Farewell 2013

This year, like every year, has been full of ups and downs but on the whole I'd say it was pretty great. This was the first year I spent doing Heist full time, and although I've probably spent more effort and time on it than I have with any other job, I can honestly say it has also been the most rewarding job - even though most days it hardly feels like work at all.

First things first, we launched our line of salvaged leather handbags! I think back on the process of making patterns, learning to sew leather, researching equipment, etc. and I'm blown away by how far I've come. Sure, there are always improvements to be made and my list of ideas and goals continues to grow but it's nice to look back and realize the progress that has been made. 

Travel! I didn't do as much in 2013 as I would have liked but I did get to visit some pretty great places. From Big Bear, CA to a trip up the road to St. Augustine, FL I definitely did a good deal of traveling this year. I'm really looking forward to a year of adventures in 2014 and my "to visit" list is already pretty long.

Professionally, this has been a great year for Heist. We welcomed some great new wholesale accounts, joined some new sites and tried our hand at some local markets. It's funny how things can seem so daunting until you just jump right in and try. Some things worked, some things didn't but it's all a big learning experience. I'm hoping to do some larger, national shows this year and I have an extensive list of retailers that I would love to work with, so I definitely have my work cut out for me. But again, looking back can give you so much perspective on where you've been and where you're headed!

Loving on this guy all day, every day. 'Nuff said.

Our new branding by Flying Pyramids. I think the fact that I've stamped this logo on everything from copper to cotton bags really shows how much I love this design, but in case there was any confusion...I LOVE IT!

 One of the biggest highlights of my year was...music! I was a music major in undergrad and music was my everything for pretty much my whole life. But since graduating with my B.M. I've gone back to school, been absorbed in other jobs and experiences and then started devoting all my time to Heist. Well 2013 brought me right back! I spent time singing and recording and now

I'm teaching piano part time (and loving it). And as of the last two weeks, I'm learning guitar! Looking forward to a lot more music in 2014.

Heist Vintage! Another far off idea that somehow became reality this year. Crazy!

Here's to a new year filled with good health, love, prosperity and happiness! 2014 has a nice ring to it!

Wrightsville Beach

I just got back from a 5 day vacation in Wilmington/Wrightsville Beach, NC. The first few days were cold and rainy, but it was the perfect weather for exploring the area and eating all the delicious food the area has to offer, including my favorite, Flaming Amy's. The last day was bright and sunny and we lounged on the beach all day and, of course, got sunburned.

Sipping beers on the porch watching the rain

Exploring and surfing in the gloom

Exploring Brunswick Town and Fort Anderson

One of the tamer nights, playing cards in the cottage

Hanging around the Country Store eating boiled peanuts

Facing the Sound through the screen door

Big Bear

This past weekend I traveled to Big Bear, CA for a friend's wedding. The drive up the mountain to get to our adorable little rustic hotel near Big Bear Lake was both breathtaking and terrifying but it was completely worth it just for the scenery (see above).

 On our first full day we set off for the Snow Summit Sky Chair. We rode up to an elevation of 8,200 feet (white-knuckling it most of the way up) and hiked the mile long loop. After, we sat out on the observation deck and had some absurdly overpriced PBRs, but the scene was so amazing we hardly minded. The ride back down was more relaxed thanks to a mixture of beer and a beautiful view of Big Bear Lake, of which I snapped copious amounts of Instagram photos (latergrams for dayyysss, you guys).

The wedding took place that afternoon in an adorable converted barn. We sat outside and drank wine and ate too much mac & cheese (ok, maybe just me) in the perfect California climate. Then we danced it off to Marvin Gaye and Michael Jackson.

The last day, we emerged from our wine hangovers and went to Grizzly Manor Cafe where we ate the biggest pancakes I've ever seen. After that we spent the day being lazy, lounging around Big Bear Lake and then exploring a little further before the treacherous (not really) ride back to LA to catch our red-eyes.

I am now back in Miami nursing a sunburn and a head cold plus trying to catch up on orders and edit photos for the upcoming Heist F/W Lookbook. Totally worth it!

PS-I had a small part in the wedding, making the bridesmaid gifts. I'll be sure to share the really cute outcome in a future post.

Around Here: Summer So Far

Sunset walks in the neighborhood

Using up the last of the garden veggies and moving on to Miami's bountiful summer fruit 

Performing with ANR at Bardot

Tie Dye Party!

Swimming and sun worship

Lots of love for my favorite guy

4th

Have a happy and safe 4th of July, everyone! 

Today we're going to be barbecuing and rehearsing for the next ANR show which is happening tomorrow July 5th. If you're in Miami, we're playing at Bardot at 11:00 PM so stop by if you're nearby!

Gold

Finally a movie I want to see!

ANR

A few weeks ago my friends, ANR, asked me to sing backup vocals for them at one of their upcoming shows. Now if you're a long-time reader of this blog then you know I'm pretty much obsessed with them. I mean they even inspired one of my collections. What you may not know is that I've always wanted to be a backup singer. Nope, not a lead singer. A BACKUP singer. I think it started with Guns N' Roses but that's a different story.

So obviously I said yes. And I probably had one of the most fun nights...no make that weeks...ever. As a solo classical pianist all my life and throughout undergrad (I have a Bachelors of Music degree from the University of Miami), I hardly ever have the chance to play with other musicians, let alone super-awesome-crazy-talented friends of mine.

So what's next? Recording backup vocals for their upcoming album and we already have another gig in the works! That's right, guys...backup singer dreams coming true before your very eyes!

Photos by Jesse Meadows

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