HMS Interview: Sally Billings

Sally Billings
Creative, Entrepreneur, Business-Savvy and One Hautemommma!

sallyb
www.sallybillings.com

This business-savvy graduate of Transylvania University, earned her degree in both business management and studio art.  Sally founded Sallybillings.com in 2005 out of a love for the arts and a need for a creative outlet.  From jewelry that spans from gorgeous everyday to elegant bridal attire to her fine art photography, Sally proves she is one creative and talented Hautemomma!

If you haven’t had a chance to visit her site – www.sallybillings.com – you must do so now!  Her necklaces alone are a great gift to either yourself or someone special! We think either way everyone should have a what HMS calls a SallyB Original! 

HauteFYI Regarding Sally’s Jewelry:
Kristen Frey, owner of Stiletto Boutique in Louisville, KY, found out about Sally via the HMS site/newsletter, the two met and now Stiletto carries Sally Billings Jewelry!  See…opportunities are always there!

Read on to find out more about Sally!
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Favorite vacation spot? 
Ahhh, Italy…..the Tuscany region is just breathtaking. The speed of life is much more my pace and the food and wine are spectacular!

Favorite restaurant? 
Malones. I love to support local restaurateurs and Bluegrass Hospitality Group does a fine job of providing a cozy atmosphere and excellent menu selections. The filet is my personal favorite along with that amazing mac n’cheese!

Favorite hotel?
21C Museum Hotel in Louisville, KY. This place is such a wonder to me. The folks who developed it had a vision for reviving an old building in downtown Louisville and have turned it into this really funky, quirky little boutique hotel. My favorite things to do there are stand under the raining letters and see where one of the 4 foot red plastic penguins will end up next….makes you want to go check it out, doesn’t it???

Cocktail of choice – alcoholic or not:
A cool glass of Vignoles from Acres of Land Winery in Richmond, KY 

Favorite gift to give? 
Anything handmade that, in some way, reminds me of the gift recipient. I love it when I find a gift that immediately reminds me of one of my sisters or girlfriends and I think “this is perfect!” Handmade items are typically one-of-a-kind, created with meaning and passion, and can become a conversation piece when people ask the giftee where it came from.

Style Icon? 
Without a doubt, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. In my opinion, she was the embodiment of poise and grace and communicated that even through her fashion.

Favorite designer?
I’m quite intrigued by Coco Chanel. She was a true fashion pioneer for her time, and God bless her for creating that little black dress we’ve all come to love. From a more practical everyday “what you’ll find in my closet” perspective, I’m an Ann Taylor fan through and through. The designs are classic, sophisticated and always fit right off the hanger. No altering required and in my world, that is priceless.

Any style Advice?
Accessorize! Not only are accessories a way to jazz up your style, but also a way to express your personality. This is one of the main reasons I started making jewelry. Funky, sophisticated, conservative or daring – you can take the same non-descript black dress and give it a variety of looks just by adding different accessories.

What is in your beauty bag?
At any given time – 4-5 shades of lipstick/gloss, a tiny Murano glass embellished pill box with Advil, a small tube of blackberry Get Fresh SPA body cream, peppermint Orbit gum and a couple of ponytail holders.

Favorite mantra?
“When you walk with purpose, you collide with destiny.” – Dr. Bertice Berry

What motivates you the most?
Finding new, creative ways to express myself. I’ve always been a crafty type.

Any advice for those wanting to start [create] their own venture?
If you have the opportunity, go for it! If you do, you’ll always know the outcome. If you don’t, that “what if?” feeling will always linger in the back of your mind. Don’t feel like you have to have everything perfect before you give it a try. Making mistakes and finding your own way is part of the adventure.