Recently I asked all of my Twitter friends what the HECK I should blog about. One response I got, I’ve been sitting on for quite a while now- and I know she’s anxiously awaiting what I’ve got to say. So, Allison, this is finally for you!
I was asked about my studio space. About WHY I chose the area that I did, and what prompted me to get it. So, here’s my story that will unfold the awesomeness within. When I began looking for a space, I knew I wanted it to be a few things:
1. Centrally located, as my team and I specialize in wedding planning for Los Angeles and Orange County. In fact, we’re practically 50/50 between working LA and OC. So, although I personally live in South Orange County, the place to be- for me- was northern OC.
2. Space enough for a private area for my team. News flash: I’m messy. And it’s not that I’m unorganized, it’s that I need SPACE to spread out for my craft projects. Program assembly, escort card printing, storage of vases and other items for weddings… it was taking over my home. I knew that I needed a place where my consultation area could be separate from my office. Where my “messy” area could be tucked away for just me and the team.
3. Something cool, modern, and ME in style. Originally I had found this awesome warehouse/industrial space with a small consultation area, a large storage area and a loft office upstairs. By an act of God, that door closed and I was without an office at the last minute. By an even bigger act of God, I found THIS one- retail cuteness in the heart of the Santa Ana arts district. Um, SO much better. I love it!
When I decided to start looking into Santa Ana was the week after I’d had my hopes and dreams dashed by losing the space I’d mentally prepped for [which was in Costa Mesa]. I knew of an art gallery in this area, off the 5 Freeway just north of the 55 Freeway, that I’d taken a client to one time for an intimate reception idea. She didn’t book the space, but the area stuck with me. So, I loaded Brittany [my fabu-sisstant] into the car with me, with a pen and paper, and we drove around writing down phone numbers. Lots of illegal turns and parking jobs later, I’d written down 5 phone numbers and a few addresses. But more than that, I’d fallen in LOVE with the area. Here’s what I ended up with, that sold me hook/line/sinker:
1. Retail Location on a quiet street. I’m probably in the quietest area of the quaintest street here in downtown SA. I LOVE it. It’s entirely intimate. And at night- the cafe next door gives off an enchanting sort of vibe due to the strung cafe lights on their patio [just outside my storefront window].
2. PARKING. Parking was a big deal and although not entirely ideal for ME [working here during the day], it’s wonderful for all of my clients. I’m located just steps from a huge parking structure that costs about $1/hour. However, any day after 6pm and on weekends, the structure is free! So many options, so near by!
3. Central to everything. My space is about 7 minutes- maximum- from the freeway. This is indescribably important to me because when I was younger my family lived far from the freeway and in my 16-year-old-dramatic-world that felt like death. It’s easy for me, easy for my clients, and totally convenient for anyone who may want to just pop by!
Now that I’ve told you a bit about WHY I’m here, I’ll follow it up with a video of my space! Thanks to Isabel Gonzalez for being entirely too awesome and taping at our opening party to give me memories to last a lifetime! So, without further adieu and hot off the press [err, reel??]…. the coolest Southern California Event Design Studio ever!
IN THE NOW Studio Opening from Isabel Gonzalez on Vimeo.
Remember to visit our website to see more of what we do, and don’t hestitate to just contact us directly for a FREE consultation, cup of coffee… all around swell time!
What’s guiding your heart today? Mine is lit on fire by the love that I’ve got for my husband. Even in times of want, he seems to be everything I never knew I needed.
xoxo!
A.
