July favorites

the other side of quiet luxury

I was sitting in a Zoom meeting last week when I realized just how little of “quiet luxuries” (no, not this kind) I got to enjoy since summer began. Part of the reason I set out to establish my own private practice was so that I could have the freedom to set my own schedule, but there are still times when I am busier than ever.

I was not prepared for how much being a small business owner would stretch the limits of my patience, how many challenges I would face.

Yet this growth continues to change me in important ways: being a fair administrator, consistent manager, and reliable colleague.

But most importantly, I am starting to realize how essential it is for me to be intentional with my time and how I choose to spend it.

In 2022, after two failed IUIs and my subsequent decision to take a break from trying for a baby (which my husband wholeheartedly supported), I decided to dedicate myself full time to my private practice, not expecting it to grow at the pace it did. A year and four months later, we are now a team of nine (plus one administrative assistant), serving between 75 and 80 families on our caseloads through teletherapy and home based sessions. In the past month alone, one employee transitioned to full time status. And I finally did the thing and hired an administrative assistant. I am mentoring and managing my team while holding my own weekly sessions (though I did cut back drastically this summer). In a way, my practice, PJW Speech and Language Therapy, Inc., is my first born child, my baby. Being a founder and CEO of a small business brought growing pains of its own.

This past month, while our practice grew, as my days got busier and the hours grew shorter, I thought a lot about what quiet luxuries meant to me:

• Freedom to read whatever I wanted to read, whenever I wanted to read them,

• Quality time with my husband, who not only assists me in my work but also has a full time job of his own,

• Writing about anything I want,

• Meeting genuine people (offline and in person) that I can form a connection with

• Setting my own schedule

• Waking up early not because I have to, but because I choose to

• 0 balance on credit cards

When I first started this Substack, not only did I want to create a space to document my own fashion/style journey, I also wanted to share the little luxuries that I take for granted. Starting with this post, it is something I would like to do more of.

Last weekend I underwent an egg retrieval surgery that kept me in bed all day with a heating pad, water, dried prunes and ASMR YouTube videos. Though fortunately, I was able to catch up on hours of much needed sleep.

So naturally I was unable to share my July favorites after my surgery. Now that I am 100% well and August has officially begun, here are five quiet luxuries that made the month quite a bit more enjoyable:

1. PB & J with instant coffee

Starting with the simplest of snacks that anyone can make on a whim, I remember I treated myself to this little pre-dinner PB& J one Friday evening after a particularly long week. My peanut butter of choice is the Laura Scudders brand and the jam is Strawberry from Smucker’s. It was one of my favorite childhood snacks that reminds me of my analog years as a 90s kid.

2. Starting a new book

It is getting harder to find time to read, but when I do, it is definitely a luxury. I found this copy of Perfume: The Story of a Murderer at a New Orleans used bookstore that cost six dollars and some change. I absolutely love this vintage cover, and without it the book is still enjoyable. It is beautifully written, even with all the blood and murders that happen along the way.

3. Vera Bradley’s rebranding

I was never a fan of prints, whether it be on clothes or accessories. But I recently listened to The Glossy Podcast when they interviewed the brand’s CEO and CMO. I was intrigued by their rebranding strategy and collaboration with Zooey Deschanel.

I was in the market for a new make up bag, but the one I had in mind from a different brand was sold out. This one in medium has so much personality (and it is so unmistakably Vera Bradley) that I ordered mine with monogrammed initials.

4. My everyday Tibi work bag

This Lucas bag had been on my style mood board and wishlist since I first saw it on the Tibi website a few months ago.

The shape is a classic tote with a quirky twist. The vinyl material with two outside pockets make this the perfect bag for work, errands, play and travel. I’ve been wearing it to work everyday this past week.

5. A new suede carcoat

Yet another one from Tibi. Ever since I tried on a suede carcoat when Tibi was in L.A., I made a mental note to put it on my wishlist to budget for.

What I really appreciate about this brand is how each piece is designed so intentionally. Amy Smilovic is so technical in her approach to creating a piece that stays true to her style, and has an incredible team to make it a reality. If you haven’t checked out her Substack, please do so now.

When I took a sneak peek at Tibi’s Fall collection and saw the carcoat in tan, I immediately reached out to Darianne to place an order, along with the Lucas bag.

Even though it is still technically summer, I am pretty happy to have a reliable coat for this coming Autumn.