I joke with my friends when each issue of Lynchburg Living comes out, “This one is my favorite.”
True, there are some magazines that stand out in my mind more than others over the past four years. (And there are a couple that I recall thinking, “Well… we’ll do better next time.” Such is life.)
But for real—this issue is my favorite.
When I look back on how it all came together, two words come to mind: connection and collaboration. Starting last summer, I began organizing what kind of content we would include in our Home & Garden issue. A colleague recommended I check out Jill Rufus’s home in Forest. During our first phone conversation, we connected on so many levels—from how hard it is to balance work and family to our gravitation toward colorful décor. Not only was she a delight to work with on our home tour—“Bold and Beautiful,” page 27—I feel as though I’ve made a friend, and gained a mentor, too.
We also collaborated with several phenomenal local businesses to pull off some stunning Home & Garden content:
I suggested a styled tablescape to Ashley Hilbish at Curtains, Blinds & Bath—done, she said. We needed a location—Adam and Sarah Mullins welcomed us into their Atelier Lynchburg space. Then, Heather Smith of Fleur by Heather didn’t hesitate when asked if she could create centerpieces.
James T. Davis not only agreed to talk paint colors with me, they took it a step further and created full design boards for us.
Mary Ellen LaFreniere, of Steel Cut Flower Co., said “yes” to a relatively late-in-the-game decision to do a photo shoot showing unique ways to decorate with flowers.
These folks made my job easy—I’m grateful for a community that is open to new ideas and creative concepts.
Who are you connecting and collaborating with this year?
I’d love to hear.
All My Best,
Shelley Basinger, Managing Editor
Shelley@lynchburgmag.com
