Victoria Smith is one of the standout people I've interviewed for Real Living. She's full of life and enthusiasm for her hometown of San Francisco. Her apartment is featured in the latest issue of Real Living. It's imbued with her love of Scandinavian design and retro finds. Her blog is SFGirlByBay.
What are you passionate about? Lately I'm very inspired and passionate about the design community we bloggers have brought together. With little or no effort at all a community just formed on its own - with indie artists, crafters, gallery owners, interior designers and design bloggers. I love that everyone helps and supports each other in spreading the word about our individual work. I'm passionate about being a continued part of that community and helping it grow.
Who inspires you? I get a lot of inspiration from other bloggers like Jan fro http://poppytalk.blogspot.com/ and Grace at http://www.designspongeonline.com/ I also am really loving the Swedish blogs - they have a great sensibility and style to them. I like http://hoom-sthlm.blogspot.com/ and http://emmas.blogg.se/ - both are great. I also find quite a bit of inspiration on flickr.com - there are loads of talented photographers and designers on flickr.com and I can look for hours at photos from all over the world. I recently did a post on a Portuguese Interior Designer and featured her home - it's amazing: http://flickr.com/people/hippyxic/
What's your motto in life? Well, lately it's: "Live life like you're gonna die. Because you're gonna." — William Shatner. In other words, I'm all about taking risks right now and trying not to let fear of failure block my way. I try to be authentic and live an art-filled life.
What lessons have you learnt so far along life's journey? Oh, too many. I think I'm a late bloomer. That's what my mum says. I'm in my forties and just getting going on what I really want to do with my life. Again, I'd say I'm learning not to let fear keep me from what I really want. I also think it's important to be gracious and kind with others and have a bit of manners. Too much of that has gone by the wayside in our culture, and I don't feel good about it. So I try to do my part to reverse that.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to pursue their passion? I'd say do it. If you have to make some sacrifices to get where you want to be, it will be worth it. I think corporate America, or perhaps any other country, is about the bottom line and there's not a lot of loyalty out there. Be your own boss, or work with others that have similar goals. If you love it it won't feel like work. That's how I feel about the blog. I go home from work and write every night. I don't watch TV anymore, it takes up too much space and distracts me. But blogging away every night until 11 or 12 makes me happy. A little sleep deprived sometimes, but I love doing it, so again, it doesn't feel like work to me. I recently cut back to a three-day work week so I can blog from home on Mondays and Fridays. I worked 14 hours yesterday, writing, researching - it was all great fun!
What's your favourite book? It's kind of an obscure one - My Year of Meats, by Ruth L Ozeki. I also love, love Catcher in the Rye, but who doesn't?
Who inspires you? I get a lot of inspiration from other bloggers like Jan fro http://poppytalk.blogspot.com/ and Grace at http://www.designspongeonline.com/ I also am really loving the Swedish blogs - they have a great sensibility and style to them. I like http://hoom-sthlm.blogspot.com/ and http://emmas.blogg.se/ - both are great. I also find quite a bit of inspiration on flickr.com - there are loads of talented photographers and designers on flickr.com and I can look for hours at photos from all over the world. I recently did a post on a Portuguese Interior Designer and featured her home - it's amazing: http://flickr.com/people/hippyxic/
What's your motto in life? Well, lately it's: "Live life like you're gonna die. Because you're gonna." — William Shatner. In other words, I'm all about taking risks right now and trying not to let fear of failure block my way. I try to be authentic and live an art-filled life.
What lessons have you learnt so far along life's journey? Oh, too many. I think I'm a late bloomer. That's what my mum says. I'm in my forties and just getting going on what I really want to do with my life. Again, I'd say I'm learning not to let fear keep me from what I really want. I also think it's important to be gracious and kind with others and have a bit of manners. Too much of that has gone by the wayside in our culture, and I don't feel good about it. So I try to do my part to reverse that.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to pursue their passion? I'd say do it. If you have to make some sacrifices to get where you want to be, it will be worth it. I think corporate America, or perhaps any other country, is about the bottom line and there's not a lot of loyalty out there. Be your own boss, or work with others that have similar goals. If you love it it won't feel like work. That's how I feel about the blog. I go home from work and write every night. I don't watch TV anymore, it takes up too much space and distracts me. But blogging away every night until 11 or 12 makes me happy. A little sleep deprived sometimes, but I love doing it, so again, it doesn't feel like work to me. I recently cut back to a three-day work week so I can blog from home on Mondays and Fridays. I worked 14 hours yesterday, writing, researching - it was all great fun!
What's your favourite book? It's kind of an obscure one - My Year of Meats, by Ruth L Ozeki. I also love, love Catcher in the Rye, but who doesn't?
8 comments:
I really love your blog Natalie! As a budding designer in Sydney I find it so fantastic and inspiring to read about the world of art, design and culture in my city. I also love how accessible 'real living' is. You make design more about personality than trends and I really appreciate that. Your philosophy on style really hits home! Do you mind if I add you to my list of fabulous blogs and sites?
Glad to have found your blog via Anna at Absolutely Beautiful!
love 'REal living'...its my favourite!!
it was great to see Anna & Victoria in this months mag - both are great bloggers!!
Hi,
I discvered your blog via ABT. I liked the article about her in your magazine. As well the one you just posted about SFgirlbybay. I share her excitement about the community in blogland. It is real fun.
Greetings form Beijing
(PS: I am doing two blogs: Beijing & Italy)
I agree with Victoria. The blogging community is so supportive. I came here via Anna and read Victoria's blog daily. Now you're on my blog tour. This is too unreal for words. Thank you.
Glad to have discovered your blog by way of Absolutely Beautiful Things! I really enjoyed this interview with the winsome Victoria. Her blog is one of my daily reads and she not only has a great eye, but is so down-to-earth and real. You just find yourself identifying with so many things she says - AND she's FUNNY! Thanks for the great post and I am adding you to my favorite reading....
Natalie,
This is my first introduction to your blog. I too have a blog on my own take on real living and accessible design, so I am always pleased to meet new people that share my passion!
I know I am going to love your blog, thanks so much! I will definitely come here for inspiration.
Melissa
after reading this article in the mag, i tried to search for more info about her.and came to this very spot. so glad I found your blog.
lovely
This is such a nice interview, I'm happy I found it - great work Natalie and also of course, Victoria!
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