Inspirational Interview - Layla Palmer

I came across The Lettered Cottage in a roundabout sort of way... I think this is the way that I have found the majority of my most favorite blogs... I instantly loved the format and the design of the site... I also loved that there was an online store and a design business linked to this blog, all running smoothly and seamlessly as one. Throughout the past months, I have thoroughly enjoyed watching and reading my way through the cottage's renovation and transformation... Oh my is it beautiful. When I decided to interview women who have inspired me, I hoped that Layla would be one of them. It is my pleasure to introduce you to the creator and owner of The Lettered Cottage... Layla Palmer. This is what she looks like now... And this is what she looked like as a child... How darling is she?

1. How did you choose the name of your business and or blog?

Kevin and I are both creative writers. Me with my blog and books, and him with his lyrics and songs. We also love typography and have our favorite quotes, words, letters and numbers scattered all throughout the house. The Lettered Cottage seemed like the perfect fit, especially since the first letters of each word are T-L-C. This place needs a lot of that!

2. What inspires you?

Colors, textures, shapes and life.

3. Favorite day of the week/why?

Monday!

Because now that I work for myself, I experience a whole different set of emotions when waking up on what once was a very dreaded day.

4. Greatest influence?

All the creative women in the world who have taken that first daring step towards following their heart and owning their own businesses. I love to hear their stories. They keep me motivated day in and day out.

5. Earliest childhood memory?

I think I was three years old. I vaguely remember playing with a toy shopping cart in the front yard outside my house in Minnesota. I looked just like Cindy Brady. Curly pig tails, 70's style clothing, the whole bit.

6. When did you know that you were ready to embark on creating your own business?

When my gynocologist told me it was imperative that I quit my day job. He said the stress I was battling because of it had my hormones all out of whack, which was causing me to have panic attacks. He is a very smart man. I haven't had a panic attack since I started working for myself and my hormones seem to be back in order too! :-)

7. When was the last time that you laughed until your belly hurt?

Unfortunately, it was at church. Kevin and I both heard a funny noise at the same time (I think someone was blowing their nose) and we got a BAD case of the giggles. I almost had to get up and leave. If we looked at each other it made it so much worse. Tears were streaming down our cheeks as we each sat there, uncontrollably shaking with silent laughter. It was terrible at the time, but it is kind of funny now looking back. :-)

8. When was the last time that you cried?

Yesterday. As a matter of fact, I cry very easily. Some days they're tears of joy, and other days they just coming flowing out because I'm so ridiculously emotional. I seem to feel everything so much more intensely than most people I know. My Mom says I get it honest, from my Dad.

9. How old were you when you gave birth to your first child? (If applicable)

No children yet. I would like to adopt one day though.

10. Everyday must have?

Country Time Lemonade

11. Most treasured item?

My Grandma Evelyn's wedding ring. She passed away in 1999, on Valentines Day, and I still think about her almost every single day.

12. Hopes for your future in both business and your personal life?

I hope to inspire people searching for inspiration, and to motivate those seeking motivation. I hope to have a book published at some point, and to one day live in a very, very old cottage that looks out onto water.

13. Advise for others who might be contemplating following their dreams?

Go for it 100%. Not 98%, not even 99%. You have to believe in yourself with every ounce of your being, and you have to go for it 100%. And just when the going gets really tough, because it will, and it feels like there's no hope- give 110%. That's when the real magic happens! That extra effort, and the reward you receive from it, will make all the difference in the world.

14. Chocolate... Dark, Light or white?

Ooh...that's a tough one. I guess if I had to pick one I'd choose white......oh great, now my mouth is watering. :-)

15. Middle name?

Dawn. My Mom thought it was the prettiest time of the day.