We recently connected with Carmia Marshall-David and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Carmia thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to go back in time and hear the story of how you came up with the name of your brand?
My husband and I created ‘Sunflowers and Lavender’ out of pure necessity; we were burnt out from 70-hour-plus work weeks in the television and film industry and desired more methods to reset our minds for daily living. Nature is grounding and reinforces our connection to the earth, even when we stray from it, reminding us how nature resets our being.
When brainstorming names for our retreat, we wanted something that instantly evoked the essence of nature’s beauty and its profound impact on the human spirit. The name ‘Sunflowers and Lavender’ emerged from deep reflection on what these elements symbolize and how they align with our mission.
Sunflowers are vibrant and universally symbolize abundance. They turn towards the sun, growing tall and strong, representing resilience and positivity. This resonated deeply with our vision of fostering an environment where imagination is abundant, and everyone has the space to shine and grow.
On the other hand, lavender is known for its calming scent and tranquil properties. It represents serenity, purity, and the gentle quietude of a secluded getaway. It’s a reminder that amidst our busy lives, there is always a space for tranquility and a moment to pause and rejuvenate.
Combining these two, ‘Sunflowers and Lavender’ embodies a dual sanctuary: one where vision and abundance flourish hand in hand with tranquility and wellness. It’s a place where individuals, who often navigate the precarious balance between passion and peace, can find a harmonious retreat. Here, they don’t have to forsake one for the other; they can nurture their productivity while also taking care of their mental and emotional well-being.
The name itself serves as the first invitation to our visitors—come to a place where you can enjoy the grandeur of nature and indulge in the simplicity of being, all while being surrounded by a community that believes in the beauty of achieving balance and wellness together.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
Think of me as your go-to for styling, storytelling, and creating spaces where people can truly relax and find their inspiration anew. My educational journey began at Howard University, where I studied communication with a concentration in film production. This foundation fueled my move to New York, chasing the kind of dreams that light up big screens and runways.
In the dynamic world of film and television, I ensure wardrobe continuity for principal actors. Because shooting is not done chronologically, I make certain costumes are camera-ready and tracked accurately throughout the production phase. I also delve deeply into costume design, crafting outfits that help tell a compelling story on screen. My love for this intricate work is matched by my passion for personal shopping, where I assist individuals in refreshing their personal style, translating cinematic aesthetics into everyday wardrobes.
Beyond the lights and cameras, I’ve ventured into the world of fashion, not just following trends but creating them by transforming old pieces into new treasures. My journey in fashion also led me to co-author three craft books, sharing my expertise and innovative ideas with a broader audience, inspiring them to explore their own creativity with existing items from their wardrobe.
The gig economy can be relentless, with the constant jumping from project to project and searching for new projects during lull times. It can be stressful and unpredictable, and the constant grind can be exhausting.
Hence the creation of ‘Sunflowers and Lavender,’ my heart’s project. It’s more than just a retreat; it’s a place where anyone, not just creatives, can come to find peace and new energy amidst the hustle of everyday life. Here, lavender’s calming essence and the cheerful resilience of sunflowers create a space where you can breathe deeply and dream big.
Each role and project have led to another, reflecting my eclectic career shaped by the gig economy’s diverse opportunities and my nonstop inquisitiveness. This endless drive to learn and explore new things keeps my work fresh and exciting.
What really drives me in all these roles is the desire to make a difference through stories—whether they’re told through a costume, a personal makeover, or the quiet corners of a wellness retreat. I aim to uplift and educate in ways that resonate deeply, without ever sounding preachy.
Not to mention, often in these spaces, we see few people of color. The lack of diversity in work environments can be challenging, especially when dealing with microaggressions and cultural differences without diversity and inclusion as a priority. I aim to create safe spaces for marginalized professionals to thrive by understanding their rights in professional environments. As a BIPOC co-chair for one of my local unions, specifically the Theatrical Union 764, I have co-written amendments to our constitution and helped lead the Social Justice Task Force. It’s in my blood to speak for the voiceless and to prioritize equity at every level.
I’m constantly exploring, driven by inquisitiveness that means I never stop learning and never stop trying new things.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
Resilience is the bedrock for any freelancer and entrepreneur. We constantly face unexpected challenges—from the relentless hunt for new clients and innovative marketing strategies to fundraising, all while safeguarding the integrity of our brand. Often, the path to achieving new goals is shrouded in uncertainty, and doubt can cloud our minds with brain fog. Start-up costs are daunting, and the road ahead seemed insurmountable.
When we launched “Sunflowers and Lavender,” our venture into the wellness space, we faced these very challenges within the first six months of starting the business. We hired an interior designer, who was also slated to be our property manager, familiar with the upstate market and attuned to our needs as we ventured into the Short-Term Rental and small event circuit in the Catskills. With a strict deadline, we planned to launch within three months—an ambitious timeline, but she assured us it was achievable. The excitement of entering a new business was tinged with nerves.
Living a minimum of two hours away from the site and juggling full-time jobs on different television shows, we had a primary reason for hiring a local in the Catskills to set up and care for the property. This interior designer came recommended, vetted, and referred by our realtor who had previously worked with her. Despite these credentials, it soon became clear that she was not the trusted service provider we had hoped for.
A month passed, and to our dismay, not a single task had been initiated. I found myself sending daily texts, each time met with promises that work would start soon. By the second month, I lay staring at the ceiling in disbelief. Stories of contractors faltering are common—projects delayed, schedules thrown off—but this was supposed to be straightforward: a simple furnishing of the house with minimal remodeling required.
The house sat empty, not earning any revenue, with the project completely stalled. Despite knowing better, we had paid for her services in full, a leap of faith in her reliability. The disappointment was not just a personal blow; it put our business on hold and left me feeling humiliated.
Refusing to be defeated, my husband and I sprang into action. I called my cousin, an avid hobbyist in interior design, and donned my own interior designer hat to take charge of furnishing and decor. My husband, a professional painter, and his friends began painting over the damaged walls. Our handy uncle tackled all the electrical issues. We rallied our team from Brooklyn, bringing them up to the Catskills to finish the job in what felt like a New York minute. That weekend, fueled by determination and the support of friends, we completed the project.
In the aftermath, the smartest move I made was paying the original contractor via credit card. This allowed me to dispute the charges for fraud and incomplete services, and I successfully recovered half of the money.
This ordeal underscored a critical lesson in resilience: when faced with setbacks, relying on our resources and the support of loved ones not only pulls us through but also strengthens our resolve. Despite the hurdles, “Sunflowers and Lavender” was transformed from an empty shell into a vibrant sanctuary, ready to welcome those in search of peace and rejuvenation.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
Being a creative offers an array of rewarding aspects that go beyond simple artistic fulfillment. At its core, the most rewarding element is the profound impact creativity has on life change and expression. Each project or piece is not just an output of individual expression; it’s a conduit for influencing thoughts, inspiring change, and challenging perceptions.
As a stylist, the joy of transforming someone’s self-perception by tailoring outfits that enhance their body type and boost their confidence is immensely fulfilling. It’s not just about fashion—it’s about empowering individuals to see themselves in a new light. This aspect of education, where I guide someone on understanding and embracing their body type, intertwines deeply with personal growth and self-acceptance.
Creativity also flourishes in storytelling, where I get to weave narratives that resonate and connect with diverse audiences. Whether it’s through costume design in film or sharing impactful stories at workshops, the ability to narrate and evoke emotion is a powerful tool that helps to cultivate empathy and understanding across different walks of life.
Moreover, creating ‘Sunflowers and Lavender,’ a wellness space, extends this impact further into the community. This initiative is not just about providing a place to relax—it’s about offering a sanctuary where people can rejuvenate and find inspiration amidst nature. It serves as a physical manifestation of wellness and community healing, making tangible the abstract concepts of peace and renewal.
In essence, the most rewarding part of being a creative is seeing the tangible impact of your work—how it transforms spaces, enriches lives, and fosters a sense of community. Each creative endeavor, from styling and educating to storytelling and curating spaces like ‘Sunflowers and Lavender,’ builds bridges, connects individuals, and often, brings about life-changing experiences for others and for myself. This cyclical exchange of ideas and inspirations makes being a creative not just a career, but a profoundly impactful way to live.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.sunflowersandlavender.co
- Instagram: @carmiamarshall and @sunflowersandlavender.co
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/carmia and www.facebook.com/sunflowersandlavenderco/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carmiamarshall/
- Twitter: @CarmiaMarshall
- Other: Carmia Marshall Styling Services – intro.co/CarmiaMarshall Red Cottage Property Management – https://redcottage.com/property/sunflower-farmhouse-stylish-sleeps-12/ Sunflowers and Lavender Air b n b – https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/1036320468289986350?guests=1&adults=1&s=67&unique_share_id=e19dd180-d83b-4081-899e-eda48cc66ae5 Sunflowers and Lavender Facebook – www.facebook.com/sunflowersandlavenderco/
Image Credits
Max Luger for laughing headshot