or posts to look forward to. I really like it too! They also really love when I try to keep content fresh and fun. It's my creative space, so I get to be playful and experiment with my posts as much as I want. The longer I've blogged, the more important the design of each post has become to me. I probably spend far too much time on my graphics, but I learn so much while I'm doing it. I think I enjoy manipulating images and type more than I enjoy writing, which I never thought I'd say! 

One challenge I have encountered as a blogger is maintaining a certain authenticity. It is hard to create original content all the time without repeating what other people have already said. However, you do it extremely well! Do tell us how you manage to keep your creativity going.

Thank you so much! The fact that you said that makes me smile BIG time. In all honesty, I don't read many blogs. If I do, I probably check in with a few of my favorites once a week to see what's going on. When I started blogging, I was constantly reading other blogs and I think I thought I had to keep up with what everyone else is doing. It's ridiculous because my intent to blog was to create a space specific to me and my interests. You have to be SO careful of the image you portray to your readers. I want people to get to know the real ME. While the point of One Fine Day is to find beauty and humor in each day, I still make it a point to stay real with my audience and share highs and lows, points of pride along with my quirks. I know people visit my blog because it's a happy space. While I don't feel the need to share EVERYTHING, I do believe that being honest about the good and bad has allowed me to create a very relatable bond with my readers. They appreciate it, and I think that's why they continue to stop by.

As far as creativity goes...

Some weeks are better than others. You can't force it. I just try to focus on what brings me joy. I'm constantly looking at my favorite magazines and books for inspiration. I make a point to brainstorm every week with potential post ideas. It's also incredibly important to step away from your computer or phone and live a little. When I'm in a blogging rut, I haven't made it a priority to get out and experience life. If I hit a creative road block, I'm probably trying too hard to create content.

How would you describe your design aesthetic?

It's equal parts colorful and playful. 

How did your personal journey bring you to this moment right now?

I went to the University of Missouri and I graduated with a Bachelor's of Journalism in Magazine Editing. A week after graduating, I married my husband and we started this adventure together. The military lifestyle wasn't as conducive to a magazine career as I hoped, but blogging allows me to apply a lot of the things I learned in college. It's like I get to be the editor of my very own online magazine, and I just love that! After I started blogging, I never looked back. I think of One Fine Day as a working resume to showcase my love for beautiful images, witty words, and design. I get the best of both worlds and no matter where we move, I'm fulfilled creatively. Blogging takes away some of the uncertainty that comes with moving. I'm especially excited to share this next chapter where we transition from Hawaii to life in Texas.

Is there anything that you most certainly cannot live without?

Colorful ballet flats, my sense of humor, a bowl full of sparkly baubles, and my Eames Rocker. The obvious answers would be my adoring husband and our slobbery sidekicks, Tripp and Beesly.

In three words tells us how you would describe this exact moment in your life.

Change, Laughter, Hope

How cute are the two pups? Thank you so much Ashley for opening up your life and showing us a little bit of what goes into One Fine Day. Don't forget to check out Ashley's blog, instagram and facebook page. I am sure that you too will fall in love with her style, sense of humor and sweet personality. 

xoxo,

m

feature: one fine day

Hello and happy hump day! Not only am I super duper happy that we are already half way through the week (this one is kicking my butt), but today I have the pleasure of being featured on One Fine Day!! Ashley is the sweet gal behind this fun and colorful blog that I have been obsessed with for the past year, and I couldn't believe it when she asked me if I could be a part of the Need Read Greed section. She is also the creator of the snail mail exchange I wrote about here (remember?) 

Anyway, hop on over to her blog to see what were my picks and be sure to click through... I'm sure you too will fall head over heels with Ashley and her colorful way of seeing the world. 

xoxo,

m

p.s: like the post? please do share. that's what makes the internet oh so lovely! :) 

{meet} ashley porter of porter lyons

Today is a very special day: It's my 28th birthday!! I cannot believe how old I am and how many special things have come my way (read more here) I have decided that even though birthdays are usually a ME ME ME day, that will not be the case here. Today I have the pleasure of giving the spotlight to a very talented gal: Ashley Porter. 

She is the owner and designer of the unique jewelry brand called Porter Lyons. I met Ashley during our cross country road trip (read more here and here) in New Orleans and fell in love with her remarkable way of designing jewelry. Not only does she have a great personality but her brand has a very special preservation mission. The mission of documenting culture through design... 

"Our world gets smaller and more uniform every day. Changes in technology, globalization, and westernization are forcing many original cultures to dissolve. Cultural uniqueness becomes lost in an environment of conformity. Preserving the originality of a place and its people allows us to embrace the diverse riches of our world. In every collection, Porter Lyons explores a single culture and highlights the wonders that set it apart." Porter Lyons. 

Tell us a little bit about Porter Lyons and the amazing mission behind the brand. Porter Lyons believes in preserving culture through design. A portion of all proceeds goes to causes that protect a culture's fundamental identity. The first collection is inspired by New Orleans and the bayou with a portion of the proceeds benefiting wetland preservation, specifically the Coalition to Restore Louisiana's Coast.

How did you ever start as a jewelry designer and how did your personal journey bring you to this very moment? I followed my heart. After obtaining my Masters in Finance and going to work for Merrill Lynch I realized after just 6 months that I didn't like what I was doing. I yearned for a more creative field that allowed me to shape my future and inspire those around me. I simultaneously started to take night classes at the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising in LA and after a year I left behind my career in finance for one in fashion. It's been a very beautiful and exciting journey indeed! 

Photos via Andrea Mabry Photography

What inspires your pieces and how do you manage your workflow? The vibrant New Orleans culture and people inspire me; it reminds me that we are all interconnected. My designs range anywhere from alligator backbone earrings to an Imperial Faberge egg closure, one of which resides in a private collection in New Orleans. I find that being extremely organized helps me get everything I need done. As the solo owner it is important to be extremely diligent at organizing your time with the most critical aspects that will launch your idea into fruition the quickest.

I know that ideas and inspiration come in the oddest moments. Do you carry a notepad, camera, or any gadget of choice in case this happens? I like to be as minimalistic and on the go as possible. I use my cell phone for everything and would be tremendously less productive without it!

Is there anything in particular that you cannot live without? Kindness. Nature. Coconuts. 

Tell us a little bit more about your work process. How do you go from dreaming about a piece to a finished product? This is the best and easiest part of the whole job. I sketch for hours upon hours and research different subjects down to their bones to generate ideas. In the end I'm left with my illustrated dreams that one by one I make into reality. I have a casting house in New York, plater in New Mexico and assemble and polish here in New Orleans. 

Do you have a favorite piece and/or collection that speaks dearly to your heart? The backbone collection, specifically the backbone cuff. It was my first piece of jewelry I ever made and the inspiration behind it was a light bulb moment. 

What is the most fulfilling part of your job? Everyday when I wake up, I feel alive to be doing what I'm doing. 

Many of us dream of launching our own business. Do you have any suggestions for someone trying to start a company of their own? What were the major challenges of being a young entrepreneur? An idea is just an idea. I would say to anyone who wants to start their own business to write a detailed business plan. That's step one and it will give you a great road map for your journey. You must then decide to do it. That is the single hardest step.

Any fancy projects you are working on? I'm currently working on a versatile, origami like handbag. I'm launching them with Louisiana Alligator skin this Spring for  Fall/Winter 2014. I couldn't be more excited to expand into this market and create beautiful pieces that have social thought behind them.

Amazing stuff guys! What are your favorite pieces? Hard to choose, am I right? If you love Ashley and Porter Lyons as much as I do, don't forget to keep up with all the exciting updates though her website, Facebook and Instagram. I am sure that you too will not resist her inspiring and unique design vision.  

Off I go to celebrate the day. I am thankful to be alive and fortunate to be able to spend today with the person I love dearly.   

xoxo,

m

p.s: like the post? please do share! that's what makes the internet oh so lovely :)

{meet} chelsea michelson of simply chels

Hello and happy Thursday! Today I have the honor to feature a very talented blogger/photographer/designer and super sweet lady, Chelsea Michelson. 

photography by Mike Trobiano

I first met Chelsea through Instagram and soon enough it became hard not to follow and love her beautiful pictures, interesting travel adventures and her sweet personality. After almost a year of online chatting I had the pleasure of spending an afternoon with her at Eastern Market, in Washington D.C. Even though we had never met face-to-face we soon became besties!  

  

For those who are not familiar with your blog, tell us a little bit about it. My blog, Simply Chels is a glimpse on my life as a designer. It’s influenced by the idea that good design makes our lives simpler. You can find my current project process and inspiration as well as simple ways to make your life sweeter with easy recipes, travel recommendations and advice.

What inspired you to start Simply Chels and how did you pick the name? I was inspired by design. It is amazingly powerful, a mutual love affair between creators and users. I wanted to share this because we are impacted by design everyday;  we’re all in this together.  I think it is important for users to understand designers and vice versa. I also wanted my simple approach to life and design to be an inspiration for others. The name Simply Chels came as an extension to my brand Chels Design but also a transparent look into my life and my ideas.

How did your personal journey bring you to this moment right now? I’m currently living in Washington D.C. because I took a huge leap of faith to start graduate school in a new career field, Interior Architecture. I graduated having built a portfolio of graphic design and a successful photography business but what I really wanted was to design for people rather than brands. My blog is a record of this journey. It blends everything I’ve done and have been influenced by. It seems now that the journey is just beginning!

Being a blogger myself, I know that ideas and inspiration come in the most odd moments. Do you carry your camera and notepad around with you in case this happens? How do you keep track of what you are going to blog about? Ideas always come as they please. I always carry a sketchbook because I’m always sketching and planning projects. Since my blog is inspired by my life, a lot of my ideas are experiences. My Iphone photo album is probably where most of all my ideas live. I’m a visual note taker. The best camera is the one that is with you. I use my DSLR mostly when I’ve already planned out a blog idea or when I’m doing something I know I want to blog about

Is there anything that you most certainly cannot live without? I would probably say my camera but my uniball pen is a close second! In retrospect though, I don’t believe there anything you can’t live without.

How would you describe your design aesthetic? My design aesthetic is a blend of minimal and natural. I am influenced by sustainability and culture. I like strong geometry and clean lines but also organic textures and colors.

Being a full-time graduate student, I am sure you are always working on a project. Do you integrate your school work with Simply Chels? Has Architecture changed your design view in anyway? I do share some projects on Simply Chels but I’m not fully over the fear of showing my personal work online. With design you always feel like it’s just not quite finished because it can always be better. Studying architecture has completely changed the way I feel about design’s impact. Moving from two-dimensional design to three-dimensional design has made me see the relationship with people more clearly. Architecture is a collision between aesthetics and function. It’s tangible and that is why it affects who we are, what we do and how we feel.

Don't forget to check out Chelsea's blog, website and instagram account. I am sure that you too will fall in love with her. 

xoxo,

m

p.s: like the post? please do share! that is what makes the internet oh so lovely!