IMPERFECTLY PERFECT // Stacy Nolan

I distinctly remember over two years ago cruising across Venice with a stroller in front of me to go to my first mommy meet up group that a friend of mine was attending.

I didn't know anyone there, I didn't even know whose house I was going to, but I was determined to get out and do the networking. Turns out, it was Stacy's house and we've been friends ever since. 

Its seems trivial and almost silly to mention this, but that day was very pivotal for me, and I think for a lot of us- because it was the beginning of establishing what was a very important network for new moms. In hindsight I can see how important this was for me in finding a support system for motherhood and entrepreneurship. 

Stacy gets this as well as anyone. She became a new mom times two very quickly. With a successful jewelry, and two young children- finding the space for creativity isn’t always easy. A creative career and motherhood makes for a unique mix. Some people make it all sound very easy, but I find her approach and open conversation around the subject honest and refreshing. It certainly isn’t all a free flowing bed of roses.

Her answers carry that same weight of openness and honesty. Thank you Stacy for the excellent read! 

And PS the holidays are coming so check out her stunning jewelry line! 

3 word bio.

Curious, stubborn, determined

What is your one physical characteristic that you’ve had to grow to love, but at times would have changed?

My nose.  I can’t say that I would have every gone through changing it or ever will, but it was what I saw most prominently in the mirror and didn’t like.  Now, I accept it as me and as part of a defining characteristic of my face.  Without it, I don’t think I would be me. 

What would your husband, spouse, kids, or any roommates you’ve ever had say is your least appealing quality?

When I am under stress, I can be very indecisive and stagnant. That shifts a lot of weight on others that I live with.

You are an artist and a new mom. How do you find working as a creative and balancing motherhood?

I’m still in the early days of motherhood.  My kids need so much from me; time for creativity is hard to find.  

There are times when work and life feel in balance and there are other times that they don’t.  What can I say?  It’s ever evolving.  

You became a new mom x2 pretty quickly. I don't think anyone thinks having two under two sounds easy, but what part has been easier than you expected?

This is a good question for me -- or anyone who has two babies.  It’s so easy to get stuck in the mindset about how hard it is. But, once I saw this question, the first thing that popped in my mind was, you know what?  I have it pretty easy.  I have a great partner and a lot of help.  I know how to love these two humans equally and wholly.  

Where do you seek inspiration? And has this changed since having children?

Before I was a mother, I had the luxury of letting inspiration find me.  Through movement -- in a yoga class or on a walk.  I would take things apart and put them back together.  Find little objects through mundane tasks and study their shapes.  I could just wait until the lightbulb went off and I wasn’t on anyone else’s agenda.  I need a lot of time alone and in my own space  and I am really sensitive to my environment.  But, I don’t get a lot of time alone and I share my space with a lot of other people (and toys and clutter!)  I now look for inspiration from the people I surround myself with.  Forming deep connections with others and helping them to tell their story through the pieces that we create together -- that inspires me.  

With 30 minutes of free time, what would you do?  

Draw or garden.  Today, (since I woke up at 4:30) I would sleep. 

If you could change one thing in the world, what would it be?  

For all people to be equal, but I’m coming at it from a place of having grappled with gender inequality all of my life.  That’s the thing that has stared me in the face since I was a young girl.  From my early education in Louisiana, to my family model during adolescence in Arizona to working in the old boys club of the jewelry district in Los Angeles, and now even having to contend with how deeply ingrained the thinking is as my husband and I strive to establish a gender equal, but not exactly gender neutral environment at home.  

For all the progress that has been made, we still haven’t eliminated discrimination against women.  And I don’t understand why.  Why is it that more than 50% of the population are treated as a sub class?  And why is it that so many women still support the patriarchy?  Oppression of women is so deeply ingrained that some women can’t even see it. 

The system is rigged against us, but, how did we get here? And what came first?  Is it that men have kept us oppressed as their subordinates?  Or are we playing into the system by saying we’ll do whatever it takes to break that glass ceiling.  And how far down are we on the evolutionary path?  Are we still competing to protect our womb? Or have we internalized the patriarchy so much that we are subconsciously aggressive with one another?  Women compete with one another.  Can feel on edge around each other.  To look more attractive, to self promote.  And what are we expecting from men? 

I don’t know how to tackle this other than articulating the questions I have as they occur to me.  But questions inspire action and I’m confident that the more we question the bigger gains we’ll make.  

Honestly, packrat or minimalist?

Minimalist aspirations with packrat tendencies.  

What keeps you up at night?  

My kids safety and if I am doing it all OK.