Meet ALISON English | Creative, Author, and Curator of Pretty Things

We had the good fortune of connecting with ALISON English and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi ALISON, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
I believe work life balance is a novel idea, but I have never found that the scales balance perfectly. And let’s be honest, they usually tip towards work (it seems to never be done). I shifted this perspective several years ago when I decided I was going to prioritize taking care of myself. It boiled down to discovering activities I loved to do and setting boundaries around my time and work in order to make it happen (I wrote about this in my book, “Unlock the Power to Feed Your Soul”).

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I denied this creative piece of myself for a long time. It was always there, but in the busyness of life with kids and my job I think there were times I thought it was frivolous. It wasn’t until I wound up really burnt out at work that I realized something had to change and as I explored what was missing, I realized I wasn’t living fulling into who I was. This is when I allowed myself to start exploring all that creativity that was just bottled up and I found that it was just what I needed to heal and start showing up more authentically.

The thing is, I don’t dabble in just one thing. I love a lot of creative endeavors and I have found that they revolve around creating an oasis or haven here in my home. My work is more about inspiring a lifestyle – one that feels peaceful, joyful even. It comes from creating intentionally curated spaces – whether that is in the artwork I put on my walls or the self-care practices I institute in my life. Life is busy, hard, and disappointing at times – and my work is really about coming back to a sense of place and self that can ground us and help us see the beautiful in each day.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I moved to the Eastside of Atlanta right before the pandemic and while I had been in the Atlanta area for nearly 17 years, I didn’t know about all this area had to offer. I realize the Beltline is hot right now, but I prefer the quieter, Freedom Park Trails. I’d definitely take them on walks here and maybe a bike ride over to Piedmont Park. The Carter Center is beautiful to walk and their Saturday morning farmers market is lovely and full of so much fresh produce. We are so close to Inman Quarter and also the Decatur Square – so I’d take them to two of my faves for dinner – Beetle Cat and Kimball House.

I love the Botanical Gardens, so it is usually a go-to when folks come to visit and as an artist, a visit to the High is never disappointing. We also love to wander the grounds at Oakland Cemetery and I personally enjoy the zoo (even without my kids).

We also have fantastic hiking trails all around Atlanta, but my fave is Sweetwater Creek State Park and a trail worth sharing with friends and family.

For lunch or Breakfast, you would probably find us at Bread & Butterfly in Inman Quarter or a lovely lunch at Amano. Seans Candler Park is a short walk from the house for a quick bite or a cup of coffee.

Shopping would most definitely be on the agenda… we’d hit up Ponce (on a week day) because its so close but I’d definitely venture over to the Westside to explore Billy Reid, East Fork, and Savannah Bee Co.

If we were really splurging, a spa day would be in order and hands down, the Rosefinch Spa would be were you would find us.

But my favorite place to entertain them, would be right here on my big, front porch – sipping coffee or enjoying a glass of wine.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I have been so fortunate to have many people in my life that have supported me and encouraged me along the way, but the biggest shoutout goes to my husband. With all the creative endeavors he’s not only been supportive, but been there to fill the gap when I needed to meet a deadline or spend a significant amount of time focusing on editing my book or launching a collection.

Website: www.alisonenglish.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alison.m.english/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alisonenglishart

Other: https://www.pinterest.com/alisonmenglish/_created/

Image Credits
Lifestyle Images of me are by Yazmin Johnson with https://www.instagram.com/yazvantage/