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Thursday, August 27, 2009

New York with Mary Knackstedt

Well it’s official.  I’m going to New York in exactly two weeks (barely booked my flight today without paying double, whew).  When I was in Toronto on Vacation a couple weeks ago--but hadn’t let anyone know in advance--I heard about it in a few emails, so this time I’m giving y’all notice :)  Why am I going you ask?
image flickr

A few months ago, I was in Seattle with some designer friends to hear Mary Knackstedt speak.  One of the many brilliant things she said was “Never take a job you know you can’t do 80% with your eyes closed, or you won’t make any money”  I’m sure this applies to any consultant out there as well but it really hit home with me.  Designers are notorious for doing that!   Mary has written many books but this one is required reading in design school:

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Mary Knackstedt is also a consultant who works with interior designers.  After 15 minutes on the phone with her today, I jumped on board for a year long course with her.  Every since my dear friend Liz Stevenson passed away this past Spring, I have been looking for a new mentor (we all need one if we are going to be the best we can be) so here she is!!

I’ll be in New York a total of 4 times this upcoming year – I’m so excited!  I love New York, I have only been there twice.  Once in January [for a personal development course] where I froze!!  And the second time in June a couple years ago for my 40th birthday!  Yaay, I can’t wait!

Update on my trip to New York: Due to unforseen circumstances, my trip to New York has been postponed until October, dates tba. I've started my training with Mary though, so I'll be updating you periodically.


Related posts:
Do you want to be a Colour Expert?
Happiness is. . . Living Life as an Adventure
Barbara Barry’s Philosophy
Box of Knowledge (my very first post)
3 Steps to finding a Mentor in the Design Industry
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23 comments:

  1. KateAug 27, 2009, 6:32:00 PM

    This sounds just perfect for you, Maria! Looking forward to seeing you in NY and hearing all about it.

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  2. Between you, me and the FencepostAug 27, 2009, 7:22:00 PM

    You're going to New York? I was just looking through my New York momentos today and thinking it would be fun to go back one of these days. I'm coming next time you go. Don't you need a roomate for the Plaza?

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  3. UnknownAug 27, 2009, 8:06:00 PM

    Oh, this is great, I am just 1/2 hour away, I would love to say HI and see you!
    It is so good to hear you talk about a mentor, it makes so sense to get feedback and support.

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  4. MaryAug 27, 2009, 8:08:00 PM

    What a great opportunity!
    I can't wait to read your posts about your experience.

    I have to tell you, I just love your blog! Every day I check to see what your latest blog is about.

    Have a great time in New York Maria.

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  5. Maria KillamAug 27, 2009, 8:17:00 PM

    Marlo,
    I need emails for some of you that don't have a blog to link to so I can thank you for such nice comments!!
    x
    Maria

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  6. JaneAug 27, 2009, 8:49:00 PM

    Maria,
    How exciting! Finding a mentor is so important in any business. This one sounds tailor-made for you. Enjoy your New York visit...then come back and share what you learned with us.

    I truly enjoy your posts and learn so much from them. Thank you for sharing your insight and your passion. Sure wish you lived closer. I can't imagine a more interesting afternoon than talking with you about color.

    Jane (Artfully Graced)

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  7. kalliopeAug 27, 2009, 11:04:00 PM

    NYC is good for the soul, it will be a year you will never forget!

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  8. One of my Hobby BlogsAug 28, 2009, 3:44:00 AM

    oh yes, I wish I could just jump on a plane to NY lol

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  9. AlinaAug 28, 2009, 4:52:00 AM

    That photo is perfect. It instills my own sense of longing to return to the city. I have been living the country life too long.

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  10. Design EsquireAug 28, 2009, 5:12:00 AM

    How exciting! I bet you'll have a fabulous year and learn a lot. Good for you for going for it.

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  11. Tammy@InStitchesAug 28, 2009, 5:14:00 AM

    That sounds wonderful, I'm so excited for you. I just took a goal setting class last week, it feels good to be fired up !

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  12. LaurenAug 28, 2009, 6:42:00 AM

    oh maria so much fun!!! keep letting us know when you're there because we have family in Nj & visit a lot!!

    also, would love to hear more about taking jobs where you can do 80% with your eyes closed. not sure i've totally grasped it & would love a great maria-style breakdown.

    have so much fun!!!!
    xoxo

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  13. UnknownAug 28, 2009, 9:56:00 AM

    promise you'll give us the low-down on what you learn in this course!

    while i admire the 80% of with my eyes closed, i wonder if that cuts us off from the experience of learning and growing. i have found that the best projects have always been the ones that i feel are over my head. i learn so much just getting up to speed, and especially when you are just starting out, everything is really challenging and new.

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  14. regdavidAug 28, 2009, 11:23:00 AM

    Congrats on this new and exciting adventure!I'm sure we'll reap the rewards through your sharing!
    bty thanks for the colour chart!
    I am loving your blog! You've totally made colour "friendly" for me and it makes sense! Am devouring every word and I realize that I really do like yellow. Just certain yellows I don't like.Anyway can't babble on about all the new insights I've gained since your visit and your blog but please keep it up!

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  15. Pam KerstingAug 28, 2009, 3:26:00 PM

    Good for you Maria! How wise you are, indeed. We can all benefit greatly from a mentor! I wish you the very, very best!

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  16. Velvet and LinenAug 28, 2009, 3:42:00 PM

    Oh, I wish I could come with you Maria.
    Mary sounds that an amazing woman. You'll have to let me know how it goes.
    Love those ottomans, BTW!

    xo
    Brooke

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  17. UnknownAug 28, 2009, 10:03:00 PM

    Maria,

    What a great lifetime learner you are. This will take you to the next level for sure. It's all good and a great opportunity having Mary V. Knackstedt as your mentor. You'll be a different person, experiences like this change your world. Hurray for change, it's the only constant thing!

    Thanks for the comment at ideezine.blogspot.com I enjoy your posts as well.

    Bette

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  18. chanteusevcaAug 29, 2009, 9:57:00 AM

    How I adore NYC too. And there's no way you are 40! You don't look a day over 25! It's probably your sunny disposition and colorful outlook on life. Have a safe and wonderful trip and learn much. We will be waiting to hear all the fabulous details.

    Victoria in Texas

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  19. AnonymousAug 30, 2009, 11:47:00 AM

    Maria, hope you have a ball in NY and learm lots. Thanks for the info on the book.
    marcie

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  20. DesignTiesSep 1, 2009, 2:17:00 PM

    I'm definitely looking forward to reading about what Mary teaches you! What a fantastic opportunity!!
    Victoria @ DesignTies

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  21. CarolAnne - camdesignSep 5, 2009, 6:20:00 AM

    So funny...I was reading and then thought... I have that book...great book, I love seminars you are so lucky to go to New York, my girls have been and say it is wonderful.
    Looking forward to blogs after your trip.
    Regards, Carol Ann x

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  22. CarolAnne - camdesignSep 5, 2009, 6:22:00 AM

    Octobers not that far away...hang in there, good things take time...
    Carol Ann

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  23. Developing DesignsSep 7, 2009, 5:49:00 PM

    What a wonderful opportunity for you! Sounds amazing. She was an invaluable source for me when I started out, and I learned so much from her books. How lucky for you to have the chance to learn directly from the source. Of course we look forward to hearing all about it. Hugs, Laura

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Yippeee! A comment from YOU!