The Words Behind My “Why”

THE VIEW FROM THE STUDIO

An Exploration of the Flowers, Art + Business Local to Essex, New York

I recently heard a quote by the German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche, “He who has a why to live for can bear almost any how.” Nietzsche’s words are simultaneously sensible and mind-blowing in that way that important revelations often are. Nietzsche’s words mean a lot to me. By now I have stumbled through my career long enough to know that defining the words behind my “why” is the first step in a successful business plan, and the importance of this step cannot be underestimated.

So here it goes…my “why” can be broken down into 4 words. Collaboration. Community. Art. Education.

I define my 4 words in the following way:

Collaboration: To foster an environment that promotes creative and entrepreneurial growth in its residents through collaboration rather than competition.
Community: Give value back to my community equal to the value it has given me in the form of support, art and design, education, interest, and commerce.
Art: Build a space that houses art, design, and creative expression in an inclusive, transparent, and accessible way.
Educate: Provide a window into the art and design world through customer interaction and transparent studio practices. This model is meant to promote the exchange of ideas between the artisan and their customer.

These words are meaningful but inert without a “How” to drive them into action. My “How,” is the business I am building on the foundation of my 4 “Why” words. The behind the scenes story of this business is the central focus of this weekly blog. The physical expression of my “Why” will be a shared floral, art, and design studio/retail space in Essex, NY. This boutique experience will serve to introduce select artists and designers to The Champlain Valley while drawing interest to Main Street through a unique, year-round business.

There’s more! If you would like to read the rest of this entry check out the complete blog post.

WHAT’S BLOOMING IN THE KIT+SYL FLORAL STUDIO?

This week’s flower selection will feature the following stems. As always, these focal flowers will be complemented by seasonal foliage and unique accents foraged dry or dried in the studio. Order your flowers today!

GROWN BY LITTLE FARMHOUSE FLOWERS:

GROWN BY KIRSTEN LIEBL AT ECHO FARM:

'Dara' Queen Anne's Lace- mauve, pink. and white mix — ‘Dara’ Queen Anne’s Lace- mauve, pink. and white mix

SHOP NEWS

Did you know that Kit+Syl Studio hosts a weekly pop-up shop every Sunday at The Essex Inn?

Fiber work by Kirsten Liebl, Jewelry by Kit+Syl Studio, Quilted Accessories by SEW Surprised ADK

This pop-up is part of The Essex Inn Sunday Summer Barbecue Series. Come on over to the beautiful back patio area of the Inn, and enjoy great food, refreshing drinks, live music, and the Kit+Syl Pop-Up Gift Shop. The shop is stocked each week with fresh, locally grown flowers, Kit+Syl handmade jewelry, and a curated assortment of goods made by local artisans! The patio offers ample room for socially distanced, picnic-style dining. Masks are required when entering the shop, and walking around the lawn area. The festivities start at 3PM, and the music starts at 5PM. See my post Locally Made Gifts in Essex for more information. I hope you can make it!

STAY IN TOUCH

Photo cred. Julia Rebecca Photography — (Photo credit: Julia Rebecca Photography)

Thank you for reading! Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any jewelry, floral, Essex-related, or personal questions, or just to introduce yourself! I love to meet members of my community, and I welcome feedback about how I can reciprocate value to this place that has made my own life so rich.

Every Wednesday I publish a new blog post where I share my writings about building the next evolution of Kit+Syl Studio, as well as interesting information about the floral, jewelry, and small business world. Additionally, I will conduct regular interviews featuring the talented local makers that I am stocking in the pop-up shop. You can check out my complete posts here.

About Teddi Rogers

Teddi Rogers is the Owner and Lead designer behind Kit+Syl Studio. Kit+Syl is a boutique floral and jewelry business offering handmade jewelry designs and custom floral arrangements for your business, home and gift giving needs. All of the flowers sold through the Kit+Syl Floral Shop are sourced from growers local to New York and Vermont. Teddi’s art centers on the relationship between design and nature. Both her jewelry and floral work are informed by botanical abstractions and her life in the Adirondacks. The mission behind Kit+Syl, is to provide beautiful, quality goods, the highest standard of customer service, add value to the local community and to support the work of other small businesses and makers. Kit+Syl Studio is proud to be based out of Essex, NY in the Champlain Valley of the Adirondack Park. Teddi publishes a weekly blog where she shares writings about building the next evolution of Kit+Syl Studio, as well as interesting information about the floral, jewelry and small business world. You can check out these posts at kitandsylstudio.com/blog.