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Have you ever wondered how the most brilliant creative minds come up with their groundbreaking ideas? Often, it’s not just the work itself but the hobbies they pursue that fuel their inspiration. From floral design to baking, these passions enrich their creative processes and lead to extraordinary outputs. Let’s take a journey alongside five innovative industry leaders who reveal how their hobbies not only shape their art but also add a colorful layer to their professional lives.
Becky Shea: Designing with nature
New York-based interior designer Becky Shea has a secret weapon in her creative arsenal—floral design! Unlike her polished indoor projects, this hobby allows her to revel in the beauty of the great outdoors. “My journey began in high school at a flower shop in Miami, where I discovered the art of arranging blooms,” she shares with a sparkle in her eye. For Shea, floral design is more than a pastime; it’s a love letter to nature, a way to narrate visual stories through the vibrant colors and textures of flowers.
Although Manhattan may lack the lush greenery of other locales, Shea finds creative ways to bring nature into her projects. “I don’t have a rigid style; rather, I embrace a philosophy of blending the indoors with the outdoors. Each design is an opportunity to blur those boundaries,” she explains. This connection to nature has transformed her approach, cultivating a sense of calm and deepening her emotional and creative awareness. Her beautiful garden in Upstate New York serves as a sanctuary, a place where she learns and grows.
Samantha Rees: Baking beauty
Once a journalist, Samantha Rees has now traded her notepad for a whisk, crafting delectable pastries that are almost too pretty to eat. As the founder of Saison—a culinary studio where art meets flavor—Rees pours her heart into every cake and cookie she bakes. “I’ve always been captivated by fleeting beauty, whether it’s a beautifully set table or a perfectly ripe fruit,” she reveals, showcasing her passion for aesthetics.
Rees’s baking style is nothing short of a performance. She doesn’t just frost a cake; she paints it with care, adding berries and edible flowers as if they were brush strokes on a canvas. “Easy, breezy, comfortable—that’s my mantra in the kitchen,” she says, explaining how her side hobby blossomed into a full-time endeavor, allowing her to express her personal aesthetic and creativity.
Betty Ann Gilrain: The timeless art of needlepoint
Interior designer Betty Ann Gilrain brings a touch of Southern charm to her work, deeply influenced by her upbringing in the Florida-Georgia region. With a love for needlepoint, she found joy in creating intricate patterns that tell stories through color and texture. “A friend introduced me to this craft, and I was hooked—pun intended!” she laughs. Gilrain sees needlepoint not just as a hobby but as a timeless design element that resonates with her clients, who often find her creations woven into their homes.
Her experiences have taught her to appreciate traditional aesthetics while balancing modern trends. “I once resisted my love for classic design, but needlepoint helped me realize the beauty in timelessness,” she reflects. Whether working with clients in bustling New York City or serene Charlotte, her needlepoint accessories are a testament to her rich heritage and creative journey.
Julie Leffell: Capturing moments through photography
After years in the legal world, photographer Julie Leffell rediscovered her passion for photography when she picked up a camera for fun. Since then, she’s established a photography studio that captures the essence of stunning interiors. “Travel has been my greatest teacher,” she muses, detailing how her adventures across the globe shape her artistic vision.
Leffell’s lens is always on the lookout for unique patterns, colors, and textures, whether it’s the intricate tile floors of Greece or the minimalist elegance of Japanese architecture. “Each destination leaves a mark on my work, infusing my shoots with fresh perspectives and intentionality,” she explains. Her ability to blend travel experiences with her photography brings a unique flair to each project.
Jonathan Cohen: Designing with musical inspiration
Renowned fashion designer Jonathan Cohen channels his lifelong love for music into his stunning red-carpet creations. “Live performances have profoundly influenced my journey,” he admits, revealing how the energy of concerts inspires his designs. From dressing luminaries like Lupita Nyong’o to creating a collection based on a Yeah Yeah Yeahs concert, Cohen uses music as a muse to craft vibrant, energetic pieces.
His most recent collection, titled Luces de Concierto, illustrates this artistic connection through prints inspired by concert lights. “Music and fashion are intertwined in my work; the rhythm of a song can spark the energy of a design,” he shares, emphasizing how his passion for music intertwines with his creative process.
As we’ve seen, the creative journeys of these industry leaders are rich with inspiration drawn from their personal hobbies. Whether it’s through the delicate art of floral design, baking stunning pastries, or finding beauty in needlepoint, photography, and music, each passion contributes to their unique perspectives in their respective fields. So, what’s stopping you from exploring a new hobby? Who knows where it might lead you!