Sunday, January 9, 2011

Small Towns breed people with BIG Creativity

I was born in LA...and moved to a small town near Lake Tahoe when I was some age right before 12-ish.
And the first chance I had to leave...I took it...left for Asia when I was 16...after that I lived in all kinds of states...and finally back in LA....
I miss LA...I've lived all over LA...from Hollywood to Orange County to Santa Monica...and I've loved everywhere.
I am currently living back in the "mountainy" area near Lake Tahoe and Reno...
and even though I may be desperately missing LA...my creativity isn't limited to where I am!
I will have a creative haven no matter where I live...I will make my house a creative sanctuary ...ha ha ha...It will be like an art gallery/creative studio...ready to rival any studio in any big city! ha ha ha

If you are living somewhere that is a small town...that you feel isn't creative enough.... 
you are the creativity..not the city you live in!
Here's some super cool and creative people that have come out of the same area I live...
just to show you....amazingly creative people that have come from small towns...they all are taking up residence in LA now...
- he will be world famous for his photography soon,
his images amaze anyone no matter where he is, no matter what he is shooting...
he does things with photography that no one has thought of...
- fun, sweet, and knows the best places to eat, it's hard to decide which is more captivating...his personality or his photography...as well as being a creative force to be reckoned with...and he takes a darn good picture.
another friend that shows you, creativity is not where you came from "the creativity comes from your heart"...Adam smiles makes you smile...(he was, ME and Tessa's sidekick when I got my SUPREME necklace, and he's the one that gave me the Ashbury sunglasses...
...he had just shot for their catalog. Please check out this blogpost about this wedding he shot...so cool!
my pretty friend...who is a skillful wardrobe stylist, has been in the make-up artist world, has modeled and is now a super cool, girl DJ! We've worked together on shoots- I dazzled hair and make-up...and she dazzled the wardrobe..the funny thing is we met in LA, even though we were both from the same "land of the boonies"! ha ha ha

can do some awesome hair...she is adorable and even though we are both living  far too north of LA for our liking...she looks more stylish than most girls in LA on any day! (photo of Bethanie by our fab friend from above, Justin Sullivan..whom I met through Tessa! ha ha)
Me and Bethanie have worked on fashion shows together...and man she does some of the best glam hair ever!
SOME AMAZING MAKE-UP ARTISTs and TALENTED PEOPLE FROM SMALL TOWNS TOO:
Kevyn Aucoin - Louisiana
Billy B-  Mississippi
Christian Siriano (project runway fame)- Maryland
Many more...but I'd have a super long blog! ha ha ha

Some of my most creative friends don't live anywhere near a metropolis of any kind! My friend who made my watches...lived in the middle of the forest for while...and left LA to go to Portland...
he has too many skills and talents to list....he is a furniture designer and craftsman now, BUT he made all my cuff watches that I have...he doesn't make them anymore, but I think if he did he'd have a blooming business!
I hope this inspires you...
no matter where you live...
where you feel "stuck"...
it takes more creativity and bravery to be creative in a small town...
stand out of the crowd...be different...
some people from "little" towns...have the biggest creativity...
especially when your only inspiration was your own thoughts...
it's easy to be creative in a creative place...but the true test is when the only inspiration is you!
Shine that creativity from where ever you are...
your house in a little town in Texas can be cooler than any New York City loft...I've seen some of the coolest dressed, most individual-styled people in places other than NY and LA!
If you in a big city...hooray...I love NY and LA! And if you're not...
it doesn't matter...the internet can be your window to the world...
keep rockin that style no matter where you are...
and your creativity doesn't care what it looks like outside your window...it just cares that you're creating!
HUGE LOVE AND THE BIGGEST DOSES OF CREATIVITY....
love the girl who lived on a ranch and had to go out and feed our cows and Llamas, but would listen to old jazz records and paint for hours when I came home from school.....kandee

39 comments:

mozzikato said...

Well said :) I grew up in a small town, and I've found that to be one of the best places to find my own creativity and style, even though I have now moved to the city. x

Meg said...

I live in a super small town and I'm related to half of it! I aspire to be this towns best and most in demand photographer! (o;
xoxo~Meg

Taylor said...

This post really means a lot to me. I live in a small town in Idaho...not exactly the biggest or fanciest place to say the least. A lot of the time I feel like it holds me back, but you're right. It's just a mindset. Creative people can come from anywhere.
I'm sure you get this all the time, but I've been watching your youtube videos and reading your blogs since I was in middle school. You have been such a positive influence and inspiration in my life :)
Thank you for everything you do.

http://justsomefreestyle.blogspot.com/

Hayley said...

I love to be creative thru painting and doing hair! They are both art forms and I love it! Thank you Kandee for accepting all of our creativness!!!!!!!!!
Xoxox
Hayley

Anonymous said...

Kandee - Thanks so much for this post. I'm 14 and I am leaving my home to go to Peru to go to school because I don't feel like I have the right opportunities where I live.
This really inspired me to quit holding back because of fear of being 'too eccentric' :)

THAnKS!

peachandpeaches.blogspot.com

jaanikavain said...

awww, thank you Kandee :) Hugs from Estonia.

Astroa said...

Word! Luv it!

Yaya said...

Thanks for this post Kandee. I don't live in a super tiny town (its about 800k) but by LA & NY standards its pretty small and closed minded. Thanks for letting us know that its what we bring to the table that really matters. :)

Yaya

www.adventuresinyayaland.blogspot.com

Unknown said...

This is so encouraging, I'm from a tiny town in southwest minnesota.. aka the absolute middle of nowhere. Being here feels so blah, and gives people the thought that we all have to stick around because "this is what we know". For me, watching your videos gives me a boost of motivation! Thank you Kandee =D!!!*

Unknown said...

thanks, Kandee! I need this!

Lynz said...

Hi Kandee I love your style you are a very creative person, I really love your hats where do you get them from, Good luck with your little cup cake

Jennifer of JennySue Makeup said...

This is very inspirational- especially since I'm a makeup artist in Athens GA and it's not a very big town. Very artsy city, but not a ton of work for what I do. But that doesn't mean I can't find work elsewhere or go big places eventually! Thanks for this post- you're going to pass a lot of positivity along to that little girl of yours.

butterfly24 said...

Wow I always loved your videos but never imagined you lived so near to me! I lived my whole life in Puerto Rico, an island is 100x35 miles and we have many talents and achievements in all areas. Right now I am in North CA cause my husband got stationed here from the Air Force about 8 months ago. I remember watching your videos and thinking how cool It would be to live in CA and now I'm here.It's really nice but still missing my family and the beach.

Robyn said...

Kandee, you are so positive, it's an inspiration. I love the way you try to get everyone to believe in themselves and that everyone is capable of greatness. We need more people like you in this world. I think this is a wonderful quality to have especially since you are a mom. I definitely admire that and strive to have your same attitude when dealing with my little guy who's 2. I'm also a So Cali girl, but have been living in Seattle (so sad I missed your glaminar!)for the last 10 years. So, keep doing what you do, because it's awesome. Btw, so jealous I wasn't born in your family, your mom, sis, and you are amazingly gorgeous. : ) take care and best wishes to you and family - Robyn

In Palace said...

Hello Kandee :)



http://inpalace.blogspot.com

Justin Sullivan said...

You're so sweet. Thank you for the kind words. <3

Camilla said...

I live in a very, ridiculously small town, they're about 500 people living here, and I'm one of the n__n

But I like living here, and it's not holding me back in any way, actually I get lost even in Stockholm, and I'm born there but I feel no urge to move back or so.

Great things comes from small boxes, or towns :D

huge love / Camilla <3

Barbie said...

I moved from a large-ish city to a very small suburban city about 9 years ago. Small city living isn't bad! Especially when you're able to get to the big city easily (like I can!).

Good post!


Please enter my MAC/Stila giveaway here!

Liz Marie said...

Thank You so much for this post Kandee.. You are an inspiration! Thank you for always being so positive & happy even during hard times, You really inspire me to be a better person! xx Liz Marie

http://www.lizmariegalvanblog.blogspot.com

Le Lu said...

Thanks for the inspiration Kandee!!
I live in a big city(NY) but i still find it hard to get in a creative mode, specially in my tiny apartment. Now that i'm insipred i'm gona go get something done!

Anonymous said...

Hi Kandee

I would like to tell a story bout how I stumbled through your videos! I'm an aspiring copywrighter working on my portfolio. I though of a random product about which I wanted to create a one page magazine ad and that would be a branded eyeliner. I was looking for badly done panda eyes and funny looking eyebrows! hehee!! and suddenly a thought struck me "why not go on youtube and get some beautiful eye make-up tips while I browse through pictures of badly done eyes!" And there I was, watching your video on how to make small eyes look rounder. I was impressed with your expertise, but what struck me more was your personality! You just kept me hooked and boy, I must tell you! You do have a knack to persuade!It's a compliment! (You should try your hand at advertizing too!) And so here I am reading your blog and it is indeed the happiest place on the internet!

theballroom said...

Hi Kandee!
I love this post. I have lived in Reno my whole life, so I loved reading this post. It was very encouraging. I have really enjoyed reading your blogs and watching your videos. Just wanted you to know I am praying for you as you are getting ready for your little beauty to arrive. I hope at some point in time, I will run into you around town. That would be so awesome.

Unknown said...

i love this post and i love creativity! life would be sooo boring without it!
i decorate whenever i can, i painted my wall... and me... and when i study i draw on all my books, and home clothes and me :))))
i also like the fact that you named your friends so we could virtually meet them and that you cherish them :)
>:D<
i have to go to school! byeeee :*

Kaitlyn said...

I'm sixteen and live in a town on the other side of the Hollywood hills. Its known for its studios, famous people, and great food. But to me, it's a small town where everyone knows each other. I have been blessed to live here, feeling so far away from everything but so colse at the same time.

Farm Girl Fashionista said...

I married and relocated to the middle of Amish country...everyday is a struggle to find my creative-self again! I started a blog to document my style adventures as a city girl in country world! Thank you for sharing such an uplifting message!!
http://thefarmgirlfashionista.blogspot.com/

Daisy Girl said...

Living in a small town.. Full of BIG dreams!!! Thanks for the inspiration!!! Daisy Girl<3

http://www.etsy.com/shop/DaisyGirlsEtsyShop

Wei Fen said...

Hi Kandee
Could you please do Angelina Jolie's makeup in The Tourist?
For both her day & night looks?
I think they're very classy. I would really appreciate it.
xoxo

kangoovane said...

hi kandee, i know how much you love antique stores, check out this blog, is from a fabulous girl in Barcelona, Spain: http://annablautocados.blogspot.com/
hope you enjoy it!!
XOXO
vanessa

Emaroyds said...

Hey Kandee
I've never left a comment before, but when my friend posted this on facebook I immediately thought of you..

"Life is a ride - hold on tight...Wear a seatbelt. Be the driver not a passenger. Take frequent rest stops. Sing, talk, play music to make the journey seem more fun. Take a friend or two with you. Don't lose sight of goals but ponder on this -------- "Life is a journey not a destination "!

I know you're just about to 'change lanes' (with the arrival of another precious child) and I wanted to wish you and your family lots of love and luck for your onward journey.

Emma, Rochdale, UK

The Drouhards said...

Love your make up in this blog pic!! Could you please please do a make-up tutorial for the look...it has been too long since your last one anyways ;) THANKS!!

Unknown said...

Kandee! I´m from Brazil and I just can´t stop to see your videos!!! you´re so funny and your tips are THE BEST!! Thanks to always help us and I really hope that your light never "turn off" HAPPY NEW YEARRR!!! byyeee

Unknown said...

I think every person poses a style and there are some who really understand beauty and style even in small towns.Through the various media that has a good penetration scope it is easy to follow the trends too.So don't be shy...yippy.
mineral foundation

Unknown said...

I live kinda sorta near you (just down 80 twords Sac) and I live in one of the smaller towns and I agree that my town has some of the most fantastic artist I have ever seen and they vary from photos ,painting, drawing, writting and fashion. I am doing my best to add myself to their ranks with my writing and watercoloring but I loose steam and sometimes think ill never get there but then I tell myself that I am only letting myself down if I dont reach my goals and I pick it back up. You and your use of colors in your make up and clothing have helped me remain inspired. Thank you Kandee for touching each and every soul and heart that you have. I now you have helped change my life for the better.

Emily said...

My friend is from Iowa and runs the most gorgeous clothing line called Elegantees (www.elegantees.com). She was raised on a farm but has pursued her creativity and stuck to her values by donating her profits to History Starts Now.

chelseyelissa said...

thank you for this kandee, i'm not sure if you will ever see this comment but i am from a small town in texas (two hours away from dallas or oklahoma city) you inspire me so much & thank you! i have my website up and business cards on the way! http://www.justchelseymakeup.com :)

Skyblueocean said...

Hi.
I my self traveled all over the world just about every year. New locations sometimes suck, but i grew up in Texas and now i am in NYC:)

Unknown said...

Thank you soooo much for posting this!! I live in the third largest city in MO and we're still subjected to the stigma of a small town!! It's an ever going battle and especially frustrating that I traded up by moving from a truly small town in AR. The Midwest in general gets such a bum rap from the coasts which is retarded seeing as how we make up most of the country!! But I and my ever creative and business minded friends are excited about our "humble city". Its one of the fastest growing areas in the country and we get to be the pioneers of our interests. Why would you want to be a small fish in a very big competitive pond when you could be the big fish in the smaller pond where your accomplishments can really be noticed and respected?!?! LONG LIVE SMALL TOWN TALENT . . . STAY WHERE YOU ARE AND DEMAND RESPECT!

Anonymous said...

Kandee!!! I really needed to read this post. When I was starting the 8th grade my family moved to a tiny little town that no one has really ever heard of...away from friends and sadly away from the rest of my family. I felt so alone and still kind of do from time to time. I have always felt different from the people around me and more so now at 22 years old. Most of the people my here like to go out and drink all the time for fun, but I'm the type of person that would rather be home trying to learn guitar or making little crafts or baking. I would always tell myself if I didn't live in such a small town it wouldn't be this way that maybe things would be different. Reading this post was just the lift I needed right now:) Thank you for the smile! <3

Kyleigh said...

My husband, kids and I used to live up in that Sierra Nevada area. We lived in Pollock Pines, CA and would frequently go over to Lake Tahoe, such a beautiful place and I would love to live back there again.

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