Offseason by Lauren Marttila, available on Gates & Co.
2022.
I’m not even really sure how to talk about it since so much happened in the world, in my business and in life in general. This year was fraught with tragedy and anger, but also the delight of being able to see each other again after being separated for so long. New friends came into my life that I know will become old ones. Business was busy, but stressful -thanks to those pesky supply chain delays, my kids grew bigger and funnier and I feel like I have hit my stride a bit more as a mother. Overall, it was a pretty good year.
But as I exit 2022 I feel– well, depleted. Anxious. Both excited and apprehensive of what’s to come. Tired but inspired. That’s to say- I feel ALL THE THINGS and all at once. There is so much I want to do, but also a deep desire to pull back a little and treat myself with a little more grace. I was talking to someone the other night and she commented “you’ve built quite the life for yourself, so what is it you want to improve?” That answer came so easily and quickly: I want to enjoy it more. I am not enjoying this life I have nearly as much as I should be. And that is a shame.
I have written time and time again about how I struggle with anxiety, perfectionism and often succumbing to a “grass is greener” mindset. And while it has fueled the hustle that has gotten me to where I am, now that I’m “here”, I desperately want to actually reap the rewards and enjoy where I am. The amazing work I get to do. The kids I fought to have. The house I never would have thought would be mine. The freedom that I’m afforded. But I also do not want to rest on my laurels- and finding that balance is my number one goal for 2023.
Assessing everything I have on my plate- professionally, socially and personally is a good place to start in order to figure out what needs attention, what can be maintained and what can take a back seat, or better yet, be delegated (my very worst skill). Bear with me as I do this exercise in front of an audience. I have to stretch my writing muscles to do this, as they haven’t gotten as much use this year (another thing I want to change, I miss it!)
BUSINESS
I grew my company this year and now have nine people at Erin Gates Design. That still blows my mind. Looking at my overhead also blows my mind. I made the smart decision to finally hire someone to take over the business side of things- financials, HR, accounting and projections. But utilizing that role is full of growing pains for me, I hate talking about money, but I have to get better about it. And I have to really roll up my sleeves and make sure I am making smart financial decisions, as well as taking SOME risks by investing more back into the business in the right areas.
Our book of business also grew this year- with some really incredible large projects under our belts now. We increased our minimums- which means we are looking only at projects that encompass whole homes or at least several rooms at once. After researching what my peers in the industry were doing, I had to up the ante a bit. I love many of our smaller jobs, but having over 30 active clients at once creates a lot of inefficiencies in our time. It’s SO HARD for me to say no to people, as I tend to operate under the fear that work will dry up tomorrow, but it’s time to realize, after 15 years of having a waitlist, this is simply not the likely outcome. So as we look to 2023, we are looking for larger projects, but fewer of them. (Side note: we are actively booking for Spring/Summer 2023 start dates nation-wide so send your inquiries our way info@eringatesdesign.com).
I also grew my licensing partnerships (some I have not announced yet – coming spring 2023!!!) I really enjoy this side of my work, it’s been very successful, and I hope to continue to grow it organically in ways that make an impact and fill a void in the marketplace. Fabric. Furniture. Fashion. And yes, finding a way to get my pillow line up and running again. It’s still the biggest trip to see products with my name on them out in the world. It will never NOT be a thrill.
And speaking of thrills, the fact that my first book (published in 2014) was still #1 on a slew of Amazon charts this year and is now over 300,000 copies sold is insanity. I am so damn glad I did that striped spine, I tell you! :) Book 2 is gaining some more traction (it’s such a better book, in my opinion) and I had to make a tough call on my third book this year, but one that ultimately makes sense. It was supposed to be due this spring to my publisher- but with COVID, massive delays on client goods, not being able to photograph and frankly, not enough time to focus on it- I had to make the call to push it to a yet undetermined date. I’m hoping for a 2025 release to be honest. I have to nail this one and I was starting to shoot not complete projects that I didn’t feel great about and it makes NO sense to put all the effort and work into a book that you don’t feel 100% confident and happy with. So instead, I hit the breaks and said I need more time. I need this to be amazing and I cannot make an amazing book right now. So we are slowly but surely working towards EOS book 3- the final installment (for now)- and I will keep you posted on when that will be. But I have to remind myself, it’s not a race.
As for the blog/ social media and that whole arm of things- it is still very much a large part of my business- not only financially, but marketing wise. Almost all of our business comes via word of mouth or social media. I struggled a bit this year with finding my footing in the muddy waters of discussing both design, fashion AND human rights and politics. And I know many people believe that business and personal beliefs should be kept separate. But the more I watched larger companies take stances and speak out, and find more loyalty because of that, the more assured I became that I do not have to split myself in two here. Maybe it keeps me from growing my following by the follower tally, but those that DO follow are dedicated. I know my engagement rate is much higher than someone with 10x the following in some cases. And I think the world is catching on that it’s not just about a number, it’s about the quality and activity of those who do follow you. You can buy followers, but you can’t buy engagement and loyalty. So I am going to keep doing what I’m doing. Blogging 2-3 times a week, keeping my social channels authentic and off the cuff, but perhaps a little more curated on the interiors content, and see where it takes me. And I know, I have to make Reels. UGH. But we do have a whole new look, function and feel coming to our websites (business/blog/shop) early in 2023 and I can’t wait for you to see the reveal!
As for the things I want to add in this year and in the coming decade:
- Commercial projects- an inn, hotel, boutique, offices– you name it. I’d love to expand into the commercial side and explore that kind of work.
- Increase partnerships with developers, builders, realtors and architects to create beneficial relationships on all sides. We’ve worked very successfully with development companies selecting finishes for spec homes in the past and plan to ramp that up again. I’d eventually also like to flip properties as well (watch out Joanna and Chip).
- Open a storefront in Wellesley. This town NEEDS it, and I have retail in my blood. I really want to do this, even though everyone advises against it, but even in a small capacity it would be such a dream. Until then, I want to grow our online shop into a great spot for unique finds and collaborations with artists and small businesses. Maybe we do a couple more pop up shop events to start?
- Real Estate- given our renovation kicking off in March, I don’t have the capital to get started on this now, but my dream is to buy and renovate investment properties- one in the mountains, one at the beach, one in the city, one down south- creating blog content along the way, featuring my own products in these homes and offering people beautiful places to stay (and my own family to enjoy as well). I dream about this idea CONSTANTLY.
PERSONAL
I have a lot of work to do personally. To give myself some credit, I have done a lot of work this past year already (thanks to my amazing therapist). Most importantly, I need to lower my stress levels and stop beating myself up so much. Working out has been a huge help with that, but unfortunately my neck injury has been making it very hard to keep that going as I was earlier this year. And that has been frustrating. But it’s also a lesson in not pushing myself SO hard all the time and taking a good thing and running it into the ground, as I tend to do. Finding balance in rest and work, physically and mentally, is the goal here. Making sure I’m as physically healthy as I can be first, then making sure I take time to rest and recharge, and third HAVE MORE FUN. I tend to want to always be productive and in control and I’m frankly, that is clearly not working. I want to have a LOT more fun in 2023- with friends, with family and especially my kids.
I am the kind of person who is always in my own head: assessing, overthinking, planning, ruminating…. I want to let go more. Let things be. Not worry so much about everything. This will be HARD, but it will be life changing if I can do it. I want to live in the moment, enjoy the beauty of everything around me and really be PRESENT. I am so often distracted by my phone, as we all are, and it’s a serious addiction I need to reel in. It’s easy to justify when social media is also your job, but there is a line I can draw. And some aspects I can delegate (see, there’s that word again! SO KEY!)
On everyone’s New Years goals/ resolutions list is organizing and purging of clutter. I firmly need to do this more. Our renovation will help give us an excuse (and dumpster) to kick this off and I hope to enlist a professional organizer once we’re done to set up a system for us that we will actually use to keep things in order. I am a big believer in your space and home affecting your mental state and happiness so I am quite serious about this one. I mean, you’ve seen my closet on IG- it’s basically a reflection of what my brain looks like- A MESS!
I think that’s enough for now- I find that if we make too many goals, it becomes overwhelming and then we attain none of them because we’re intimidated or it feels too daunting. But I want to close out this year with a huge thank you- to my family, my friends, my employees and partners, those who have lifted me up, taken me down a peg or two and most of all, have listened, cheered and made me feel loved. We may be best friends or perhaps have never met, but you all help me want to be the best version of myself I can.
Happy New Year, and have a wonderful and healthy holiday,
Erin
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Good luck with everything you want to achieve in 2023. Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year xx
Great reflection and worthy goals! Have you considered meditation? It’s not something I ever, ever thought my brain could do (also live in my head a LOT) but with guided meditation apps or options from YouTube, I find I can clear my head and concentrate on breathing and presence for a little while. They say it gets easier with practice. Make every effort to enjoy the life you’ve built. The ability to stop the treadmill and take joy in the ordinary little moments is so important. Every minute we have on this earth is a gift.
I was going to suggest mediation too. I started during Covid & it’s very helpful. I do it nightly and my sleep has improved so much. I use the peloton app.
I love your blog and so appreciate that you do express your opinion on what’s going on in our world. As much as I love the design, pretend client and fashion posts, your personal ones resonate the most. Here’s wishing you a happy holidays and a fun and fulfilling 2023!
Frog – this sounds familiar. ;)
Loved every single word of that blog post! I see a lot of myself in you; type A, perfectionist, anxious and someone who has a hard time relaxing and not doing anything. Oh and fellow IVF mom. All that to say that I always looked up to you and always loved the fact that you speak your mind. I am excited to see where this new heat takes you and to be part of the ride by following you on Instagram and reading your blog posts! Keep up the amazing work and I wish you nothing but the very best! Xoxo
*this new year, oops!
You are such a great role model for women—at any stage in their lives. Your ability to be honest about yourself—strengths and accomplishments as well as challenges is helpful to read. I understand the need to push the publication date of your next book further out; one section I’d love to see in the book would be documenting the decoration of your beautiful new house, including all the stages of before, initial decoration, and finally the larger renovation and end results. You could do a whole book on that, I bet. Thanks for sharing and for all your hard work. I can’t wait to see what you do next!
That’s what the book is about! Renovating!
For the home organization system it would be fabulous you do a collaboration with The Home Edit girls. I would love to watch an episode like that.
Happy Holidays!
Love this so much! Really helps me think about my own personal and business goals. Best of luck and happy holidays.
I admire you greatly for speaking out on human rights and politics – you have a standing ovation for me. I love your design work, fashion sense, your open discussions of parenthood but most of all I admire your guts and goodness. Virtual hug to you, Michele
standing ovation from me, not for me* :)
You write so beautifully! Those are big goals, Erin but then you are an overachiever. I do love that you want to be more present with the people around you, especially your two adorable children.
I applaud you for taking the difficult stance of using your forums to speak out on hard subjects, ones that you know will produce some kick back from some. It shows you are so much more than pretty homes and gorgeous clothes. On top of being smart, beautiful and accomplished, you are caring and brave. Kuddos!
Merry Christmas and May You Meet those 2023 Goals!
Absolutely agree with Joanna! You’ve been a favorite to follow for many years, because of your authenticity, courage and many talents. I personally love that you haven’t done reels – I wish IG would let photographs speak for themselves rather than try to compete with TikTok.
Enjoy your Christmas with your beautiful family, and thank you for all that you do to inspire.
Follower since the early blog days. I went to one of your first book signings in Chicago at Jayson Home (I even remember I wore leopard print for the occasion). The point is, I have been engaged with your content for close to 10 years at this point, and I love the authentic content you bring. While I may have originally came for the design and fashion, I have stayed for the perspectives and life stuff. Can’t wait to continue to follow and see what the next decade brings!
PS I loath reels…so I’m fine you keep it status quo, but will continue to be inspired with however you choose to share your content.
I met you at a book signing for your 2nd book (it IS good) at the Designer Bath in Watertown, MA. And it was such a lovely moment to meet you and chat a little. Both in real life and on the internet, you are the same person-so great! :) This post was thoughtful, considered and very well written. I also think (for myself especially) it’s a reminder to enjoy the *now* and wherever we are in our goals, whether personal or career. I have been inspired by your design work (you have a voice/direction and you do it so well!), loved (and hopefully someday hope to own your products! Yes on the pillows, furniture, home goods, store front, double yes!), and also how open and honest about your struggles, weaknesses and things you want to achieve. It’s so hard to be honest with yourself, much less a group of strangers on the internet! I also agree that we don’t have to be compartmentalized or “stay in our lane”. You have a voice, a thoughtful opinion, and a platform and I also appreciate you not hiding your convictions just for followers! So, from one stranger among the many followers on your IG/blog etc, keep doing what you are doing, and may you find that balance to sit back and enjoy for the upcoming new year. Merry Christmas and Happy New year!
Thank you for always sharing the good, the bad, and the unknown. You are absolutely incredible and I love to follow your successes, commentary, and growth. You are an inspiration and I wish all the best in the coming year.
Erin, you are genuine, authentic and always a pleasure to follow. Please keep doing what you’re blogging, you have many many loyal followers.
Wishing you a magical Christmas with your family, hosting Christmas in your beautiful home, decorated so beautifully by you and Andrew.
I saw on Instagram that you found out you are an INTJ. As someone who is married to one, because INTJ’s are so future oriented, it is very hard for them to focus on the present, and where their feet are now! I think a meditation/mindfulness practice can be very helpful with bringing thoughts into the present, and focusing on enjoying the people and moments in your life as they are now. Your list above of your current life and your hopes for the future sounds incredible, I’m so happy for you that you want to really focus on being in the moment of the good and bad of all the little moments that make up a full life❤️ That is one thing I’m trying to get my husband to do as well!
As an INTJ female myself, I commend you, Erin, for bravely sharing the parts of yourself that you still find—and here’s the word we cringe to read!—imperfect. To the world, we present our wildly articulate and rational selves, then we quietly stew in our critical self-analysis: why do other people totally exhaust me, could I have done better in that presentation, why am I still struggling and confused? Argh! It’s so difficult to manage the constant drive to exacting competence and the completion of a crystal-clear vision that only we can see in our mind’s eye.
I concur with the suggestions about meditation, although I still find it exasperating because it feels unproductive. Journaling helps because I revel in words, but I struggle against trying to perfect the prose. Just slap the ideas on the page and move on (so hard!). A loving and patient spouse who understands what makes you tick and who assures your wine glass is topped off is a blessing beyond measure. If he also gives you vitally important space and quiet time to think, then keep him always.
INTJ females are a whopping two percent of the population. We carry a heavy load, but we do extraordinary things. Be kind and gentle with yourself this holiday. Enjoy each moment. Cheers!
Happy holidays and a very happy, successful 2023. I hope that you are able to make progress on your goals and, especially, to experience a lot of happiness with family and friends.
Hi Erin,
Happy holidays! I hope you have a wonderful time with your kids – such fun ages for Christmas (though exhausting!).
I missed you mentioning your neck injury originally but it’s something I’ve struggled with too and it’s so awful and makes everything hard. I’m local and I have several people I can recommend – one in particular who fixed me. Mine is related to TMJ so not sure this applies to you but let me know if you’d like me to pass along the names.
I hope you keep sharing on social issues. I love seeing your voice out there.
you are a breath of fresh air in the design space. I love that you bring your beliefs into the arena and your personal posts are my favorite (tho of course I love your work). many good wishes for the holidays and next year.
I’ve been working on a large vacation property reno and a development project the past two years and going forward will NEVER again perform the role of interior designer. you all are worth every single penny. also happy to see your collab with Linda!! she’s a new friend from the tropics.
Erin…As a woman (now retired) who made a commitment to both personal and business goals in writing, I enjoyed reading yours. You can lead your loyal following by example and so, in looking for ways to mesh social and political conscience, I hope you will consider sharing your success with the less fortunate in terms of housing. Beautifully renovated homes where I live often sit vacant, while many in the workforce who labor to make life convenient for others, cannot find affordable housing. It’s not up to me to say how best, or if you will add ways to give back, but I look forward to hearing what you’ve accomplished at the end of this coming new year. Continued success and wishing you the best. And remember…Always speak up, even if your voice shakes.
I admire you very much.