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Category archives: photography

People of Kennett Square–Mary Williams Veale

December 29, 2015 art, beauty, business, home, interior design, life, people, photography, portrait, Story, Style, Uncategorized

After two years renovating an old farm house, Mary and her family moved to their beautiful new home. Mary also found her calling in home interior design, organization and garden design. The EDIT was born. It is a personal, client-centered service providing home order and organization.

1. What determined your passion for design?

I fell into this. EDIT evolved from my totally control freak nature! As a kid I would re arrange my parents furniture when they went out of town. It didn’t go over well.
As an adult, I’ve lived in a few houses (we seem to move around) and design and order (for me) are a natural part of the move in/move out/nesting and home making process. Creating good and pleasing spaces for life and family is a creative and satisfying endevour for me. But really, I’m a control freak.

2. Can you describe your first Edit project?

My very first EDIT project was a whole house re order, deckutter and staging for sale process. It was a completed over the summer and the home sold shortly thereafter.
I love to bring order. And the backbone and essence of EDIT is just that. Order. Be it in a basement or closet.

3. What inspires you?

I’m a always deeply inspired by my amazing friend family. The people who impact my thoughts and heart are truly exceptionally talented humans. I am very lucky to have them. I’ve watched each one of them take flight in their own distinct efforts and I finally feel as though I’m catching up!

4.Share something you would like the world to know about you or your ideas.

I get my inspiration from a life lived at home. My ideas are influenced by the spaces I have lived in, by the objects and stuff of life I’ve acquired and love and always always always from the natural world. I am certainly no expert on design but I do know what I love. And I do absolutely love what I do with EDIT.

5. if you have no limits( money, resources), what would you create?

The world as my oyster would truly be endless gardening! Endless. There would be no blade of grass unturned! It would be a boisterous messy flowering world in my garden.

People Of Kennett Square–Beth Secor

November 30, 2015 art, artist, farm, life, painting, people, photography, portrait, Story

My daughter took a drawing and painting class at Y. After finished the classes, she showed me her paintings, I was amazed by her work and the way the teacher was teaching. I had a chance to meet the teacher–Beth, an artist who loves doing animals portraits and teaching art to children. I went to her house, she showed me all the fun things in her studio , and activities at the farm. I felt her love of animals , and passion for painting and teaching.

1.What’s your life like when you were a kid?

We had a Ton of fun,brought up on a 99 acre horse farm with horses and dogs and a lot of people.We worked hard on ponies and horses to re sell,or train for other people.My mother was a big hearted free spirit who stressed honesty and to treat other people the way you want to be treated.We got up early and worked hard,then got to do fun active activities all together with out many rules,but you gave it your all in spirit!

2.When and how did you start painting?

I always doodled and loved looking at Art…When I was 16,I had a serious back operation,they said no riding horses for a while!!!..That was my life,Mom said ..whow what are you going to do…I thought if she doesn’t know..it is up to me..I said I’m going to Art School,,,,where one door shuts another one opens!!!My Art has given me so much pleasure and others!!

3. Why do you like to paint animals?

I LOVE animals and feel I intrinsically..intuitively..connect to them,so to paint them enhances these feelings,plus it is a challenge!! I like being able to paint peoples animals so they have a piece of the love forever,it is such a deep feeling…I love painting them!!!!!!

4.What animal do you like most? why?

Horses and Dogs and Big lions….They are free,,atheletic and pick who they trust,then are very loyal..and the partnership grows!!

5.Can you talk a little bit about your last trip to Africa?

My last trip to Africa was magical,I did a lot of sketching..being outside in nature focusing on such beauty of the land the animals and my connection with them was surreal…I wrote in my book…I am revolving with the Universe..which was all beauty and possibility for me!!! I felt totally centered and as if the Dear Lord was whispering in my ear,I’m Proud of you Beth,I do well with those Real Feelings,,I can’t wait to go back!!!

You can check Beth’s work here: http://www.bethsecor.com/

People of Kennett Square–Murry Soash

November 16, 2015 life, people, photography, portrait, Story

Murry was my ESL teacher when I was just moved to Kennett. At that time, I had no friends here, everything was new to me. Through his class, I made friends and improved my English. He was such a wonderful teacher. Thank you so much! Murry

1.what did you do before you became English teacher?

Prior to embarking on my new career of English as a Second Language (ESL) instructor for adult learners with the Adult Literacy Program, I completed nearly forty years of DUPONT Co. employment. At the time of my retirement in June of 2001, I had enjoyed a varied history of jobs in operations planning, domestic marketing, and foreign sales across numerous product lines. Of course many years ago as a U.S. Army veteran of the AMEDS group at Madigan Hospital (WA) I had learned the useful trade of Medical Lab Technologist. It was rewarding to be able to put that training to helpful use part-time at St. Francis Hospital Lab (DE) and blood bank for many years.

2. How did you start?

My wife and I began tutoring one-on-one with the ESL students almost 20 years ago. Actually my wife, Peggy, got me involved after observing how much enjoyment she got working with some wonderful Hispanic ESL students. While she maintained her tutoring of several individuals, we paired up to provide tutoring to a young couple with children. This working couple studied diligently to improve their lives for employment opportunities and eventual U.S. citizenship.

3. how long have you been teaching ESL class?

Then in 2002 the staff at the Adult Literacy Program invited me to give ESL classroom instruction a try. I accepted and took on the daytime multi-level ESL classes held several times a week at Presbyterian Church of Kennett Square. Thanks to the generosity of the church, the support of the Kennett Public Library, and the persistence of our Program’s staff I’ve persisted happily in this rewarding endeavor for going on 14 years. The entire program continues providing one-on-one tutoring for up to 100 adult ESL learners at any given time as well as night classes of four distinct levels twice a week at Kennett High School.

4.who are your students?

An astonishing array of ESL students from all around the world join our program every year. Though the majority of students intending to assimilate by learning the language and culture are from Mexico, each year we welcome many students from Asia, Europe, and all of Latin America. In a count done several years ago, we were startled to learn that 52 countries were represented by our students over the previous ten years. All ages of adults from very late teens to grandparents grace our daytime and nighttime classes.

5. what’s most rewarding thing about being ESL instructor?

As an ESL instructor one is rewarded each day by being able to note our contribution to students’ English language improvement in communication through practice in speaking, listening, reading and writing. Some of the program’s most prideful moments are learning that two brothers from Cote d’Ivoire are now local university graduates, numerous students have begun and maintained very successful businesses in Chester County, dozens of students have gone on to secure U.S. citizenship, several past students are now professors providing English as a Foreign Language (EFL) in their home countries of Brazil and Colombia. Add to that, one of our administrative staff members not only learned her impeccable English at our ESL classes but also earned citizenship by fully participating in the Adult Literacy Program over several years. It’s easy to understand from my experience with all of our students how important it is to provide ESL instruction. Out of all their experiences in the classroom they grow and brighten their personalities with friendships, culture, and social awareness that can’t be learned elsewhere.

People of Kennett Square–Meredith Petruccelli

September 15, 2015 farm, food, life, organic, people, photography, portrait, Story, Style

Meredith and her family moved to Kennett Square 3 years ago from big city. Now she lives in Kennett square with her 3 kids, 18 chickens, 3 barn cats, 1 dog, 1 rabbit and one 18 acres farm house from revolutionary war.

Where did you live before move to KSQ?

Before we moved to Kennett Square, we lived in Philadelphia and New York City

Do you work?

I am a psychologist specializing in pediatrics. I work part time in private practice.

What’s the life like with 3 kids, 18 chickens, 3 cats, and 1 dog and 1 rabbit and a 18 acres farm house?

I think most parents of young children would tell you that life is extremely busy. Restoring our house and caring for the land has been a labor of love. I often joke that farm chores keep me honest. Being around the animals is rewarding beyond measure.

Why did you decide to move to Kennett Square?

We fell in love with the countryside surrounding Kennett and the charming community vibe of the borough. We hoped to raise our children in a place with plenty of open space and strong and diverse public schools.

What’s your favorite part of country life?

There are so many things that I love about living here. A few things that spring to mind immediately are being able to grow food and tend to a flock of chickens, nurturing my children’s love of nature and exploration, feeling a sense of community and yet total privacy, and lastly having access to some of the most beautiful countryside in the region for horseback riding.

People of Kennett Square–Dan Borkoski

August 11, 2015 beekeeper, beekeeping, business, farm, food, honey, life, people, photography, portrait, Story, Uncategorized

Dan was my neighbor, he started beekeeping a few years ago. My daughter and I were fascinated by his honeycombs. When I was doing my photography project, I thought he should be on it. I went a farm where he had his hives. I was scared about the bees at first, but after he used smoke to calm the bees, everything seemed fine. I was taking pictures while the bees were dancing around me. It’s such a cool experience.

When did your interest in beekeeping begin?

I’ve always thought beekeeping was interesting, but didn’t have any experience with it until I found myself working on a small farm, and was asked to help with the hives there. I didn’t actually start beekeeping myself until a couple years later when I took a break from farming and was starting a family. It began as a hobby, and as my family has grown and I’ve found I have a little more time available, it’s taken over.

How did you get your hives?

Like almost all beekeepers, I purchased my first bees. They come shipped in a package, usually from Georgia. Package bees are not always the best quality, and my first hives didn’t survive their first winter (I was a new beekeeper myself then, so I’ll share some of the blame). Since then, I began to try to seek out locally raised bees that are hopefully a little more adapted to our climate. I usually now raise my own queens and bees, catch swarms, and I get some new bees by removing feral colonies from buildings.

How many hives do you have? How much honey do you get from each?

These days, I maintain anywhere from 20-50 colonies. The number fluxuates more than you might think. Every Winter, I lose a few, but throughout the season I’m splitting some hives and combining others. Raising healthy bees has always been my primary reason for keeping bees, not producing honey, so I leave plenty behind. Some hives end up producing a surplus, and I end up feeding some honey back to other smaller colonies.

Are there different type of honey?

Definitely! Honey varies widly depending on what nectar sources the bees are visiting. From dark Buckwheat honey, to light Black Locust and everything in between, all the different varietal honeys have distinct flavors. Around here, our bees (thankfully) enjoy a pretty diverse nectar flow, so we generally produce a “wildflower” honey. I think our local Spring honey has a great floral quality, and it varies a bit year to year, as the season sometimes favors some blossoms more than others. If you haven’t ever set up a honey tasting, you should try it some time.

Do beekeepers get stung by bees? And what your experience so far?

Oh, yes. I get that question a lot. I don’t usually like to wear gloves or too much protective gear, because I think it leads one to be a little clumsy with the bees. Honey bees are not usually aggressive, but I do sometimes get stung when I misplace a hand when I’m grabbing a frame from the hive. These days, I’m working hives most days of the week, so it’s an unusual day when I don’t get a sting or two.

What’s your favorite part of beekeeping?

Tough question. It’s mesmerizing just watching all the activity going in and out of a hive, or just letting myself become surrounded by the hum of life around me when I open a hive. Keeping bees can definitely be a challenge too, and I love that there is always more to learn. I also really enjoy teaching people about honey bees, and I have to say, the beekeeping community is a pretty eccentric crowd. Perhaps I’m most grateful that beekeeping has connected me with so many passionate and interesting people over the years.

People of Kennett Square–Bri-Arden & James

July 22, 2015 art, artist, business, Fashion, handmade, leather, organic, people, photography, portrait, raw, Story, Style

I knew Bri through Instagram. I have been followed her on Instagram long time. She is the designer-maker and owner of Arden and James. I love her beautiful handcrafted bags. Finally I had a chance to do a photo shoot with her. I arrived her house, her younger son was sleeping, and the older boy was tired but won’t take a nap. He stayed with us whole time, during the photo shoot I saw how she balanced her work with kids. Her studio is stylish, bright and organized. She showed me her new work, and also the first bag she made. She is such a talented artist and wonderful mom.

Where did the name Arden & James come from?

Arden is a little utopian arts community in Delaware. It was designed to demonstrate the values of the Arts + Crafts movement at the turn of the century. Many artists, musicians, actors, and craftsmen live there. There are walking paths through the woods connecting all of the homes and shared community facilities. Such a dream. They have an annual Arden Fair, which is in its 108th year. As a kid, my grandparents’ house was closeby, and we would go to the Fair. It’s a magical place, and it has inspired me all my life.

James is my older son. I started the company when he was old enough to sit on his own and I got my hands back :). My husband is also a James. He is an artist as well – a musician.

What is your design process?

The materials themselves drive my process. I only use materials I love: organic woven linen, locally milled waxed canvas, vegetable tanned leather, and pure copper. I see a natural material that inspires me and then decide what I can make that would highlight its best qualities. It’s sort of a backwards design process – not how I was trained in design school! I think that good design allows the materials to be themselves.

I love getting feedback from customers and friends. When designing something as personal as a handbag, I have to know how people will use it. I want my bags to be a reliable wardrobe staple and hopefully an heirloom, so the details need to be just right.

What currently inspires you and which other artists do you admire and why?

Wharton Esherick. He was a sculptor and painter who resided in Paoli. His home and workshop are open to the public, and they are an endless source of inspiration for me. I hope to shoot my Fall lookbook there this year. It’s funny, but when I make something, I ask myself – would this look good at Wharton’s house? It’s a “handcrafted modern” look. His work has no straight lines. It is informed by the materials and has a perfect organic feel. It’s just too good to put into words – you gotta see it.

What would you most like to make that you haven’t made so far?

Clothing. My sister, Britt, is amazing with styling, colors, and patterns – so it would be a collaborative line where I could choose the materials. My dream is to work with her every day (and our dogs and kids).

How did your parents influence your career?

My parents always wanted us to do what made us happy. Just to be our true selves. My Dad was always working with wood, and my mom was a painter. My mom always said that I was an artist, and wanted me to pursue art as my career, but I never believed in myself enough to think that I could pull it off. After getting my degree in Industrial Design, I apprenticed for other artists, worked in food marketing, and organized community events to earn money. It wasn’t until after my mom passed away – five years ago – and I was pregnant with my first son, that I felt the drive to make things. I could feel my mom’s confidence in me pushing me along. Since then I am always inspired and can’t wait to make more. I feel that my mom is sending these things to me so that I can live my dream. Everything falls into place as long as I focus and do my best. People have responded so passionately to my work – and it’s so flattering – because it’s me being completely honest and putting my true self out there. My work is a reflection of me, and the relationships I have built from that are so authentic and rewarding.

You are busy mom for two boys, how do you balance your work and kids?

The balance day-to-day is so hard, but overall, things work out. I am always going from one thing to the next, running around like a crazy person. But that’s how I work best. I am at home with the boys, so my attention has to be on them first. My boys are 2 and 4, so we don’t have any schedule – I just work in my home workshop when I can – mostly in 10 minute bursts throughout the day (on a good day). I use my iPhone for everything. I am never able to sit at the computer. The boys would be jumping all over me! I plan my work so that I can do handwork such as weaving in the car (while James is driving :)) or outside with the kids while they play. When the kids are both in school things will be easier. I had never imagined my business would grow so quickly – but I’m so proud that it has! The challenge keeps growing, but I’m still hanging in there!

To learn more about Bri and her work go to the website:Arden and James

People of Kennett Square–Estelle Tracy

May 11, 2015 blogger, business, food, French, people, photography, portrait, Story

I met Estelle through Instagram. She is a French food blogger. Her blog called ” le hamburger et le croissant” , I have to say it’s such a wonderful name. It reflects the food culture between France and America.

Tell me about your blog, how did it start? And how has it developed?

I started my blog in 2004 after reading an article in Gourmet magazine that featured five food blogs. I had no idea what a blog was, so I asked my husband who described it to me as some kind of online diary. I was intrigued, so I checked one of the blogs mentioned in the article, Chocolate & Zucchini (http://chocolateandzucchini.com/), written by a young French lady in Paris. Her blog introduced me to many other food blogs and, before I knew it, I was hooked! I had never read about food in such an approachable and engaging way. I was just learning to cook and loved that I could ask my questions directly to the recipe developer.

Reading food blogs soon became part of my morning routine until one day I thought: why not start one myself? At the time, I did not have much opportunity to speak French and the lack of practice was having bad consequences on my French skills: I was having difficulty finding my words and remembering the spelling of some words. So I looked for a blogging platform and started posting in French. If anything, I thought it would be a good way to practice writing.

Very early, I started posting about food and recipes. I had a little webcam that I would use to take photos. I would post about my farmers market discoveries, from the huge Brandywine tomatoes to the overgrown zucchini I would find at some vendor stands. It was exhilarating to think people from all over the world had the ability to read my posts. At the beginning, my family and friends in France were my only blog readers but, after a few weeks, I started reading comments from complete strangers. One year after I first started posting, I met my first reader in person, who went on to become one of my closest friends.

11 years after I started my blog, my goal remained the same: practice writing in French, while showing people how good American food can be. This led me to release a food survival guide for French people in the US (https://gumroad.com/l/AsVgQ) last month, which has been getting great feedback from its first readers.

You blog has a very interesting name: le hamburger et le croissant, where does the name come from?

When my American husband and I got married, we were looking for different way to represent our two cultures. After a little brainstorming, we decided to have a hamburger and a croissant sitting on a plate as the centerpiece of each reception table. This definitely got the guests talking! When I looked for a name for my blog, I was again looking for something that would capture the blending of our two cultures. I thought of our centerpieces and named the blog “le hamburger et le croissant!”

Who is your target audience?

As much as I want to be read, I first write for me, because writing helps me organize my thoughts and process my emotions. I also post for my mom because she is the first person with whom I want to share my recipes. Today, when I post a text I am especially proud of, I always email her to ask what she thought. Thankfully, though, I have other readers beside my mom, whom I see as like-minded people: easy-going food lovers, who enjoy their weekly trip to the farmers market, cook simple meals for their families, and meet their friends for coffee.

How long have you been lived in Kennett Square? How does it feel like to live here?

I have been living in Kennett Square for almost ten years and I love it a little more every day. This small town is home to so many talented artists and artisans who never stop to inspire me. The food here is also incredible. Talula’s Table always surprises me with fresh and amazing flavor combination (their coconut hummus was amazing, I miss it a lot) and Philter Coffee serves the best coffee around. Byrsa Bistro makes stuffed grape leaves as good as my mom’s and Sovana’s Bistro is one of my favorite restaurants ever. I feel very grateful to live in such an amazing town.

What are your plans for the future?

After leaving my corporate job two months ago, I am busy reinventing a life that is both professionally and personally fulfilling. I want to continue writing and I am currently working on a French cookbook. I’d also like to keep working with small companies, developing a marketing and social media strategy to let the world know about their awesome products. I love supporting small businesses but it is not always easy to hear about them in the first place.

No matter what, though, as long as my life involves a lot of lattes and a few slices of homemade cake, I will be pretty happy.

People of Kennett Square–Annabelle Schmitt

April 6, 2015 beauty, Fashion, highschool, people, photography, portrait, senior, Story, Style

Annabelle is a high school senior at Kennett Square high school. She plays flute, and also she is part of the CACC Folk Dance Troupe in Delaware.

What do you want to be when you grow up?

This question always makes me feel like I should have everything figured out, but the reality is, I’m honestly not sure what I want to be when I grow up. I’ve applied to college as an international relations major, but I don’t know what kind of job I want from that. I chose international relations as my major because I’m hoping that I can find a job that genuinely helps people but also allows me to continue using my Chinese. I long to impact the world, but I’m not sure exactly what I want to do; I guess that’s why I’m going to college- to figure life out.

What’s the life like be a 17 year girl?

I always think it’s so strange that I’m only one year away from being legal. 17 seems so old, yet so young. I think being 17 is about starting to come into your own–starting to understand who you are, what makes you tick, and who you want to be. You start to realize who you’re actually friends with and what you need from friends and relationships. Being 17 is about making memories and having experiences; it’s about making mistakes and learning from them. As a senior in high school, being 17 also means desperately trying to juggle six AP classes, college applications, extracurriculars, while maintaining some semblance of a social life. Personally, I’ve given up a bit on the social life. It’s a good life once you’re done with college applications, but until then, it’s incredibly stressful. 17 is a good age though. It’s a bit of a limbo age, as you’re still your parent’s child and you’re still making all the same stupid mistakes teenagers make, but at the same time, you or your friends can drive, so you have a lot more freedom, and you’re nearly an adult. I’m curious about being 18, really. I wonder if I’ll feel more mature or if I’ll act the same, despite knowing I’m legally an adult. As for now, I’m enjoying this limbo between the teenage years and legality.

Do you like small town or big city , and why?

I’m used to Kennett by this point, and I love it here. Downtown Kennett is one of my favorite places to go with my friends, whether it’s for a lavender latte at Talula’s Table, a crepe at Yo’r So Sweet, sushi at Lily’s, browsing at the Green Eyed Lady, or tea shopping at Mrs. Robinson’s. Honestly, the list of things to do isn’t the longest, but it’s more than enough and is near and dear to my heart. But when I’m in Taiwan (where my mother is from), we’ll travel to Taipei and I’ll fall in love with the city lights and endless hustle and bustle of the streets. Everything is so exciting, and there’s always something new to be found right around the next street corner. When I look at both together, though, there’s something nice about the familiarity of a small town. The anonymity of a big city scares me sometimes–I feel like a little ant among millions of others, ready at any second to get trampled over. In a small town, I feel more recognized and comfortable, as you’re always coming across someone you know. Friendly waves and smiles are integral to a small town, and for that reason, I have to say I like small towns more.

What’s the last thing you cried about ?

I had to think about this, actually. The last time I cried wasn’t too recently (thankfully), although I can definitely think of some times I’ve cried this school year. It’s been stressful. My physics class has been killing me lately, so there’s a good chance I cried about not being able to do the homework and feeling entirely hopeless. I’ve never done so poorly in a class, let alone felt so hopeless and lost. It’s led to some sleepless nights and discussions with my parents and guidance counselor about changing to the lower AP class, but in the end, I’ve decided to grin and bear it. Besides, what’s life without a few tears?

What’s the most happiest moment in your life?

I had to think a lot about this question, and I really don’t have an answer. I’ve had some really great days in my life, but few of them stand out to me. After thinking about this for awhile, though, I noticed that the days I thought of were actually rather ordinary days.

For instance, a remember feeling rather happy after simply enjoying a stress-free afternoon with my sisters and mom in downtown Kennett. We enjoyed a delicious lunch at Lily’s and then decided to visit the Growing Tree and try on some silly clothes, back before it switched to only toys. When we left, we discovered it was pouring rain. We ran back to the car laughing, still on a mental high from taking the time to do something so fun and relaxing after ages and ages of being in school. Our happiness contrasted the rain greatly, and I suppose that irony has made it hard for me to forget that day.

Another great memory of mine is skipping up a long ramp with my dearest friend, Katie, and just belting out “We’re off the see the wizard! The wonderful wizard of Oz!” We skipped until we couldn’t and then we stopped and burst into a fit of giggles. Of course, everyone was looking at us like we were crazy, but we were just having fun and enjoying each other’s company.

Now that I’m going off to college, days like these are the ones I cherish most. My family won’t be around anymore, and my friend Katie is already in college. The time I spend with my best friends and family is ticking away by the second, and seizing the few moments I can with them to make more great memories is more important than ever. So I definitely don’t have a best day (at least not yet), but I can honestly say that some of my best memories are simply snapshots of a single day, snapshots of when I am the happiest.

People of kennett Square–Emily and Andrew

Emily and Andrew are the owners of Tribe Beauty Culture. They create a boutique style hair , makeup and workshop place. It’s not a normal salon, you will enjoy your visit in a stylish environment and relaxing atmosphere.

Where is the name Tribe come from ?

Tribe started off with my sister and I wanting to make an impact. We were the original Tribe, a couple each with our own skills—hair and makeup. The idea was to create a culture of beauty, where we empower clients to recreate the same looks and styles from Tribe with the knowledge, technique, and tools. Since we started, my sister has had to relocate and Tribe has become a husband and wife team. We are still very much a “Tribe“. We started off small with big ideas, and every time a new client walks in the door, it’s important they feel they are a part of the Tribe.

What is the difference between Tribe and other hair Salon?

Tribe is different from other salons in the sense that our clients gain an intimate a personal experience each time they come in. They are given the attention they deserve in a relaxing setting that feels unlike any hair salon they’ve ever visited. Our stylists are amazing and skilled and focus on giving each client the knowledge they need to recreate looks and styles. We keep it simple—great hair and beautiful makeup.

Every one loves Tribe’s interior design. You have very unique vision about interior design, where do you get your ideas?

Andrew and I both believe very much in inspiration and creating a story with Tribe’s environment. My background is visual design and merchandising while Andrew’s is graphic design. We are able to work together and utilize our strengths to create a dynamic setting. The short answer—it seems to just come natural to us!

How do you feel like having two jobs?

Andrew and I both work full-time jobs. Balancing that with Tribe can sometimes be stressful but also exciting. Tribe is our passion and if you love what you do, it never feels like work!

Can you give some tips about how to do quick&easy everyday makeup?

Keep it simple. Start with a good foundation, literally. Invest in great skin care because thats where it all starts. Must haves for flawless complexion are a great foundation, killer mascara and a great lipstick.

TAGS: beauty, makeup

People of Kennett Square–Meredith Langer

March 27, 2015 art, artist, business, Calligraphy, people, photography, portrait, Story, Style

I found Meredith through Instagram. She is an amazing multitalented artist. We met at her house in town, it’s a place full of her design elements. I couldn’t stop taking pictures. She showed me her work, and her unique tea dye business card. I absolutely love her work!!! We talked about everything, travel, art, cat, camera, food …etc. She has the most beautiful smile and great personality. I borrowed these words from her Instagram’s profile:” |sign maker | freelance calligrapher & artist | yarn spinner | dreamer |photographic documenter | proudly Pennsylvanian”.

What was your dream job as a child?

As far as I can remember, I always wanted to be a teacher. When I was little I had my own pretend classroom with a giant chalkboard & would talk to imaginary students for hours. Funny that now I’m still writing on chalkboards!

Were you always interested in art? how did you start the calligraphy?

I always had a huge respect for all different forms of art. I started calligraphy out of necessity; I had to make some signs for a client through terrain. Terrain is one of those places where you don’t say no to clients…you create what they want, even if it is out of your comfort zone. This project was painting names on 5 foot canvas for a wedding. Than the next project was a seating chart that was painted on glass. After that I loved analyzing each stroke of a letter & how to make them better.

How did you start become known for your work?

I really have to thank Instagram. I have found countless amount of jobs through word of mouth//friend of a friend that saw something I did on Instagram. I actually have to thank this application for a lot of things: I have found clients, made new friends, workshop attendees, & most recently found a new roommate through Instagram. I wouldn’t be having this conversation right now if it wasn’t for Jie finding me through Instagram.

What do you dream of doing in the future?

I definitely want to travel more! Traveling always helps me to shift my inspiration. I would also love to have an online shop where I sell custom products: stamps, wood burnings, cards…

What would be your best advice to aspiring calligrapher?

Play & have fun! Do not feel like every move is permeant or right/wrong…every stroke has a purpose. Also, get inspired! Find something that you admire & try to copy it with your own spin on it.

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