FEMME FRIDAY // Paige Appel & Kelly Harris
Mother's Day weekend seems like perfect timing to feature two of LA's most chic and creative moms - Paige Appel and Kelly Harris. The dynamic duo behind the stylish Culver City shop Midland, represent creative entrepreneurship done right. The two honed their styling and curating skills as founders of the coveted event planning company Bash, Please and moved on to set up their own shop.
To walk into Midland is to be transported into a wonderland of fashion, apothecary, home goods and the like - all dusted with a touch of southwestern magic. Smells of piñon, sage, and palo santo make everything feel a little exotic, a little sexy, and of course super inspiring.
I am endlessly impressed by their enthusiasm and energy to create and seek beauty in the world around them. As mothers and entrepreneurs serving the community in a positive way, we are delighted to be a part of the Midland journey.
Thank you ladies for all the beauty you're putting into the world!
xx
PAIGE
Your 3 Word Bio:
mother, builder, wanderer.
One thing the internet doesn't know about you?
I’m really a country girl living in the big city. I hate make-up. I rarely shower. I like to smell like dirt.
The can't live without it daily ritual that keeps you inspired?
Listening to Willie Nelson and reading Yogananda’s “Living Fearlessly”.
What is in your desert island cosmetic bag, and how do you use it?
Nucifera for all the places a balm goes, obviously. A rose face spritz to hydrate. An arsenal of essential oils like cedarwood, lavender, peppermint, patchouli, oregano, and palo santo to smell, heal, and stay calm. A pocket knife for survival. A very big pill box of supplements. A flashlight because I’m claustrophobic. Matches in case the old rub two sticks together doesn’t work. Oh and some toothpicks. I hate getting food stuck in my teeth. Also, can I fit my son in the bag?
And since we are on an island... what's your favorite way to use coconut?
Can I make a smoothie on the island?
TOP 3 books everyone needs to read while they are there:
I Shock Myself - The Beatrice Wood Autobiography
Franny and Zooey by Salinger
Brave Enough by Cheryl Strayed
Ishmael by Daniel Quinn
(I know I listed four but I don't play by the rules)
What impression do you want to leave?
Thoughtful empowerment. Speaking your truth. Clarity is kindness. I’m a very direct and honest person, sometimes offensively so, but my heart and mind are always clear and I sleep well at night knowing I can forgive and I’m open to accountability myself. When I need to have a conversation, I have it. If I am blind to a flaw, I want to know. I think if everyone had better communication with each other and sought out understanding each other’s background, weaknesses, strengths, desires, etc we would all grow in empathy and be a calmer, less fearful, less ego driven society.
KELLY
Your 3 Word Bio:
One inspired mama.
One thing the internet doesn't know about you?
I’m left-handed.
The can't live without it daily ritual that keeps you inspired?
I’m not a very ritualistic person - my behaviors change from day to day depending on my mood and schedule, but I’d say breathing in some fresh air and tucking my girls in at night steadily keep me grounded and sane.
What is in your desert island cosmetic bag, and how do you use it?
The big ‘ol jar of Nucifera to slather everywhere morning and night. True Botanicals Face Mist. Mother Mountain Coco Rose Dry Shampoo Powder. And a sheet mask. Gotta stay hydrated out there.
And since we are on an island... what's your favorite way to use coconut?
Drink it straight through a straw, then scoop out all the yummy meat. But, if there happens to be an ice cream machine on the island, I’d take some coconut ice cream too.
TOP 3 books everyone needs to read while they are there:
The Untethered Soul by Michael A Singer
Ariel by Sylvia Plath
Goodnight Moon
What impression do you want to leave?
One of loving kindness.
