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"I believe in pink. I believe that laughing is the best calorie burner. I believe in kissing...kissing a lot. I believe that happy girls are the prettiest girls."
Audrey Hepburn


Monday, July 23, 2012

A Paradise to Live In Or See...


As my children grow, my thoughts return to the simple fact that I have lived in Tennessee most of my life. And as much as I love to travel, my hat is yearning to be hung in alternate environs. It's not that I'm unhappy or even dissatisfied. After all, we have our health, full bellies, and a roof over our heads. But now that the baby is gaining her independence, the dreaming can commence. Dreams about warm temperate climates with lower humidity, of being closer to dear friends, of expanding my styling endeavors and joining forces with those who have similar goals...dreams of California.

For about 7 years, we've been discussing the possibility of a move out west. We love dry desert climates, Joshua trees, and clear blue skies. But since the majority of our western cronies are in the California area, those goals began to transfer to the coast. My dear friend Lu (you know her as mylulu2 on Youtube) and I have been mulling over the idea of going into business together for a while now since we both have a vintage aesthetic and a love for styling. The early concept of this business involves something along the lines of a vintage styling salon, boutique, and photography studio where ladies could come in for their own 40's style glamour head shots, similar to the one below:
It's an idea I've been thinking over for a while, in light of the popularity and eventual failure of companies like 'Glamour Shots'. Women want to be glamourous and beautiful in photographs but don't always want to look like they're in a foggy senior picture or show off their body.

So that is our little tentative 'business plan' and I hope to make it happen in the relatively near future. But first: There's 'THE MOVE'. It's a huge undertaking to move a family across the country, both financially and emotionally, so we are currently taking baby steps to see it through. Baby Steps like making a timeline, a budget, and visiting the area to get a general idea of the culture shock we are going to experience. I'll be happy to keep you updated as we progress in this plan; I know I like it when bloggers share their challenges and adventures with their readers as this can make it appear less daunting while also helping them problem solve. I also plan my first visit to the area in August and Lulu and I will likely vlog a little during my stay, showing you vintage shops, clowning around, or even filming a tutorial or two while I'm there. You never know. :)


Since I posted a small note on Facebook about this potential move, I've had a few messages asking how you all can help. While I would never solicit your help for this move , which isnt a 'necessary' one and is entirely born of our own desire, I appreciate the offer nonetheless. Should you desire to help us reach our goal sooner, there are a variety of things you can do. No, I won't be setting up a moving fund...haha. But I do have that handy little donation button to the right and I have plenty of ad space there as well, for those of you who have businesses you'd like promote by becoming a Lisa Freemont Street sponsor. Obviously your continued Layrite and Whirling Turban purchases also help considerably. But simply viewing my channel and giving me your support is enough to keep me motivated and I thank all of you from the bottom of my heart for giving me the incentive to keep going.

Til then, here's a happy little tune by the great Joni Mitchell that says it all:



9 comments:

Unknown said...

I love your business idea! I've often thought we need something like that in the Los Angeles area. I've even toyed with the idea of doing that type of photography, although I'm a long way away from being a professional photographer.

I'm so excited to follow your journey and hope you make it out here!

CupcakeFury said...

I am actually going to the aveda institute for cosmology and i also dream of opening a vintage salon. There is one here in san Antonio but it is not well known other than by me and my vintage gal pals. I have thought of going to California after getting some experience here because vintage is everywhere there. Good luck to you darling. I say go for your dreams and do it.

Just thought i would let you know that you have been my inspiration for everything vintage. I have learned so many things from your videos and i have a 1940s week coming up in school and thanks to you I'm going to nail it. I'm doing a betty grable hairstyle. Have a wonderful day

Heichelbech-Weill Genealogy said...

We are moving to the coast in just a little while. It's exhausting and we don't even have kids! Like you, I am thinking of starting up another line of business and am very excited. My thoughts are with you, as soon you will be traveling a similar path. Best of luck, Ashley!

Kasey said...

I've lived all over the US (UT,CO,NV,IL,OH,KY,IN,& NC) even though I was born (and lived 23 years) in California. I finally made it back home last year after nearly 10 years away and it feels amazing. California is something special and I can't even begin to imagine how much of an undertaking it is to plan a move with a family (doing it on my own was fairly easy).

Are there any sections of California you're looking into more than others? I know the retro/vintage community here in the L.A. area is thriving, but I've also heard great things about the San Francisco area.

Good luck!
BTW, LOVELOVELOVE that Joni Mitchell song (I listened to it nonstop before I moved back).

yummy-mummy said...

I would go for it huney, we have a sort of same thing over here in the UK and I won a prize (not first prize photo shoot) but will be able to spend my prize in the vintage salon.

Berlin Hair Baby said...

I'm really excited for you Ashley! We moved across the ocean last year and I found that a timeline and realistic expectations were very important. I would love to visit your salon some day!! best of luck to you! BHB

Unknown said...

Of course I think your idea is a wonderful one as that is what my husband and I do. :) I wish you the best of luck! You do such a stellar job when it comes to vintage style! I am sure you and Lulu will be well sought after!!! I think I will need to talk to you more about sponsoring your page. :)

Ursula Gibbons

Scuttle Buttons said...

I think your business idea is wonderful and something you would be very successful at. I was born and raised in California, but moved to Texas eight years ago (I had some family here) because I just couldn't afford it anymore. The same house I live in here would cost me double in California. But someday, I would love to move back. One thing is for sure though, no matter how successful you become out in Cali, you still have to make videos for us!

ellelight said...

Yay you would fit just right here in cali! :)

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