Part 2 of my conversation with Kelley Oklesson, owner of Groundsmith Collective dives into growing as a business owner and designer and taking charge of mental health. She shares her struggles and how she supports emerging professionals and becomes the bridge for them to take their desires and ideas into reality and craft a career that will support them and the growing landscape design community. She strives to leave a positive mark on the profession through mentorship and harnessing her power of kindness and empathy.

References from the episode:

Podcasts:

Design Matters

Hidden Brain

Ted Radio Hour

On Being

99% Invisible

Freakonomics

How I Built This

The Landscape Nerd

Divine Unmuted

Books

In the Company of Women

Atomic Habits

Wonder Drug - Stephen Trzeciak, M.D.

The Human Element

Originals - Adam Grant

"innovation, creativity, and systemic solutions grow in

Mickey Fern, Former Deputy Director of the National Park Service

Follow and connect with Kelley! ⁠https://groundsmithcollective.com ⁠

Instagram ⁠@groundsmithcollective⁠

Kelley Oklesson the owner of Groundsmith Collective and I discuss the power of mentorship, and how she leads her team and mentors upcoming design professionals with kindness, empathy, and positivity. She unlocked the secret to combatting the loneliness of entrepreneurship by becoming the mentor we all needed when we were starting out. Tune back into part 2 as we dive into mental health, finding inspiration, and leaving a positive mark on the profession.

Quotes

"young people are the antidote to hopelessness...they

Jason Reynolds, Author

Follow and connect with Kelley! https://groundsmithcollective.com

Instagram @groundsmithcollective

Everyone starts as a beginner at some point. Here I share with you my path to where I am today, the experiences I got along the way, and how I started my design business.

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The new year brings with it some magical energy of new beginnings and fresh starts. What are you going to do with that energy? I've got some big plans with mine!

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Join me in talking to Paul Balint the owner of Structure and Tree Outdoor Lighting. We discuss tips and tricks for better lighting design and installation in addition to some of our favorite fixures.

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I have some really exciting new offers as well as some gratitude to share with all of my fellow designers.

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Rebecca West is an Interior Designer, Author, and Business Coach. She joins me to discuss how designers regardless of industry can really hone in and best communicate to their clients what their niche and services are.

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Contracts are an integral part of our businesses. It is not only essential to have but also to review and revise on a regular basis. Naomi Goodman of Firecracker recently went through the process of updating her contracts and shares the approach she took and the key elements she advises all designers to look at for their contracts.

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