While I was creating my new course, Happily Ever After: A (Self) Love Story (juicy details on that to follow!), I decided that I needed to find out what makes some of the women whom I admire feel their most abundant, walk the world their radiant best. And because we're all in a community of supportive sisters, it seemed only right that I share their inspiring, hilarious, and often resonant responses with you. Every few weeks, I will introduce you to someone whose work and spirit have been life-changing for me, and hopefully you'll find yourself touched and motivated, too.
Shauna Haider is my graphic designer and she is the best darned designer that I have encountered in my 20 years as a business owner. I LOVE her! She also is one of the creators of The Blogcademy and the oh-so-stylish lass behind the Nubby Twiglet blog. My crush on Shauna runs very, very deep and she’s lucky I don’t live in Portland because I would probably stalk her daily.
JW: What 3 things are always in your purse?
SH: 1. My YSL black patent leather wallet. It was one of my first big post-college splurges and I bought it at the boutique while on vacation in Honolulu. I remember feeling a little nauseous handing over my credit card but after using it daily since 2008, it has turned out to be one of my best ever investments. Sometimes, you just have to take the leap and splurge on yourself!
2. My iPhone so I can keep up with the social media accounts across my three businesses on the go! I'm always traveling so in a way, my phone is my security blanket, reminding me that I'm only a call or text away from my family and friends back home.
3. A mirror. I have an old heart-shaped one that I keep tucked away, just in case. There's nothing worse than meeting someone new, forgetting to check your reflection and realizing you spent an hour talking to them with something caught in your teeth!
JW: Who have been your greatest influences?
SH: During my teenage years, Marilyn Manson was a huge influence. I grew up in the suburbs of Portland and my high school wasn't very welcoming of anyone who was different so I latched onto folks like him that reminded me to stay true to myself and embrace a personal style that might be viewed as unconventional to the mainstream but made me happy.
Later, my influences became other bloggers. I started blogging in 2001 and my family didn't really get what I was doing early on so I looked to other bloggers for guidance. I ended up making some of my best friends through other blogs and eventually built a blogging workshop with two other bloggers I met so it all worked out! To this day, reading blogs is one of my favorite escapes.
JW: What beauty products can you not live without?
SH: I keep things pretty basic in the beauty department and rarely splurge but while in Australia, I discovered Grown Alchemist, a line of skincare that is free of artificial fragrances, animal products, parabens and everything else that's bad for your skin. The packaging is beautifully minimal and the scents are surprising combos, like vanilla and orange peel. I'm completely obsessed!