Guest Interview 1 : Inspirational Women

The first interview in this short series 

of women/bloggers that inspire me, is

with the lovely Sandy. Sandy was one

of my first supporters when I started 

my blog, and has always been a 

wonderful cheerleader. She is super-talented

as you will see from her images below.

Here's our chat:

Did you always want to have your own business?

I always thought that one day I might, but wasn’t sure when. 

What I’ve discovered in the art field over the years, however, 

is that I thoroughly enjoy the creative freedom that 

owning my own illustration business affords.

Coco Chanel-Sandy M

What or who was the inspiration for the illustrated girls 

of Ooh La Frou Frou? 

I started my company two years ago by creating 

a collection of fashion illustrations of 

eight city girls and placed these illustrations 

on a variety of cards. 

That was, obviously, just the beginning 

because exciting changes are in store soon! 

With an ever-growing list of custom illustration clients 

(I so love to see what my clients are 

dreaming up for me to create) and plans for making my fashion

illustrations, and my illustrations of lots of 

other beautiful things I love, available for purchase 

on a variety of items. 

Your Fabulous Thank You Cards

Sandy M

A new website reflecting this growth 

is coming and it will be called: SANDY M ILLUSTRATION. 

The website will contain a link to my illustrated blog, 

“Ooh La Frou Frou” http://oohlafroufrou.blogspot.com on the new site, 

as well, and this fall, the blog will reflect the 

exciting changes too with a brand new look

What was one of the biggest obstacles you faced 

when you started your biz?

Deciding which direction I wanted to go. 

When you love to create like I do, 

it’s hard to pin down what you want to create most … 

because you want to create everything! 

But it becomes necessary to focus on what it is you love best. 

Sometimes that takes a while to figure that out. 

For me, I love painting and illustrating beautiful things 

and fashion illustration … in fact “ooh la frou frou” 

is my word for the chic things I love to draw.

If you get to play “hookie” for the day, what is always on your list to do? 

I keep a list of “Favorite Things” … a handwritten list. 

I’m constantly adding to of things that make me happy … 

to choose what to fill a day with. 

I could easily close my eyes and run my finger down it’s pages … 

selecting a handful of the handwritten entries to fill up my day! 

A favourite day might include morning coffee and shopping in the city,

 roaming through a gallery for inspiration (and lunch al fresco, of course!) 

with a friend. 

Ending with a lazy afternoon at the beach 

with a favourite novel … hmmmm, just talking about it, 

I’m getting excited for that day!

Who’s your favourite style icon? 

Don’t have just one. Like many. 

I love and am inspired by the uniqueness and sophistication 

that was the style of both Audrey Hepburn and Grace Kelly. 

As for modern-day icons: Olivia Palermo. 

Sometimes it’s also fun to wear a long skirt, sunglasses and a big hat 

and be Rachel Zoe for a day.

Which celebrity do you think has the best look/style at the moment? 

Again … I’d have to say Olivia Palermo’s style.

Your favourite perfume at the moment? 

I’m drawn to woodsy, citrusy or spicy and 

peppery perfumes rather than flowery or be achy. 

I’ve loved the sexy sophistication of Opium for ages 

and have to say it’s my favorite.

 Your fav app? 
Since I’m thinking about decorating my new place, 
I’m having fun with the new HB app from House Beautiful … 
each House Beautiful magazine issue has a little HB icon 
throughout its pages. You just click on the app 
and hold your phone up to the HB icon in the magazine 
and the app allows you to read much more design info 
on a specific article or photo .. like peeking behind-the-scenes.

Book or Kindle? 

Book so far, but I’m not against Kindles, 

I just haven’t felt ready to make the change yet because 

I love books so much … the whole visual and tactile thing, 

the illustrated cover, the smell of the pages, 

easily going back and rereading the last few pages and, 

of course, slipping in the bookmark!

What are you reading at the moment? 

I’m simply pouring over a variety of design books, 

like Mary McDonald’s “The Allure of Style,” at the moment, 

as it’s difficult to concentrate on anything 

but the vast amount of interior design choices I have ahead of me!

The one beauty item or brand you can’t live without? 

I like Laura Mercier foundation primers .. 

they have a variety of primers for different needs 

and they provide a great base (the website suggest placing 

them in the refrigerator so they feel refreshing in this hot weather). 

This is the link: 

http://www.lauramercier.com/store/product/productListing.jsp?catId=cat1330053&mainCatId=cat180010#tn

The place that is first on your travel “wish-list” ?

Paris. Then Italy. Then London. Then Greece.

Paris Party-Sandy M

Who do you consider one of the most inspirational women?

My mother.

What is your ultimate goal for your company/brand? 

To be picked up by brands that will carry my 

illustrations on products worldwide.

Thank you to the lovely Sandy.

How inspiring is her art?

I urge you to visit her blog.

It's my perfect time for 

Monday morning girlie

escapism.

Is there an artist/creative angel

in you bursting for expression?

If you could have your own creative

biz, what would you love to have?

Share your thoughts, you

know how much I love them.