FAQ

FAQ Week

I’m aiming for a post per day this week, each addressing a frequently asked question. On the roster so far…

  • Picking Perfect Pink Paint
  • How I Got My Baby to Sleep Through the Night (Without Crying)
  • How I Grew My Business
    (I already wrote the story of starting Pink Loves Brown.)

Hopefully I can get one up each day. Caring for a newborn makes it hard to find time to write sometimes. ;)

Anything else you’re dying to know?

*** Update 07.28.09 ***
A post a day? With a newborn? What was I thinking!? I’ll still continue with my FAQ posts, but they’re going to be more spaced apart.

Sources & Paint ColorsNeed design help? Let's work together.

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  • Kate
    July 20, 2009 at 12:32 pm

    What were some of the biggest challenges you faced when you started your store? You seem to be doing very well now, were there any moments when you thought you should throw in the towel…and if so, what motivated you to keep on keepin’ on?

  • Jazmin Espinal
    July 20, 2009 at 12:33 pm

    How did you start getting so much publicity for your items and your shop? Did you send out press releases? Also, did you study graphic design in college?

  • Sonia
    July 20, 2009 at 1:20 pm

    you seem to accomplish so much everyday, between the blog, the shop, the house, now baby…..do you have any time management tips or routines you can share?

  • Sherry
    July 20, 2009 at 1:23 pm

    Where do you seek inspiration? Your ideas are always so unique and lovely! I would love to be able to come up with the things you do. Your style, colors, etc…is all so wonderful!

  • Jenn
    July 20, 2009 at 1:44 pm

    I noticed that Brandon has many “action figures”. So does my husband:) How do you display them and integrate his “stuff” into your decor?

  • Trina
    July 20, 2009 at 2:15 pm

    How are you finding time for your blog/business? I have a 3 week old, and am trying to get back to somewhat of a regular blogging schedule….but am just too pooped with lack of sleep still.

    Any suggestions are appreciated!

    :-) Trina

  • allyse
    July 20, 2009 at 2:39 pm

    where did you get your daughters green and brown outfit?

    • Making it Lovely
      August 21, 2009 at 5:48 pm

      Allyse, that was from Target. It was part of Dwell’s baby line.

  • Amy
    July 20, 2009 at 2:43 pm

    I know a house is an everchanging organism, but how do you keep yourself from starting too many reno/demo projects at once? My husband and I purchased a house in June and have yet to move our furniture in because of so many projects to complete, and if thats not bad enough-I already have the next projects to start lined up. Will it ever be finished?

  • rebeccab
    July 20, 2009 at 2:45 pm

    Hi Nicole! You always look so cute in your pics. I was wondering about your clothes. What do you always buy/never buy/where do you shop/any personal style tips?

  • Rebecca
    July 20, 2009 at 2:46 pm

    How do you network through blogging? How do you attract readers and keep them coming back?

    thank for sharing all of your information. As a business owner myself, it is fun to “connect” with other designers even if it is in the virtual world!

  • Devon
    July 20, 2009 at 2:54 pm

    Getting back up and running with a newborn is tough. I admire you jumping back in and am looking forward to reading all of your topics below.

    Hope you are having fun! I am so interested in hearing how you started your own business.

    By the way, love your style. LOVE it. Am prepping for a newborn myself, which is how I found your blog, but I keep coming back and reading all of your historical posts because of your great taste.

  • amy
    July 20, 2009 at 2:59 pm

    I saw a post ago you started talking about hosts and domains. I feel kind of internet/website-challenged but I would love to have my own website. Can you do the easy-peasy breakdown of how to get started with the technical aspect?

    Also would love regular “Mommy” updates!

  • katie
    July 20, 2009 at 3:09 pm

    I too love to design invites…for whatever the event. I have recently considered going into business but I am totally scared of the process… I would love any inspiration, words of wisom, advice on such an adventure!!!!!

    Also I am a new mom so I totally relate to everything you say about your little girl! Love little girls!

  • Mary
    July 20, 2009 at 3:12 pm

    I love your design style. In the past I have seen you make a room over for someone who was struggling with their kitchen design. Would you consider letting fans send you a pic for you to ‘make over their room’ with your photoshop/design skills? Just an idea for a recurring post, like your monthly clothing style ideas.

  • Nichelle
    July 20, 2009 at 3:22 pm

    I have several questions:

    *do you have a background in design?
    *how did you “convince” or get your husband to agree to all the pink around the house? i love it, but i don’t think i could my husband on board!
    *were you always very handy around the house? how about your hubby?
    *we are also trying to get our teeny tiny condo in shape for our little one to arrive and feeling very overwhelmed! how did you (and your husband) figure out / agree on a theme / style to your home? i find that i like a LOT of different styles & would love to put it all together, but i’m afraid that it’ll look cluttered! any advice?

  • modernmom
    July 20, 2009 at 3:49 pm

    How did you get over the fear of ruining a piece of furniture? How did you get to be so handy at fixing up things?

  • Bryn
    July 20, 2009 at 3:52 pm

    What a treat! I’m really excited to see how you grew your business, especially since I am in start-up mode myself.

  • kribss
    July 20, 2009 at 3:58 pm

    have you started any new projects with your $5000.00 challenge winnings?

  • stidmama
    July 20, 2009 at 5:23 pm

    When I had newborns, we were all lucky to get fed regular meals and wear clean clothes some days… I salute you for all you are accomplishing (and encourage you to take down-time whenever possible).

    I would be interested to follow your child’s design decisions — mine showed clear preferences for colors and clothes before they were a year old. Now they’re teens it’s getting important again. Both then and now, I found it hard sometimes to let go of what I thought “worked” and follow their lead.

  • abbi
    July 20, 2009 at 6:45 pm

    I’d love to know how you organize your day, to-do’s, routines, time management, etc.!

  • tickled
    July 20, 2009 at 7:01 pm

    I adore your blog and watching both your home and your online presence develop. Two things I’ve always hoped you’d bring up…

    1. How would/do you go about starting a room from scratch. I know you’ve done the storyboards to show a piece of furniture follow a person from childhood but what about starting a whole room, as an adult, from scratch?

    2. I would love to see how a Pink Loves Brown product is born. From inspiration to Illustrator/Photoshop to how you print it, package it, etc.

    I think both answers would be beyond interesting, at least to me. I love your clean yet detail oriented design flare.

  • Nicole
    July 20, 2009 at 7:09 pm

    Hi! I stumbled across your blog a few months ago and have been a devoted reader ever since. Your design style, home and business are so inspirational! I’ve always wanted to open my own business (I’m a floral designer) and I’ve put it off for years. I never felt “ready”.Recently I decided that the time is now (or very soon, anyway) and plan on taking steps to achieve my dream. But, boy am I SCARED! I keep wondering what I’ll do if I fail…. Any tips/tricks/words of wisdom from a sucessful businesswoman?

    Thank you for sharing your life and awesome designs with all of us!

  • katie aschero
    July 20, 2009 at 7:53 pm

    when are you going to write a book? Design…crafting…business…I think you have some topics to choose from ;)

  • Emily S
    July 20, 2009 at 7:55 pm

    I’m expecting my first baby in 13 days and am very much looking forward to your “how to get a baby to sleep” post!!

  • Cyn
    July 20, 2009 at 7:59 pm

    I’m so excited that you’ll be posting about your business! I just launched my shop last year and have been seeking out success stories ever since. I can’t wait to read yours. Thanks Nicole!

  • Lena
    July 20, 2009 at 9:10 pm

    Don’t jinx yourself. Sleeping though the night is an ongoing thing! At least in my house, but our little one is still little. Only 14 pounds at 5 months.

  • Katie @ Making This Home
    July 20, 2009 at 9:23 pm

    I’d love to hear more about small business ideas – especially growing one like you have. I can’t wait for all these posts.

    How much bribing to get you to do this for two weeks?
    …or I guess you’re not the woman in the house who would need the bribes, right E?
    Katie

  • Katrina
    July 21, 2009 at 9:37 am

    Where do I find a wonderful template {free} for my blogging spot?

  • kristen ~ Pajama Mama
    July 21, 2009 at 10:43 am

    okay, i’ve got a question after your pink paint post…how’d you get your hubby to agree to pink? it’s beautiful and i’m sure he trusts your taste and style to create a warm home, but it’s still pink…

  • Elena
    July 21, 2009 at 11:07 am

    I’d love to know your process for order fulfillment and details on your organization. We’ve seen photos of your gorgeous studio, but how does it all flow? How do you balance new product development with order fulfillment?
    Thank you!!!

  • Kate
    July 21, 2009 at 11:19 am

    What are you doing about organizing the many photos of Eleanor you are surely taking? Do you print them or just keep digital copies? Any ideas for cute photo storage boxes?

  • Nicole
    July 21, 2009 at 11:42 am

    Maybe this is a silly question, but how did you get the paint colors off the brand’s websites?

    I ask because I recently redid my kitchen and emailed photos to my family. The paint color I ended up with read differently depending on the time of day and shadows, etc in the room. I wanted to email a “true” swatch with my photos but couldn’t save a swatch from the Valspar website. Did you get permission from the companies or am I missing something??

    Thanks!

  • captain kk
    July 21, 2009 at 8:36 pm

    where did you get your gorgeous pink and white zig zag rug from in your living room?

  • Kate
    July 21, 2009 at 11:18 pm

    Oh, I have one! I’m always loving the layout/color/furniture/look of the rooms in your house.
    Do you have general places you look for design inspiration? Any specific books or favorite websites inspire you? Places to get furniture and/or hardware?
    And what is your process for deciding how to set up and decorate/design a room? Do you brainstorm, lay it all out before hand, etc. etc.

    Thanks!!

  • Ashley
    July 22, 2009 at 2:31 am

    I would like to know how you got to be so amazingly awesome, and if your lame sister will ever be as cool :D

  • Laura in LA
    July 22, 2009 at 8:19 am

    Are you telling your birth story? Did I miss it?

  • Susie
    July 22, 2009 at 11:04 am

    Will you ever offer decorating services? I need your help! :)

  • hoganfe handmade handbag originals
    July 22, 2009 at 11:46 am

    Gosh pink is a hard color to choose from for me as I love all pinks! The Wild Aster is my fav – it gives a warmth to the room.

    mary

  • ClistyB
    July 23, 2009 at 12:20 am

    Im always just giddy that you live in the same city as the HQ for Mc Donalds. Whats that like? and no, Im not joking, its very intriguing to me.

    • Making it Lovely
      August 22, 2009 at 8:34 am

      Actually, I live in Oak Park and McDonald’s is headquartered in Oakbrook. It’s not far though, and I’ve actually been there… Brandon and I sold books at an offsite event when worked at the bookstore together. You would never know the HQ was there unless you turned to go there specifically. It’s in a little wooded area, and then there’s a clearing and suddenly you’re surrounded by McD propaganda signs and banners everywhere (“I’m lovin’ it!”). It was weird.

  • Katie
    July 23, 2009 at 12:29 am

    Hey Nicole!

    I have a question; my husband and I are remodeling our kitchen and I’m curious as to what kind of stove you and Brandon bought. What options did you go through, and do you have a specific type or brand to recommend? We definitely prefer gas stoves, but I’m lost when it comes to brands and models and such. :) Thanks!

  • Kate
    July 23, 2009 at 2:29 pm

    How did you initially fund your pink loves brown line? Did you get a bank loan when you started your business? did you do any paid advertising on blogs or otherwise?

    Thanks! Your home IS lovely!

  • Making it Lovely | Transforming the so-so. » Blog Archive » Working With Digital Paint Swatches
    July 23, 2009 at 10:37 pm

    […] a question from my recent FAQ post. Nicole writes: Maybe this is a silly question, but how did you get the paint colors off the […]

  • Melissa
    July 29, 2009 at 9:07 am

    can’t wait to hear more about how you started your business :)

  • Jeni
    July 29, 2009 at 5:10 pm

    Would love to see “How I Grew My Business” post.

  • Bade Mathialagan
    August 2, 2009 at 9:48 am

    Hi Nicole

    I think you’re amazing and I love seeing how your home morphs. I am renting an apartment in Singapore where my husband has set up a business for the past two years and wonder if you know of good websites where I can buy fabrics/home furnishings online that will deliver here. Sadly a lot of the US stores don’t deliver out here.

    Many thanks and kind regards,
    Bade.