We recently had the chance to connect with Linda Rhodes and have shared our conversation below.
Good morning Linda, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Traveling with my family brings me joy, most recently we enjoyed an amazing adventure to Wyoming exploring Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks. Another genre of photography I do is landscape so I was enamored by the breathtaking and majestic Teton mountains and all of the geothermal pools at Yellowstone as well as the many animals sightings we encountered Sharing these types of experiences with my family always brings me so much joy and nature therapy is a real thing. You come back to the reality of your daily life energized with a powerful and renewed sense of focus, not to mention lower blood pressure. 😅🏞
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hello, my name is Linda Rhodes. I am an artist, professional photographer, designer, and newly published author of a full color coffee table art book called, “Tablescapes~Design Inspiration Through the Seasons”. I have also been a licensed Aesthetician for over 19 years. A career path that has been extremely rewarding and one that I have loved. I believe it is possible to wear a variety of hats and juggle different careers at the same time especially if you have a passion for more than one thing. It can definitely be stressful at times, but with a little grit and determination, a lot of intention, and dedication, along with a good amount of organization, it is possible to do and have it all. I knew my passion for photography and design needed to be more front and center in my life but my vision to have a dedicated space to create in was just a fleeting thought. My husband and son surprised me by agreeing to build a one of a kind structure which would incorporate windows as the walls. After much searching, we were lucky enough to find exactly what we needed at a salvage yard and better yet, they came from the historic Belleview Biltmore Hotel in Belleair, Florida. With their years of chippy paint and aged patina, they lovingly became the walls which allows the dreamiest light to enter the space. Never in my wildest dreams could I have ever imagined my vision and design coming to life. It is there where I decided to dedicate the last several years on a coffee table book project. The book is a collection of unique designs that take the reader through every season with inspirational ideas using salvaged, thrift store finds, heirloom pieces and a variety of natural items collected from both near and far. It is very gratifying to create spaces that bring people together, spark conversations, while incorporating unexpected elements into the designs.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
Having been a stay at home mom to 3 little ones for many years I continued to work as an artist and I was very active in the Florida Art Show circuit which allowed me the flexibility to participate in school functions, attend field trips, volunteer for various school functions, etc. but I knew at some point I wanted more. I eventually went back to school and became a licensed aesthetician, something that allowed my background in art to shine through in the customized services I provided. Fresh out of school with very little experience, I was hired by a medical spa and quickly learned every aspect of aesthetics working alongside doctors and nurse practitioners. There was a delay with the start date at the med spa so I looked for another avenue to gain confidence in myself being back in the working world after being a stay at home mom/artist for so long. I was interviewed and ultimately hired by a retail store in a local mall. With very little confidence and feelings of low self-worth, the manager saw something in me that felt like a good fit for the position I was interviewing for, and to this day I thank her and the other managers for being such an integral part of my life and being instrumental in making me who I am today. It felt good being seen and being part of such a great team.
Do you remember a time someone truly listened to you?
You tend to lose yourself and your identity when you become a mom and most days the focus is on your children, their needs and those of your family. I was all in with giving of myself and I wouldn’t change a thing in that regard. I wanted the absolute best for them and would go to any means to make sure they were happy. School, sports, and so many extra-curricular activities, it was all consuming. I frequently felt depleted but it was the only way I knew and one I wasn’t willing to change. I loved being such an active part of their lives. When I finally ventured out and back into the working world, I dove head first into every aspect of each job that I did. I immersed myself in gaining as much knowledge as I could so I would be a worthy team member and someone clients could trust. I suddenly found an audience and felt listened to. The knowledge I worked so hard to acquire gave me the confidence I needed to educate my clients on various topics related to beauty and aesthetic treatments. Trusted long lasting client relationships were formed and continue to this day.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
My family. They are and will always be number one. There is no negotiating on that!
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
That I loved and cared deeply for my family and that they were always my top priority. That I had an insatiable passion and desire to create art in whatever form that was, photography, styling interiors, creating spaces, and memorable experiences when entertaining as well as for my clients. Fostering relationships as well as deep connections. That my family and friends always felt listened to, cared for, and loved. My family, clients, and experiences matter more to me than any material thing ever could.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.lindarhodesstudio.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lindarhodesstudio/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/linda.b.rhodes.7/
- Other: lindarhodesphotography@gmail.com
www.lindarhodesphotograpy.com
https://www.instagram.com/rhodes2sea/
