We are growing! An update on my goals for 2018

My, How we have grown in just half a year! 

“The things you are passionate about are not just random, they are your calling.”

— Fabienne Fredrickson

Just a few short months ago in January I set my goals for 2018. While we still have a bit of ways to the end of the year, I wanted to share my excitement with you about all of the wonderful ways these goals have been achieved and surpassed: 

1.  Host a Calligraphy Workshop
2. Get Show Ready
3. Blog More 
4. Hire an Associate Designer 
5. Store Front (have ckc in stores)

Host a Calligraphy Workshop

January kicked off our first Calligraphy Workshop and 1st Year Birthday Party at Voda Boutique. It was such a joyful night to have my favorite local Raleigh vendors come together to celebrate with my favorite people and to teach a class people were excited to learn. Since then I have successfully hosted 4 Handlettering workshops and over 70 attendees! I have loved getting to know local boutique owners and developing new relationships with attendees. I am currently planning number 5 with a local apartment complex in Cary, NC! 

While I have so enjoyed teaching hand-lettering, I am expanding my network of classes to include Watercolor Workshops launching this September at the place where it all started, Voda Boutique.

I hope to continue doing both of these types of workshops because I love teaching as much as I love learning and also making. 

Get Show Ready

Now frankly, when I put this on the list I did not know what I meant. I knew I wanted to do an artist exhibition (something I have dreamt of doing my entire life) but I did not know how to go about this or how to get ready for one. I started doing a couple booths here and there and got to be a wedding vendor at Taste and Tour for The Meadows Raleigh. I also participated in a Bridal Expo with Moon & Lola and Pin and Blush Studio. Last month I got to do Pink and Drink with 3 locally owned and female operated small businesses. Pink Boutique hosted CKCreations, Windblown Jewelry and BEK Photography. I started learning through these events what it takes for each type of show event and how to best display your work to match your brand. Just recently, I participated in Sola Coffee's Pop-up Shop, a widely appreciated community event that takes place 2 Saturdays a month, every month. Through these experiences I have met lots of beautiful shop owners, vendors, new clients and connections that have allowed my business to flourish beyond measure. I can now officially say I will be hosting my first artist exhibition at Sola Coffee at the end of October of this year! I will be prepping a new series fit for coffee shop walls. 

Blog More

Well, I have definitely blogged more this year than my entire life, that is a true statement. It might not be as much as I'd like due to everything going on (YAY) (any ghost writers out there?) but I have gotten to document some of the highlights and real-lifes of my quickly growing one-woman show and that is a blessing. (I'm here writing now, does this count?)

Hire an Associate Designer

So, I have not yet hired an associate designer, although I am highly considering taking on help for the upcoming Christmas season. I have had the privilege of having a dear girl be my intern for Spring 2018. Claire Joyner, helped me with so many admin tasks in one short semester at NC State. She has now transferred to App! (rip my heart) but she was my one-woman hype show. She gave me boost (and I gave her coffee) on days I needed it most. She helped with email inquiries, admin tasks, and frankly, she licked a lot of stamps. I am very grateful for her hard work in helping me get my footing and just having a general sounding board for ideas. Having someone else being in your corner rooting your business on and being equally as excited for it to grow as you are is the best feeling. ILY CLAIRE. In the future, I will be contracting administrative tasks and budgeting out to an accountant / bookkeeper / rockstar human so I can keep creating and exploring new avenues for CKCreations.

Have CKC in Stores

So because deals are still in the works I do not want to reveal which places you will be able to shop CK, but VERY soon, there will be 3 in-store locations where you will be able to shop CKC original artwork. I am so beyond excited for these upcoming opportunities and I will update you just as soon as I can. 

New Goals for 2018

I'd like to make it through Christmas of 2018 TBH.

I am bracing myself for a very busy Christmas season starting in October for pre-orders and yes someone has already pre-ordered for Christmas 2018. Last year was so unexpected yet so exciting getting to fill Christmas orders for folks and I am so excited for sweet returning clients with new projects. However, I have set a good boundary this year for the season. I will be taking orders anytime between now and December 1 and filling orders until December 15 to ensure I get a Christmas / Birthday break. 

As mentioned, I am so excited to be in retail development with local stores, starting development for watercolor workshops, and expanding my company to include admin help and bookkeeping. 

Thank you so much for your support. I cannot say enough how thankful I am to be in business and be continually working. That in and of itself is a huge blessing for my life and you all allow me to do what I love every day. I am happiest when I have a busy plate of artwork to do. Looking forward to working with you on your next project. 

CK

 

Top 5 places to feel like a local in Raleigh

Whether you are new to Raleigh, traveling or a well-established local (myself included), you can appreciate a well-rounded food, shopping and entertainment experience in the heart of southern tradition and innovation. I have composed a list of my personal favorite Raleigh staples that will make you feel like you own the town. 

1. Jubala a local coffee shop where freelance designers and photographers set up camp. With two convenient locations-one in North Raleigh's Lafayette Village and the other on the cusp of downtown-these shops give you a quality buzz and a modern place to socialize. Jubala uses Counter Culture for lattes, pour-over and drip coffee to ensure the highest quality caffeine experience. This is also my go-to spot for a light sunday brunch. The nutella banana waffle and almond latte are my signature sweet orders. It is also a great midday work pit stop for panini press sammys with fresh local ingredients. I'd give this spot a 10/10 in location, quality and gram-worthy. 

2. Trophy Brewing Company What started out as a micro-brewery has turned into a local competitor for the best pizza in Raleigh. Original brews with notes of funky flavors like banana, milky way and piña colada allows this place to have a taste for everyone. My favorite savory snack is the "Most Loyal" (a title I have truly earned) which is a pesto-based pizza with mozzarella, tomatoes and chicken (try subbing in soppressata) and finished with a honey-glazed crust. Pair that with the Trophy Wife (their most popular beer) and sit outside on the patio for a truly memorable experience. There is a well-rounded menu with vegan and veggie friendly items like the Farmer's Market pizza that rotate seasonal veggies into circulation. Trophy's other locations include a taproom where they brew all the beer for their other locations ( a great saturday night hangout spot) and a downtown tap + table with rotisserie chicken menu items and authentic soft tacos. Trophy makes the list for its diverse selection of beers and great eats. 

3. The Flourish Market Shopping never felt so good. This sweet shop-new to the Raleigh scene-is in the Glenwood South neighborhood and sells ethically made goods like apparel, accessories, decor and gifts. Each line of goods is tied back to helping women be successful in their communities and part of each proceed goes towards a cause. They have such good taste in selecting trendy pieces for both your wardrobe and your home. It also makes a thoughtful gift to share the sentiment that you helped someone in need while selecting a special item for the one you love.

4. Lucettegrace The "sweetest" spot in town is an adorable pastisserie with freshly-made macaroons, croissants and other pastry perfections. The coffee is so underrated. There are lattes in cute camping-like mugs and it has recently started having succulent creations for every season. The decor is a chic yet cozy shop that makes you feel transported to modern-day paris. Last time I was there I had an iced vanilla latte and a maple waffle macaroon and I was reborn. This is a great place to pick up treats with a friend, for a meeting or just to stop in and enjoy the darling atmosphere. 

5. Raleigh Times Giving a nod to Raleigh's one-time afternoon newspaper, this local watering hole and music venue smack dab in the middle of downtown will have you in hipster heaven with its historic context and exposed brick. It is the perfect spot for a first date in good weather because of its rooftop seating with a spectacular view. Tuesdays are for Beer & Banjos, an event that showcases the best brews and musical talent in the area. My favorite order: the pulled pork nachos and a carafe of seasonal sangria (perfect for sharing). 

Matt Phillips Music performing at Beer & Banjos at Raleigh Times

Honorable Mentions: Crawford & Son, Art Deco, Virgil's, Yellow Dog Bakery, Farmer's Market, Father & Sons Antiques, Rise Biscuits, Cafe Carolina, Red Hat Amphitheater, Calavera and Raleigh Brewing Company.

If you need any more suggestions I would love to give you my complete list of #ckapproved places in Raleigh and the Triangle. Be looking out for my Top 5 places to feel like a local in Durham. 

all photos taken by me and more of my lifestyle photos available on my instagram