Haven 2019 Recap and Highlights

Here are some of my Haven 2019 Recap and Highlights. 

Last weekend, I had the opportunity to attend my fourth Haven conference. This post is a little photo heavy but I had to include them all for this Haven 2019 recap and highlights post. 

Haven is a DIY/Design blogger conference and it was held in my hometown of Atlanta. This conference has been pivotal to my blogging career that began almost 5 years ago. The classes, relationships and workshops are always invaluable and I always leave feeling refreshed, inspired and completely exhausted.

Mentor Group

This was the first time I was asked to be a mentor for the conference. To say that I was a bit overwhelmed and honored would be an understatement. The first thing that ran through my mind was that I still know very little about blogging. At least in my mind, there is so much information that I’m still trying to implement into my own blog. I struggled with imposter syndrome and Jimmy quickly reassured and encouraged me that I had a lot to offer. It was also a reminder that in this very specific niche, there is always so much to learn because this business is constantly changing and evolving. 

Thankfully, I had the kindest and most gracious mentor group so that made it all the more wonderful experience. One of the best things about this community is that so many are willing to share their knowledge and expertise. There is so much generosity flowing from these bloggers. Blogging can be a lonely job at times but these conferences show how awesome this community of unique and talented individuals truly are. 

Panel Discussion 

On top of being a mentor, I was also asked to be part of panel discussion. There were 5 of us who talked about how we have created alternative incomes apart from blogging. Char talked about teaching woodworking workshops, Amie covered how she got into selling her artwork, Sarah and Nick discussed the ins and outs of managing their 6 Air BnBs and I shared about real estate staging. Thanks to my friend, Erin for moderating our discussion. 

 

We had a really great turn out as the room was full and it was such a great experience. We received some great feedback and hope that it really helped the attendees to know that there are a variety of ways to create alternative incomes. I have friends who teach blogging classes, have written books, sell products from their home and the possibilities of monetization are truly endless.

 Amie my roomie

Amie from MemeHill Studio flew in a day early on Wednesday and we spent time together at my house before leaving for the conference the next day. Amie and I met a couple of years ago and I’m truly grateful for friends like her who understand this special niche that we’re in. She’s truly talented and just a wonderful friend. Plus, have you seen her new bunkhouse that was in partnership with Home Depot? UH-MAY-ZING!

Emmy and Amie were two peas in a pod!

 

Jeffrey Court Mix and Mingle

 

I was so excited to meet some of the contestants from my season of the Jeffrey Court competition. Jimmy and I still can’t believe that we finished our bathroom three months ago and that we actually won that competition. We’re still trying to figure out where our dream vacation will be next year. 

Jeffrey Court invited us for drinks and food on Thursday evening and we had a chance to finally meet the reps as well as a number of other contestants from past seasons. FYI, the next season is going to start soon!

Home Depot/Pinterest Dinner

One of the biggest highlights was attending the Home Depot and Pinterest sponsored dinner. They rented out King and Duke in Buckhead and the decor, food and ambience was just perfection.

I loved how they incorporated their brand colors together and I admired all the attention to details from the floral arrangements to the menu and tablescape. You know how I feel about a good tablescape! I love working with Home Depot throughout the year and it’s truly one of my favorite partnerships.

Isn’t this so clever? This is how we found our table number. 

The artwork by Brit Bass was such a gorgeous gift from Home Depot and Pinterest. 

The Swag

The swag from Haven never disappoints. The brands all are super generous with products. We even get a new Hoover vacuum! You know you are serious #adulting when you are excited to discover you will be getting a new cordless vacuum! 

We also received some fun treats for being on the panel as well as a mentor. 

Friends Who Get It 

I’ll say it again but blogging is amazing because of the relationships that get built with other creatives. I’m truly grateful for friendships that I’ve gained from starting my lil ole website. 

 

 

 

 

80’s Party

Haven threw an 80’s party for the last night and it was epic! They hired the most amazing 80’s cover band and we danced all night long. 

Jimmy joined me for the night because we can’t ever say no to a dance party. 

 

Check out that suit!

 

Minorities Represent

I have to say that one of the biggest highlights for me was connecting with other minorities during the conference. To be honest, there aren’t that many of us. As a minority, it’s not the first time where it took some time to feel comfortable in my setting. Especially in the blogging world, I’ve experienced moments where I felt I didn’t belong and I had to really make take more initiative and effort to cultivate relationships with others. 

Wooden Maven

I’ve talked to other minorities where this is a common theme. We have to value ourselves and have the confidence to know that we deserve to take up space in a community where we can get lost in the majority. I don’t talk about this subject a lot but I am so thankful for some of my good friends who have a sensitivity to these things and really seek change in diversifying their networks and promote inclusion. 

 

Remember these sweet twins from the LaZBoy design competition? Why does that seem like a lifetime ago?

There is so much beauty and value in creating communities with others that not only decorate with totally opposite styles from you but who also happen to look totally different from you. All that to say, I was so happy to meet some of other bloggers of color and discover so many kind hearts with so much amazing talent. 

Whew! That was a very long post. If you are a newbie DIY or design blogger or wanting to start your own blog, I highly encourage you to attend this conference. Lmk if you have any questions!

If you made it to the end, you’re awesome! 

xoxo,

 

 

 

Let all that you do be done in Love. 1 Corinthians 16:14