Quotes

I was an idiot," were my mother's last words. I'll never know what she meant because I wasn't there when she died. I am left with unanswered questions while I grieve for a woman I had barely spoken to during the last six months of her life. In fact, by the time I found out she had six months to live we'd been estranged for almost a year.

Sometimes it is the sharp contrasts in life, the bitter and the sweet; things not working out as planned, relationships falling apart, losing your loved ones-these are the things that shake you and make you appreciate life, see the good in it and love anew the people around you.

It's important to repeat colors within a home to create a harmonious flow throughout

As I peeked around her dormant home I began noticing scattered artwork along the walls that my client just adored. These pieces literally became the windows into her soul and that's when it hit me, to create a palette for her that could not only heal, but bring this home back to life.

All of these colors came together in a rejuvenating palette that was not only beneficial to my client, but was significant to her self healing entering into this next phase of life.

"I chose a mint (BM 850 Reflection) for the remaining walls of her living room and dining area which promoted harmony and growth.

I wanted a combination of colors that would be both calming and invigorating to my client's personality," said Amy. "By selecting furniture to keep in line with a coastal cottage theme, I was able to emulate an inviting retreat that would give her a sense of renewed peace during this next stage.

I am a country girl at heart and love the simplicity of handmade quality products and cottage foods. I have always adored the home and making people feel special.

My goal with Estella Grace was to create a stand out brand that helped people get back to their homemaking roots and move toward more quality products made in the USA.

There is a certain appreciation when we know how to make these items and I hope to inspire that awareness with every taste, touch, and feel of my brand.

I believe in the simplistic ideals of the 1940s where we have an understanding of the time and work that goes into every stitch and detail along with the importance of quality.

The great thing about farm house decor is that it can work with a broad range of transitional styles. Apron sinks go with most decor ranging from rustic, eclectic, to high-end glam. Pendants have gotten much larger and are statement pieces now rather than accents, and often incorporate rustic-wood elements with bronze metal or on the opposite end, clean brass or chrome cage lighting. I've specifying a lot more cage lights lately and more glass lights with filament bulbs.

Most of the kitchens I am designing today in Franklin have elements of farmhouse, whereas in the urban areas of Nashville, there is a preference for more Mid-Century Modern and 'green' kitchen designs working with Eco-friendly materials such as cork counter tops.

I wouldn't be surprised if we start seeing light toasted almond kitchen cabinets in the next couple of years paired with white marble and white 3×6 subway tile for those who want a clean neutral look.

My hope is to inspire a new generation to focus on creating a home with meaning and purpose.

Every time I got in the kitchen it was a new challenge on what I could create from scratch and I eventually began blogging and tailoring the recipes toward beginner cooks like myself. I believe there is something special about the act of sharing recipes and teaching that makes a home special.

From there I began researching candle recipes and developing my technique. Candle making is definitely not for everyone, but for me, it was a way to create some of my first products. Once I mastered the candles, I moved on to my homemade lotion bars. From my experience in working with candles I was able to know what scents would be perfect for my lotion bars.

Part of the Estella Grace experience is nostalgia and having those special scents that take you back in time.

Every girl remembers their time in the kitchen with their mother. That is why I created the 'Mommy and Me Aprons.' Little girls love to be like their mother and these aprons will make them feel extra special! That is what it is all about, being in the kitchen and sharing memories. I want to continue creating mother-daughter products because they are the younger generation and it's important for them to learn and be apart of this teaching brand.

I think a consumer can feel the difference between an item that is handmade versus factory-made, and I intend to keep that human contact so my products are of the highest quality and always made with love.

All of my products are my favorite. I envisioned each and every one of them before it was created and there is something so special about that process when you finally see it come to life. From the material selection, to the construction, and the packaging, I put my heart and soul into the final product you see. They all have a story to tell and I love that!

There is something to be said for artists who are creating and inspiring people with their products. All of Estella Grace products are handmade in the USA and are made of the highest quality materials. I want customers to have that trust in my brand knowing we will always deliver on that promise.

I look at Estella Grace as not just a brand, but a movement that will shift you into a mindset of quality versus quantity. I would like to get back to a community-oriented lifestyle offering baking, sewing, and gardening classes in our first country store. We can't wait to finally open the doors and give people the opportunity to have the Estella Grace experience.

I believe there is something special about the act of sharing recipes and teaching that makes a home special.

When I came up with the name Estella Grace I pictured this 1940's house wife as someone who would take us back in time to a simpler life. Estella means Star. She is 'The Star of Grace' empowering women and reminding us of our homemaking roots. She will teach us how to make things from scratch and have a new appreciation for items which are sometimes taken for granted.

My goal is to expand my team and raise money to move my All-American home brand into production and create our first Estella Grace country store.

I have helped thousands of people across the country with their homes and now I am ready to follow my dream and create this 'Home-Grown Made in USA Brand!

Estella Grace is going to provide the products along with the tools to teach people how to make household items from scratch.

There is a home-grown movement that is happening right now and people are becoming more aware of their purchases and where they come from. There is also a certain curiosity on how to make things again.

Each store will team up with local tailors, seamstresses, and bakers to hold classes that teach consumers how to become homemakers. In addition to our home fabrics we will also carry pre-packaged home furnishings, accessories, cottage foods, retro style dresses, men's suits, ties, and vintage merchandise that are tailored after iconic men and women from the 1940's-1960's.