Today we’d like to introduce you to Emily Grant.
Emily, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I moved to Atlanta in 2012. I wanted to be in the world of design/art but I didn’t have a clear direction. Here, I threw myself into supporting other creatives + designers + business owners and said “yes” a lot. This was all while working multiple jobs (I never thought I would work in a restaurant but recommend it – it will give you a work ethic like you never knew!) and took art classes. Only in hindsight can I see that something was merging: a design eye and passion for aesthetics, a business mind and an aptitude to be more than a starving artist. I did everything from organizing photo shoots and styling, florals, designing and setting the table for pop-up dinners, merchandising windows and shelves for small businesses, copywriting for an entire Amazon product launch, consulting for a PR firm whose clients include Hotel Indigo, flying to Miami for a six-figure private event where Lil Wayne performed… I worked (and still do) behind the scenes for several interior designers because people only have so many hands and hours in the day. The list is so long. But, I’ve been reassured as some of my inspirations like Beth Kirby of Local Milk work in multiple lanes. Admittedly, I was in survival mode for a long time. No money, no connections, no track record behind me, a degree in something else entirely… but that turned out to be a blessing. Not landing immediately (or any time soon for that matter), forced me into a situation where I had to ask hard questions, learn, listen, try new things and ultimately discover I was capable of more than I knew. I picked up a paintbrush… turpentine and canvases… a good camera… it’s been so valuable. I have an exciting opportunity this spring re: my art and a very cool endeavor with Airbnb. I’ve started a relationship with a group of men out of prison who make beautiful, quality furniture. I traveled out of state to meet them and see their work; it was an experience that I have a hard time putting into words. I feel a calling to provide opportunities wherever I can and seek measurable and impactful solutions in a broken world. That might be another conversation all together! I hope The Alabaster Studio can restore people’s interest and commitment to quality, support of businesses of all sizes here in the States, encourage curiosity and creativity in every aspect of your life – even if it’s “small” and inexpensive, to convey an overall message that the American Dream is very much alive and attainable if you keep your eye out for her. Lastly, you are catching me in the midst of what I call “During” since I’m still creating my business and life here. Atlanta is an amazing city to start out – or start over – if you are willing to work hard and keep your mind open. I really look forward to seeing where it all takes me; I hope it introduces me to more people, cities, spaces, opportunities to create and conversations.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
NO!
Expectations and disappointment
Self-esteem
Baggage
A lack of familial support in the city
Confusion
Comparison (I “should” be here because they are here… I am ___ years old. I “should” be xyz by now.)
Not knowing how to negotiate, advocate for myself, saying yes to free too much (but I’m still glad I had the experience and did it).
Financial (I’m happy to say that it is possible to be a debt free entrepreneur/creative… I am one.)
Giving up a lifestyle to pursue what matters. (I have to prioritize)
Self-care (taking care is critical and I didn’t know what that balance was for a long time.)
Currently: there are things I would like to do that can’t happen until I have a financial reserve… that sucks. You know what you want and it’s out of reach. For now, anyway! 🙂
What were you like growing up?
I was creative, pensive, sensitive, observant, curious, empathetic… but could be feisty/stubborn. I believe that comes from not being able to have as much autonomy and independence as I needed. I was intelligent and loved to read but didn’t do well in school (except in art classes, French and English). I’m pretty self-directed but need balance and breaks… my school wasn’t designed for that kind of kid. I watched a lot of HGTV, lol! I liked my doll house, journals, dressing up my American Girl doll, rearranging my room, collecting stickers and taking my mom’s magazines like Veranda. I grew up in the ballet studio, playing tennis, swimming, going to the beach, taking trips to major cities and having other wonderful opportunities like art classes, camps and Girl Scouts. I’m so grateful that my parents saw that as significant. I think it balanced out a lot of the uncertainty I experienced in school. My mom used to take my sister and I all over the Southeast to pottery studios, antique stores, museums, estate sales, home tours, trunk shows, outdoor art festivals. Spaces like those were where I felt most comfortable and I naturally liked beautiful (and often expensive) things. I still remember the feeling of being in her car as it climbed the backwoods of Western North Carolina on some excursion to a potter’s studio… the car wasn’t really made for off roading and there wasn’t a real driveway… I thought it was really exciting. How many kids do you know who request going to the Biltmore House on a teacher work day? I loved history, other eras and fashion so I remember wandering around the Biltmore House in my own little world and wanted to go beyond the velvet ropes to see what else there was… trying to envision what it was like to be a Vanderbilt. I believe I took in spaces and details in a very different way than a lot of kids.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.emilygrantstudio.com
- Email: thealabasterstudio@gmail.com
Image Credit:
Jamie Hopper Photography
Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
