Chairish | Alyssa Rosenheck Wants All The Layers, Interview & Style Curation

This week, I had the treat of sharing my love of all things layered and storied with Chairish.  I hopped in the hot seat to answer a couple of quick-fire questions (everything from my latest TV binge to how the collective, creative spirit of women inspires me. . .) and curate a few finds that bring soul to our most cherished spaces. 

Creativity is a form of connection and communication, and our spaces tell a story. (Much like the soulful spaces captured in The New Southern Style!)  From antique wooden bowls (my heart) to richly-hued antique Turkish oushak rugs, these one-of-a-kind, vintage, and antique pieces infuse a room with character and context, adding layers and personality to a space in a way that only age and patina can. 

Click through to see my airport no-nos, my most memorable career moment so far (hint: you can see IRL it soon!), and all my favorite finds. 

Stay Sane + Sanitize | Alyssa's Virtual Survival Toolkit

How are we doing? Really? Let’s take a deep breath together. . .Inhale for the count of 6 and exhale for the count of 6.  Let’s do a quick body scan before we begin. What feels good in our body? What feels tense in our body? What are we doing to process our feelings?

I am sharing my virtual survival toolkit today to help us navigate our new normal. Below you will find - digital therapy resources, virtual museum tours, personal learning tools, and how I harness creativity during times like this. There are financial relief funds for artists and creatives along with trusted sites on how to continue to navigate social distancing and the corona virus. We are all in this together and I am sending love and health to you. Xx

Personal Growth 

To Be Magnetic 

Dive into the concept of manifestation through workshops, a podcast, and insights from founder Lacy Phillips to get clarity and, ultimately, get out of your own way. TBM is even offering a free resource kit designed specifically for these strange times. 

Digital Therapy Resources 

If you are wanting to dive deeper into traditional outlets for mental health while we are social distancing, you can still connect with a professional virtually. If you have health insurance, start there, as it may have a portal to connect you to in-network options. Alternatively, you can go straight to the source with platforms like Betterhelp and Talkspace. Furthermore, the American Psychological Association is a great place to start, with information on seeking out online therapy and dealing with the mental and emotional side effects of social distancing. 

Cultural Growth 

If you need to get out of the house. . .without actually leaving your abode, cultural institutions have harnessed digital tools to make their art, talents, and natural wonders available to all. Stoke your curiosity and ignite some inspiration with these: 

The Met Opera is sharing performances available for streaming nightly at 7:30 p.m EST. Check the full schedule here to see some of the art form’s greatest performers and performances from the last decade. 

Google Arts and Culture partnered with some of the top museums around the world to bring famous galleries to your living room. Get inspired with a quick virtual trip to The Met, or travel across the globe to the Musée d'Orsay in Paris. 

Google Arts and Culture didn’t stop there. If you need to get outside (beyond your cul-de-sac), they’ve made some of the nation’s most beloved national parks into a virtually explorable experience. Explore one of the darkest night skies in America or one of the South’s own tropical treasures. 

Creative Growth 

Let’s talk about harnessing creativity during hard times. This is more important than ever; creativity connects us (even when we can’t in-person!) and dials up the light in the world, something we could use more of right now. (And it’s what The New Southern community is all about!) 

The good news - we are all creative – it’s in our blueprint, it’s our birthright, and can be unlocked at any time. We have to learn however, to connect to our own creativity. To do so, we first have to show up every day, even when you’re not feeling inspired. Showing up for creativity is as easy as going for a walk, listening to music, or hopping in the shower or tub – anything that gets you outside of your own head and allows for a stream-of-consciousness to flow. Here are a few strategies: 

1. Get into your most relaxed state.

   When we are calm, we don't feel pressure, stress, or anxiety. This is when we are most receptive to our creativity and innovation. Whether I’m editing, writing, ideating, or whatever it is, I find it’s simply about getting out of my own way. So,  if I’m stressed, I may need to go for a walk, play with the dog, fold the clothes, read a chapter in a book, or just get outside. There are so many tricks for us to get out of our own head or our own way. Maybe it takes the form of meditation, yoga, gardening, listening to music by inspiring women (i.e., Lady Gaga!!), cooking, or painting. You don’t even have to be good at those things–it’s simply about showing up and slowing down. 

2. Be in receiving mode.

   Learn to welcome the little ideas that land on your shoulder and say, “Hey, you many want to pay attention to me!” Start a journal of dreams and ideas–including the worst, most boring and mundane ideas. Get in the practice of documenting everything, and you may start to see the light shine through the cracks.

3. Learn something new.

   Maybe it’s learning how to edit videos, immersing yourself in a new language, diving into philosophy, queueing up a new Masterclass (see below!), or simply picking up a fresh book. Whatever learning looks like to you, embrace it. It doesn’t have to be related to the medium or outlet your creativity typically takes–it just needs to get you engaged. 

Inspirational Growth 

Masterclass

Whether you want to learn more about photography or poker strategy, business leadership or basketball, space exploration or story telling, this is the place. It’s an upfront investment, but a robust resource for growth. You can even learn about conservation from Jane Goodall herself. 

TED and TEDx 

TED stands for Technology, Entertainment, and Design, and the slogan explains it all: “Ideas worth spreading”. Much like The New Southern, TED is all about connecting over creative ideas and forward progress. TEDx in particular hits home with my passion for community building, as it’s a grassroots effort to bring communities together through the sharing of ideas and experience. Explore TEDx talks from around the world here. 

Conscious Growth 

Lalah Delia 

The author of “Vibrate Higher Daily: Live Your Power”, Lalah Delia teaches others her hard-won lessons on rising above your circumstances, living intentionally, self-actualization and ultimately, how to “journey back home to their empowered, higher-potential, and whole selves.” Start with a podcast interview, a blog post, or read the book! 

Panache Desai 

Spiritual leader and author Panache Desai has created a package of tools specifically for this crisis to help readers cope, including a free, daily guided meditation. His mission, aside from bringing peace in challenging times, is to help others find and then live their purpose. Get a taste via his blog here, or dive in with his book, You Are Enough. 

The Goop Lab

Not one to shy away from curiosity, Gwyneth and her team volunteer as guinea pigs in this six-part Netflix series exploring the world of alternative healing. The show explores everything from medicinal mushrooms to mediumship, giving viewers an insider look at mystical topics and if anything, modeling the power of a curious spirit. 

SELECT RESOURCES

FINANCIAL AID – For freelancers and creatives 

FREELANCE CO-OP

Freelance Co-Op exists to connect freelancers with tools and resources for success. During uncertain and unprecedented times like these, that means an emergency relief fund that individuals can both contribute to and request temporary assistance from. Learn more here. 

ALLIANCE OF ARTIST COMMUNITIES

The Alliance is offering support for artists by connecting them with their network of residency programs around the country. They have also aggregated a collection of other programs artists can turn to for emergency relief and grants. See it here.  

CREATIVE CAPITAL

Creative Capital has created a list of resources for emergency relief funding and assistance for artists working in all disciplines, as well as arts philanthropists, and arts professionals. You can also add to it here. 

THE HAVEN FOUNDATION

Founded by Stephen King, this foundation offers financial assistance to U.S.-based freelancers in times of crisis. Learn more here. 

ARTIST RELIEF TREE

This Facebook Group by artists for artists is collecting donations from individuals with the means to help. Funds collected are used to support artists, particularly freelance artists, as “the arts help make life worth living, and help us lead more thoughtful, compassionate, enjoyable lives.” Donate, learn more, and request aid here. 

SCIENTIFIC 

• The CDC 

• WHO

• The Johns Hopkins Map 

• Why It's So Important to Stay Home

Major news outlets providing free PUBLIC access for COVID-19 coverage:

• NYTimes

• Washington Post 

• WSJ

• The Atlantic 

• Los Angeles Times 

Join the Movement. For more soul-sparking stories from The New Southern along with upcoming book tour dates and speaking engagements, sign up for my newsletter!

March 2020 | Alyssa Rosenheck Shares How to Actively Support Women this month and every day with Forbes!

The theme this month is highlighting ways women can support one another. I was recently included in Forbes and I am honored to share my thoughts below. This is a daily reminder of courage, truth, unity, equality, representation, being brave and showing up when times are hard!! 

Madeleine Albright said it best: “There is a special place in hell for women who don’t help each other.”  Which leads me to my sentiment - let’s stop getting in the way of another woman’s success and be part of her community.

I have personally witnessed both sides of this coin, to the point that on some days, this “special place” has a DMV style line wrapped around the door. However, I also see how simple acts of support for our female comrades can really change the trajectory for all involved. So, in honor of International Women’s Day (and the women in my life), let’s explore how to champion one another this month and every month moving forward.

To me, this is a mind-body-soul approach: a holistic strategy with actionable steps for women to support one another in all arenas and especially in business. Xx - AR

VERBAL

THE POWER OF WORDS

Words have power– deep, lasting forward moving power. How are you using your words? To uplift, champion, strengthen, and encourage another woman? The best way to find out is to look within. Decisions, actions, words, feelings–they all can be traced down to two things: fear or love. And when it’s love, our words are supportive, abundant, encouraging, idea generating and it is life giving...and the more you give, the more you get. So before you open your mouth (or take to your keyboard), pause to check in. Are these words coming from a place of fear or love?  How can you use words–spoken, typed, sung, written, or otherwise–to energetically uplift, INCLUDE, and empower another woman or sisterhood?

DIG DEEPER THAN CANCEL CULTURE & KNOCK THE GOSSIP

How many conversations do you have that are centered around gossip concerning other women? The idea that nothing bonds women faster than a shared enemy is a detrimental trope and social crutch. The only good thing about gossip? It helps us see clearly what relationships are toxic and surface-level. In my experience, healthier relationships are directly correlated to conversations centering around dreams, showing up for one another, what showing up means to the relationship, and the future visions we have for life. I also unfollow accounts who are using their social media platforms to hurt, disparage, or negatively bring attention to another woman.

Let’s start initiating confidence-building conversations around goals, ideas, and creativity. This is what The New Southern is all about – sharing light and following our creativity as a path to greater connection, community and  to one another. Then: don’t aid and abet the trash-talk. In the end, no one wins, especially women as a whole. Embody the empathy and compassion you’d like to see by saying, “Let’s reach out to her, let’s see what we can do.” There’s never one side to the story. Make space for another woman to share hers.

Speak Up | SHOW UP

We all have a platform. It doesn’t matter the size, it only matters how we use our voice, The New Southern is a place where we are humanizing our differences through the lens of creativity. It is a space documenting how all sorts of creative tools tell us we are more alike than different. Look for ways to get involved with your community. What is currently breaking your heart? - start there to heal our way forward at a local level. Our differences are not meant for us to revert back to our tribes - we need to remember we are part of one big human family. Lead with content of your character and ensure we all have a seat at the table. Xx

Financial

FINANCIALLY FORWARD

The first thing you can do for other women is to  be financially independent yourself and share what you learn. Start by initiating conversations about money, whether it’s salary, investment, real estate, day rates, passive income, retirement, goals, fair compensation, wealth management, taxes, or ANY other area of your financial picture you want. (Even the nitty-gritty of billing, particularly for entrepreneurs and creatives alike!) For every conversation you have about fashion, or emotions, or life, or love, or work, or business, how many do you have about finance? Keep financial topics at the top of the list, because much like life pivots, it’s important for those who have gone through it to share their experience. Together, we get to rewrite the script when it comes to women and finance. Here are some resources to get started:

• Ellevest
  An investment platform for and by women (with an excellent online magazine and newsletter). 

• Vimvest
  An app that helps you save, invest, and/or give, so you can customize and optimize your financial goals and strategy.

• Clever Girl Finance
  An educational resource that takes the form of a blog, podcast, YouTube channel, and even courses you can take. (Plus, give them a follow on Instagram for a little antidote to the swipe-ups encouraging you to spend.) 

• $he Spends
  A radical, inclusive resource that harnesses the power of community to strengthen women’s financial futures. They emphasize “fostering community, rather than competition” and “call in > call out” with their private Facebook group.
  

SHOP, SHARE & SUPPORT FEMALE BUSINESSES

1. Shop: Get to know your community! Explore local, women-owned business and make them your go-to.

2. Share: Word of mouth is powerful. When you find something good–let people know.

3. Support: Use your own platform to shed light on women who are inspiring you. This can take so many forms: from something simple like a #FollowFriday on social media, to hosting pop-ups and artist residencies, to large-scale campaign collaborations. For me, support means looking for ways to use my own platform and voice to champion other women, shed light on those who inspire me and be a resource in the community.

RELATIONAL

TURN CONFLICT INTO AN OPPORTUNITY TO CONNECT

Dig in beyond the initial knee-jerk reactions. Both parties must look within to see and understand their own triggers, motivations, insecurities, and strengths, which makes it easier to look across the aisle with compassion. Perhaps there’s more in common there than you realized? Perhaps the person is a mirror for further healing needing to take place. This kind of empathy paves the way for diplomacy, negotiation, and compromise, and in the end, a strengthened bond. Women can move mountains, build cities, start initiatives together when we hold each other accountable in soft, compassionate, and unprejudiced ways.

How to cultivate these skills? Self awareness - journaling, meditation, therapy, and alignment practices will all reveal the best path forward starting with ourselves and others.

ACTIVELY ASK

Take the guesswork out of the heart work.  Whether you’re ending or starting a conversation with another woman, simply ask: “How can I best support you?” and then show up.

Join the Movement. For more soul-sparking stories from The New Southern along with upcoming book tour dates and speaking engagements, sign up for my newsletter!

Welcome to a New Decade | A Note From Alyssa to You for the New Year

Happy New Year. Happy New You. I approach each year with permission to grow. To redefine who I want to be in this world –a world that is always changing. I think it is important for us to take stock in what served us and our communities in 2019, and then release the rest. This year is already coming to the table with a palpable energy and I want us, together, to move into who we are meant to be each day. Visualize us holding hands as we put one foot in front of another to own our truth and live from our most authentic selves. I did this when I was shooting my book. With each portrait I took, each city I traveled to, and each word I wrote, I visualized that I had a collective force of strong women beside me, supporting me. I had you next to me, and the words I wrote are for you. My newsletter is going to be an organic flow of thoughts, inspiration, and passion, and will incorporate courageous individuals who are challenging us to grow and think a little deeper. Today, as you read the words that follow, I want you to know you are seen, you are loved, and I am beyond grateful for you and your support. Happy New Year, Sweet Souls. Xx - AR

COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT: Amy Sherald

People producing new work that challenges us to unite and grow #TheNewSouthern

Headshot by ©Jordan Geiger, courtesy of Amy Sherald and Hauser & Wirth.
Artwork: First Lady Michelle Obama by Amy Sherald, oil on linen. Photo ©National Portrait Gallery.

Born in Columbus, GA, and based in Baltimore, MD, Amy Sherald is an artist whose work radiates the spirit of The New Southern movement. By now, you probably know her for her portrait of former First Lady Michelle Obama, which hangs in the National Portrait Gallery. 

But even before the 2018 unveiling of the portrait, Sherald spent decades diligently chasing her light and creating an authentic, powerful body of work out of the spotlight, all despite a heart transplant, caring for ill family members, and waiting tables to make ends meet. 

Her work, contemporary portraiture exploring black identity through nuanced portraits, provides an important perspective and the chance for young artists to see themselves represented in a powerful way. Since being hurled into the spotlight, Sherald has emphasized that for her, the highlight of mainstream recognition has been the opportunity to inspire and empower young people. In a 2018 interview with Hyperallergic she said:

“. . . just having the power to expand the minds of our youth is really the best part about all of this. . .We’re not growing up in West Baltimore saying ‘I want to be an artist,’ and if they are, it’s squashed by the time they’re in the 11th grade. It’s not a reality. I’m hoping that with my presence as a Black woman in the art world that those kinds of things can change, too.”

 Sherald’s work, her dedication, and her voice are inspiring a new generation of creatives, particularly women, to be fearless, pioneering, bold, and authentic. She stands as a reminder that when we chase our own light, it illuminates the path for others as well.

NEW LENS: eco-conscious

An opportunity for us to think outside the box with curiosity and questions 

Speaking of inspiring youth: Greta Thunberg, a fearless 16-year-old and TIME’s 2019 Person of the Year, has brought the climate conversation to the forefront this year with her mighty efforts to remind those in power that a younger generation has to live with the decisions we make today. Start here to read more about Greta, then push your climate curiosity further by digging in to resources like this piece from the New York Times to see how your day-to-day creates lasting impacts. You can even use this calculator from The Nature Conservancy to measure your own carbon footprint.

What’s next? What can you do now, not just as an individual but as a small business? Look to examples like The Better Packaging Co., which has created a sustainable alternative to shipping materials for e-commerce businesses. Innovative companies like this are paving the way for modern brands to prove they’re true players in what The Better Packaging Co. calls “The New Eco-nomy.”  A few ways to create small change as a small business next year: swapping out your packaging, switching to more sustainably sourced materials, and minimizing or balancing business air travel with carbon offsets. 

Bottom Photo: ©A Better Packaging Co

Join the Movement. For more soul-sparking stories from The New Southern along with upcoming book tour dates and speaking engagements, sign up for my newsletter!