If you’ve been in this community long, you likely already know that creativity is one of my passions in life. I started this business as a photographer. I love design, branding, and all things beautiful.

But even as a natural creative, I sometimes find myself struggling with inspiration. At the end of a long week, when my energy is low and decision fatigue has set in, creating something truly innovative and unique can feel like an uphill battle.

Do you ever feel that way?

If so, today’s blog is for you! In my own life, it’s been helpful for me to set rhythms and patterns around rejuvenating my creative inspiration. When I get stuck in a rut or hit a wall, I know there are certain places I can look to rekindle that spark and drum up a great idea.

Here are 3 of my favorite sources of inspiration.

1. Interior Design & HGTV

If you ask my hubby, he’d tell you that interior decorating was NOT one of my superpowers when we first got married. And I can’t blame him! I didn’t have one home-design-oriented bone in my body.

And then—like many of us—I found HGTV! This channel has become a huge source of growth for me creatively. I love learning from other designers and getting inspired by the layers, lines, textures, and colors others use in their homes and designs for others.

Some of my favorites are Fixer Upper, Property Brothers, Love It or List It, and No Reno Demo a recent new favorite. Did I list any of your favorites?

I love them all, but let’s chat about Fixer Upper because I love seeing how Chip & Joanna Gaines apply their natural taste to meet their clients’ goals.  Their ability to incorporate their personal aesthetic and their clients’ wants seamlessly is truly inspirational to me, and I’m always awe-struck by their transformations.

I frequently incorporate what I learn on HGTV into my own life. For example, I’ve used some of their tips to design my photography studio and sets for personal brand photography clients.

I’m also extremely inspired by the intentional branding behind each unique design show, and I love noticing how these shows—though similar at heart—are marketed to completely different audiences.

2. My Garden

Ahh, my garden has become such a sweet, quiet space for me. This year, I’ve been especially inspired by one of my peonies, which managed to bloom even after our contractor mistakenly placed a huge rock over it last year. To see that beautiful bloom emerge out of such a difficult space gives me hope. It encourages me to think about my own story and inspires me to bloom wherever I’m planted, in spite of whatever obstacles I may face.

In a more general sense, the garden also inspires me to consider the ways in which we nurture things in our lives and in our businesses. What we put time into, will grow.

I’m inspired by each unique season in the garden. There’s always something new growing, and each year seems to somehow be bigger and more beautiful than the last.

And yes—I’m also inspired by the weeds. Pulling them out of my garden reminds me how important it is to rid ourselves of things that are not serving us, so we can continue to grow.

3. This Quote: “You are the average of the five people you surround yourself with.”-Jim Rohn

You may have heard this quote before… and that’s because it’s true! As a business owner, I’ve found great inspiration through the women I surround myself with.

When I went full-time in my business, I immersed myself in great books, podcasts, and a local network of women business owners. That local network, along with many other amazing women I’ve encountered since, inspired the work I do every single day. Serving these incredible women makes me love being a brand and growth strategy coach for women business owners even more.

If you’re looking for a great group of women, I highly recommend The Advance Network. An Open House is happening soon if you’d like to check it out. In transparency and full disclosure, the link shared is my affiliate link and if you join I will receive a commission.

Last week, I left our lunchtime connection call completely inspired as we were encouraged to keep a “feel-good folder”. A place to store our wins, encouragement received through sweet cards, or conversations that cheer us on to reflect on when we’re having those not-so-high mountaintop days.

Finding inspiration through my hobbies and those I surround myself with are my top three. Also on my list are turning on some music, dancing, soaking in a warm bath, exploring new and old places, and taking time to rest and just be.

I’d love to hear what your favorites are for inspiration.

What’s One Thing That Inspires You?

Whether it’s a favorite TV show, a local spot, a great book, a certain person, or something else entirely, I’d love to know! Leave your answer in the comments section below this blog or DM me on Instagram❤️