The Story of a Family Business
On Wednesday afternoon my sister, Tara, and I sat on a patio for over 2 hours - drinking iced green tea and chatting about where we've been and where we're going. We opened our hearts up big and grew up a lot. It wasn't lost on us that we have the freedom to take the time we need to share our dreams and fears and insecurities over iced tea in the middle of a Wednesday. That we have the freedom to redefine a hard day's work - and that day we couldn't have spent it any better than with each other on that sunny patio.
Braid Creative has been alive and thriving for a year now, but I've been working for myself for two. In the year that I was alone I was really open with monthly updates about what it was like to be a freelance graphic designer - what it was like to transition from the perceived security of working for someone else to the uncertainty of going it alone. I shared my secrets, hopes, dreams and fears with you all.
Tara pointed out that I haven't been sharing the story of what it's like to work for Braid here on J&K. I think it's because I haven't felt like it's just my story. It's Tara's story too and she's a much better storyteller than I am. She has this genius ability to set it up, create arcs and pay it off without veering off track or forgetting her point. On that Wednesday afternoon Tara gave me the permission I needed to tell our story - the story of what it's like to work at Braid. Together. As sisters.
If Jeremy is my other half in this love story that is J&K, then Tara is my other half, not only in business, but in life - it's a story we've been creating together as sisters for over 30 years and probably over several past lifetimes. Tara is the methodical vision to my crazy creative. She's the practical execution to my big vision. Tara thinks in layers that aren't constrained by time and space and then tidies them up into organized action and gorgeous words.
Just like I used to share the story of what it was like to go from nine-to-five to freelance, I'm going to begin sharing the story of what it's like to own a creative company with my sister - but know that it goes much deeper than business.
Photos by Greer Inez.
Yay! So excited to hear more about this. My sister and I will probably never own a business together but we are definitely yin and yang to each other. I can't wait to hear more about how you make it work!
I wish my sister and I could do something like this! Good for you both. I hope you continue to tell both of your stories. It might not be completely yours but it's yours just the same.
I think I'll just move to Oklahoma and work with you guys. :) Can't wait for this series! xo
You two are so lucky to get to work together. I think there's something special about a family business. I can't wait to hear more. Stories are my candy.
You are an amazing writer. I check in everyday to see if you have posted anything new. As I have been following your blog I realized that I have relaxed a lot about some of my hang-ups...I can be kinda rigid in some of my thought process. The way you express your work+personal life has really helped me calm down about how 'it's supposed to be' & enjoy it, so thank you very much!
Gah, what a beautiful post. Very sweet... and such an amazing story. I have three sisters who I love deeply and miss a mess load. (we are 2,500 miles apart) ...and this post made me smile so much. For many reasons. thank you!
Yay for sisters!
Did you lose the dreads or is this pre-dreads?
Afarq - It's nice having complementary point-of-views that fit together like a puzzle, huh!?
Katie - The story is still unfolding - and I will continue to tell it! Thanks for listening. :)
Melanie - Come on down! ;)
Brandi - We are lucky. And we're constantly reminding ourselves of that even when the going gets rough.
Lanie - Oh, thank you! What a sweet compliment - that means so much to me. More than anything I use this space to work through my issues and try and remind myself to calm down. It's one big practice in gratitude.
Latrina - Oh gosh, sisterhood is a special kind of bond, huh? XOXO
Esther - This is pre-dreads! These guys are staying with me for a while - and when they come out it's going to mean a very short hair do!
This is such a sweet post!
Oh I can't wait to hear about it!
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