Alison, You Underestimate Yourself...

       The most impactful lessons I've learned are from those who generously share their passion. That's why I devote time reading carefully written books from credible people in the industry. Here are a few from my secret stash that I read throughout the year depending on the mood I'm in or want to be in. They inspire me to dig a little deeper in to my craft and be open to new ideas. I have a book written and personally signed by my design mentor Vicente Wolf after I interned with him for a short while at his Manhattan design studio. After a long phone conversation (initiated by me) discussing our businesses, design philosophy, etc. we  hit it off.  Vicente invited me to come and intern with him because he saw potential in me and was generous enough to take the time to teach me as much as I was willing to learn from him. He gave me a chance. It was profound.

It's easy to underestimate your abilities, but I have found by taking chances and being open to learning from those you admire you gain so much more...