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
ROI Jess ROI Jess

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.

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The Art of Unforgettable Digital Composition is Back
Jess Jess

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.

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From Clicks to Clients: How a Powerful Pinterest Strategy Can Transform Your Business
Jess Jess

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.

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Turning the Page: Updating Your Squarespace Site for Your Brand's Next Chapter
Jess Jess

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.

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An Argument for Gentle Ambition
Jess Jess

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.

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The Calm Choice: Squarespace Commerce for Curated Collections
Jess Jess

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.

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Beyond Social Media: Why Your Website is Your Most Powerful Asset in 2025
Jess Jess

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.

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Ikigai in 2025:  Finding Your Purpose (and Building a Business You Love)
Jess Jess

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.

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