GIRL TALK // The Illustrator

Kate is the lovely lady behind Scathingly Brilliant. She's no stranger here, as she was deemed our very first Blogger of the Week and she is also a Pie N' the Sky sponsor this month! She has the prettiest pink hair, the most darling wardrobe ever, and she is oh so talented!! I'm very excited to have this week's Girl Talk with her!

What is your job title // Illustrator

What do you love about yourself // I'm not too confident so this is a toughie for me! I think the one thing that I'm confident about is my intellect. I love that I learn pretty easily, and I love that I enjoy learning. I also think I'm a pretty good daughter and sister, and I hope that I'm a good friend :)

Who is your role model // I have so many, but I'd say my mom and my Aunt Annie definitely top the list. My mom is the sweetest, kindest, most generous, selfless person I've ever met. My Aunt Annie is turning 100 in a few weeks, and ever since I was little I've loved hearing her tell stories about her life. She married in her 30's, but quickly got divorced after her husband didn't let her go out dancing often enough. She traveled the world and has lived a long, happy, independent life. 

What inspires you // Classic movies and my cats. I think almost everything I do can somehow be traced back to classic movies or my cats!

What are five words that describe you // empathetic, smart, tired, hungry, curious

What is your biggest insecurity // As much as I wish I was comfortable in my own skin, I'm terribly insecure about my body. I actually wear capri jeans over my bathing suit when I swim in my own backyard swimming pool! It's ridiculous.

If you could be anyone for a day, who would it be // I would love to be Leslie Knope (Amy Poehler's character from Parks and Recreation) I know she's fictional, but it's not like if I named a real person I'd magically get the chance to trade places, haha! She's pretty much the most awesome lady I can think of. And if the day I got to be her was a day that she was dating Ben Wyatt (aka Adam Scott) that would be even better.

Aren't her illustrations so sweet!?? I'm a cat lady myself, so I'm quite the fan ^_^ If you'd like to check out the rest of her prints and see the rest of her shop, you can hop on over here. And if you just want to get to know her better, you can go here. Thanks so much for listening in on the week's Girl Talk! 

xo.

Melisa

GIRL TALK // The True Gem

I'm sure many of you are aware of the awesomeness that is Moorea Seal, but in case you aren't, let me introduce you. Moorea is a highly talented jewelry designer and a member of the oh so lovely Freckled Nest Design Team! She is just as sweet and kind as ever too. I feel so lucky to have met her in this little blog world & I know you will just love her! 

What is your job title? Jewelry Designer, Small Business Owner, Illustrator, Blog Designer

What do you love about yourself?  I love that I am so much like my Dad, my Grandmother, and My Great Grandfather.  Compassion, Empathy, being true to yourself, determination, passion, and justice for others are all very important to my family. I love that I am strong willed and follow through with what I set my mind to.  I love that I never gave up on what I cared about during my life despite many years of bullying and teasing.  I love that I am strong.  and I love that loving others is so important to me.

Who Is your role model?  My grandmother passed away recently and she was my ultimate hero.  She was born in the 20s, and from an early age her father instilled in her that she wasn't just equal to men, she was something incredibly special, she was brilliant woman with a wise voice worth listening to.  She was SO intelligent, incredibly giving, and so determined to always be her best self.  She was a progressive woman far ahead of her time.  She was the first woman student body president at her university in the 1940s.  She was a teacher and a community activist.  She created the first "English As A Second Language" program in the United States and helped start the first 3 bilingual schools in the LA area.  The current ESL programs running across the country are based off of her original plan.  She was on the board of the Red Cross.  She was an incredible mother and wife.  She had impeccable style and believed in always presenting her best self to the world.  She was just incredible, and I'm not even idealizing her!  My dad said he never saw her make a mistake.  I think that is because she was so smart that she knew exactly how to turn problems and mistakes into situations that would benefit her and those she saw were in need.  What a woman.

What inspires you?  People who have been through many struggles but choose to always be positive and seek beauty even in the hardest aspects of life.  People who trust they always have something new to learn.  When it comes to my design work and jewelry design, I'm inspired by anything that feels fresh and new, progressive but with a reverence for the beauty of historical designs.

What are five words that describe you? Compassionate, Patient, Creative, Progressive, Encouraging

What is your biggest insecurity? The fear of appearing to be someone I am not. 

If you could be anyone for a day, who would it be and why?  I'd want to be my great-grandmother at the turn of the century, early 1900s.  She was a suffragette!  Go girl!

How lovely is she?? I love reading her blog because she truly is so very inspiring. Not only is she well spoken, but she is seriously talented! If you haven't visited her shop, trust me you need to! AND not only is she positively beautiful on the inside but she is just radiant in these photos, which were taken by Marissa Maharaj photography. I could go on and on about her, haha! Thank you Moorea for chatting with us! 

I hope you all  enjoyed today's Girl Talk! If you would like to be considered to be one of our Girl Talk ladies, send me an email! Hope you have a swell day^_^

xo.

Melisa

Girl Talk

The Gentlewoman. She is strong, determined and courageous. She changes the world every day in ways she doesn't yet understand. She is beautiful, sweet and kind hearted. She will be remembered by her thoughtful words that come to her like second nature. She is gifted, powerful and unstoppable. She takes the world on on a daily basis; refusing to ever give up, give in or resolve. She is spectacular, yet understated. She is friend to many, yet left unknown to many more. She is not famous, yet. She is the girl next door, the artist, the teacher, the funny girl, the eternal optimist, the mother, the musician, the photographer, the newlywed, the blogger, the fashionista, the wife... She is everything you aren't, but wish you could be. She is everything you are, but wish you weren't. She is you and you are amazing. 

I must say that the Girl Talk feature has easily become my favorite post on Pie N' the Sky. I love the friends that I 've made because of it, I love the beauty that each girl shares with us & I love the response that I've gotten from each of you because of it. I imagine that we will have this feature for as long as possible. We all have a name and some of us don't even know what that name is; so what would your name be? 

Since starting this feature, I've tried to think of what my name would be, but I feel a little silly coming up with my own name. Do you have any ideas?

Since we have now shared 16 lovely ladies, one more tomorrow (eeee!), and several already lined up, I would love to expand this feature! However, I need your help. I want to know what kind of questions you want answered and what are questions you want to keep?? Do you want to be featured and have your very own Girl Talk with us?? I want your feedback, so email me, comment, tweet at me, send me a pigeon carrier! I love getting feedback from my sweet readers. I hope you all love this feature as much as I do.

xo.

Melisa

Girl Talk // The Adventurer

For those of you who may not know Miss Kaelah, let me introduce you! Kaelah is extremely talented, inspiring and one of my personal favorite bloggers. Her life seems so dreamy; I know you'll just love her!

What is your job title?

I am a freelance graphic designer, bartender, blogger, and just recently a brand new small business owner (the Honeybean Mobile Boutique)!

What do you love about yourself?

I love that never does a day go by that I don't dream up something ridiculous or amazing to strive for. Now if I could just get my typical Aries personality to be so stoked on actually finishing all of those fabulous projects!

Who is your role model?

Each and every woman who has ever aspired to something that others say they'll never achieve. A hardworking, fearless woman! There are millions of them out there. I'm on a hunt to meet them!

What inspires you?

Everything. Personal style, seasons, artists. I strive for individuality, free thinking, and adventure. Few things are more inspiring than that!

What are five words that describe you?

Messy, a dreamer, optimistic, independent, determined

What is your biggest insecurity?

I would say my biggest insecurity is the fear that I'll let myself down. I strive for so many things and it's always heartbreaking when you fall short. But as long as I get back up and don't let it knock me around, well, I'll consider myself doing okay!

If you could be anyone for a day, who would it be?

I don't think I would choose to be anyone else for a day, honestly. I really love my life and I'm truly blessed to be working toward my dream. I wouldn't want to cheapen anyone else's dreams by stepping in their shoes and finding it a little less than fulfilling. We all aspire to different things. Dreams, goals and aspirations aren't a "one size fits all" type deal. My goals may be comical to someone else, but they're just right for me. I don't want to miss a single minute! 

blog //  twitter  // tumblr // hive+honey shoppe

Thanks so much for sharing with us Kaelah! I love love Girl Talks! We are still currently taking applicants! If you're interested in being one of our new Girl Talk ladies, email me at Melisaholguin@gmail.com. Can't wait to hear from you^_^

xo.

Melisa

Girl Talk // The Seamstress

I'd like to introduce you to the lovely Kari Wiebe. She is the lady behind Dove Tree, the blog and sweet shop where she sells hand sewn treasures. I know you'll think she's just great!

What is your job title?

Do I have to pick just one?  In a very particular order: Seamstress, Painter, Designer, Student

What do you love about yourself?

Oh boy.  I guess I will say my determination... or for those who know me best, that would be my stubborn streak.

Who is your role model?

I wouldn't say that I have one specific role model.  I do however, have a LOT of incredible people in my life - all of whom I look to as models of characteristics I wish to have for myself.  This goes for everything from drive, to cheery dispositions and brilliant humour (ya'll know who you are).

What inspires you?

Daydreaming, fields and prairies skies, other artistically inclined folks, sunny afternoons spent with nothing but a sketchbook... The list goes on! 

  

What are five words that describe you?

In no particular order: creative, silly, imaginative, relaxed, intuitive.

What is your biggest insecurity?

My constant fear is that I won't accomplish enough.  What exactly is 'enough' you ask?  Um...

If you could be anyone for a day, who would it be?

Coco Chanel.  Now there was one witty and spirited visionary of a woman!

Thanks so much for sharing with us Kari! I love love Girl Talks! AND, exciting news, we are currently taking applicants! If you're interested in being one of our new Girl Talk ladies, email me at Melisaholguin@gmail.com. Can't wait to hear from you^_^

xo.

Melisa

Girl Talk // The Classic Beauty

I'd like to introduce you to Ruth Yaroslaski. Ruth is an incredibly talented photographer who recently got married. I think she is quite inspiring and feel very lucky to know her. I think she is crazy creative and very well spoken. I am sure that you will just fall in love with her.

What is your job title?

I am a photographer, along with my husband and we make up the team of Yaro Photography.  Currently we shoot mainly wedding and lifestyle photography, but would love to move more into editorial and photojournalism as well. I feel so blessed to not only be able to use the gift and passion God has given me, but to also be able to do it with my husband. It’s amazing when I realize how much we balance each other out and make quite a strong team photographing together.

What do you love about yourself?

I feel like I am able to be myself. And I like the fact that when i look around I don't see anyone like me. Its not that I think I need to be different its just that different is what comes naturally to me. I take joy in discovering new things, and I love making people come alive in their own unique way.

Who is your role model?

Someone who I always say that I hope to be like is my great aunt.  She is an amazing woman, who loves the Lord and is so full of life and adventure. After retiring quite a few years ago, she has been taking extended missions trips to Russia and Ukraine to help work with teachers there. She has always been giving & encouraging, and a great person to look up to.

What inspires you?

Stories from other people’s lives inspire me. At times different documentaries will inspire me and give me a different perspective. Sometimes it can be random places I'm walking or driving by that will spark ideas. I feel like a lot of things can inspire at different times and I enjoy having a big imagination.

What are five words that describe you?

Creative. Loyal. Adventurous. Optimistic. Dorky

What is your biggest insecurity?

Not being sure of myself. At times I worry that I won't say the right thing or that I will be misinterpreted. Being misinterpreted frightens me because i don't want someone to think I have feelings toward them or about them I don't actually have. I know this insecurity has held me back at times, and I know I will overcome it eventually with Gods help.

If you could be anyone for a day, who would it be?

I don't have a specific person, but I would want to be one of the photographers for National Geographic. I think it would be awesome to document events that have gone on in the world and have the opportunity to share those photos with the world.

Thanks so much Ruth! Y'all can check out her blog or her website to see all of her lovely photos! I really missed having our Girl Talk these last two weeks; happy they're back^_^ 

xo.

Melisa

Girl Talk // The Gallerist

I'd like you to meet Kaitlyn of  isavirtue. She is such a sweet gal and I feel so lucky to have met her. She's very talented and completely inspirational. I'm sure you'll think she's just great!

What is your job title?

Gallery Assistant and Sales Associate. I currently work at two different galleries. I have worked for nine different galleries in the past four years in various roles, including attendant, visitors services coordinator, curatorial assistant, programs assistant and installation.

What do you love about yourself?

Aside from my ears, which are pretty cute, I love my passion for art. I love that I know exactly what I want to do with my life. I think that's pretty lucky and quite rare...

Who is your role model?

It's an obvious answer,  but my mother is definitely my role model. You can bet I would never have said that ten years ago though! She has such amazing morals and a wonderful outlook on life despite the more difficult things life has dealt her. I also greatly admire my best friend Anne-Marie. She's so mature and so intelligent. I want to be just like her when I grow up.

What inspires you?

Honestly? Blogs? Every day I am inspired by these amazing woman online who are so creative and clever. Additionally, I am inspired by beautiful paper, unique gallery exhibitions and the art of Andy Goldsworthy.

What are five words that describe you?

I always find this to be a difficult challenge because I don't want to assume that I know exactly who I am. That being said: creative, realistic, organized, open-minded and a homebody. 

What is your biggest insecurity?

My body. I only realized my true shape a couple years ago. Let's just say it's an ongoing process and that we are still getting to know each other.

If you could be anyone for a day, who would it be?

I would be the curator of contemporary art at the Vancouver Art Gallery. It would be the day before a big exhibition is set to open. I want to be there, with a never-ending to do list, assisting in the final installation, totally crazy, out of my mind with stress and excitement.

 Website // Blog // Shop //  Facebook // Twitter

I love when people know what they want to do with their lives and do everything they can to pursue it. That kind of passion motivates me to follow after my dreams; thanks so much Kaitlyn. If you haven't had your art fill quite yet, Kaitlyn is offering an Art e-course that you can read more about, here. 

xo.

Melisa

Girl Talk: The Photographer

Kalli and I have been friends now for nearly a year and I feel so lucky to have her in my life. She is so kind, fun and very talented. She is currently a full time photographer, living out her dream. I'm sure you will just love her!


What is your job title? 

i am a photographer.

What do you love about yourself?

that’s a tough one. i guess i love that i am very laid back and don’t take things too seriously. (which can also be a negative…but, hey, what can ya do)

Who is your role model?

my role model is my father. he is such a hard working man of God and no matter what comes his way he will always have a smile on his face.

What inspires you?

honestly, at the risk of sounding cheesy, thunderstorms inspire me. watching huge storms roll in and hearing the powerful thunder makes me feel so extremely small but yet it reminds me of my importance in this life. the fact that such a big and mighty God has loved me so much that He has allowed me to exist and know Him is just so humbling. it helps me remember that there is a reason i am here and a reason God has given me the gifts that He has given me.

What are five words that describe you?

this is always tough because i tend to use negative words a lot. i’m going to try my best not to: honest, creative, sarcastic, happy….and….insecure (sorry, i had to).

What is your biggest insecurity?

my biggest insecurity is probably my laugh. i have a loud abrupt ‘HA’ type laugh. it sounds a tad obnoxious.

If you could be anyone for a day, who would it be?

i would want to be lady gaga for just a day. maybe that would be enough time for me to destroy her career and get her out of the spotlight. 


I forgot to mention that she's pretty dang funny too! If you'd like to see more of Kalli, you can check out her website. hope y'all have a great day!

xo.

Melisa