January 27, 2021

Mystical Mariana

January 27, 2021/ Meryl

I thought long and hard about the title of this piece and truly Mariana Silveira is the very definition of the word mystical: inspiring a sense of spiritual mystery, awe, and fascination. Mariana is a Toronto based Interior Designer, Home Stager and Sculptor, in addition to being a wise soul she is incredibly thought provoking and extraordinarily kind. I have had some of my deepest conversations with this lady.

Mariana’s Instagram handle is the same as her business The Decor Studio.

Mariana please tell us a bit about yourself: I was born and raised in Mérida, Yucatan, Mexico but I moved to Canada when I was 25, right after getting married. My then husband Pedro was an accountant and went to Montreal to study at McGill University. We just never got back because we fell in love with Canada. After a two year stint in Montreal - where we opened a brick and mortar store selling gift baskets we moved to Toronto.

We share an 11 year old daughter Antonella we happily co parent. As the only woman and the eldest out of 4 kids (I am 10 years older than the youngest of my brothers), I pretty much helped my parents raise my siblings. I have a very strong maternal instinct that I am sure, springs from that.

You touched on your family - can you share a happy memory from your childhood? Meryl I will say my happiest childhood memories are all memories of my mother working her magic in my childhood home. My mom is the most stylish person I know. She has more natural flair and more personal style than anyone I have ever met. She was an incredible amateur decorator and stylist when she was younger. Watching her rearrange her living room and transform furniture using paint was mind blowing (one time she painted a huge credenza emerald green on her own). She was on a first name basis with the guys at the paint store and changed the color not only of pieces of furniture but also of leather goods like shoes, belts etc. I will never forget her electric blue pumps. Although I may not say it often, she is and has always been my biggest style influence.

“Originality and uniqueness inspire me.”

— Mariana Silveira

So how did you get into Design: I first got my start in the design world working for Gerardo Rios. He is an amazing furniture designer and artist based in Mérida, Yucatan, Mexico who is the recipient of several A Design Awards (the most prestigious and influential international design award, given in Milan, Italy) and the person from whom I learned about every detail that went into creating master pieces that stand the test of time. His artistic vision and the way he made the ideas in his head come to life in his factory, were my real design education. Later in life I got a certification as an interior decorator and home stager. Gerardo is my mentor, my friend, my daughter's godfather and my ex-husbands brother in law.

This image shows the front entrance of the Gerardo Rio home and it features a studio above an Interior garden. Natural materials of marble, wood and stone were employed in the construction and details of the structure. I used Antonella as a prop for scale. The studio is what you can be seen behind.

This is a shot of the interior of the Rios home. I was completely blown away. I am NEVER, blown away. He designed and produced every piece of furniture in the house in his factory. This house is an example of the true ideology and artistry behind modern Mexican architecture. A total triumph inside and out.

I have always believed that interior design at a personal, highly stylish level is art in itself. Aside from my mentor and my mom, my biggest design influences today are people who know themselves, trust their style, and are willing to go all the way to showcase their talent and their choices. People who's lives are reflected in their very spaces. The style they choose to do that in, is of no importance to me, what I admire is their craft. Originality and uniqueness inspire me.

I started The Decor Studio about 5 years ago but, I had been sought by friends and clients prior to officially setting up the firm. I’ve been helping with design and giving consultations for much longer than the last 5 years. One part of the challenge of the last 10 months has been opening up my business for virtual design work. I have enjoyed getting this new aspect figured out and continuing to help clients during this time.

When did you realize you wanted a career in Design? I was about 16 years old

I know Interiors is not the only focus of your firm: I love the opportunity to work with other creatives by promoting their artwork and creations. I use my experience as a Content Creator and Instagram Influencer to shine a light on their work.

You were featured on Design Sponge this was so huge - tell us how has this effected you? Being interviewed for Design Sponge (by invitation from the writer of my story, Sofia Tuovinen) was a dream come true. I had been a huge fan of their groundbreaking and inclusive blog for many years. I miss it today but, I am very glad their work (my home tour included) is now in the library of congress for anyone to access.

Mariana loves the female form. These are some of her sculptures.

Mariana shared this photograph which shows Four generations of her father’s family. This is her great grandmother, Luisa, on a winter afternoon. She lived to see us much older than that. We were very close growing up since the school we attended for many years was around the corner of her house. She was amazing to us. I still remember her Jell O. Her son, (my grandpa) was one of the greatest loves of my life and my first (and best) mentor.

Rocks and Mineral collection of her Daughter

Can you share some thoughts about Toronto: Living in Toronto can be compared to living in NYC I guess. It is a vibrant, multicultural, and unapologetic experience where art is important and people are cultivated. Is a very take it or leave it kind of place. I could never live anywhere else.

This has bumped Toronto up to the top of my must see cities!

Look at the below image… If it’s one thing you know I love to chat about friends it’s books. Mariana what is your favorite title? Great Expectations by Charles Dickens it’s my favorite book, it reminds me of my late grandfather. He was a very big fan of Dickens and he passed away when I was 18. He was a very cultured man. He was a fan of literature and a voracious reader. He also was a big fan of the cinema. I spent a lot of time with him and my grandma growing up.

The books! The Gallery Wall! The Curated Beauty!

Plans for the rest of 2021: I want to keep focusing on my virtual design consultations, my sculpture business and also, I would like to collaborate more with artists and small businesses that are aligned with my values.

You can find Mariana on her Website and Instagram.

Til next time friends stay well.

Images: Mariana Silveira

November 18, 2020

Celestial Stephanie

November 18, 2020/ Meryl

Friends this week I feel extra joyful because I get to introduce everyone to my friend Stephanie Savage Flynn. We met through the wondrous world of Instagram. She really is celestial - she folds the most heavenly paper stars which I am fortunate to have in the Chalet. She also creates brilliant paper bows, does amazing needlework, is an avid cook - she is just crazy creative and intersperses beauty in all she does!

my very own Flynn Collection Stars on the Chalet Mantel

So Stephanie tell us about your family and growing up: “I was born and raised in Wellesley, Massachusetts, ten miles west of Boston. I have a beloved older sister who is the ying to my yang. I met my husband here, and we are lucky enough to be raising our own family in this special town. I have two kids – a daughter 9 and son 7, both of whom are in elementary school. I spend the majority of my time volunteering with local community organizations and our schools. Life right now is crazy busy, but it is all good! Pre-COVID, we popped into Boston regularly for special meals, shopping trips, museum visits and Red Sox games. We are still Patriots fans despite Tom Brady and Gronk leaving us for Tampa.”

Stephanie’s grandmother Gloria stitched this needlepoint pillow

I know you are an avid stitcher please tell us more: “I love needlepoint! My maternal grandmother Gloria (from New Jersey!) taught me to stitch when I was a teenager. Prior to that, we were ALWAYS doing crafts when we got together. She taught me many things like how to sew, decoupage, garden, cook from scratch and polish tarnished silver. My grandmother was very creative, was meticulous in her craft form and had an exquisite eye. Although she passed away 14 years ago, I still feel very connected to her, not just when I stitch but, whenever I am working on a creative project or searching for a treasure at a thrift store, something she also enjoyed doing.”

Painting by Anne Packard a well-known Provincetown, MA artist.

Stephanie created the adorable bracelet, clutch; as well as the personalized needlepoint placards on these bags shown in the home of her parents. She comes from a family of collectors - her mom Diane loves antiques and her father Robert a retired surgeon, is now an art historian and collector. Stephanie grew up attending antique shows and visiting many museums and art galleries with her parents.

“I have always loved nature and have been inspired by the natural world around me. As a child who spent summers on Cape Cod – I used to daydream about all the amazing things I could make from objects found by the sea: shells for necklaces, bouquets of foraged beach roses and wild heather, driftwood sculptures. I still love my time on the Cape, as I am endlessly inspired by the ocean. That is what I love - creating new things from what I find in nature. I can think about what I want to make and execute it. Its totally accessible. I also love cooking, canning, pickling and digging for clams. My Aunt Donna was a Home Economics teacher and now she brings these lessons to my daughter. The next generation is learning.”

“A wonderful memory from childhood is about this chestnut tree I found. It was full of such beautiful shiny objects. Just like a kid finding a beautiful shell. I felt this way about these silly little chestnuts. I asked my dad to drill holes in them so I could make a necklace. I finally made my necklace. Recently I found a chestnut tree – they are smooth they are shiny they fit in the palm of your hand. I took my daughter to collect them. They do look like beads. I made my sweet husband drill them and now I have my new garland. I offer on my website. I love being creative with what we find in nature.”

“Its the idea of using found objects and turning them into something else.”

— Stephanie Savage Flynn

Bows Stephanie created for the Wellesley Free Library Virtual Gala Gift Boxes.

Folding stars is just one of the ways Stephanie shares her creativity with those around her. She likes to fold paper into other shapes… like the bows she recently finished for the Wellesley Free Library. In addition, Stephanie assists her local Wellesley Hill Junior Women’s Club with various events including Wellesley Kitchen & Home Tour.

Can you tell the readers where you attended college and what you studied: “I went to school at Connecticut College, a small liberal arts college in New London, Connecticut (also by the ocean, no surprise there!). I was a Government (political science) major with a double minor in English and Religious studies. Perhaps the most impactful part of my college experience was studying abroad in Rome. My mother is of Italian descent, so I have always felt particularly connected to Italian culture. I LOVED my time in Italy – not just studying, but eating, drinking, walking, and exploring Europe.”

Stephanie oh my goodness you must tell us how you ended up with a personally autographed picture of Julia Child: “A neighborhood friend was attending a cooking trade-show in Cambridge, MA, I was about 9yrs old at the time - all I knew was there would be samples and Julia Child was to be there and I had the brochure from the trade-show and she signed it for me… for years it was just tacked up but, my husband had it framed for me. When I met her she was Julia Child – she was not an Icon that she is now, she was the first person who did cooking on Television.”

Stephanie found this Gucci dust bag at her local swap shop and hand stitched it to a denim jacket.

Your original IG handle was Wellesley Picker: “I love treasure hunting! During non-COVID times, our town has a “swap shop” area at our dump. It is a fun place to stop – I have found Tiffany crystal there, a beautiful rattan settee, sterling silver frames, to name a few. You never know what you might discover, which is part of the fun! I also like to visit thrift stores, antique malls and of course, estate sales, all for the thrill of finding a treasure or something that can be beautifully rehabbed. Aside from the fact that older pieces tend to be better made, I love purchasing or finding something with history. I enjoy making my home unique and finding special gifts for friends. There is an environmental component to my madness too. Buying vintage or secondhand is the ultimate form of recycling!”

Can you share with the readers why you decided to start your business: “I am JUST starting my business! I’ve mentioned our “swap shop”- last year I stumbled upon some beautiful Thibaut wallpaper samples there. I took them home because I knew I just had to have them. The only snag in that venture was what to do with random wallpaper scraps. They sat in my craft closet for quite some time, until my daughter was home sick from school. We are digging through my supplies to help pass the day at home, and I was reminded of my beautiful find. I took them out again and was inspired to start folding stars.”

December 9, 20219 Stephanie shared this image on Instagram. I left the comment: How do we get one? — December 9, 20219 Stephanie shared this image on Instagram. I left the comment: *How do we get one?*

To my delight, friends and followers on Instagram including you loved my stars Friends even “donated” scraps of their own designer wallpaper for my use. I quickly folded what I had and sold out almost immediately. This year, I planned ahead and started folding as soon as the world shutdown in March. I am very grateful to my friends who shared their leftover paper with me. I have a small inventory stashed for a holiday sale and even have a wholesale order!”

Congratulations on your site and the wholesale client - can you tell us who: “It’s with Dina Holland Interiors for her Honey & Fitz Collection. Last year during the Wellesley Kitchen & Home Tour we met. I created Sets of 3 Stars from wallpaper curated by Dina Holland. I’m really grateful for the opportunity.”

What are your goals for 2021: “My goals for 2021 are to stay healthy and happy. Happiness for me is first and foremost, spending time with family (I hope to see more extended family in 2021!). Nevertheless, I also cannot wait to get back to traveling and exploring more freely. If the world continues to battle COVID, I will be grateful to have more time to be creative and nest at home.”

Stephanie thank you so very much for sharing your creative beauty with us! You can find Stephanie on her Site and Instagram.

Til next time friends stay safe and wear a mask!

Images: Stephanie Savage Flynn

October 21, 2020

Zestful Zoe

October 21, 2020/ Meryl

Friends I am thrilled to welcome Zoe Grave to the blog! I met Zoe through her IG page and ever since our first DM she’s had me in stitches!

Zoe lives with her husband Tommy, three daughters and two dogs about 30 minutes outside of Boston, MA. “I met my husband when I was 19. I was a sophomore at Wellesley and he was a senior at Harvard. True story, the night after I met him I told my roommate I was going to marry him. I guess I was right because in 1999 we tied the knot! In 2004 our first daughter Adelaide was born, followed by two more spirited girls, Georgina and Daphne. Each of my girls has their own unique personality, but we all laugh a lot and can be very silly. We all truly love spending time with each other, and even throughout quarantine we were able to make the best of it! Our two Australian Labradoodles, Obi and Leia (we love Star Wars!) also keep us constantly laughing!”

Zoe can you tell us a bit about your childhood. “I grew up about 50 minutes outside of NYC, on a horse farm in Waccabuc, N.Y. As a child I used to love to pretend I was Laura Ingalls (I was obsessed with the Little House books and TV show!) and our farm was the perfect place to do just that! I would spend hours outside, climbing trees, running through the fields and catching frogs from our pond. Horses and animals in general were a huge part of my childhood, and thankfully they still are. I have an older brother and sister and all of us showed horses competitively. It was wonderful to have something that our entire family could enjoy together. I’ve lived in Massachusetts longer than I ever lived in New York, but I still consider myself a New Yorker through and through. Go Yankees!”

“Art and design have also always been a huge part of my life. My grandmother June was a very accomplished sculptor and I’m lucky enough to have some of her pieces. She was this tiny Italian grandmother so it was amazing to see these huge blocks of marble and stone that she would work with. My favorite piece of hers is a super tall totem pole. It’s absolutely beautiful. My mom also named June has an incredible talent for putting interesting and beautiful things together. With both fashion and interior design she is extremely creative and inspiring. She taught me the importance of your environment and how it truly affects your mood. She also has a love for color, just like me!”

Any anecdotes from childhood you’d like to share. “I mentioned how much I loved growing up on our farm and being outside, but on the flip side I have also always LOVED television! I find it very soothing and usually have it on for background noise. I find HGTV to be the best for that! When I was little if I did something wrong my punishment was always no TV for the night. I would say fine and then head immediately down to our barn. Thankfully my parents never remembered that there was a tiny TV down there. Nobody ever used it, but I would sit there cuddled up with our barn cat Tigger awfully proud of myself for finding a way to skirt the rules!”

“I love our home. I was lucky enough to work with Designer Dina Holland when we renovated our kitchen and she just completely got me! She was able to reign in my desire to use ALL the color and ALL the patterns and just really nailed exactly what I wanted. It’s been so nice to have a space during quarantine that really makes me happy. And here’s a fun fact - the bronze ship bell on the wall belonged to my grandpa and he would ring it to call everyone to the table for our big Italian dinners!”

“Art and design have also always been a huge part of my life. ”

— Zoe Grave

Tell us where and what you studied in college. “When I was little I always wanted to be a doctor. As I said - I went to Wellesley College and spent a lot of time in the science center and completed my premed requirements. I also minored in Studio Art. My art classes were a wonderful escape for me from the stress of my more academic classes. Looking back on it I wish I had taken more! Being at an all women’s college really helped shape my view of the world. I loved the sisterhood that I experienced there and the campus is one of the most beautiful I have ever seen. I’m so grateful for my time at Wellesley and I consider myself lucky that I currently only live 15 minutes away! It remains my safe haven and nothing beats a walk around Lake Waban when you need to clear your head.”

How did you end up in Graphic Design? “After having a number of jobs in the medical research field I decided that med school was not for me. I had always continued creating art as a way to relax and even took some painting classes at night. After my second daughter was born I didn’t seem to have as much time or the space for the mess that painting required and I started playing around with art on the computer. I found it a great creative outlet and it was so easy to pick up and put down. Even when I would paint, my true passion was
playing with color and I found that graphics programs could continue to allow me to do just that. I learned that Boston University had a Center for Digital Arts and they offered a program part time. It was a lot of work juggling that and being a mom to two little kids but, it really energized me and I met so
many incredibly talented people. I started out doing brochures and logos for small businesses which I really enjoyed. Now I primarily work for a company doing more web based advertisement graphics although I love to help friends if they need It with business cards etc. I know how difficult it is to be a small business and get started with branding, especially for artists! They usually know exactly what they want, but aren’t sure how to physically get it. They can sketch something out exactly how they want it but, don’t know how to transfer that onto the computer. I love helping them put their ideas into something concrete to help market themselves.”

So tell us how did you end up with your Essential Oils business? “One thing that is certain is that I love trying new things and sharing them with people. I fell in love with essential oils a few years ago and just started sharing about them! While I love diffusing them I realized there are so many other ways you can add them to your life.”

“I started making sprays for myself, because I needed them! It all started with my mermaid spray. My youngest daughter has extremely curly hair and it was always getting tangled and breaking. I did some research and mixed together some oils that are good for strengthening your hair like lavender and rosemary and added some argon oil to help with the tangles. I was so excited when I realized it actually worked! I started sharing it with friends and through word of mouth my little essential oil business was born!

“I had so much fun designing the labels for the sprays. The best part was working with my good friend Elena Boiardi! She helped me so much with the ideas for the labels and she even drew the mermaid for my mermaid spray. I’ll never forget how fast she sketched it out on a little notepad and I thought, that’s perfect! I was able to sketch it in illustrator, and to this day it is my favorite label of all the sprays!”

Goals and for 2021? “I want to continue my line of essential oil sprays and am working on developing another one for the masks that we all now need to wear! And speaking of masks, I recently started creating beaded mask chains. I was so tired of taking my mask on and off and looking for a clean place to put it down so I decided I could make a mask chain like people use for glasses! I was thrilled when people started asking me to make them one after seeing it on Instagram! Now I just need more time in my day! But I would love to keep creating these and trying some different combinations of beads and colors!”

“I’m sure we are all hoping for a better 2021 than 2020 was but, if I’ve learned anything from this year, it’s to try to slow down a little and really enjoy the family time. Before quarantine the five of us were always running in different directions. I hope that some of the quieter moments of 2020 will carry over to 2021.”

Thank you so much Zoe or sharing yourself with us! This word so describes you: Zestful marked by spirited love of life or enjoyment; ebullient.

You can find Zoe on her Site, Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest and You Tube.

Visit ZG Studio Use Coupon Code Chaletmomma for Free Shipping on any Spray!

Til next time friends be well, wear a mask and be creative!