The Design Dialogues {Shannon Darrough}

Ladies and gents, you are in for a treat today! The lovely Shannon Darrough is joining us to chat about freelance writing, finding balance, and what's next for her budding business. Shannon was one of the first people I reached out to when I decided to quit my job and start my business and we've emailed back and forth literally every day since. She's as smart and sweet as they come and I can't wait to share her with all of you!

Who you are: 

Hi, I’m Shannon Darrough. I write the blog I Love Your Crazy.

What you do: 

I am a freelance writer and from time to time I help select companies with their social media.

Where you do it: 

Let me see, I have a little office, but I enjoy the energy of a coffee shop so much that often I try to find the perfect spot in one (preferably with an outlet next to me).

Five words to describe yourself:

Preppy, loyal, energetic, enthusiastic, optimistic (most of those are just another way of saying hyper, ha!).

How would you describe your aesthetic? 

As a writer I don’t have an aesthetic so much... I mean I hope I look nice on the contributors page! I suppose my writing style is whimsical and with a dash of wit.

Who are your style icons? 

Jackie Kennedy, always.

When did you know it was time to make the switch to freelancing / self-employment?

One afternoon when I was starting to get frustrated, I told myself that I would pursue opportunities in teaching and writing and whatever came first would be a sign of which direction I should go with my career. That afternoon, Katie Armour from Matchbook invited me on as a contributor. From there, more pieces started falling into place and Shannon Darrough Writing and Media was born.

What has been the most rewarding aspect of starting your own company?

Finding your passion in life can be tough, making a career of it is even tougher, but the feeling of knowing you’re doing what you love is amazing.

What is one lesson you've learned the hard way? 

This is so tough. Balancing work and life is my biggest lesson. When you start a company there is no time clock, overtime, or lunch break. You have to make hours for yourself and for your life — and sleep, yes, sleep.

What advice would you offer aspiring creatives? 

Don’t compare yourself to others; if you are looking around at what everyone else is doing, you’re not looking where you are going. Don’t be afraid to make your own path.

What do the next few years have in store for your brand?

I have a few tricks up my sleeve, but my next step is interior design. I have been quietly helping people for some time now. My plan is to make it part of what I do every day.

Three tasks on your to do list.

1.) Social media calendars for two clients

2.) One article

3.) Packing list for Alt Summit — pressure!

Three items on your wish list.

1.)  A big leather monogrammed bag that will fit my notebooks, reading books, laptop and other essentials — that doesn’t look like a diaper bag or luggage

2.)  Six faux bamboo Chippendale chairs

3.)  Kate Spade’s Emma book clutch with all the arrows (swoon)

Three tasks on your bucket list.

1.)  Wear a hat at the Kentucky Derby

2.)  Pet giraffes in Kenya

3.)  Write a novel

- - - 

Isn't she lovely? I'm adding the Giraffe Manor to my bucket list asap. Now pop over to Shannon's blog and prepare yourself for lots of pretty!

Ladies and gents, you are in for a treat today! The lovely Shannon Darrough is joining us to chat about freelance writing, finding balance, and what's next for her budding business. Shannon was one of the first people I reached out to when I decided to quit my job and start my business and we've emailed back and forth literally every day since. She's as smart and sweet as they come and I can't wait to share her with all of you!

Who you are: 

Hi, I’m Shannon Darrough. I write the blog I Love Your Crazy.

What you do: 

I am a freelance writer and from time to time I help select companies with their social media.

Where you do it: 

Let me see, I have a little office, but I enjoy the energy of a coffee shop so much that often I try to find the perfect spot in one (preferably with an outlet next to me).

Five words to describe yourself:

Preppy, loyal, energetic, enthusiastic, optimistic (most of those are just another way of saying hyper, ha!).

How would you describe your aesthetic? 

As a writer I don’t have an aesthetic so much... I mean I hope I look nice on the contributors page! I suppose my writing style is whimsical and with a dash of wit.

Who are your style icons? 

Jackie Kennedy, always.

When did you know it was time to make the switch to freelancing / self-employment?

One afternoon when I was starting to get frustrated, I told myself that I would pursue opportunities in teaching and writing and whatever came first would be a sign of which direction I should go with my career. That afternoon, Katie Armour from Matchbook invited me on as a contributor. From there, more pieces started falling into place and Shannon Darrough Writing and Media was born.

What has been the most rewarding aspect of starting your own company?

Finding your passion in life can be tough, making a career of it is even tougher, but the feeling of knowing you’re doing what you love is amazing.

What is one lesson you've learned the hard way? 

This is so tough. Balancing work and life is my biggest lesson. When you start a company there is no time clock, overtime, or lunch break. You have to make hours for yourself and for your life — and sleep, yes, sleep.

What advice would you offer aspiring creatives? 

Don’t compare yourself to others; if you are looking around at what everyone else is doing, you’re not looking where you are going. Don’t be afraid to make your own path.

What do the next few years have in store for your brand?

I have a few tricks up my sleeve, but my next step is interior design. I have been quietly helping people for some time now. My plan is to make it part of what I do every day.

Three tasks on your to do list.

1.) Social media calendars for two clients

2.) One article

3.) Packing list for Alt Summit — pressure!

Three items on your wish list.

1.)  A big leather monogrammed bag that will fit my notebooks, reading books, laptop and other essentials — that doesn’t look like a diaper bag or luggage

2.)  Six faux bamboo Chippendale chairs

3.)  Kate Spade’s Emma book clutch with all the arrows (swoon)

Three tasks on your bucket list.

1.)  Wear a hat at the Kentucky Derby

2.)  Pet giraffes in Kenya

3.)  Write a novel

- - - 

Isn't she lovely? I'm adding the Giraffe Manor to my bucket list asap. Now pop over to Shannon's blog and prepare yourself for lots of pretty!