For me, fashion and merchandising are like the back of my hand and I spend almost every waking hour of the day thinking about them in some way...however, sometimes I find joy in leaving behind my pursuit of beauty to breathe in someone who pursues the same excellence in another field. For example, I love watching great movies and reading inspiring books: both of which I could never hope to do...but I recognize the same passion and love for beauty that I have in my field, in the work of others...and somehow it makes me feel part of a bigger picture...as if I am one soldier in a sea of other loyal, dedicated people.....and I take joy in appreciating the handiwork and passion of others. I especially get a kick out of seeing other young, entrepreneurial or artistic women going after their dreams and giving their all for their vision and passion. Somehow it makes me feel like all my work and sacrifice to make Flourish a success is not in vain...that other people are on a similar mission for excellence.
Music, is one of those fields where I can appreciate the beauty and excellence of someone else's art, but have no ability myself. A couple years ago, I met someone named Jillian Speece who has that same drive and passion but within the art of music. I met her at Flourish, when she was in searching for a dress to wear to a concert. I could tell right away that I would love her work, as I listened to her singing along to the music on the speaker system in the store. Not too long after that first time we met, she dropped by the store and gave us a copy of her CD. She and her sweetheart Nate call themselves the Bergamot, and they specialize in what they call organic pop. Their music is catchy, soulful and utterly beautiful. They cover songs you would all know and love including music by Dave Matthews, Adelle, Tom Petty, and many more. But they also are incredible song writers and performers. They have catchy music that stays in my head for days and whenever I see them in concert, I am blown away at their excellence: playing multiple instruments at once, dancing and singing for hours, the range of their vocals, and much more!
Jillian wearing the original Flourish dress from when we met!
Long story short, I played their CD in the store every day for months...to the point that my regular customers started asking if we always played the same music:) And, we were blessed to have the Bergamot even do a concert for Flourish's 3rd birthday celebration event.
Since I first met Jillian, I have watched her and Nate thrive and evolve in their journey. Some of their recent successes include a national tour, being offered an opportunity to open for Gavin DeGraw, having more than 6,000 hits for their new song Wishing Well on utube, and much more! It's been really exciting to watch these talented young people pursue their vision, and somehow it gives me strength and inspiration to keep reaching high for my own vision and goals for Flourish!
Jillian and Nate (and yes Jillian's dress is another Flourish piece:))
Why I am telling you all about this? Tonight, I just got home from seeing them perform live...and I enjoyed it so much I just had to tell someone about them. If ever there was music beautiful to listen to it's theirs (my favorite song by them is called Haven) and if ever I have witnessed someone reaching and working towards a goal, it's Jillian and Nate. I have no doubt they will go far and most likely someday be a household name...probably someday soon actually. What a blessing it is to have gotten to know them and watch their journey towards success! Go Jillian and Nate! We ♥ You!
Love this picture! (Thanks Jillian for wearing Flourish...you always look fantastic in it and I love seeing our clothes styled with your artsy, hip musician edge!)
