About a million exciting things are happening in my dear friend Monica Lee’s life right now, not the least of which is that she celebrated her birthday yesterday. Happy birthday, Monica!
Monica is the host of Smart Creative Women, where she interviews the leading voices in today’s creative industries. I’ve learned so much from watching her in action! She’s also about to launch an online business course for savvy creatives called Smart Creative Style, which will cover everything from creating a personal brand that’s unique to you, to promoting yourself in an organic and genuine manner.
Usually Monica’s the one conducting interviews, but today I’m the one asking the questions!
What do you do for a living?: I am a professional illustrator and host of Smart Creative Women, which is a web TV show where I interview women who are in the business of creativity. I also teach an online course called Smart Creative Style. This is a 6 week interactive where you can discover your creative style and what sets you apart. It will also cover how to then apply it to your creative business and branding.
Where have you lived? I was born in Italy and from there…let’s see. Oklahoma, Hawaii, Texas, Georgia, Kansas, New York and California. I may have left somewhere out! I am a military brat who then became an international flight attendant. In essence, I’m a walking version of the Johnny Cash song lyrics: “I’ve been everywhere, man!”
Place you’d most like to visit: I haven’t been to France in a several years and I’ve never spent quality time in Italy. So probably, Italy! Although I do miss the UK.
Favorite indulgence: Books! Especially the big, pretty coffee table kind. I love sinking in to their beauty!
Best advice ever received: Hmmm, I am usually the one passing out advice (for business coaching) so this is hard. During a talk I once went to, the speaker said, “Your mind is the final frontier.” Meaning that if you can harness your thought life you’ll be unstoppable!
What’s the most stylish thing you own? Oh pleeeeease! I love this question. I’ve recently started upping the ante on my handbag purchases. One that I’ve carried for years is a calf hair leopard print bag. I also picked up a small vintage leopard clutch at an estate sale…it’s old and really nice. I use it all the time.
My favorite things as of late…
I just picked this silk shirt up! I’m trying not to wear as many t-shirts.
My Old Gringo cowboy boots — thinking I need another pair soon!
I recently interviewed artist and textile designer Virginia Johnson and then grabbed one of her shawls. It’s the perfect weight!
I love that classic Wayfairs come in a petite size for those of us with small faces. I don’t have to look like a bug in my sunglasses anymore.
Lastly, I couldn’t live with out my black leather jacket(s).
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Thank you, Monica!
Visit Smart Creative Women to get advice from some of the brightest creative minds out there, including Joy Cho, Annie Selke, and Whitney English. And take your business to the next level by signing up for the Smart Creative Style course, which starts next week. I’ll be one of Monica’s guest speakers, so I’ll see you there!
P.S. I’ll be headed to New York on business this week, so I’ll only be posting on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Be sure to come back next week to hear about my adventure!
