5 Things That Made a Difference to Flavia

This week's blogger participating in the series "5 Things That Made a Difference" is Flavia Heupel of Estilo Home. Flavia and I met through our blogs months ago and have bonded over our shared love of design, and shared life experiences and situations. I love how blogging brings together kindred spirits! Late last year I was excited to cheer her on as she accepted a full-time interior design position and left her stable yet uninspiring and unfulfilling job. Read on to find out what five things have positively influenced her life:

I was so happy when Arianna invited me to participate in this series! Not only was I flattered, but I also thought it would be a great opportunity to think about some of the positive influences in my life.

1. First is my husband, who is always there to encourage me, support me, and love me unconditionally. A lot of the positive changes going on in my life would not have been possible without him. He is my number one cheerleader when it comes to pursuing my dream of a career in Interior Design. I have recently accepted a job in the field that comes with some financial and scheduling sacrifice, but he was fully supportive of my decision. He makes life a little easier and a lot more fun!

2. I was born in Brazil, and though I have lived in the U.S. for nearly 20 years, I still try to remind myself of the positive attitude Brazilians live by, no matter how difficult life can get. They truly know how to celebrate life!

3. My first Interior Design teacher is another important person that helped to change my life’s direction. I took his class when I first started considering design as a career. After turning in my final project, my teacher was incredibly encouraging and helped me believe in myself. Anytime self-doubt creeps in, I remember my teacher’s positive words that I have what it takes to do this!

4. Last year I took a blogging course taught by Holly Becker of Decor8. As she told us her story, one of her quotes really stuck with me: “Fear is a better feeling than regret.” I found this to be so true, and I try to keep this quote in mind to push myself outside my comfort zone and live life to the fullest.

5. My Australian Shepherd Mac. I grew up with a fear of dogs, but once my husband (somehow!) convinced me to get a puppy, fear immediately went away when I laid eyes on this adorable dog! Seeing him so happy all the time is a reminder that there are simpler pleasures in life. And of course walking him is a great excuse for getting some fresh air and exercise!

Thanks Arianna for inviting me to participate! You are a special part of this incredible blogging community!

5 Things That Made a Difference to Jeanine

Starting off the series is Jeanine Hays of AphroChic. Jeanine is one to admire not just because she creates such beautiful, soulful, vibrant, and stylish home decor pieces (fabulous enough to be featured by Lucky magazine and Elle Decor, among others!), but because her story of changing careers, dreaming big, and following her passion is so inspirational. Read on to find out what has made a positive influence in this successful entrepreneur's beautiful life:

1. My husband. He absolutely makes me feel like I can do anything. We work in partnership on our company, and I would have never taken the leap to start AphroChic without him. He was the one who encouraged me to start blogging, and when I said I wanted to make textiles, he believed that we could do it. I really thank him for encouraging me to dream big and make my dreams a reality.

2. Getting laid off. For years I had been wanting to take the leap from my previous job as a lawyer to a full-time designer. I was afraid of leaving the stability of a day job. At the end of 2010 I was informed that I was going to be laid off, and it is the best thing that has happened. I am now working full-time on my business and loving it! I believe it's true that when one door closes, another one opens. Now I can focus fully on the growth of my company.

3. "She Lived A Life She Loved" - Kobi Yamada. I was at a bookstore a couple of years ago and spotted the book "She..." by Kobi Yamada. It was full of beautiful inspirational quotes for women. I was struck by the quote and reflected on it for some time. Was I living a life I loved? Was I doing what I wanted with my life? What would a life I love look like? And I think I've finally made it to the point where I am living a life that I love - close to family, working on things that I'm passionate about, and enjoying time with my husband. It's a beautiful life.

4. My mother. She was my first influence and truly my greatest influence. My mother taught my sister and I one thing - to do our best. She never pressured us to follow a certain direction, but let us move on our own, choosing our own path, and simply asked us to do our best every step of the way. I love her for giving me that freedom to develop and grow into who I am today. And I still always do my very best no matter what I'm working on.

5. Great girlfriends. I have no idea what I would do without many of the amazing women in my life. It's important to have a group of friends that you can laugh with, cry with, just sit around and dish with, and who always encourage and believe in you. I feel blessed to have incredible friendships.