Power in Numbers

The other day I had the lovely opportunity to grab coffee with a fellow "craftswoman." Lately, I have been trying to be more intentional about getting around other small business owners. It turns out  that we are both contributing pieces for a new coffee shop opening up in the Charlotte area called Basal, and the owner Bryce was kind enough to tell us about one another in our wood working endeavors. 

I am always so amazed by how much can come from speaking what is on your mind fearlessly and the power of encouragement. Mine and Melissa's relationship began just from 'likes' here and there, and nice comments on social media. It could of ended there too, I thought to myself when looking at her business, "She seems way more talented then I am. Is this the kind of account I should be competing with when it comes to bringing in new clients? Maybe I should keep my distance."  But, insecurities and a selfish agenda aside, I reached out to Melissa, a part owner of Willow and Burl and told her about how much of a fan I was of their work and I thought it truly looked incredible. Because that is my honest truth, what kind of person would I be if every time I saw someone else doing well in their endeavors I created distance and criticism for my own gain? We shouldn't look at one another with intentions to only size-up and see who is better, but we must celebrate in their success as well as our own.

We shouldn't look at another person with intentions to only size-up and see who is better, but we must celebrate in their success as well as our own.

So, here we are as newly found friends on Instagram, but it didn't stop there. It turns out Melissa and I only lived an hour away from one another so we set a date on the calendar to grab coffee and chat- face to face! 

When you have the chance to hear someone's story, take it. When you have the opportunity to speak life into what someone is doing, speak it. When you have a moment to receive encouragement in your work, don't deny it, grow from it. Fundamentals, people. 

My time with my new friend Melissa was just what my soul needed. There is power in surrounding yourself with like-minded people, who are running towards the same end goal as you. My spirit was lifted, my brain was racing with excitement for the future of Rosewood co and I was inspired. Moments like these are so dear to me because they feel like the glue of what holds our lives together. Just good people, sitting around a table sharing their hearts and showing love- however that is to look. 

There is power in surrounding yourself with like-minded people, who are running towards the same end goal as you.

Don't doubt your intuition and your ability to empower someone else by just being you. 

Go explore Willow and Burl, you will not regret it. Melissa and her father in law are the talented duo that make up this business with the goal in mind to create timeless, hand crafted pieces for your home. I personally want to buy everything they have listed on their site and maybe one day in a dream world I will be able to. I hope you feel as inspired by this woman I am.