Kelly Rae Roberts's Blog, page 5

My Instagram Weekly Round Up – Introducing...Lulu Butter Butter Bean!!

I'm obsessed with Instagram – it's my favorite online home! Here's a recap from the last week, and for those of you who aren't on Instagram, come and join me! And you can click here to see all the Instagram updates right here on my blog!

Friday, September 25

I took a short trip to Manzanita yesterday with a couple of girlfriends. This little town holds so much magic for me. It would be a dream to be able to own a little cabin here someday. The weather was gorgeous and so much peace in my soul. Love you, #manzanita! - See more at: http://iconosquare.com/viewer.php#/de... You are hereby allowed to be happy, to love yourself, to realize your worth, to believe in great things, and to be treated with love and respect. I've seen this quote floating around the Internet, and I adore it. Good reminder going into the weekend, my friends. Have a great one! - See more at: http://iconosquare.com/viewer.php#/de...

Well hello Autumn! Rain, lots of green, and a moodiness has arrived here in Portland. My drive home after drop-off made me so ready for rain gear and boots. Yes. Let's do this.

Print available from my shop
The beauty of life lives inside the smallest of moments... Here's to opening our eyes and hearts to the beauty all around... 

You guys. I have fallen in love.
Saturday, September 26


Happy Saturday!  Sunday, September 27


Farmers market flowers. Every weekend. They make me super happy.

Monday, September 28
 


Hello Autumn clothes. I've missed you!

Warning: I might be a little Instagram happy today. I'm on a writing deadline and my procrastinator self likes to play during deadlines. It oddly helps my process. Anyway, I finally put a plant in my KRR sample planter and I'm loving it. Looks like she's wearing a fancy feather hat!

100% fell in love. We met her today and we'll bring her home late next week. Still not sure what we'llname her but man is she the cutest and chillest. In LOVE!

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤  Last one. We are obsessed over here. Names that are possibilities: Waffles, Tootie, Lulu Belle, Lucy Star, Francie Pants, and Dolly. Also, Barbara because it's an LOL name for a dog.



Tuesday, September 29


Good morning from the gorgeous PNW. Today it's more writing, getting ready for Spirit Wings painting course to go live in a few days, getting ready for True's 5th birthday in a few days, getting ready to bring a puppy home in a few days, and savoring the build up to it all!   

Last night I woke up in the middle of the night with the name Butter Bean in my head. True loves butter and if you let him, he'll eat it by the spoonfuls. This morning I mentioned it as a possible name. He decided he wanted Lulu Star instead. And then I suggested "Lulu Butter Bean!" and he suggested "Lulu Butter BUTTER Bean" and so it is. We present to you Ms. Lulu Butter Butter Bean! Whew! That was hard and fun and hilarious.
Wednesday, September 30

Autumn heart, for you.


Print available from my shop
Dear Child.
I promise to come alive with joy when you enter the room (I want you to feel loved and celebrated). I promise to encourage you to dream big and reach toward possibility with faith and courage along the way.
I promise to create, play, dance, and sing with you (joyful creative abandon will be valued). I promise to teach you about how to be brave in sadness and brave in love.
There will be pain, fear, joy and love.
I will be with you, side by side, to guide you through all of it.
I promise to practice gratitude with you so we can feel joy and abundance in all things.
I promise to provide a safe and nurturing home where you have full permission to be who you are.
May our spirits be connected always.
May you always know how deeply you are loved, how your life shines brightly and how your heart is never alone. 

Window sill vibes in our kitchen. This Autumn light. Wow.
Before/after. Thursday, October 1
Throwback to earlier this year (March) when we got keys to my new studio. This was the before. I'm so grateful and happy to have such a space. Still pinching myself.

Not sure if he's going to be five or fifteen on Saturday but either way I'm smitten. Today he asked if he could be my lover bean.


That's it for this week! Check back here next week for another update, or join us over on Instagram for daily photos and thoughts!

XO,
Kelly Rae

SIGNED calendars are here! Get 'em while you can!!

Hi friends!

We've launched sales for the signed 2016 Wall Calendar! I am so excited. Our calendar formats have sold out every year for the last few years before we even reach Dec 1st. This means you gotta act fast. Did I mention they come signed. Yes, indeed!

More details below......

::Wall Calendars! ::

All calendars are full size (12x12) and full color, and signed by me! It's special, friends, and a lovely gift that will inspire all year long.

Limited quantities...get em' while you can! All details and more images over in the shop :) 


Here's a look at an inside spread...




And here are the details of the full color artwork inside each calendar...






Thanks, friends! I can't wait to sign all of these and send them out into the world with a blessing for the new year, just for you. 
XO,
Kelly Rae

If your heart says yes, come fly with us!

You guys! My angel painting course starts in FIVE days! I'm so proud of this offering and totally smitten by the response. It will be filled with a beautiful constellation of people. Seekers. Dreamers. Experts. Newbies. Creative souls with big hearts.

If your heart says yes, then come fly with us!

With Spirit Wings, we’re going to do something magical. We’ll create angel paintings specific to your journey. Paintings that will be sacred to your story. Paintings that will hold space. Paintings that will inspire and manifest what’s to come. Paintings that will help you invite what you want more of, less of. Paintings that will honor your celebrations, your grief, your courage, and your abundance.

Not only will there be loads and loads of techniques (face painting, backgrounds, and more!), there will be loads of intention. The angel paintings you create will be your own personal winged guides to inspire you along your path. It will be beautiful.

Click here for all the info!

My Instagram Weekly Round Up – Love is All You Need

I'm obsessed with Instagram – it's my favorite online home! Here's a recap from the last week, and for those of you who aren't on Instagram, come and join me! And you can click here to see all the Instagram updates right here on my blog!

Friday, September 18

I took a short trip to Manzanita yesterday with a couple of girlfriends. This little town holds so much magic for me. It would be a dream to be able to own a little cabin here someday. The weather was gorgeous and so much peace in my soul. Love you, #manzanita! - See more at: http://iconosquare.com/viewer.php#/de... You are hereby allowed to be happy, to love yourself, to realize your worth, to believe in great things, and to be treated with love and respect. I've seen this quote floating around the Internet, and I adore it. Good reminder going into the weekend, my friends. Have a great one! - See more at: http://iconosquare.com/viewer.php#/de...

Imagine a world where all the billboards are messages of love and encouragement? Spotted this one on my commute home from the studio. Love is all you need. Full disclosure. Love is what you are.

The view from bed. Wow, sunset. And yes I'm fully in bed at 7:45.

Saturday, September 19


Playing around with layering rugs. I had the yellow one as an extra and I'm sort of loving it layered with our living room rug. Do you guys layer rugs? ps: yellow rug is an old target rug and the patchwork rug is an old IKEA rug.

That's me filming yesterday for my upcoming Angel painting ecourse. Class starts in two weeks and I'm getting excited! I love filming days and talking my way through entire paintings, start to finish. I chuckle at how many times Bob Ross must have done this. It's surprisingly soothing.   Sunday, September 20


I've been SO in my head lately with lots(too much) stimulation. The thing that helps this level of maddening/stress the most (for me) is looking through photos (like this one and others that Tara Whitney took of our family), sloooowing way down, nurturing my heart with lots of permissions, planning out expectations and things to look forward to, and absolute quiet for a bit of destimulation. If ever there was a highly sensitive person, it's me! But look at these Angels of mine.

The light coming through right now is heavenly. All day I chase the light to the brightest room in the house. Love.
Monday, September 21
 



Print available from my shop!
Kissed on both cheeks... One of my older paintings. The map collage makes me think of adventure and exploring! I know I just returned from a couple, definitely taking a breather on travel for now, but maybe another is right around the corner?

Weekend farmers market flowers for the win. Happy Monday, friends!


Adore how he adores sticks. "Isn't this beauuuuutiful!" In between full on wild and energy, he's full of sweetness. The other day he told me "I love your art because sometimes I see you." You have my heart.

Tuesday, September 22


Love, found on my studio table.  

I loved these so much and they **almost made it to production but my licensing partner decided against it. Oh man! At least I get to keep the samples. Gonna plant some ferns in these babies. 

You guys. I'm officially stalking English Bulldog rescue sites. I've always wanted one. Bad. Today we met a 6 yr old Mr. Fitzgerald hanging out in our hood. We all loved him up for a long time and now I'm back to obsessing.
Wednesday, September 23

Print available from my shop
"Your soul is a seeker, lover and artist; shape-shifting through archetypal energy, between your darkness and fields of light, your body and spirit, your heaven and hell, until you land in the moment of sweet surrender; when you, as a dancer, disappear into the dance." – Gabrielle Roth

I have been lucky to know Brene Brown as a friend for many years. We met just before my book came out in 2008 and while she was working on her second book The Gifts Of Imperfections. She has not only been a dear friend to me during major life transitions but she's also been a huge mentor of inspiration to me as I continue to try and live with intention, courage, and joy. One of my favorite things about her is that she and John share their own connection and he trusts everything she says, which has inspired his own journey. Her latest book, Rising Strong, she gets real, shares so many of her personal stories, and brings it home for many of us who have fallen and been broken-hearted. She is my favorite Texan truth teller and I'm enormously proud. Go read this book, friends. It's another life changer. Thursday, September 24
In progress. This has been my mantra the last three years or so and I'm never gonna let it go. It changes everything. Trust in oneself, divine timing, our whispers, our intuition, our vision, what is calling, what needs attention, the unfolding, the lessons, and on and on. Best word ever.

Today we're taking a family hike up on Mt. Hood to celebrate the Fall Equinox. Love teaching True about seasons and celebrating it all.


That's it for this week! Check back here next week for another update, or join us over on Instagram for daily photos and thoughts!

XO,
Kelly Rae

another time lapse of a painting from start to finish and some thoughts on courage

You guys! I know you've likely heard enough from me already about my upcoming ecourse. BUT I CANNOT HELP MYSELF! I'm that pumped, that excited, and that amazed by the beautiful response to this course. I generally launch a painting course once every couple of years. They are my babies, my love projects. And this latest one is especially close to my heart.

Painting winged girls has been my way IN - into my highest voice, into my unearthed dreams, into my purpose. These paintings have guided me every step of the way as I've manifested a life potent with joy. They've inspired me, pushed me, ignited me to step into all that awaits. I can't wait to share my process with you!

So.

Class starts in just two weeks on Oct 5th. Price is $149 until the day class starts when it will go up to $199. Come join us. It's going to be a gorgeous experience for all of us! All the details are over here!


Above is a painting in process that I'd thought I'd share. Man, do I love time lapses. Totally planning on doing more! This one shows an angel from start to finish. In this painting I created her face with markers - a technique I love for its ease and flexibility. I'll share this exact technique and so much more in the class! All levels of experience welcome! Again, you can learn all the details over here. 

The finished angel is a beauty:



She is an angel of courage, a reminder to surrender our fear, trust our journeys, and to love, love, love our hearts out along the way. She inspires me to live in the light, to dream with intention, to look ahead with possibility and hope. I'll have her in the shop soon! 
Sending lots of light to all of you out there. May you walk your path with peace and eons and eons of light.
XO,Kelly Rae

My Instagram Weekly Round Up – Surprise Soul Trip!

I'm obsessed with Instagram – it's my favorite online home! Here's a recap from the last week, and for those of you who aren't on Instagram, come and join me! And you can click here to see all the Instagram updates right here on my blog!

Friday, September 11

I took a short trip to Manzanita yesterday with a couple of girlfriends. This little town holds so much magic for me. It would be a dream to be able to own a little cabin here someday. The weather was gorgeous and so much peace in my soul. Love you, #manzanita! - See more at: http://iconosquare.com/viewer.php#/de... You are hereby allowed to be happy, to love yourself, to realize your worth, to believe in great things, and to be treated with love and respect. I've seen this quote floating around the Internet, and I adore it. Good reminder going into the weekend, my friends. Have a great one! - See more at: http://iconosquare.com/viewer.php#/de...


Print available from my shop
"If you can dream it, you can do it." - Walt Disney Let's explore our dreams this weekend, friends! Have a good one! 

Myriam's visit to Portland is over but I hopped a plane this afternoon to join her and meet up with Tracey Clark for a last minute surprise adventure. What a full, community filled week it's been. Happy weekend friends! Brene Brown, we're coming for you!

Saturday, September 12

Not the best photo but we are here to hear our friend Brene speak at Super Soul Sessions in LA and we are dying with excitement and soul sisterness.

You guys. This day is so good. Crazy grateful to be here. So far the speakers have blown my mind. I can't wait to share all that I'm learning.   Sunday, September 13

Back home with my sweet family. I'm pooped and waaaay behind with my growing to do list, but so grateful I spontaneously hopped that plane for 24 hours in LA. The inspiration of the Super Soul Sessions will last me months and months. Also, this photo. Thank you Tara Whitney for capturing our joy!

Monday, September 14
 


Print available from my shop!
"I'm learning to trust the journey even when I do not understand it." – Mila Bron


People, I am dying over this photo of True performing at our block party's talent show. He performed "beat it" by Michael Jackson, complete with backup dancers. He organized the whole thing. Love this kid. Huge thanks to my neighbor Joanna for capturing this!

Gosh I love this from Emily McDowell. I learned long ago how comparison not only makes me INSANE but it depletes my inspiration, confuses my purpose, and muddies my confidence. And yes, it's the thief of joy (said Theodore Roosevelt). My trick? To stay offline. To not wander into the depths of Internet trails. And when I do feel that nagging, awful comparison feeling, I work HARD to send that person lots of love and light while reminding myself there is ROOM FOR ALL OF US while allowing myself to be inspired by their world. The world works better if we are all living inspired lives and not competing/comparing, no? I say we just own it all. Try not to compare but when it inevitably happens, reframe, reframe, reframe.
Tuesday, September 15

Print available from my shop!
"You've got to let it go and say it was the best I could do at that time and place in my life. You hope that the thing you're doing next is a little bit better." – Todd McFarlane

Letting it go opens up for what is next...

I love how he asks John to text message me photos of the hearts he finds. ❤️❤️❤️  

You guys. I'm currently working with my gorgeous team to finish up a bonafide, deeply in depth Wear Your Joy book proposal. I'm holding this dream close and as we move closer to "shopping" it around, I thought I'd just say it out loud to you all so that maybe you could help us manifest it into being. So friends, beam up and out your energy and love to the book gods. If it's meant to be, it'll happen. I'm going to do my part and see if the divine timing is right! Wednesday, September 16
Down near the bottom
of the crossed-out list
of things you have to do today,

between “green thread”
and “broccoli” you find
that you have penciled “sunlight.” Resting on the page, the word
is beautiful, it touches you
as if you had a friend

and sunlight were a present
he had sent you from some place distant
as this morning—to cheer you up,

and to remind you that,
among your duties, pleasure
is a thing

that also needs accomplishing.
Do you remember?
that time and light are kinds

of love, and love
is no less practical
than a coffee grinder

or a safe spare tire?
Tomorrow you may be utterly
without a clue

but today you get a telegram,
from the heart in exile
proclaiming that the kingdom

still exists,
the king and queen alive,
still speaking to their children, —to any one among them
who can find the time,
to sit out in the sun and listen. 
-My friend Myriam shared this with me and I had to pass it along. So good. The poem is called The Word by Tony Hoagland.

I've missed him so much lately. He'll be five soon and there is something so big boy about five that makes the end of four seem like the last bits of little LITTLE boy. We played hooky from preschool today. The whole day, an extra day, just hanging and playing and being and riding bikes and chatting and eating pancakes. Bliss. Also, can we talk about this hair? Apparently he has a "vision" and I love that he's so opinionated about what he wants. Thursay, September 17
Print available from my shop!
She knew the answers would come with time and love.

Last year I was sitting in a cafe, working on work. I overheard a convo behind me. The woman was exuberant, talking about her clients, how much she loved them, how much they loved her. She was mentoring the other woman who was at the table about a professional move, encouraging her to follow her heart and that the biz pieces would fall into place. I could tell from the conversation that these ladies worked in the financial industry but I wasn't sure. I just loved how the older woman was talking about her job and the culture of her workplace that she created as the owner of the biz. I got up to go to the bathroom. On my way, I did something I've never done before and stopped at their table. "Hello! I can't but overhear your conversation. I love everything you're saying. What do you do?" "Oh, I'm a financial planner. I help people get their financial lives in order." Friends, this is how I found my forever financial planner! Even better? This beautiful passage is hand painted on their office wall. It's the first thing clients see when they walk in. How amazing is this? I love when business owners get/own/imagine the BIGGER picture of their work in the world. Love love love.

When I was 8 months preggers, 2010.

My Instagram Weekly Round Up – Time for Dreaming Big in the Moonlight

I'm obsessed with Instagram – it's my favorite online home! Here's a recap from the last week, and for those of you who aren't on Instagram, come and join me! And you can click here to see all the Instagram updates right here on my blog!

Friday, August 28

I took a short trip to Manzanita yesterday with a couple of girlfriends. This little town holds so much magic for me. It would be a dream to be able to own a little cabin here someday. The weather was gorgeous and so much peace in my soul. Love you, #manzanita! - See more at: http://iconosquare.com/viewer.php#/de... You are hereby allowed to be happy, to love yourself, to realize your worth, to believe in great things, and to be treated with love and respect. I've seen this quote floating around the Internet, and I adore it. Good reminder going into the weekend, my friends. Have a great one! - See more at: http://iconosquare.com/viewer.php#/de...


Print available from my shop
Wishing you a weekends of finding our wings, my friends. Embrace embrace embrace.

Monday, August 31


Print available from my shop
Dear Hope,
Thank you for your unending light,
Your truth,
And for making my heart flutter.
Tuesday, September 1

We've been celebrating our 14th wedding anniversary the last couple of days. We were so different than we are now when this photo was taken. We had not yet traveled (together) hard roads, steep transitions, LIFE. All this time later, the years have softened us, brought us to our knees, devoured us in joy, and have taught us what it means to really travel together through it all. I am so honored and lucky to have john as my travel companion and to still be swept up in the magic of togetherness, learning along the way that life and all of its ebbs and flows is better together.

Like a found feather or heartrock or any other magical marvel, I take these numbers as signs from beyond. Little lovenotes. Happy messages. Confirmation all around that we are HELD.
Wednesday, September 2
 


Print available from my shop!
May this home...
Be a sacred space where joy, love, and compassion are nurtured.
Inspire honest connection and community where laughter is plenty, and where heartfelt storytelling is celebrated.
Tenderly hold our times of change and transition while we find our way toward courage and hope.
Be filled with mementos and beauty-full treasures that speak directly to our hearts.
Be a safe harbor where we can be who we are, where we are welcomed with kindness and open arms.
Allow for the unfolding and celebration of years passed, memories made, joy unleashed, and stories born. 

And just like that, it was the first day of preschool. He was so excited to return. And we were so excited for him. His personal style is emerging to match his personality, too, which is fun to see. Today it was one red sock, one blue, one totally brushed hairdo that he wants to grow longer, and a pair of new red shoes. Love this kid and all of his aliveness. The other day he said, "Mama, I have a secret to tell you!" And then he crawled up in lap and whispered "I'm so glad you're my mama" into my ear. It's like this all the time: wild dance moves and play and all GO all the time and then these moments that make everything pause and go still in sweet, slow heartbeats. ps: green smoothie for kids: spinach, yogurt, banana, ice!!!
Thursday, September 3

Friends, my friends Liv Lane and Lori Portka have created and written a most important spiritual book. I was lucky enough to read an advance copy and I really want this book to make it out into the world. Liv's connection to Spirit has changed my life on a deeply personal level (via intuitive readings with her) and this book directly brings Spirit's wisdom and truth for all of us. They are just hours away from reaching their funding goal and need some last minute support/backers. I really can't wait to give this book to everyone I know! 

Working from home today. It goes like this: work on porch for a bit, putter around, make tea, work from dining room for a bit, putter some more, get on the phone for a bit, work some more, putter. I love puttering around, ya'll. And I love love love having the house to myself for a few hours (rare). Today I stopped and admired our growing vintage collection of this glassware. I found the gravy bowl that matches our glasses at a vintage shop the other day and gasped at the find.  Friday, September 4 Woke up today to chilly Autumn and couldn't be happier. So ready for the perpetual Portland heatwave to end. And hello boot weather, SO happy to see you again.Saturday, August 22 Today was an awesome work day. We filmed several in depth chats/discussions about everything from unearthing buried dreams to trusting our voices to standing in our truth to embracing our vulnerabilities and more. This next class is going to soul and spirit and painting and connection and more. Love love love! 

Loving this quick family selfie in front of our house from yesterday. I had on fake eyelashes (video shoot) and True was utterly fascinated. Happy weekend, friends! Saturday, September 5
$10 Farmers market flowers for the win.Monday, September 7
The best magazine ever. John got a subscription for me last Christmas and I just love it when it arrives. Also, huge thanks for the love on my last post. I'm grateful that I can tell the truth and have it received with such care;). Big xo. Tuesday, September 8
Print available from my shop!
The weather is turning crisper and colder (although it is supposed to get warm again in Portland his weekend), and the days are getting shorter. Time to dream big in the moonlight. Wednesday, September 9 My girlfriend Myriam is here for a visit. Nothing like having your soul sisters who have seen you through stuff and hard and good and LIFE come be with you for a bit. We've gabbed, slept, food shopped, and already held a ceremony. It's also Myriam's first time away from her dear sweet two year old. Grateful she trusts me, and our home, to hold this right of passage. Thursday, September 10
It was a party in the studio earlier. Myriam in the studio. Best sweetest visit ever.

More goodness from earlier today. True and John worked on a large canvas while Myriam and I worked on our own. Taylor Swift was on while we got our paint on. Super awesome couple of days over here. Lots of great FOOD, convo, friends, painting. I'm happy tired. Xxo

That's it for this week! Check back here next week for another update, or join us over on Instagram for daily photos and thoughts!

XO,
Kelly Rae

A painting from start to finish in 2 quick minutes, new art, and more!

Hi friends! Click play on the video above to see a time lapse one of my paintings from start to finish. We've condensed three hours to two minutes! Love, love, love time lapses and am planning to do more. Let me know what you think!



Print available from my shop!

Above is the finished painting from the video. It's a new piece, honoring all that I know to be true. The second I began to listen and trust my inner voice at the age of 30, my entire life opened up and I found myself unexpectedly on the creative path. I've learned, these last 10 years or so, that our whispers, intuition, inner voice - whatever you want to call it - is our life's possibility waiting for us to say yes. It's our highest selves sending her message, encouraging us to receive it. I trust this voice above anything else. It's divine, and potent with so much wisdom.


In other news, we're on the three week countdown to my Spirit Wings painting e-course! Introductory price of $99 ends on the 15th so get on it before the price goes up! 
I have been blown away by the response to this course. Thank you for seeing and trusting what I know to be true: this class is much more than a painting class. It's deep, joyful soul work that will carry you through well after class ends.
We’ll not only let art out and let love in, but we’ll honor our imperfections and make them beautiful on the canvas. We’ll find our edges, and widen our horizons. We’ll inspire one another. And we’ll create gorgeous paintings to help manifest and call in all that is waiting for us. 
I. Cannot. Wait. 
All levels welcome. I had zero painting experience when I began painting angels and I will share everything I've learned along the way these last ten years. The painting instruction videos are exquisitely produced, providing close views of the demo paintings so that you can truly see the details of every technique I share. All in all, there are over 18 (EIGHTEEN!) hours of videos, capturing 6 angel paintings from start to finish. Whoa. EXCITED! 
Click here for all the details and to register. Again, into price of $99 goes up on the 15th so act fast. 
XO! 

A pity party, and a whole lotta kindness (thank you).

The other day I had a small pity party about myself. My body is changing, my face is changing, and it's all a little strange, this getting older thing. I'm working to love, accept, take care, and celebrate this vessel. But still. Anyway, True and I were having lunch when a sweet couple and their daughter came over on their way out to tell me they loved my outfit. The woman added that my eyes were pretty, that I was pretty. I was so struck by the kindness, I started to tear up. She saw me in a way I want to be seen, just when I needed it. Not only did her kindness matter, it inspired me to be kinder to myself.

And if I wasn't all mush by then, True and I were coloring, waiting for our food when I asked him "What's your favorite thing about being a kid? Is it all the playing, learning, making stuff? I'm curious!" He leans over and excitedly whispers in my ear his answer: "That you and Papa are my mom and dad!!!" It was such beautiful perspective for me from where my head was at, and it was more kindness on top of kindness. My heart is full. And, this kid. He sure knows how to remind me of what matters the most.

++++++++++++++++++++++
I posted the above image/text on my Instagram and Facebook a few days ago. I was so struck by the conversation that followed in the comments. There was support, understanding, belonging. I suppose I expected a few "Get over it" or "Just wait until you're even older!" comments. But no, just sincere conversation, being in it with me, and a supportive "I get it" dialogue. 
I adore this community. Adore it. Thank you for seeing me, supporting me, and being in it with me.
XO

New podcast is up + thoughts on growing a team

I've been thinking so much lately about what it looks like to grow a team. For years and years I went about growing my creative business alone. And while that was good and economic and helped me stay true to my vision for awhile (ahem, years!),  I kept arriving at a place of burn-out. Even worse, I began to feel a bit isolated. Repeated burn-out + isolation = disillusionment.

About two years ago, I was deep in that space of disillusionment. I had a successful creative biz, yet I began to get restless, losing my spark and drive. I was also stuck in harmful work patterns that were certainly maintaining my biz, but left little to no room for growing my biz with new ideas, inspiration, JOY. Although I had some help in the way of freelancers, I didn't have the feeling of being a part of a team of people who were all aligned, working toward a greater mission and purpose.

Around this time, a fellow artist (Katie Daisy) mentioned her "business manager" - someone who helped shape and hold the bigger picture and vision of what she wanted to do. Intrigued, I signed up for a consultation with her biz manager, Betsy Cordes.

It was love at first phone call, and I went on to hire Betsy as my brand manager - a HUGE, sometimes scary investment in myself and in my biz. It's been about a year and half since making this specific leap and with Betsy's help, I've gained enormous amounts of clarity, inspiration, and time. I've also gone on to grow my team in other ways, including a full time Community Manager and other part time consultants and freelancers. It's a far cry from where I was two years ago. I've never felt more supported by a team of folks who work well together, and who genuinely support not just my work, but who I am as an artist and where I'm heading with my business. Here's the most important thing I've learned these last couple of years about growing not just a team, but growing a business:

It deeply matters that the people you choose to be on your team have values and beliefs and work ethics that are aligned with yours. 

An essential part of creating a profitable, sustainable, fulfilling business is choosing team members not just based on their experience and capabilities, but on whether or not you actually connect with them as people. Are their values aligned with yours? Do they ‘get’ what you are trying to do in the world? If the answer is "yes", then you end up with more joy, less stress, more sales, fewer complaints, and a business environment you want to be in, with people you want to be around, who want to be there.

I feel so incredibly lucky to have landed here. I genuinely love my life and my work life more than I ever have before. I can honestly say that every single person I work with (developers, audio/video engineers, designers, accountants, bookkeeper, copywriter, etc) are people I adore, respect, and count my lucky stars for. I feel a part of something bigger, something collaborative, something that is growing with the effort and love of many folks. Hello, joy, hello TEAM!

XO,
Kelly Rae





PS: Speaking of growing a beautiful team, we have Episode 3 of our podcast up! In this episode, I not only dive into more my personal journey this last year of growing a small, but devoted team, but I also talk with both of those team members, including my lovely and talented Brand Manager mentioned above, Betsy Cordes, and Nichole, my Community Care Mgr. 

Here we are during our recording at my audio engineer's living room:



We talk trust, heart + soul investments, why letting go is both hard and amazing, and how to find your team soulmates. Did we mention there is super silly faking of British accents? Yes, there’s that, too. Listen to the podcast over here!