Nashville
Nashville. Country girl. Open and sweet. You are a star on my map.
I traveled to Nashville looking for inspiration and a southern aesthetic, what I discovered was a creative city built on music, soulful food and genuine kindness.
Kinfolk's 'L'Esprit de la Mer' dinner event, to be hosted in Nashville, was what originally sparked my interest in planning the trip. Along with the opportunity to work and meet two women who inspire me greatly, Beth Kirby and Rebekka Seale. Designing the menus for the dinner and seeing my work accompany flowers by Consider the Wild Flowers and a beautiful meal prepared by Twelve at the Table was a dream. Set in a rustic field, in front of an old barn, the evening was something that I will never forget.
Along with attending the Kinfolk dinner, my friend Korinne and I explored Nashville for five days. Eating amazing meals, wandering neighborhoods and making friends along the way. We even got in an afternoon of bowling at Pinewood Social.
As promised to a few dear friends interested in traveling to this amazing city, here is my list of things to do in Nashville.
Eat
Mas Tacos Por Favor
Amazing tacos and tortilla soup in East Nashville. Order the lime cilantro drink and expect a line up.
Rolf and Daughers
Located in the historic 100-year-old Werthan Factory building in Germantown, the menu is a take on 'modern peasant food'. Hands down, dining at the bar at Rolf and Daughters was my favourite restaurant experience in the city.
City House
We dined at City House for 'Sunday Supper', when awarding winning chef Tandy Wilson makes whatever he feels like every Sunday. A locals must.
Barista Parlor
Located in East Nashville, a most popular spot for those who are serious about coffee. Offering multiple brew methods handcrafted by the cup, I promise that you will have a good cup of coffee here.
Burger Up
Seriously good burgers in the 12th South District. Explore the neighborhood and then make your way here for lunch.
Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams
With flavors like 'cultured key lime pie' and 'whiskey and pecans', this homemade ice cream spot is worth a visit (or two, in our case).
Shop
Hey Rooster
A modern take on a general store with a few references to the past, offering products for the well-crafted life. We had a lovely visit here with shop owner Courtney Webb. I absolutely adored everything about this little shop.
Imogen + Willie
Located in an old service station in the 12th South District. Makers of high quality denim, the company was created in memory of their grandparents and hard-working families. You will find inspiration and very friendly people (with music recommendations) in this unique space.
White Merchantile
A former gas station at the southern end of 12th South. Find local products, home goods and pieces for men, women and children. A little bit of everything well made.
Otis James
A studio shop located in Marathon Village, offering hand tailored caps, ties, hankies, and lady ties. Take a peek into the studio where everything is made and see Otis James working away.
Listen
In Nashville, music is everywhere. We were lucky to meet a wonderful new friend who took us to The Stone Fox. The list of country bars in Nashville is overwhelming. Make friends and find out what great shows are happening while you're in town.
I can't say enough about my time in Nashville, other than go to this place. She will embrace you with open arms.
Creative Q&A: Emily Howard of Considerthewldflwrs
Name, Location, Occupation
Emily Howard
Nashville, TN
Jewelry Designer and Floral Stylist of Considerthewldflwers
Please describe your workspace:
I work out of a community space called Fort Houston. It is a big warehouse with a lot of makers. We have a wood shop, a print shop, a darkroom, a bike shop (motorcycle) and a photo room. The makers range from woodworkers to metal smith and we each rent out a 6 x 6 space with a desk in a warehouse.
What has been your most rewarding project to date?
My most rewarding project was probably going to Brooklyn in New York for the Renegade Craft Fair. I absolutely love New York and I loved being there right before Christmas. The fair was in November and I had no idea what to expect. 2 of my friends joined me and my mom and aunt came last minute and met us in Brooklyn. I will never forget the trip and how freezing cold we were. The fair itself was in a beautiful old bank called Skylight One Hanson. Some vendors set up right in front of the old teller booths and it was such a beautifully curated fair.
Who are you inspired by?
I am inspired by so many different types of creatives. One of my favorite brands Everlane has a simple design style. They are comfortable, affordable and minimal. I am inspired by brands like Everlane because I want to design something I would wear and something I could afford. Besides being inspired by a natural aesthetic in other brands, I always dig for a deeper inspiration than something materialistic. Part of the idea of considerthewldflwrs is that we would be able to discover wild beauty, meaning encourage people to find beauty where it already is. There is so much beauty in simplicity, but sometimes it just gets overlooked.
Has there been a defining moment or turning point when you realized what you wanted to do for a living?
When I finally decided I was going to just dive in, that is when it really turned around for me. That is actually how the next collection was inspired. It is all about taking a courageous leap of faith.
What do you think is the most difficult aspect of your work?
The most difficult aspect is knowing whats to come. As a designer, you have to keep it interesting, and as a business owner I know it can't be all over the place.
What are you reading at the moment?
I am currently reading a book called God Meets Girl. I graduated as a Religion in the Arts major so I am fascinated by stories of artists talking about their connection with God in their work and in their creations.
What websites do you visit for inspiration?
I love pinterest. I would be lying if I said I read blogs, but I respect people that do. I love it when my friends share their favorite blog posts with me.
What are your simplest daily pleasures?
I love living in Nashville because it has become such a small town. My daily pleasures include seeing friendly faces at coffee shops, obsessing over good restaurants with my boyfriend and taking too many pictures of my cat. Being in such a creative community just fuels my ability to see things as art. I see art every day.
Where do you see yourself in ten years?
In ten years I feel like my happiness will be maximized. I would love to have a family. I already feel so blessed to wake up and enjoy making things and would love to continue that for as long as I can. As a designer I want to constantly learn, grow and evolve in style. Considerthewldflwrs jewelry isn't the only plan for the company, but I would love for it to grow and really impact the culture buying into it now.
Creative Q&A: Tasshia Neary
Name, Location, Occupation
Tasshia Neary
Victoria, BC
Visual Merchandiser, Blogger, Designer
Please describe your workspace:
I work at the loveliest shop called Violette Boutique. It’s modeled after the chic shops found on Isle Saint Louis in Paris. The shop has clean lines and tons of white space which let the sparkly jewels, accessories and hard goods stand out.
I also work from home when freelancing - which is such a treat! Our apartment has floor to ceiling windows, so it gets a lot of sunlight (yet another treat). I have a glass top desk, and right now I have some dried foliage displayed in it. It’s hard for me to keep my desk clear, so in a way, it’s an incentive to try and stay tidy! The shelves above my desk are kept minimal with more flowers and a small stack of beautiful quarterlies.
What are you working on right now?
I just finished working on backdrop installations as window display for Violette to showcase Leah Alexandra’s Spring/Summer collection. Since working with Tara Hurst as a Design Assistant, I’ve been working on multiple projects for different clients. I most recently did the illustrations for The Chic Room Shop, an online shop for party decor and supplies. I’m also currently working on the rebranding of my blog; it’s very exciting to see the direction it’s going in the future.
What has been your most rewarding project to date?
Our wedding! It was such a challenge in a way that I wanted every little detail to be perfect. We never actually got to see the venue before booking it so planning the whole thing was quite stressful at times. I designed the stationery, including save-the-dates, wedding invitations, and programs. I hand calligraphed each of the envelopes that were sent out as well as all the signs at the wedding. My dear husband was the best and helped with so many craft projects, like all the paper flowers for myself, the bridesmaids, and table settings. Luckily, everything turned out organically and that day will forever hold a special place in my heart.
Which designers and artists inspire you?
Oh boy! Where to begin... I’m currently loving Made by Sohn, Lisa Hackwith, Breanna Rose, Molly Jacques and Gillian Stevens.
Has there been a defining moment or turning point when you realized what you wanted to do for a living?
Growing up, I’ve always had a creative spark. Though I’m still unsure of what I’m supposed to be doing for a living, I’m fully aware that I’m called to work with my hands and to inspire others along the way. I feel so grateful that I’m able to spend the majority of my days being creative. I hope to push myself in stepping out of my comfort zone daily to ignite that little spark I have inside.
What do you think is the most difficult aspect of working in design?
Truthfully, I find it hard to have confidence in the work I do. I often end up thinking that my skills sets are not up to par to what it should be. Sometimes I can be such a tough critic during any projects I work on, but everyday I try to grow out of that. It’s also nice to have someone (particularly my husband), be so supportive and encouraging in all my creative efforts
What are you reading at the moment?
The Paris Wife by Paula McLain. I also enjoy flipping through Kinfolk, Darling and Anthology Magazine every now and then.
What websites do you visit for inspiration?
Wide Eyed Legless, Wit and Delight, Oh So Pretty, Canelle et Vanille and Luisa Brimble. And as much as I try to limit myself, I can’t help but continually find myself on Pinterest...
What are your simplest daily pleasures?
I’m definitely a morning person, so getting up early in the morning is a small thing I take pleasure in. To start my day, I try my best to spend some time to read my daily devotions. It’s a time when I can relax my mind before starting on projects, and are great reminders on how to live a faithful life. I also really enjoy having the same breakfast everyday, a flaky croissant with raspberry jam on Saturdays, fresh flowers from the market, and going for evening walks after a home cooked meal.
Where do you see yourself in ten years?
I hope to be doing what I truly enjoy, fall in deeper love with my husband, along with a couple kiddies running around our cozy home. We’ll have a backyard where we can host dinner parties by candle light and continue to be amazed by God’s never ending grace.
Photography by Gillian Stevens.