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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? 


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
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!

21 comments:

Alex {Things That Sparkle} said...

So excited to be introduced to Shannon's blog. Nothing makes me feel as inspired as seeing people follow their dreams. Such exciting things ahead!

The Peak of Tres Chic said...

Sounds like an amazing lady! I actually went to the place she references to pet giraffes in Kenya. They also would try to kiss you when you were feeding them/petting them- it was too funny! I love her advice too- finding a way to do what you love makes all the hard work worth it!

XO,

Sam
www.ThePeakofTresChic.com

Alex said...

that giraffe manor sounds amazing! adding that to my life bucket list as well!

Kathryn Cook said...

Love this post and love Shannon! I feel fortunate to know her in real-life and agree that she is about as lovely as they come!

victoria | vmac+cheese said...

I heart Shannon. I consider myself a lucky gal that I get to meet her this week at Alt!

Kathryn Roebuck Holding said...

Ditto what Kathryn Cook says. Shannon is charming and enthusiastic, and a huge motivator for us all to follow our dreams! Happy she introduced me to your bog, Mackenzie!

Unknown said...

I love seeing Shannon here! It is so fun to learn a little more about her!

Dana Gastelum said...

Great advice!! I love how she says don't be afraid to make your own path. That is something I feel like I struggle with that I need to work on. And so I will :) Fantastic interview!

Gameday Stylist said...

Such fun and great advice!

- Sara @ Gameday Stylist

Leslie said...

Great advice! What an interesting interview. :)

Holly Gruszka said...

I've enjoyed reading Shannon's blog and it's great to read more about her in this interview. She is certainly an inspiration for all - follow your dreams!

Sharon@house58blog.com said...

Thanks for the introduction! She is amazing!

L.A. in the bay said...

what a talented lady. Thanks for sharing!

One Stylish Day at a Time said...

I love Shannon's blog and find her to be a true inspiration! Plus she loves Jackie O. like I do - always a plus

The Southern Mermaid said...

Delighted to say that I've called Shannon a friend for a while now, and yes, she is as adorable and quirky in person as every word of the interview! So glad to see her showcased here. I'm holding my breath waiting for all that is to come from Shannon Darrough Writing and Media. She's a dream!

Charlotte said...

Wonderful interview! I always love finding a great new blog. Believe it or not, I've been to Giraffe Manor and it's ahhhmazing! You can feed giraffes out of your mouth there. Warning: the photos lead to great blackmail.

Karlita said...

I loved this interview!! I relate to Shannon in many things!! and loved every answer she gave. Plus it was great to know a little bit more about her!!

Jillian Nicole said...

How cute is she?! Loved her advice about making your own path! Off to check out more by this sweet lady!:)

whitney @ thecurtiscasa said...

such perfect timing to read about shannon following her dreams! can't wait to read more on her blog. great stuff, mackenzie! :)

Lisa said...

So fun to read! I love her writing in Matchbook, but I've never read her blog (till now of course!)...so inspiring to read about people like the two of you creating your dream jobs for yourselves :)

Allyson [Mimosas in the Morning] said...

I always love reading the design dialogues! So great to hear from incredibly talented ladies!