I just cut off my hair for donation. It is the 9th time. This journey started in 2000. I figured since I was so lazy to do things to my hair, I would grow it for donation.
I have donated to Locks of Love and Wigs for Kids. My awesome stylist friend Leslie has been so generous in cutting my hair. She does such a good job I never miss my long hair.
There is this one designer I constantly saw at trade events. I could recognize her because she always carried her dog in her arms. That poor thing seemed to have given up and never made a sound or move. Besides being unprofessional, isn’t this a kind of animal abuse?
Sales representatives also have stories of designers behaving badly. They lack respect for other professionals in the trade and often demand to be accommodated. One example is some designers do not draw out tile layouts and calculate quantities. They buy more than necessary (with the clients’ money) and insist on returning the excess. Most tile stores do not accept returns unless the products are defected. It is possible the refund did not get credit back to the clients.
Some people just have problems being prompt. Once I referred an engineer to a residential renovation project. He connected to the homeowner and made an appointment to visit the jobsite. I was shocked when the homeowner called me and said the engineer missed the appointment with no explanation. We were concerned if anything bad had happened. It turned out there was no good reason.
This list is being updated frequently. Please check back often for new additions. Feel free to share your suggestions in the comment section!
It’s that time again! At the end of the year, we love to express our gratitude and good wishes with gifts to people around us. Through the COVID-19 pandemic, our living styles and purchasing habits have shifted. With the current situation of the supply chain, we may want to find gifting options that support small businesses and artisans, are environmentally friendly, are digital, or create an experience.
It is so joyful to receive a handwritten note. For those of us who can’t quite make our own cards, there are wonderful artisans who help us to say what we want to say.
Handcrafted paper goods. All cards include postage.
Curated greeting cards for snail mail lovers available as single collections or subscription.
There is something charming about handmade goods. Artisans make jewelry, soaps, candles, pottery, and food.
Lower Level at 555 The Shops at Mission Viejo, Mission Viejo, CA 92691
Hand poured soy wax candles with intoxicating fragrances that only come in one color – white. No worry about choosing the right colors to match the decor. The brand just recently opened a store space at The Shops at Mission Viejo.
21758 Devonshire St. Chatsworth, CA 91311
This creative space has an Artisan Boutique featuring local makers.
There is something charming about handmade goods. Artisans make jewelry, soaps, candles, pottery, and food.
Andres Palos is a Los Angeles based digital and film photographer. Prints are available in different sizes and frame options on this website.
Matt Spangler is an artist who draws robots. His website has prints, original arts, and merchandise available.
2222 E Ventura Blvd. Camarillo, CA 93010
This art organization has a gift shop within its gallery. Beautiful and one-of-a-kind art objects fit all budget levels.
Creating an Experience
With some imagination and planning, this gift can be memorable without necessarily costing a lot of money. It could be a trip to a museum, self-guided architectural walking tour, a spring picnic at the park, etc. The options are limitless. You can create a ‘gift certificate’ to be redeemed after the hectic holiday season.
Other Ideas
With some imagination and planning, this gift can be memorable without necessarily costing a lot of money. It could be a trip to a museum, self-guided architectural walking tour, a spring picnic at the park, etc. The options are limitless. You can create a ‘gift certificate’ to be redeemed after the hectic holiday season.
Sustainable, Eco-Friendly Guide by Elemental Green
Elemental Green has gathered some of our favorite eco-friendly products to help infuse your home with healthier, more-sustainable gift-giving ideas. Whether you are looking for something for loved ones or dropping hints about a special treat for yourself, we are continually curating this list with fresh products that members of our team have vetted, tried, and recommend enthusiastically.
Unprofessional Attitude is what I find most annoying. I believe strong work ethics is as important as skills and experience.
I believe in looking the part when I am on duty. People do judge others by their appearance. I have a strong opinion about designers dressing too casually with tank tops and flip flops. It’s difficult for me to take them seriously. If we happen to be at a jobsite, I am concerned about their safety.
Once I was meeting a designer at home on a weekday morning. To my surprise, when I arrived, she was in her comfortable home clothes with no makeup. I felt uncomfortable like I was the intruder at her home. I was upset that I was not important enough for her to get ready.
Another thing that gets on my nerves is when designers are not prepared. Once on a jobsite, this other interior designer the client had hired for styling consultation showed up with her little dog. She had nothing to take notes with and did not have a measuring tape. She kept borrowing my measuring tape. A few days later, the client called and said the interior designer never sent the furniture plan she promised. Since I was planning the full renovation, I was able to create a plan so the client can keep the project going.
I have so many examples to share with this topic. Stay tuned for Part 2!
This is a documentation of my journey of creating branding for a local bakery café that desperately needed creative help when COVID-19 hit. I was clueless and had to figure out everything. Many thanks to wonderful professors at Arts Media & Performance at LAMC for their support and encouragement! There is still so much to do. I am not satisfied with what I have done but is thrilled to see some results of my sweat and tear.
https://indd.adobe.com/view/964e8507-1134-4c30-a7f4-06477f639e54
MICHELLE CHIANG 