Hello friends and happy Monday!
It feels great to be back. With the website update and just good ‘ol life, I had to hit the pause button last week. Anyone want to be my assistant?
WHAT IS THE GUEST LIST
You are going to LOVE today’s feature. If you’re new here, welcome to Cedar & Rush! The Guest List is a weekly series where you get the inside scoop from smart, savvy and stylish people. I believe you can get where you want faster by learning from the best. Which gives us the confidence and courage to make changes to our lives.
MEET KIRSTIN, OWNER OF SMITTEN BOUTIQUE
I’m ecstatic to introduce you to Kirstin Martin today! She’s the brilliant mind behind one of my FAVORITE stores in Chicago – Smitten Boutique. If you haven’t seen it in person, make a note to get there stat. Custom stationary, the most creative gift ideas, along with regular appearances from famous authors and artists!
Kirstin’s surprising background makes you want to rethink your own career path. She worked as an auditor for Ernst & Young. After a few years, she escaped to Costa Rica & Mexico to learn Spanish, which ultimately inspired her to start her passion project, Smitten Boutique!
Let’s talk some shop, shall we?
Kirstin, you have quite the resume! How did you land in Chicago of all places with Smitten Boutique?
I came to Chicago for a guy - and we’ve been married for 12 years now!
What’s the #1 thing you want people to know about Smitten Boutique?
That it’s a happy place - and they should come see us when they’re in the West Loop (we might even be serving mimosa’s if we’re feeling frisky ;0)
How do you know Gray Malin?
I don’t know Gray personally - but was lucky enough to be recommended by our Abrams rep (his publisher) as the location for his Chicago book signings (this is the second one we’ve hosted). He was a delight the first time he came and his fans adore him. We are truly thrilled to be welcoming everyone back!
Why do you feel stationery is important?
I think stationery is important as a vehicle for the handwritten note - which is epically important.
What time do you typically get up in the morning and go to bed?
I am a night owl by nature (as I sit here typing these answers at 2:00 am) but I usually go to bed between 10:00 & 11:00 pm so I can be fresh and ready to start the day when my kids wake up around 7:00am.
What mistake do you see people constantly make that they should be aware of?
They call me by the wrong name - it’s a toughy - but my name is Kirstin (two “i”s and rhymes with curtain)!!
What’s your favorite cocktail to serve guests when entertaining at home?
I love having people over for brunch and I make a mean Bloody Mary!
What’s your favorite hostess tip?
Relax and enjoy - your guests will have a lot more fun if you’re having fun!
What resources do you use to stay organized and remember tasks?
I try to start each day by making of list of “must do’s” in the Notes app on my phone and then I delete them as I complete the tasks throughout the day. It helps to keep me focused on what really needs to get done and allows me to feel like I’m can “unplug” once all of the big items are crossed off!
What mistake do you see people constantly make that they should be aware of?
More and more, I see people pick up their phone in the middle of a conversation. I think it might be one of the rudest things you can do to a friend or acquaintance. It says “you’re not as interesting as this App or this text - so I’m going to half listen to you while I do something else at the same time!”
What’s the most recent thing someone did that really impressed you?
My husband took my three kids to a dear friend’s house so that I could have six of my college girlfriends come to our house for a girls weekend (and he even helped me clean-up when he got back)!!
Kirstin, thank you so much for being here today! I can’t wait to come visit you in the city soon!
For more career advice, check out PR pro, Jenn Lake and interior designer, Donna Hall!
