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A Simple Path: With Jessica Rose Williams

9
Dec
2017

We are so excited to be joined this month by the wondrous Jessica Rose Williams, known as the ‘queen of minimalism’! Jessica is a writer, photographer and lover of a capsule wardrobe. She helps people declutter their clothes and attain more freedom with less stuff.

You may already have signed up to her free Minimalist Challenge, enjoyed her beautiful photos on Instagram or read her thoughtful and insightful blog. Now here’s another treat for you: Jessica Rose’s philosophy on slow living and the courage it takes to say no.

We think you’ll love this one!

Welcome, Jessica. Thanks so much for joining us.

Can you tell us what you do and how you came to be doing it?

By day I run a finance business with my husband but I’m really a writer and a photographer. I blog at jessicarosewilliams.com where I write about living a simpler more creative life, and all the benefits that come with that based on my own experiences. I also work with people 1:1 to help them simplify life and build capsule wardrobes.

I’d always wanted to start a blog but I didn’t have the confidence. Two years ago I made a big lifestyle change and started living a more intentional simpler life. I got rid of everything that didn’t add real value and it gave me the nudge I needed to chase my creative dreams. Getting rid of all the distractions in my life made me realise what really mattered to me and what direction I wanted to go in.

jessica rose williams - slow living

If you had one piece of advice or wisdom to pass on to your younger self, what would it be?

You are good enough just as you are, be kinder to yourself.

What is it about slow living and the simple life that you find appealing?

I love the overall clarity and calm it brings but it’s the little things that make the big differences. I love waking up at the weekends and having no plans instead of a diary full of things I don’t want to do. I can spend the day pottering around to my heart’s content. I love not being overwhelmed by choice too. My capsule wardrobe currently stands at 32 pieces and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

People often think simple is easy. But it’s the opposite most of the time because it requires you to say no to a lot, and that takes courage. There’s a deep sense of fulfilment that comes from that because you’re designing your own life - and it’s worth being brave for.

How can we counter the pulls of content-sharing and curating images of our lives with the need for being in the moment?

I think it’s really important to set boundaries for ourselves, forget what we think we should be doing and try to tune in to our intuition. So many people are too busy trying to capture the moment to share on social media that they’re missing the actual moment. We have to know when to put the camera down and keep some things for ourselves. It’s all about balance.

I love photography but to be a great photographer you have to develop a great eye, and the only way to do that is to take the time to look. A ‘less but better’ approach stops me from being too click-happy. I’d rather have less images but better quality.

jessica rose williams - slow living

Who inspires you?

So many people, but especially brave women who choose to live courageously alongside their vulnerability. I look up to a lot of past female authors like Jane Austen and Agatha Christie, modern writers like Rupi Kaur and Cheryl Strayed and online creatives like Sara Tasker, to name a few.

What are your essential homeware items/ things you couldn’t do without?

Scented candles, blankets and a good quality bed with good quality bedding. Feeling relaxed and cosy at home is everything to me - I’m a real home bird. It’s amazing what a difference a good night’s sleep can make, and I think a lot of us underestimate this. When it comes to scents, a good quality scented candle can make your home feel like a 5* hotel.

What would you like to be doing in 10 years’ time?

I try not to think too far ahead to be honest. It can take my mind away from the here and now so quickly and make me feel really overwhelmed, but I’d love to think I’d written a book by then.

What’s the wildest thing you’ve ever done?

Everything inside me is telling me not to answer this question (insert laughing emoji). Let’s just say I was a very rebellious teenager.

Thank you so much for your time, and sharing your thoughts with us! For more in our A Simple Path interview series go here and here

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ABOUT

Inga

I'm Inga and this is a space where I celebrate simple, slow living. It's a place to be curious and creative, to share ideas on how to live and work sustainably and mindfully. Being the creative force behind LinenMe.com I also write about my love for linen and natural fabrics. Linenbeauty weaves inspiring stories of slow living with interior style features, travel and cookery tips and outfit ideas. Thanks so much for stopping by.

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A SIMPLE PATH

NEST

NATURE

NURTURE

NOURISH

APPAREL

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