Four years ago when I began this adventure it was me and my computer (and Penelope).
Of course I should mention my husband was my cheerleader. But really it was me, myself and I. I had an office in the house and I did not understand boundaries - I worked all hours of the day and night (it was definitely unhealthy, but I love what I do, so I did it).
Then came Joan (above right)... praise the Lord! I needed her help. She had been working for one of my clients and every time I saw her I asked when she was going to start helping me with my accounting? She is a die hard number-cruncher and keeps my finances in order. An over-achieving rock-star who has resume with places of employment such as Mobil Oil (and I ain't talkin about the service station on the corner)... I can only assume that furniture, draperies, fabrics, lights are more exciting than oil? However, it is certain that my bank account will never look like Mobil's.
Did I mention she's a certified QuickBooks Pro Advisor? Gotta love her. Joan cares about accounting like I care about design- it's her passion- and that makes me very happy. We don't always speak the same language... but I sleep at night because I can rely on her expertise (and occassionally she seeks mine). She's as square as they come... which I love and appreciate more than she knows. She walks a fine-line between "really organized" and "riddled with OCD" - you should see her house (and her fridge and her closet!). I often get looks like this (above) when I lose receipts, check stubs, or fail to get a W-9 signed by someone. These two keep me in line. I could not run this business without them.
This time last year I was on the verge of a melt-down... I thought I needed to clone myself or I'd never make it through another day. Busy is a 'happy problem', but my 'happy problem' was starting to kill me. "What are we going to do?" (Joan gave me a look like that one above) and then answered her own question "you need Paula!" (Paula above on right)
Paula is a total Godsend. Paisley adores her too (sometimes this makes me jealous). A QuickBooks whiz and an organized-type (like Joan) she keeps every aspect of this business under control... from placing and tracking orders to organizing project work, to making sure I don't leave for a meeting without my phone, my keys, my tape measurer, my camera... and my brain. Paula is compassionate and loves the Lord, she spends multiple nights a week voluntarily leading a small group at her church for middle and high school girls. She is not easily frazzled and keeps everything in perspective- something I unfortunately struggle with.
These two beautiful women are such a blessing to me. This Thanksgiving I want them to know how thankful I am for their help. They are tidy, organized (don't touch Joan's pen (yeah, the one with her name on it) or else!), they care about Urban Grace Interiors as much as I do, and are genuinely hard-working women... I could not ask for more!
Joan and Paula, thank you for all you do!
I'm leaving today for a week-long much-needed break... I hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving!!
i think working for you would be a blast. it is always good to have those around you that can keep you looking good.
Posted by: paula | November 21, 2008 at 08:53 AM
isn't it great to have good people around you?! love that! you go girls!
Posted by: benson | November 21, 2008 at 08:58 AM
And I bet these two wonderful women are thankful to work for someone that can articulate how they feel and let them know how much they are appreciated! More bosses should do so
Posted by: Courtney | November 21, 2008 at 10:14 AM
That was a wonderful post, lucky you, lucky Joan and Paula, and of course, lucky us for getting a glimpse into your world. When my kids are all grown up, can I come down to the beach and work for you? You know, nothing big, I'm no diva, I'll walk the girls, organize the swatches, file your design-y things. Anyhoo, really enjoying your blog, obviously!
Posted by: nkp | November 21, 2008 at 10:27 AM
What a wonderful post. It's great to see a boss that appreciates her employees so much. A thank you goes a long way and in reading your post you can totally tell how much you love and appreciate everything Paula and Joan do. Congrats on having such a great team to be thankful for.
I hope you enjoy your week off. It is well deserved!
Posted by: Camila | November 21, 2008 at 10:29 AM
What a very sweet thank you. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving and enjoy your week off!
Posted by: Courtney | November 21, 2008 at 10:51 AM
This is such a heartfelt post!
Have a safe trip home and enjoy the laughters and lots of food!! I especially can't wait to hear about your daddyboy moments. Enjoy my friend!
Posted by: Joyce | November 21, 2008 at 11:08 AM
What a beautiful tribute! Hope all of you have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Posted by: Dianne | November 21, 2008 at 11:18 AM
Love this post. Isn't it the best to have loving supportive people in your life?
Totally random: still love your sketches leaning against that wall. Someday please blog about them. Or, better yet, let me buy a set of my own. Just sketch whatever makes you happy and I'll buy a set of three. Seriously.
Posted by: seleta | November 21, 2008 at 11:33 AM
This has been my favorite post in a while! I love it when good people appreciate the goodness and talents of others around them. I'm fortunate enough to work for a wonderful boss myself so reading your post just made my day. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving. You deserve it. PS: Can I come work for you one day?
Posted by: Alcea Alba | November 21, 2008 at 11:53 AM
Sounds like a great team! Happy Thanksgiving and happy time off! Enjoy!
Posted by: megan | November 21, 2008 at 12:18 PM
Have a very happy vacation and Thanksgiving! This was such a sweet post. You guys are a very lucky bunch to have such a great working relationship.
Posted by: Sarah's Fab Day | November 21, 2008 at 01:13 PM
is it just me, or could joan seriously be a memeber of your family? i'd do some DNA testing.
have fun on the farm!!
Posted by: Becky | November 21, 2008 at 02:56 PM
totally green with envy here.
I need them here!
Posted by: pve design | November 21, 2008 at 05:13 PM
please show us the ocd house and the closets.
bit obsessed with that ladies, that is why I came back.
Posted by: pve design | November 21, 2008 at 05:33 PM
Ahhh Erika. Thanks for the wonderful thank you. For all that read her blog, Erika is the reason Paula and I do what we do so well. Appreciative, hard working and always in a good mood. Happy Thanksgiving to all!
Posted by: joan | November 21, 2008 at 05:48 PM
your gratitude (among many other traits) inspires us all to be better. enjoy your break. you ALL deserve it.
Posted by: Jessi | November 21, 2008 at 08:05 PM
sister!
thanks for blogging on your two wonderful women! i love the pics and i'm so glad that you are so grateful for all they do to keep you sane. or at least try to keep you sane! :) love you, d
Posted by: Darby | November 21, 2008 at 09:38 PM
OMG! It's like a current-day "Designing Women"! So nice to (virtually) meet the women behind the woman. You make quite a team!
Posted by: annmarie | November 22, 2008 at 09:04 AM
have a happy thanksgiving erika!
Posted by: Pink Wallpaper | November 22, 2008 at 09:36 AM
We would just also like to say about Joan...."we're not worthy"!!!!!!
Joan came very highly recommended by Erica to us girls at Willow...in the very beggining and we are blessed and thankful for that!!!
She has taken the time to "get" Willow's accounting and to "get" us (Cindy and Celia).
We love her forwardness, punctuality and most of all OCD!!!!
...and don't she look good in that purdy shirt from Willow.
...thanks Joan and Erica
xxoo, Celia and Cindy
Posted by: Willow | November 22, 2008 at 04:46 PM
congrats erika!! just read darby's post and you deserve the front cover of more than one magazine! are they printing the january issue...that would absolute make my december. have a great time on the farm with your family. thanks for the constant inspiration.
Posted by: The Rauths | November 22, 2008 at 10:41 PM
I just want you to know that it is such a blessing to work for you that I honestly can't wait to get to UGI. I get such a warm welcome from Paisley the minute I step through the door, what else does a woman need?
Posted by: Paula | November 25, 2008 at 02:09 PM
Happy Thanksgiving and a well-deserved break. Sounds to me like you have the makings of a hit TV show there!
Posted by: Easy and Elegant Life | November 25, 2008 at 03:13 PM
What a BLESSED girl you are, Erika! These two gals are not only capable, talented and valuable, but SO CUTE! Great post! Have a fabulous Thanksgiving and wonderful R&R time!
God Bless!
Posted by: Mimilee | November 25, 2008 at 10:24 PM
GASP!!!! I just read Darcy's blog and I have goose bumps from head to toe. Cottage Living?!!!!!! Will they still have the issue or is it gone bc of the sad news? You MUST MUST MUST post the spread if they dont go to publication. I am so over the moon for you. I read your blog every day and you are such an inspiration to me. Congratulations Erika!
Posted by: Ellen | November 28, 2008 at 02:44 PM
Super Post.
It is great to appreciate those who help us to be the best we can be.
Where would we be without them ?
Happiest of Thanksgivings to you and your loved ones.
Posted by: renee finberg | November 30, 2008 at 07:39 PM
i think you guys are adorable.
Posted by: renee finberg | December 01, 2008 at 06:00 PM