Cart
0
Welcome to the Velvet Palms Journal.
A space for mindful marketing tips, collaborations, my travel diary, conversations, and behind-the-scenes moments. My first entry is a more personal one — a look into my creative journey so far, a celebration of what's been, and a commitment to a balanced future filled with passion and gratitude.
If you’re new here.. hello and a warm welcome! For those who know me personally or from Desert Rose Studio, you might be wondering, "What happened to Bolivia, she's disappeared?" Well, unintentionally, I took a hiatus, but now, I'm back. Most of 2023 was spent away from social media, reimagining my vision, and getting re-inspired.
For those who are interested, let's start by delving into the creative chapters that have shaped my journey so far. I'll keep it nice and brief.
Chapter 1: Uni followed by Kunara + Flannerys
My professional creative journey kicked off after 3 and a half years of uni, majoring in graphic design and e-media, and minoring in advertising ~ graduating in 2016 with a Bachelor of Creative Industries. In my last semester of uni, I ventured into the world as a graphic designer at Kunara Organic Marketplace and Flannerys, which is where I met Erin, who was then the marketing manager. Here I worked on the in-house magazine, the third cookbook Kunara created, assisting at events and dressing up (i've been a fairy, rain deer, elf and zombie), managing social media and designing email campaigns... plus anything else that landed on my desk.
After a while, Erin and I started being approached by brands stocked at Kunara and Flannerys to help them within their marketing. With our shared passion for mindful business and a dream of working for ourselves, this led us to chapter 2: co-founding a freelance studio called Desert Rose, helping like-minded brands shine online.
My time here is one i'll cherish. Working from home for 4 years now has given me such an appreciation for all the happy faces I would see in the office everyday.
During this chapter, also I launched my own yoga mat business called 'The Wylde One,' this business was short lived as I eventually bid farewell to focus on Desert Rose Studio. From product development, to marketing, to hand making the yoga mat bags and posting out every order, to getting my first stockist - for me, this experience gave me a deeper understanding and appreciation for all the amazing people out there building their business up from zero. It takes time, effort and consistency... oh and did I say time.
A big thank you to all of the beautiful people who supported this dream. From friends modelling to local yoga teachers purchasing my mats, to sending my first order international, brand community is so special.
Chapter 2: Desert Rose Studio
The following four years saw me starting and co-owning Desert Rose Studio - a freelance marketing and design business with another creative soul, Erin. The journey was filled with, throwing ourselves head first into learning how to run a creative studio, meeting incredible clients and helping them grow, collaborations, attending our first store opening for our client (and partying into the night), accounting *yikes*, developing my photography skills, and dreaming about future growth for Desert Rose with Erin. It's a chapter I learnt A LOT, met amazing people and grew as a designer. Navigating the world of running a business is a big change and I'm grateful for having another creative soul to grow with during this chapter.
One of my favourite parts of owning a creative studio is hearing stories from clients about starting their businesses and the ups and downs they've encountered. It's easy to idolise a business and think things "just happened" for them, but all businesses from thriving to start up have their struggles and there's a real person sitting behind it all that's put their everything into making that dream happen. For me, it's so special to see and be apart of the rawness behind the scenes.
While running a business brings so many positives, it also has its challenges. Towards the end of my time with Desert Rose, I felt misaligned with the business and I hit a creative burnout. I was ready for a big change. The end of this chapter forced me to reevaluate my priorities, services, refocus on work/life balance and the amazing people around me and re-align with things I enjoy. A big change was calling for me. Desert Rose will always hold such a special place in my heart and I wish Erin and the new team all the best in Desert Rose's next chapter.
Chapter 3: Velvet Palms Creative
Which brings us to my current chapter. Velvet Palms went from a vision to my new creative space. The last six months I allowed myself the time to freelance with a few clients and focus on my new business - setting up and trialing new systems and re-aligning as a freelance studio in a way that allows me more balance. My hopes and dreams for Velvet palms is for it to become a blend of my passion for working with clients, collaboration and my love for my own creative projects. This chapter represents a fresh start, a commitment to balance, and a space for intentional creation. Stay tuned for the exciting journey ahead!
Because it's the start of 2024, let's whip out those New Year's resolutions:
In:
-
Balance between work, family & friends
-
More travel and time in nature
-
Creating intentionally, not just to post
-
Working 'ON' my business and not just 'IN' it
-
Saying yes to things that make me happy
-
More creative projects that are not work
-
Take more photos in the moment
- Collaboration
Out:
-
Burnouts *yuck*
-
Working late
-
Saying yes to projects that don't align
-
Unhealthy food
- Avoiding exercise
Here's to a new chapter, a journey into the heart of Velvet Palms, and a year filled with mindful creativity, balance, and happiness. Stay tuned for more entries in the Velvet Palms Journal.
With love and gratitude,
Bolivia x