Emily Bode 1/15/19 Emily Bode 1/15/19

20 on the Rise Nominee by Honeybook

Last year I was nominated as a 20 On The Rise Designer by Honeybook. It's an extreme honor to be nominated as an individual who is making waves and raising the tide by rocking my respective industry through hard work and creativity. Honeybook and its other three brands (Gusto, Rising Tide, and Peer Space) united to recognize individuals making an impact in the creative economy and freelance industry.

What I love about this achievement is that it’s peer-nominated. It is the support of the community and the encouragement of mentors and friends that make this nomination such an honor. 20OTR isn’t a popularity contest nor is it a ‘most liked’ list. It is a curated list of 20 rising stars in 5 categories nominated by everyone and selected based on empowerment, impact, purpose, and passion.

20 On The Rise 2018 by Honeybook – Emily Bode, designer & writer | Photo by Sincerely Ashley | Emily Bode blog

Thank you. If it weren't for this platform and having connected with you in one way or another over the years, this wouldn't have been possible. On days when I feel like a narcissist or selfish for pursuing my creativity full-time, I try to remember that sharing my story expands and makes room for others to share theirs.

Here are 5 creatives I nominated for the 20 On The Rise award:

Ginger Herman – Owner of Ginger Bakes

Ginger is an extremely talented baker. She does wedding cakes and celebratory desserts with a modern and minimal style without skimping on the sweets! She also offers gluten and dairy-free options. Ginger herself is a sweetheart and so humble with her mission. We had a mini collaboration for 2019 in time for wedding season that I'm excited to share soon.

Website | Instagram

Leigh Ann Cobb – Photographer

Leigh Ann is as badass as she looks. She's a natural light photographer with an artistic approach to documenting intimate and genuine moments. Most of the photography you see on my blog was captured by Leigh Ann. Not only is her photography stunning but the energy, acceptance, and encouragement behind the lens make all the difference to the experience of being photographed by her.

Website | Instagram

Kherington McFarland – Content Strategist

Kherington is my co-work confidante! She is a lifestyle blogger, content strategist, and most recently started a YouTube channel. A smart strategy is her name of the game. Planning ahead, organizing, and most especially her vibrant spirit get her to her goals faster than any freelance creative I've met, and always in style. I admire Kherington for her tenacity and how she's always getting after her goals.

Website | Instagram

Krystle Waivio – Hair & Beauty Stylist

Krystle is every bohemian bride's dream stylist. She was mine in 2016 for our wedding and continues to create natural whimsical styles while changing the wedding industry's definition of tradition as the hair & beauty stylist for The Elopement Company. The experience in her chair feels like a mini-meditation. Krystle creates a zen moment graciously welcomed before a nerve-wracking walk down the aisle.

Website | Instagram

Becky VanDenbout – Web Developer & Founder of Joon + Co.

Becky is a multi-talented creative with range. She is a freelance web developer mentoring young girls to learn how to code and the founder of Joon + Co, an online sustainable eco-conscious clothing company. She has mixed her passion for style, empowering women, personal growth, and her strong intellect into a package that this world so badly needs.

Website | Instagram

Emily Bode 11/16/18 Emily Bode 11/16/18

Community Spotlight Interview on Station Seven

You’ve heard the saying, “It takes a village”, yes? Indeed it does and this online space of mine is no different. Station Seven is the designer + developer duo whom I’ve worked with since 2015 as the starting point for the WordPress templates my blog is built on. This minimal, neutral, & ad-free aesthetic was a vision that Mike + Brittni have played a large role in making come to life.

I’m honored to have the had chance to share my story as part of their Community Spotlight, an interview series highlighting a few creative entrepreneurs out of thousands they’ve launched websites for.

Station Seven Community Spotlight featuring designer & writer Emily Bode | Image credit c/o Station Seven, read full interview on stnsvn.com

A snippet from the interview:

What’s one of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way? My biggest challenge has been remaining a blog independent of traditional advertising. It’s definitely a more difficult, less revenue-friendly road to forego ads on my blog but I can’t seem to sacrifice design aesthetic to include them! I don’t like the distraction advertisements bring to the reading experience and I don’t want my readers digging through third-party content to reach mine. I’m proud of my stance on it however I’ve witnessed many magazines and online publications change similar ad missions midstream because it’s really difficult to maintain. I continue to try my best with it though.

See the full interview on Station Seven.

Emily Bode 9/19/18 Emily Bode 9/19/18

My Interview About Competition with Currently Kherington

I recently spent the golden hour talking about Community Over Competition with Kherington McFarland of Currently Kherington and photographer Leigh Ann Cobb. We sipped on lattes and champagne in a cozy little booth at Lyon Street Café, a Grand Rapids hub for dream chasers and young professionals.

Our chat consisted of the woes of homeownership, city living vs. lake living, and being business owners in our respective fields — design, blogging, and photography. We agreed the direction our careers have gone can be lonely & isolating. All the more reason to connect with the artists & entrepreneurs of your community and BYOC (bring your own co-workers). There was a lot of laughter, energy, & encouragement as the sunset behind the city.

I shared with Kherington what Community over Competition means to me:

I used to think collaborating with a national corporate brand or publication would be the sign I "made it". This is not to say I wouldn't love to collaborate with the likes of Darling Magazine, Cuyana, or Megan Gilger of The Fresh Exchange because those would be nice. I just mean in dreaming of those partnerships I forgot the magic that happens in collaborating with your neighbor. I've found so much joy and friendship in joining forces with amazing women like you [Kherington] and other local creatives. I'd love to collaborate on a community event or a shop product of some sort.

See full interview on Currently Kherington.

Emily Bode 1/6/18 Emily Bode 1/6/18

Local Spotlight: Boxed by Bare

As I snuggle up with my handmade mug watching the snow falling outside I'm excited to share a new local business I love with you, Boxed By Bare. Jamie and Riley are the sister duo behind thoughtfully curated gift boxes of handmade goods, like the Baby It's Cold Outside Box. They're based near the lakeshore in Zeeland, Michigan.

Local Spotlight: Boxed by Bare

One of my favorite things to do when meeting founders of locally-owned businesses is to learn why they started and their inspirations and dreams as they build their businesses. Read on for my conversation with Jamie and Riley about why they started Boxed by Bare and how they're supporting local artisans and crafters:

What’s the story behind your name?

Bare: plain, simple, essential, fundamental. We wanted to create gift boxes that use simple products that are functional and useful but also fun giving. We look for products that are very natural looking in both color and material.

Why did you start Boxed by Bare? What inspired you?

We have very different personalities but both had the desire to start our own business. When we first talked about starting one we knew that we had to take the adventure together. We both love giving and finding that “perfect gift” but we bring two sides to the business. Jamie is the creative one, the one that packages the gifts, making sure the products sourced work well together and create an “experience” for the person opening the gift. Riley has a very minimalist view. She doesn’t like clutter or extra “stuff” laying around the house. She’s great at sourcing products that will be useful for the person receiving the gift. We tossed around a few angles for the company but we always came back to the same main goal: support handmade, small businesses, and local when possible.

“We always came back to the same main goal: support handmade, small businesses, and local when possible.”

— Jamie & Riley

What's one of your biggest challenges as a business owner and how do you overcome it?

Time. We struggle to balance our day-to-day jobs, family, and life. We make it work by finding pockets of free time in the day and cold calling each other.

“It’s not how much we give but how much love we put into giving.”

— Mother Teresa

What’s your favorite Bare box for the season?

That’s hard. I really like the consumable boxes (All You Knead Is Love, When I Dip, You Dip, We Dip, and Soup For The Soul). The hot cocoa box (Baby It's Cold Outside) is Riley’s favorite – it is such a comforting box and is fun to give...who doesn’t love mallows?!

What types of goods do you source?

Almost all of our products are handmade by small businesses. We really appreciate the love that artists put into their products and we want to support that and share their talents with others. We look for mostly simple, natural-looking products that are timeless and functional. You’ll see a lot of wood, ceramics, linen, and neutral colors. We also love the idea of consumable gifts. How many times have you received a gift that just sits in a drawer or is tucked away in a closet for years? We want to avoid gifting products that are just “cute”. When we include something in the box we really believe that it will be useful.

Drinking hot cocoa from my Christi Ahee mug that comes in the Baby It's Cold Outside Box
Local Spotlight: Boxed by Bare gift boxes | Brave Girl Design + Blog

Who is one person you admire?

Our Dad. He works harder than anyone we know. He taught us to wake up early and start our day. Even though we live in different states, we are usually the first people that we talk to in the morning.

*Oh, and a little inside scoop on the hot cocoa box...the Good Stuff Cacao raw and organic dark chocolate is the best chocolate I've ever tasted and the North Mallow marshmallows are such a fun garnish for hot cocoa (I also add a dash of nutmeg). They're better-for-you sweet treats without all the bad-for-you stuff (ie: artificial flavoring and chemical preservatives). Such a great box for a midwinter pick-me-up for yourself or to gift to others.

Find Jamie & Riley – and their gorgeous hand-dyed ribbon! – on Instagram and shop their gift boxes (here).

Emily Bode 12/15/14 Emily Bode 12/15/14

Whimsy & Wild Interview

Julie is an illustrator influenced by nature, our state & close-knit bonds, selling her stationery & paper goods in her shop, Whimsy and Wild. You'll also find her bright vibes gracing shops like Rebel Reclaimed & Parliament The Boutique in Grand Rapids. Julie & I became instant friends as we talked over coffee about the holidays, our favorite blogs & freelance life. I admire her will as a shop owner, the spirit she brings to her work & the honesty she shares in her process:

Why did you begin Whimsy and Wild?

Julie Wylie To be quite honest, I started Whimsy + Wild because I got to a point where I realized I couldn’t work for someone else. I’ve only had a couple of jobs in my life, + I gotta say, I was pretty miserable. I have always been really creative + I love art. For a long time I thought opening an Etsy shop would be cool, + one day it just made sense. It started as a blog since I temporarily moved to Arizona with my husband so he could go to school. Once we got back home, I got to work + finally opened up shop! It was so exciting, and it truly still is every day. I love being able to do what I love + I am so, so thankful.

What makes you feel brave?

JW I think having the support from my loved ones is what makes me feel the bravest. Knowing that they’ll always be there supporting me along the way really makes me feel like I can do anything. It is because of them that I’m not afraid to really push myself + try something risky, like starting my own business with zero savings. I know that if it does or doesn’t work out in the end, I have them.

Describe a typical day for you.

JW My days are not very exciting. I wish I had some awesome routine that included eating healthier + waking up at the crack of dawn to get work done, maybe some yoga + one day, it will. I’m working towards that, but for right now, I try to get up as early as I can. Sometimes that’s 9am, sometimes it’s 11am. I usually eat some food then check out what’s happening on Instagram or the internet. After a little inspiration, I get to work. My favorite thing is when I actually check off everything on my to-do list. I’m a pretty unmotivated person in general, but I’ve been getting a lot better at it + that feels really good! A few days a week I wake up at 7:45am to babysit my niece + I get to hang out with her all day. It’s pretty awesome.

Who has guided you to do the work you love?

JW I think I’d have to say myself. There were teachers I had in art school or even high school, that were really awesome, but I’ve never really had a “mentor” per se. The reason I’m doing what I love is because I just couldn’t do anything else anymore. I was done living a life I didn’t love + I was and still am determined to do what makes me happy. It’s most definitely challenging, but it’s worth it. And like I said, I’m very fortunate to have such a wonderfully supportive family (+ friends!).

How do you begin a piece?

JW Everything starts on paper, either with a pencil or more often now just a nice pen/marker. I doodle over and over and over, honestly. I have so many pages of computer paper on my desk + in drawers. It’s a lot of clutter sometimes but it’s my preferred way to work (the papers, not the mess). Sometimes I’ll pull out the handy LightPad my husband bought me as a wedding gift to trace a design that’s good but not quite right. Then I scan it + edit it on the computer using Photoshop and my Wacom Bamboo tablet. Sometimes I use Illustrator but a lot of my work is just cleaned up/colored in Photoshop.

My favorites are the little things. I like nature a lot. I like pretty things. I’m not sure what that means exactly but I like rain, steam from a cup of coffee, frosting on a cupcake, a cardinal in the snow, sunlight through a window…

What inspires you to create?

JW This is both a tough + easy question. Sometimes nothing inspires me + I just create because I need to. I create because I need to make something even if I don’t feel like it or even if it isn’t good. Other times, so much inspires me. My favorites are the little things. I like nature a lot. I like pretty things. I’m not sure what that means exactly but I like rain, steam from a cup of coffee, frosting on a cupcake, a cardinal in the snow, sunlight through a window…it’s all of these little things that really get me going. I also love looking at other artists’ work. That can be tough if you start to critique your work against theirs but whenever I scroll through Instagram and see a fellow maker’s work, I can’t help but get really inspired.

Currently digging?

JW The excitement of Christmas time, even if it is a little stressful. I love this time of year. Also, David Bazan + The Passenger String Quartet’s recent collab. SO perfect. It’s on repeat in my car.

What can we look forward to from Whimsy and Wild?

JW Hopefully a lot! Right now, I'm looking forward to adding a bunch of new card designs after the holidays. I also really need to get my butt into gear and add the rest of the states to my States Series collection! Oh, and something extra exciting but I can’t say anything just yet.

Surprise! Julie & I made something for you in celebration of the Winter Solstice coming up this Sunday. It's the shortest day of the year, symbolizing the inherent need for soul searching & inner reflection during this dark season. It's also a time to celebrate the coming of more light as the days get increasingly longer.

Solstice literally means "when the sun stands still" so Julie made a dark & light version for your desktop or your phone background. It's a free download, our gift to you:

Desktop Wallpaper | iPhone Wallpaper

In Great Company is a Brave Girl series that sparks conversation with people making waves in their communities, careers & life.

Emily Bode 10/22/14 Emily Bode 10/22/14

Babe Vibes Interview

Kara Haupt is a designer based out of Portland, Oregon. In addition to developing a design thesis at Pacific Northwest College of Art, teaching workshops on art journaling & photography. Kara is the founder of Babe Vibes. It's a sisterhood of women channeling their inner babe, standing up for their beliefs & challenging the status quo. I stumbled upon Babe Vibes on Instagram a few weeks back, intrigued by the manifesto & self-care handbook. It's equal parts positive vibes & empowerment on your own terms. I had to learn more about the strong babe at the forefront of it all:

Why did you create Babe Vibes?

Kara Haupt: I don't know why I created it, or the name at least, in the beginning. It just appeared. I kept making Babe Vibes because I needed it. I needed to be kinder to myself, I needed to make things with women, I needed to say "fuck off" to all the stuff I've been taught.

What makes you feel brave?

KH: My younger self. When I was 18 I moved to New York to go to school (I lived there for a year). I've made a lot of hard choices, in regard to how I live my (so far, short) life. I often feel surprised with how tough I am or the badass things I've done in my past. So, she makes me brave.

How would you describe feminism? There are so many perspectives & opinions on what it means to be a feminist. How do you see it?

KH: Feminism is a response to the oppressive systems & ideologies that face marginalized people, women specifically, but also people of color, queer people, poor people, etc., & all the ways those things intersect. Being a feminist is about listening to fellow women & groups that are marginalized; actually listening. Trusting their experience, being a good human being & changing those systems & ideologies.

Describe a typical day for you lately.

KH: It really changes each weekday! I work at a marketing company part-time & then I'm in school part-time. I'm in my thesis year for Communication Design & spend my nights & weekends working on Babe Vibes, homework & whatever else I'm making. My days are pretty typical & boring. I like getting up early & getting some work done before I go to work. I listen to podcasts while I walk to work (trying to get through the Longform archive right now) & then after the workday I head home, eat, shower, make coffee & get to work. Looks pretty much the same for school days too. It's not glamorous & it's stressful. I take a lot of showers to calm myself down.

Who has guided you to do the work you love?

KH: My friends Steph, Mei & Danika have been really big encouragers of Babe Vibes. My friend Mei specifically is constantly encouraging me & reminding me to take care of myself through all I do. Also, my Instagram and Twitter followers rule. Every woman who has posted in the #babevibes Instagram tag has inspired me. I am so lucky.

How do you get through the 3pm slump? Is it just me or does this happen to you too?! Even after going freelance, I still need some serious mental toughness—aka, caffeine—to get through that hour!

KH: Ugh, I hate the 3pm slump & to be honest, I don't really get through it. When I'm at home working, I try to schedule errands or house-cleaning, or classes then. I work best in the morning & at a night. At work, I usually leave to get coffee. It really helps if you're around other people working. Their focus will guilt you into working, ha.

A piece of advice for all the Brave Babes?

KH: You don't owe men shit.

What can we look forward to from Babe Vibes?

KH: I just asked one of my good friends to help me out with the site & I'm excited to have help to make everything better. I'm pretty positive my thesis is going to be about digital publications, so I'm excited to have an excuse to research all these things. That didn't really answer your question though. From Babe Vibes in the coming months, you can look forward to good music, Star Trek, masturbation, gifs & more selfies.

Thank you for the inside look into Babe Vibes & what makes you brave, Kara. Here's to all the strong babes (that's you!). All the good vibes, Em.

Methods of Self-Care zine (free download)
All images courtesy of Kara Haupt

In Great Company is a new Brave Girl series that sparks conversation with people making waves in their communities, careers & life.