We use words to describe life. But with life being so complex, how can we ever expect to describe a moment with just one word? When it comes to my life and business, I would describe it as simple, imperfect, yet also beautiful. However, it was not always easy to realize that these three adjectives were allowed to go together. To be completely honest, it took me years to come to terms with this idea. But it all changed when I began Vintage Farmhouse Interiors. My vision changed when others would see my work and describe it as beautiful, even though I saw it as imperfect. This motto started as just a way to describe my style, my passion for creating a livable look that was kid and budget friendly and inviting. I realized that it can be all these things, yes, even imperfect and still be beautiful. I did still feel pressure in starting, feeling inadequate and like everyone was better than me. However, I dove in anyway!
Over the last 2 years of running this business, I’ve realized that this motto doesn’t just describe my style, but it also describes my life and who I am as a person. Those of you who know a little about my story, know that the last 10 years of my life have been filled with fairly intense trials. There were times that I felt the loses defined me and scarred me beyond repair. I never thought I could also describe my life or myself as beautiful. But just as I discovered that my style can be that way, I realized I can too! Art and design are all about imperfections, especially my farmhouse style. And so are our lives. To put it another way, I like to remember that people love a good redemption story. Whether it be an underdog sports team that finally wins, or a guy finally gets the girl of his dreams, people ultimately love the imperfect. That’s how I see my designs. I take something from a yard sale or flea market that someone has given up on and I ultimately redeem it, bringing it back to life to be cherished in someone else’s home. So too with our lives, God loves to redeem the broken, scarred and empty parts of our lives and make them beautiful.
I hope that by reading this, you too can realize that your life may not be perfect, but is in fact beautiful. Real life is always a little bit messy, but that’s what makes it interesting and worth living. Always remember to embrace the simple, imperfect, yet beautiful YOU.