BTS: THE READY PRETTY HOLIDAY CAMPAIGN

If you follow us at all on social media, then you know that we recently shot our first ever Holiday campaign for The Shoppes (which launched 21 weeks ago). Yes, twenty-one weeks is a crazy thing to say, but the only reason I know it is because I launched it a week after giving birth to my second son, Bennett.

(Cutest pic of that little nugget) 

Some people think I’m crazy for launching then, but it just seemed right. I knew it was going to be a crazy time (adding another little to our crew) launching an e-comm site complementary to our original virtual styling business, but I figured I could keep pushing it off and pushing it off and pushing it off - or just do it, rip the band-aid and see what happens.

Starting The Shoppes seemed like a no-brainer to me. This was the business I've wanted for a while now.  A space that supported women. A space that I could share fashion I love. A space that allows me to meet and work with some awesome people. A space that pushes me fully out of my comfort zone not only from a creative perspective, but even more, from a business perspective. 

In these few short weeks, it has been crazy. And hectic. And non-stop. I’ve learned a ton about creating an online store, partnered with some amazing boutiques, collaborated with some incredible women (oh, there are SO many to count!) and learned a thing or two about myself along the way.  And for all you mamas out there... Bennett started sleeping through the night one week ago - YAY!

So while this post started out as a way to chronicle the first (of many) seasonal campaigns for Ready Pretty, I guess it’s turning in to a bit of a thank you to you / love letter to The Shoppes, as we head into a new year.

I’d mentioned in an Instagram post how nervous I felt about this shoot. I’m not sure why. I’ve taken my fair share of photos, worked with other brands “modeling” their pieces and been in front of the camera for media opportunities a decent amount. But this one felt so different. It was sort of this culmination of every single thing I’ve been working on behind the scenes with Ready Pretty before there was a website, an Instagram handle, let alone a sale. The task felt overwhelming. And as a small business still in the early stages, resources are tight.

So I did what I always do. Buckled down. Made a list. And began to tap every single, bright, smart, capable woman I know for help and guidance. And man do I know a ton of those women! And day by day, hour by hour, things started to slide into place. It felt like a dream. The task that felt so big to me, quickly led up to the day before - me checking and rechecking things, confirming final details, adding last minute edits.

The morning of the shoot wasn’t without hiccups (I told both my models the WRONG address!) and certainly there are things we’ll change and tweak for the next one, but all in all it was a good day.

I want to be sure to thank the women that made this happen: our photographer (and old friend from another lifetime) Christiana Basso, bloggers (and now friends) Jill from Bean & The Stalk and Elise from Chic from Chicago, and fellow female founder and straight up boss, Jen Hermann from Girl Meet’s Party for letting us use their beautiful space.

Here are a few of my favorite snaps from the day:

SKIRT / BOMBER / DRESS / JACKET

DRESS 

WRAP / BLAZER / DRESS 

So that's a wrap! My first ever shoot from Ready Pretty in the books. I was talking to a close friend (and Ready Pretty supporter from the very beginning) that 2019 is going to be my year. I'm going after all of those uncomfortable, overwhelming, pie in the sky ideas and goals this year. I'm pumped with how far we've come in 21 weeks and can't wait for the next 52 to see exactly what we can do. 

Thank you all for following along, for the support, the purchases, the kind words, the laughs and everything else in between. 

We're all in this together. And my biggest goal for 2019? To hire three additional bad*ss FEMALE team members to help me blow this thing up. 

Any one else doing something that makes them suuuper nervous and excited in the new year?

Let's chat.  

Have a great Holiday to all of you!

XO,

Jeannine