YES

This image, although odd, represents so much to me. This image is me taking a chance on myself. This image is me daring to dream bigger. This image is me saying yes, even though at times I feel not enough. This is me mailing paperwork to make my love of making homes beautiful a reality. This is me taking a step towards becoming an interiors business. I have continually debated if this is my so called calling. It has kept me anxious and second guessing for years. I did not get my hand writing in the sky, but I had some beautiful opportunities come my way that I simply said yes to. The more I said yes, the more I felt my place being mapped out. In hindsight I wonder if that is all God wants us to do? To say yes to the small little gifts He put inside us and take the journey with Him and watch it bloom. Over the last decade I have gone into design and have always found myself stepping back whether due to fear or the circumstances that surround. Every time I am in the midst of creating a home for others I feel like my best self. I come alive. I have had a decade plus of honing in on my process, my aesthetic, and learning what I love about the interiors business and what I don’t. This business will fit who I am and I hope in turn it will attract the similar. As the month progresses you will see a few changes here to my site, but Two Ellie will remain the same. The place where we share me-too moments, stay inspired, and the best place for me to ramble. Maybe this new journey of mine will flourish. Maybe it won’t. Either way I said yes and am going to see where it leads.

Have any areas in your life where you just need to say yes?

Morgan Mondy : mae studio

I have known Morgan since our early 20’s. She is one of those people who can light up a room with a simple smile. No matter how long in between we go in between seeing each other we pick up without skipping a beat. Morgan inspires not only me, but many with her drive to make people feel beautiful inside and out. She has a presence that instantly makes you feel comfortable and welcome. I have had the honor of watching not only her business grow, but her family also. She began Morgan Ashley Salon in 2001 and most recently opened Mae Studio in downtown Birmingham. She is a wife and mother to three of the cutest littles. Here Morgan shares a bit about business, motherhood and life at home. She is full of wisdom and was kind enough to share it here on Two Ellie.

CONVERSATIONS WITH MORGAN MONDY

LETS TALK BUSINESS…

HOW DID YOUR PASSION FOR HAIR AND BEAUTY FLOURISH INTO A FULL-FLEDGED CAREER?

I read this book by Simon Sinek, Find your Why, a couple years ago that helped me figure out why I do what I do and why I love it. In the book he talks you through the journey of taking yourself back to childhood and through to adulthood. In this process you take note of experiences/memories that stick out to you--like defining moments-- and as I did this I realized there were many times as a little girl I was picked on for being really pale, chubby, and awkward. Now, while this is super sad, I realize that I never wanted anyone else to feel that way. I also have memories of my dad reaffirming that I was beautiful and speaking words of love over me and remember how good that made me feel. These experiences really awakened a passion to help others feel beautiful. When you are the ugly duckling, so to speak, you know how crummy it feels to be bullied.  I think it is such a cool thing that I now get to help people feel beautiful not only outside, but inside too and I am pretty passionate about it because of my own experience.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE BIGGEST CHALLENGES YOU FACE WHEN IT COMES TO OWNING YOUR OWN BUSINESS?

I think the one of the biggest challenges I have faced in owning a business has been keeping boundaries. I can struggle with staying up all night problem solving or researching, or checking my email after hours, or letting a work situation that is not going well ruin time with my family. It sounds like such an obvious thing, but I do struggle to keep home at home and work at work.  

I would say the other challenge is managing so many different types of people, this is my favorite and probably most challenging part. My staff have incredibly valuable insights which I love hearing, but sometimes all of the perspectives can get me spinning. Also, I am a very high feeler and try to empathize with every perspective, this is  good, but it can be an overwhelming thing. I am trying to find balance in that.

AFTER MANY SUCCESSFUL YEARS OWNING MORGAN ASHLEY SALON, HOW DID THE IDEA FOR MAE STUDIO COME ABOUT?

The idea for Mae has been brewing for several years. A few years back I kept thinking about opening a smaller salon more towards downtown Birmingham to be a part of the revitalization. As I was thinking and praying I really did not feel like it was time yet. My children were small and I had not yet developed the vision for it. Over the last 3 years though, I felt like the timing was right and I also gained more vision as to my “why.”

I started seeing myself and my business in an area that was diverse as well as gaining energy for revitalization. I wanted Mae to be more than a business, but really a part of a community that lifts each other up.

HOW HAS THE BEAUTY INDUSTRY CHANGED SINCE YOU BEGAN YOUR OWN SALON AND DO YOU SEE AND SHIFTS IN THE FUTURE?

Wow, the beauty industry has changed so much since I started in 2001. I think a huge factor in that is social media and youtube and the accessibility to education for not only the stylist, but also the client. I think this is good in so many ways because it really does require hairstylists to up their quality and education.

The ways I see it changing in the future is that I think there will probably be a more disconnected experience in the salon--it  may become more of an independent experience--I honestly hope not, but I could see this happening.

WHAT IS THE BEST CAREER ADVICE YOU HAVE EVER RECEIVED?

The best business advice I ever received was in conjunction with my challenges of keeping work at work and home at home. The advice I got was to be present wherever I am. Pretty simple advice, but I feel like this crosses to all areas of life, being present is so rewarding and actually lowers my stress so much.

ON A PERSONAL NOTE…

CAN YOU DESCRIBE YOUR UNIFORM OR PERSONAL STYLE?

As much as I try to do a uniform, I start getting bored/antsy for different. But I would describe my style as feminine tomboy. I love a unique piece that is maybe from a thrift store or market, but then I will always have my go to madewell or levi jeans as an almost everyday piece. Some days I feel extremely minimalistic, and some days I add some flare, so much of this depends on my creative energy that day/where I am going. I also wear what feels right and comfortable and as Marie Kondo would say, “sparks joy.”

WHAT PRODUCT OR PRODUCTS ARE IN YOUR ROUTINE THAT YOU SWEAR BY?

Kevin Murphy Hydrate Shampoo and Conditioner, Full Again, and  Bedroom Hair.

Bumble and bumble Go Big Treatment for volume.

Honestly though, I love trying all of our products, so I may change my faves every few months.

{all products can be found in her shops}

HOW DO YOU STAY INSPIRED?

I stay inspired by new experiences and trying new things/places/meeting new people. I love that in every conversation there is a possibility to expand my perspectives and learn something new. I love to try different types of food and read about different cultures. I think that experiences inspire me the most and learning new things do too. I love a good brainstorming session with creative people and I love to take action together. Haha, I get inspired through a lot of outlets.

WHAT IS THE BEST LIFE ADVICE YOU EVER RECEIVED?

The best life advice I ever received has been probably from reading Brene Brown. She puts a high value on being authentic, actually she puts all the value on being authentic. I sometimes will ignore what I think or what I know just to make a situation more comfortable, but I am learning that being authentically myself is so freeing and it helps others to do the same. And people can choose to like me or not, but it is based on who I actually am, not what I am trying to perceive they want me to be.

IF YOU COULD GO BACK AND GIVE YOUR 18 YEAR OLD SELF ONE PIECE OF ADVICE, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

Advice to my 18 year old self would be to enjoy each season and don't wish it away or try to get to the next one too fast. I love all the experiences I have gotten to have in life so far, and I struggle to slow down, but I feel like finally at 36 I am starting to get it.

ON HOME LIFE…

IMAGINE YOU HAD ONE DAY OFF WITH NO WORK TO THINK OF, HOW WOULD YOU SPEND THE DAY?

I may spend part of  the day with self care like a pedicure and exercise and then a family adventure like hiking or some other adventure.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SPACE AT HOME AND WHY?

Favorite space in my home is my den right off the kitchen. We bought a fixer in August, so many things are not “pretty” yet, but even in that state its so cozy. There’s a fireplace and sectional and usually a cuddly child that keeps me company in that room. Its the place we read, watch movies, play games and have dance parties.

WHAT ARE THE GREATEST LESSONS OR VALUES YOU HOPE TO PASS ON TO YOUR CHILDREN?

I want my children to know that they are incredibly valuable and made with intention. This seems counterintuitive, but I want them to also know that when you choose to lose your life for the sake of others, you gain it. The best things in life are often what you choose to give.

SINCE I AM CURRENTLY ON MY OWN INTENTIONS KICK, WHAT IS YOUR 2019 INTENTION {GOAL} FOR THE YEAR AND ONE ACTION YOU ARE TAKING TO GET THERE?

My intentions for 2019 are to have rhythms that feel right. I feel like I am always evaluating the balance in my life, there will always be a tension as long as I am a mom, wife and business owner, but those aren’t changing anytime soon, so finding a rhythm with it is my goal.

The way I do this is trying new patterns for when I do things--finding my work rhythm and home rhythm is tricky, but knowing I am productive at certain times of day and what times I  actually need to play and be more mindless is something I am finding is valuable.

Follow Morgan on her personal IG, here. Both her IG’s for Morgan Ashley and Mae Studio are full of daily inspiration too.

Our Home: Making Over the Kitchen

Since moving into this house three years ago we have been slowly fixing this old girl up. Can you believe this is where we started? Majority of the funds have gone to the not so fun stuff like a new roof and removing trees that were dropping limbs so big they were denting the cars. Before moving in we did simplify the kitchen by removing all the upper cabinetry that made the space feel cave like. We moved from a much smaller rental house so all the extra cabinet space was not needed. Once getting settled into our home I took to painting all the cabinets a color match of Farrow & Ball Railings, bought new appliances, and added new vinyl gray tile flooring and called it day. We did it all on a tight budget as we knew one day we wanted to do the kitchen over as this one is not in the best of shape. Well, it looks like that time is nearing as the plumbing in here is slowly dying and most of the cabinetry needs to come out anyway to fix properly. After living here for three years and going over every design possibility, I finally settled on what that will serve our family best. A pared down kitchen that looks like it may have been here from day one.

Years back we were gifted cabinets pulled out from a local kitchen that was being gutted. They are similar to the bottom right image, beaded inset with the cabinet doors being a simple shaker with beading. Currently they are chocolate brown, but will be painted Farrow & Ball Railings, but this time with the real stuff not just the color match as the depth of Farrow & Ball paint can’t be replicated. We are a few cabinets short and I really desire a trash pull out so we are having those custom made. The floors are getting hardwoods to match the rest of the house, not the parquet, and we will be refinishing them all. We are keeping the peninsula as our current layout works well for the way we host, but all the appliances will be reconfigured. The stove is going under the windows so when we cook during get togethers we can still be part of the conversation. The sink and dishwasher are moving to the wall where the fridge is. This will keep the mess away from the hosting area. The fridge and a coffee bar area will be going in the nook where our washer and dryer used to be which is where you see the baskets in the last kitchen image. The peninsula will now be one solid piece and a perfect area for prep and serving. Now for the finishes, we will be drawing the kitchen in a few inches to accommodate seating at the peninsula. We tend to host large groups for small groups and are always in need of more seating. These inexpensive counter stools will be topped with leather pads. We will be doing a similar panelling treatment, you can see above right, for the back panel and sides. Carrara marble will top the main kitchen area. On the sink wall I have glazed brick pavers from Fixtures & Finishes that will go up approximately 24” inches and will be topped with a simple floating wood shelf or possibly one painted out to match the cabinets. We are indulging in a Newport Brass faucet in polished nickel, also from Fixtures & Finishes. Will be using mostly drawers in this space, but there is one cabinet that will house pots and pans, but plan to have it outfitted with drawers for simplicity. The current hutch we are wanting to keep as I love the unique reeded vintage glass and want to stay true to the home. It will be getting a fresh coat of paint, the backing will have the same panelling as the kitchen and oversized brackets will be added to make it feel more like a furniture piece. Now the Induction Bertazzoni range is on the wish list, but may have to be put off for now, but man it would look good. We do love our kitchenaid range, but can’t stand the way food bakes onto the top. An induction range is known to do this less as the burners don’t actually get hot. I feel like that would be huge a win. I am beyond excited to actually be at the point where plans can actually be made. My antsy self just wants to tear it all out immediately, but I know our continued patience will pay off.

images: hutch example by Blakes London, blue kitchen by Amber Interiors, cabinet example by cantley & co, example of pull out drawers by Kate Abt Design