So happy to walk you through this behind the scenes of my studio. We’ll talk about how it came about and why I love it!
How did I decide on building a studio in the woods on my property vs. having another brick and mortar space?
To start, when I did some reflection, I knew I didn’t want a long commute again. Driving an hour and repeatedly getting stuck behind a car with a World War 1 hat peering out from the back going 15mph in a 50mph zone with no passing lanes isn’t how I wanted to start my day. I also know how hard it is in the surrounding area to find decent, affordable office space. With my last office, it took me 9 months to secure an office with enough space for my staff, plus all the work of setup and monthly expenses. It wasn’t worth it. I’m paperless. I’m virtual. I like leggings, you feel me?
Ultimately, I decided since I live in the woods that for the cost for me to take down a couple of trees and build an office, it would pay for itself in a couple of years of not paying rent or gas. In the meantime, I was doing video coaching in my basement where my clients either had a view of a cactus print or my wine rack. Clients would ask me where I got my cactus print or want to know about my wine collection, it was distracting!
I was excited to have the studio built and I say “studio” instead of the office to keep my space creativity focused. When I’m in the studio I don’t feel like I’m working because when I coach, I’m designing. Plus who wants to go to an “office” to work? Blech! It just sounds lame.
Building the studio was not an easy feat. I had 4 different contractors working on various aspects of the building and of course, things take longer than you want them to. By the time I got in it to paint and build furniture, it was 6 months in the making, but it turned out amazing!!!
Studio Zones: Although small, my space is mighty efficient for my online business and it’s broken up into 5 zones…
Zone 1-“Design Space”: This is my primary working area. Here I rely mostly on my laptop for coaching sessions, creating graphics, and working on my website. I am a stationery hoarder so I have lots of cool pens, notepads, and inspirational tidbits here. I have an inbox for the paper I need to scan (I am paperless). When I had my private practice since we saw clients of all ages, etc. I had to use neutral colors. It was liberating to be able to choose the colors I wanted for the studio, which is mainly pink (my fav) and gold. I put some glitter in the paint for the walls because everyone needs a little sparkle.
Zone 2-“Inspiration Station”: This area consists of my coffee cart and bookcases containing books I like to reference for inspiration or use in coaching with clients. I keep ancillary materials I mostly use for motivational speaking in the cabinets and candles. I light a candle every day I work and find it relaxing to look at.
Zone 3-“Preview Area”: I call this area the “Preview Area” because it serves 2 functions. 1 is a whiteboard that I use to mind map ideas. It’s easier for me to turn around and look at my map rather than have 3 screens up on my laptop. I also have plans to convert this space into a video station for YouTube, courses, and webinars when I’m ready. Sometimes I’ll dance or do yoga in this space as well, depends on the day.
Zone 4-“Cozy Nook”: I try to use this area every day to have a cup of coffee and go over my plans for the day. I also use it when I need a break or when I am reading, this area is great to relax on the couch. Occasionally I do Zoom meetings from here as well, so I have a laptop table at the ready.
Zone 5-“Zen Zone”: I have attic space above the cozy nook. Part of it is for storage and the other part I converted into a little area I can relax and meditate in. While the coffee’s brewing, this is the first place I go to start the workday after my walk. I spend about 5-7 minutes up here, which is just enough time to clear my mind after the chaos of getting everyone out the door in the morning. The “Zen Zone” really starts when I leave my house and enter the studio. As soon as I lock my house, I clear my mind and start breathing slower. When I enter the studio, I put down my things, turn on my Himalayan salt lamp, light a candle, read an inspirational quote, start the coffee and head up to the attic for meditation. (Of course, this was before COVID, homeschooling, etc 😜)
So that’s it, that’s my studio tour! I’m so happy you get to see where the magic happens.
I’d love to see your home or outside current COVID home office space, show us some pics!
