David's World

I've been wanting to feature today's guest for EVER and I'm so glad that we were able to sit down with her for today's edition of Inside the Design Studio. Crystal helped orchestrate one of the most magical gowns that we've ever done (here's a whole post about it) and I still dream of having another moment like that (cue Kelly Clarkson). 

We get a behind the scenes look at Houston based visual artist Emily Dingmann personal and professional life. The work illustrates the contrast between the urban concrete world and the meditation found within painting. We get a behind the scenes look at the Houston based artist!

Today's guest inside the design studio is an international florist, entrepreneur, and business mentor, who has created a life she loves by combining her passion for business and beautiful flowers. We met several years ago through Instagram, and I've loved learning more about her story and watching her pivot and grow her business. 

I couldn't be more thrilled about today's guest Inside the Design Studio! Andrea Bonner is one of those people I feel like I met as soon as I came to Houston. She was the Regional Director of Fashion Group International and helped to connect me to the burgeoning fashion scene here in Houston.

Through the years, Andrea has been a client and most importantly a friend. We've had many shared experiences from our work on various task forces and educational committees to teaching at Interlochen in Michigan in the summers. Andrea is one of the most stylish and fashionable people I know. She has an innate ability to spot a gem and make it shine. 

Mindset matters. Let me tell you from experience. It can be absolutely life-changing. Two years ago, I was in a bad place.  I felt like I had worked so hard for so long but wasn't seeing the results I needed or wanted to see in my life and career. From the outside, everything looked fine, but on the inside, I was dying. 

Enter life and business coach Tina Marie St.Cyr.

A quick catch up with our good friend Carla Russell. A fabulous mother, traveler, and fashion-savvy Houstonian. You're going to be seeing a whole lot more of her around the boutique (well, as soon as Corona lets us) because Carla is coming on board our team to help us with all things brides, mothers, and debs! 

I'm especially excited about this edition of Inside the Design Studio. Paul Hotze is one of my favorite people, hilarious, a fellow entrepreneur, and an all-around great guy. We have more than shut down State of Grace on several occasions commiserating on the life of a small business owner. 

I can't exactly remember the first time I met Laura Max Rose, but somehow I can't imagine life in Houston without her.  I've known her mother, Leisa Holland-Nelson, for almost as long as I've been in Houston, so it makes sense that Laura would make it onto my list of favorite people. She's got an inquisitive mind, a talent for interviewing (hence her latest project), and a genuinely compassionate and empathetic world view that is inspiring. 

Fun story, I met Christina Greene when we were booth neighbors at an outdoor creative “flea” market back when I first started my business in Houston. She was working for another designer at the time, but it wasn’t long before she had contacted me to let me know that she was starting her line. Through the years, we have carried her line in the store and her work has been a client favorite for sure! I’m super excited that we are re-introducing her line back into the store. Her new Geometric Collection has so many interesting pieces that I can’t wait to pair with our clothes!

Within the last decade, Keely’s name has become synonymous throughout Houston, Texas and the South for her chic style, exquisite taste, flair for fun, and the ability to flawlessly execute life’s most cherished events. Her namesake firm, Keely Thorne Events, boasts a talented and carefully curated team of event planners who all share in Keely’s thorough attention to detail, boundless creativity, and sincere passion for the event planning industry.

We're back with another of our "Inside the Design Studio" series! I've known the ladies at Kaira Jewelry for years, but I didn't realize that they were starting a jewelry line until a few years ago when their jewelry popped up on set for a magazine photo shoot we were doing. As soon as I realized who was behind the gorgeous gems, it made sense. 

Kaira Jewelry is a Houston-based design house, specializing in diamonds and gemstones. Kaira was born with the intention of creating an experience between their customers and precious stones, while offering one of a kind pieces for one of a kind people. Kaira personalizes each visit with clients according to style, character, occasion and desire, ending in a one of a kind adventure.  

Let’s give it up for the strong mamas out there. I know a lot of them and I’m proud to call them my friends. I knew of Rachael’s work atA Fare Extraordinaire before we ever met. Now, our kids go to the same school and I’ve been so thrilled to see her build her latest venture,The Revaire! If you haven’t had a chance to check out Houston’s coolest new venue, you should. Not only is it great for a good (BIG) party, but it’s also an increasingly rare instance here where an older building, a WW2 ammunition plant in this case, gets repurposed and not torn down for yet another parking lot. (End Rant)