October 5, 2011
I am not sure how many people know this, but I am a HUGE letter writer. I have always written letters back and forth with friends around the world. It makes my day to see a handwritten envelope in the mail. As you can imagine, I am in love with stationary and cards. I can't get enough of them.
When I first moved to New York, I came across some especially gorgeous cards with little animals and glitter on the front with cute sayings. When I turned the cards over, I saw that they were made in Vancouver by a company called FLAUNT. My home town. Cool cards. I was in love. And I think I probably bought the store out right then and there!
Meet Shannon, the founder of FLAUNT cards, my favorite cards in the world. I was super excited to meet Shannon and find out more about her incredible company. We met in Vancouver on the beach early in the morning to talk cards and to enjoy the incredible scenery. Shannon is amazing; she is bubbly, kind, fun, passionate, and creative. The moment I met her, I knew she was special.
LINDSEYBELLE: FLAUNT is very unique from other cards. How did you get the idea to start FLAUNT?
Shannon Barnes: I fell into it really. I was working in Marketing/Consulting and I started making a few card designs. A shop in Vancouver took a look at my cards and started carrying them. Within a week I was picked up by a distributor, and then I got some neat press in InStyle and Martha Stewart magazines.
LB: What advice would you give to business owners to be successful?
SB: Stay true to what it is that you are selling and to yourself. And treat people well. I think being able to delegate to great people that you can trust makes such an impact. Focus on what you do best and delegate the rest.
LB: What is the biggest risk you have taken with your business?
SB: At one point, I decided to branch out a little and add gift bags to the FLAUNT business. I ordered the bags and invested money, and they really didn't sell well. I learned so much from that. Don't fix it if it isn't broken. And focus on the one thing that you are good at. Sometimes there is no need to keep branching out. Taking risks is often great education.
LB: With FLAUNT's whirlwind success, how do you feel?
SB: Excited! Suprised! I came from a very corporate world and people always think that it is impossible to make money doing art (and something that you love). I love being able to combine my business and artistic sides.
LB: Where do you get the inspiration for the adorable animals, designs, and saying on your cards?
SB: Hanging out with my kids. And children's books. The illustrations in the books give me a lot of inspiration. And of course magazines. I love fashion and I use the colors that I see in fashion on my cards.
LB: What is your favorite kids book?
SB: The Very Hungry Caterpillar.
LB: What kind of qualities do you admire most in other people?
SB: I admire people who do what they say they are going to do. And I love people that don't sweat the small stuff. And people that think outside the box.
LB: How would you say you live your life?
SB: If you don't do it and enjoy it, someone else will. I really put my heart into things and am so lucky to be doing something I love. I love taking care of people. And I believe that if you are a good person, good things come back to you.
LB: I know you have two little girls and a husband. How do you balance being a mom, a wife, and an entrepreneur?
SB: I love working and showing my girls that I still have my own identity. I think it is very important to do something you love and balance it with family life. I work four mornings a week and have a nanny come then. And often the girls will sit and watch me work and play with the glitter and the glue. I like to get them involved. My husband makes his own hours with his job too so we can really be flexible. We love to work hard and we love to travel!
LB: What is your favorite place to travel with your family?
SB: Our favorite place is Villefranche in France. We also love Monaco and Nice. We really love to travel, so we make time to travel with the family.
LB: I love nailpolish, so I have to ask this question. What is your go to polish color?
SB: Bright red.
LB: What is your favorite card?
SB: My cards with the owls on them. Those were some of my first designs and my best sellers. Owls are so wise, sophisticated, and cute.
LB: Guilty pleasure?
SB: Red wine and chocolate!!
Go check out FLAUNT cards, they are seriously the coolest! Thank you so much Shannon!!
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SHANNON BARNES FLAUNT CARDS: PASS IT ON INTERVIEW SERIES
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I have photographed Sophie and Jenna every single year since they were born. And every year I can't believe how much they change. It's really incredible.
Last year at 2 years old, they were just starting to walk. And this year at 3, they are talking! And they know what they like to wear. Aren't these outfits adorable? What about the sunglasses?
We had a blast playing with bubbles and running around all over. I love they way this family laughs and plays together. And the girls love each other so much. It makes me smile every time September comes around and I get to see Jenna and Sophie one year older.
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SOPHIE & JENNA TURN 3!
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Peter, Katie, Nic, Zander, Caroline, James and Joanne are an amazing family. I spent the weekend up at Fishers Island photographing them. I used my underwater housing for my big camera to shoot in the ocean and the pool. They tubed. They jumped. They dove. It was so much fun!! My favorite thing about these guys is that they are so warm and fun and I feel like I have known them forever. Enjoy! xo
4 comments so far
Shy says:
Love the underwater and jumping shots!
(09.12.11 @ 07:47 PM)
Georgine says:
So fun, and fresh!! And french fries too ;)
(09.16.11 @ 11:52 AM)
Joyce says:
This is a great blog with some great photos! I especially love the photos from the wedding in Santa Barbara! One of my all time favorite cities to visit in California; it truly never gets old traveling there. I was just there and had a great time sailing and dining at fabulous restaurants. We stayed at the Sandman Inn (www.thesandmaninn.com) So inexpensive yet very quaint and charming as well.
(10.12.11 @ 02:22 PM)
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FISHERS ISLAND: DAY IN THE LIFE
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Abby and William are growing up so fast. I can't believe it! They live in Texas, but came up to NYC, and we did a fun session in Battery Park City. I had so much fun playing with you guys. And Aimee, you are stunning. What a great mommy!
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Shy says:
I love the picture of mom hugging both of her kids!
(09.10.11 @ 01:31 PM)
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ABBY AND WILLIAM
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I flew out to Santa Barbara this summer to photograph this incredible family. I am so happy that I was there to capture the love, laughs, and special moments. Santa Barbara is my favorite place on earth. Enjoy! xoxo
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Shy says:
Maren: You look beautiful and your baby is so precious. Congratulations to you and your family!
(09.07.11 @ 09:36 PM)
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SANTA BARBARA FAMILY
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You may remember Javier and Lauren from their engagement shoot! They got married at the Pridwin Hotel on Shelter Island. Shelter Island is a location near and dear to my heart because that is where Mike and I got engaged over 3 years ago.
Jav and Lauren had a gorgeous wedding right on the water. The weather was perfect. Everything was beautiful, fun, and happy. There was so much emotion and love at this wedding. I had such a wonderful time. Enjoy!
Event planner: Erin and Francesca of Dazzling Affairs
Venue/Catering: Pridwin Hotel on Shelter Island
Band: Hank Lane
1 comments so far
Shy says:
Beautiful!
(09.06.11 @ 08:43 PM)
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JAVIER AND LAUREN ARE MARRIED!
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I'm back from Vancouver! And back to blogging!!!
Jackie and John got married at Bobo! They had a magical rooftop garden celebration with butterflies, love, romantic flowers, bright shoes, petals, laughter, friends, and family! Jackie and John are such a beautiful couple. They are so full of light and happiness. I had the best time photographing this special day! I will never forget it.
Makeup: Kerry Crawford
Hair piece (last picture): Leah C. Millinery
Venue/cake: Bobo
9 comments so far
Efrat says:
LOVE the pictures... and that cake - it looks SO GOOD!!!
(08.22.11 @ 12:34 PM)
Michelle says:
Amazing pics Lindsey!! What a memorable day and we're thrilled you helped to capture all of it!
(08.22.11 @ 12:52 PM)
Mary Fern Ho says:
So precious - your pictures are wonderful Lindsey - your captured the best day ever!
(08.22.11 @ 01:13 PM)
Jackie says:
I'm getting emotional looking at these for the first time - brings me right back to our special day and the fullness we felt in our hearts. Lindsey, your talent for capturing that which is fleeting continues to inspire us. We will treasure these blueprints of our happiness forever. I can't wait to see the rest!
(08.22.11 @ 05:52 PM)
Shy says:
Both the bride and groom look so happy. Congratulations to you!
(08.22.11 @ 08:19 PM)
Kerry Crawford says:
Lindsey these are STUNNING! I love your style - you are a true artist. I so enjoyed doing the makeup for this gorgeous joyful family. Yay Jackie and John - xo's!
(08.23.11 @ 10:37 AM)
Shy says:
Both the bride and groom look so happy. Congratulations to you!
(08.23.11 @ 08:17 PM)
Lena says:
Awesome pictures! Captured the happy couple so beautifully!
(08.26.11 @ 01:57 PM)
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JACKIE AND JOHN ARE MARRIED!
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