Notes from the Atelier.
The status quo guarantees compromise. This is where we publish our uncompromised thoughts on high-end business, digital asset valuation, and the three costly liabilities most luxury brands accept without question. Essential, provocative reading for those who prioritize permanence over quick fixes.
The High Cost of Compromise
Yet, most firms commit the cardinal sin of digital compromise. They invest six figures into their physical product but house their entire global operation inside a website that loads with the urgency of a Sunday morning—all on a template bought for the price of a decent dinner. This isn't just a design problem; it is a confrontation of integrity. Your website is currently telling the most expensive lie in commerce: We are premium, but we settled for cheap.
The Art of Unforgettable Digital Composition is Back
For a moment, I stepped away from the digital noise, not to rest, but to observe. Like a curator stepping back from the gallery floor, I realized where the true digital disconnect lies: too many cool Instagram feeds are writing checks their boring template websites can't cash.
The Livelihood Audit: Why Your Business Needs a Creative Director to Engineer Its Digital Future
For many companies, a standard designer is the perfect solution—their objective is to deliver a beautiful, functional final product. But for market leaders, the objective has shifted: your website must be a Decisive, profitable asset.
From Clicks to Clients: How a Powerful Pinterest Strategy Can Transform Your Business
Every time I publish a new blog post, case study, or client portfolio piece on my website, I create a few Pins for it. Because Pins are essentially visual links back to my site, they act like a massive backlink machine. This signals to Google that my site is an authority, helping my pages rank higher in search results. This same approach is what I use to help my clients get found online.
The $777 Question: What's the Real Value of a Website Refresh?
The real value of a refresh isn’t just in the lower price tag; it's in the speed and efficiency with which you can start attracting new customers. You can go from a tired, ineffective website to a professional, high-performing one in just a couple of weeks.
Turning the Page: Updating Your Squarespace Site for Your Brand's Next Chapter
Your plan? Get your amazing service or curated products out there. Build community on Instagram, connect authentically, let word-of-mouth work its magic. And the website? Platforms like Squarespace seem like a gift – accessible, relatively intuitive. So you decide, "I can do this."
And you dive in. You spend hours learning the platform, choosing images, arranging layouts. You DIY that website, and you DIY it hard. Late nights, countless tutorials, maybe a few triumphant moments followed by frustrating setbacks. You finally get it launched. It’s… okay. Maybe even pretty good in places! But deep down, you know it’s not quite it.
An Argument for Gentle Ambition
Choosing a slower pace wasn't an overnight decision; it feels more like a gradual leaning-in, a conscious turning away from the relentless "hustle culture" that often feels celebrated elsewhere. For me, slow living isn't about lack of ambition; it's about creating space. Space to truly notice the way the Koʻolau mountains catch the morning light, to find inspiration not just in grand travels but in the texture of sea-worn shells or the artistry of a local ceramicist. It’s space to be present with my family, to breathe, and importantly, space to allow my own perspective to evolve – the grace to change my mind as I learn and grow.
The Calm Choice: Squarespace Commerce for Curated Collections
While selling online is practically a requirement for every modern business, if your passion lies in curating something truly special – be it rare vintage items, handcrafted treasures, or your original artwork – the high-speed world of typical e-commerce might not feel like the ideal space. Are you pondering on how to best share your collection with the world online? There's a calmer, more elegant way...
The conversation around e-commerce platforms can often feel bustling, full of talk about scaling rapidly, complex features, and powerful engines. You hear about Shopify, rightfully recognized as a giant in the space, and might wonder if that's the only path forward for anyone serious about selling online.
Squarespace: My Love-Hate Relationship with the Platform I Can't Quit
Let's be honest, relationships can be complicated. Sometimes it's all sunshine and roses, and other times... well, let's just say you're thisclose to throwing your laptop out the window. That pretty much sums up my relationship with Squarespace.
Why Your Website is a Non-Negotiable in 2025 (Even with Social Media)
Picture this: you stumble upon a brand on Instagram that sparks your interest. Their feed is gorgeous, their captions are witty, and you're hooked. But then... you click on their link in bio, and it takes you to a janky website that looks like it was built in the early 2000s. Ouch.
Starting a Business in 2025? Here's My 5 Step Guide to Building a Brand that SHINES
Launching a new business is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming. Where do you even begin? Trust me, I get it. I've been there! So, if I were starting a brand new business today, here's the exact roadmap I'd follow to create a brand that not only looks amazing but also attracts dream clients and sets the stage for success.
Beyond Social Media: Why Your Website is Your Most Powerful Asset in 2025
The digital landscape is constantly shifting, and as entrepreneurs, we need to be adaptable and ready to pivot when necessary. With recent discussions around the potential ban (or re-ban) of TikTok, it's more crucial than ever to diversify your online presence and ensure you have a solid foundation beyond social media.
While platforms like TikTok can be fantastic for reaching new audiences and building a community, they're ultimately rented spaces. You don't own your followers or your content, and algorithms can change in an instant, impacting your reach and visibility.
Take Advantage of the January Lull: It's Time to Live, Laugh, Love Your Website
Ah, January. The decorations are down, the holiday music has faded, and a sense of calm descends after the whirlwind of the season. While it's tempting to just coast through this quieter time, it's actually the perfect opportunity to give your business (and your website!) some much-needed attention.
Introducing the Project Estimator: Instant, Transparent Pricing, Happy Client
Ever wished you could give potential clients a quick and easy way to estimate the cost of their project? Well, wish no more! I'm thrilled to introduce the Project Estimator – a new feature on my website that's designed to make the pricing process smoother and more transparent for everyone.
Ikigai in 2025: Finding Your Purpose (and Building a Business You Love)
It's a new year, a fresh start, a chance to set intentions and dream big. But as you're mapping out your goals for 2025, have you considered your Ikigai?
Ikigai, the Japanese concept of "a reason for being," goes beyond just setting goals. It's about finding that sweet spot where your passion, mission, vocation, and profession intersect. It's about building a business (and a life) that feels truly aligned with your purpose.
2025: The Year You Invest in a Website That Actually Represents Your Business
Let's be honest, how many times have you said, "I'll get to my website eventually"? Or cringed a little when sending a potential client the link? Maybe you even cobbled something together yourself, figuring "good enough" would do the trick.