Photo Credit: LEBO LUKEWARM
New York-based creative designer and director Carly Cushnie has made a profound impact in every industry she’s ventured into. Whether it’s fashion, lifestyle, or home design, her refined yet eclectic style has firmly established her as an innovative force in the creative world.
From a very young age, fashion has been her sole passion. “Fashion was my lifelong dream, starting from my earliest memories. I was constantly sketching clothing designs as a child. My mother, always elegantly dressed and deeply passionate about fashion and beauty, served as both my inspiration and unwavering support in my pursuit of a fashion career.”
Growing up in London, she was exposed to an abundance of extraordinary art and fashion from an early age. From the city’s rich cultural diversity to its world-class museums and vibrant street style, it was an incredibly captivating environment.
Currently, Cushnie embraces the role of a mother of two beautiful girls while continuously making strides in the realms of interior design and fashion. During our conversation with her, we had the opportunity to dive into various facets of her life, including motherhood, her fashion inspirations, and beauty tips. Here’s everything she wants to share.
EXPLORING NEW FRONTIERS: WHAT’S NEXT?
I find it fascinating how various design modalities are intricately interconnected. Over the past couple of years, I’ve relished the opportunity to expand my creative horizons by delving into diverse projects. Whether it’s been venturing into interior design, tackling exciting fashion endeavors, or even collaborating on costume designs with the American Ballet Theatre, I’ve found it incredibly invigorating to embrace this creative freedom. Currently, I’m embarking on a venture in a completely new category,
and the process has been nothing short of thrilling. It’s a project that will weave together all the different design passions in my life, allowing me to stretch my creativity even further. Additionally, I have some very exciting partnerships in the pipeline, set to be unveiled in early 2024.
UNEARTHING INSPIRATION
As a designer, my eyes are always peeled for inspiration because creativity doesn’t always strike on command. So, I make a conscious effort to gather sources of inspiration that I can tap into when a project arises. Each project is unique and warrants its own research and exploration, but revisiting things that have piqued my interest over time can ignite fresh creativity. Inspiration can strike from anywhere, whether it’s during travels while watching a movie, encountering an artwork, or simply strolling down the street. I take note of these moments and store them away for future reference or specific projects.
WISDOM FOR FEMALE ENTREPRENEURS
Leverage your network for guidance, especially in areas where you lack knowledge. It’s something I remind myself of constantly because most people are genuinely willing to share their experiences and insights. You can learn immensely from them. However, it’s equally crucial to strike a balance between external advice and your own intuition — it should serve as your guiding star, but there are moments when seeking help is necessary. Trust your intuition and know when it’s time to ask for assistance.
BALANCING ACT: MOTHERHOOD & ENTREPRENEUR
Balance, unfortunately, doesn’t exist in a perfect split between work and motherhood. We are constantly faced with the challenging decision of prioritizing either work or family in a given moment and fully committing to that choice. It’s a tough juggling act, made even more complex by other facets of life like romantic relationships, friendships, and personal well-being. As working mothers, we must grant ourselves the grace we deserve and take pride in our ability to handle the multitude of responsibilities we carry on a daily basis.
SELF-CARE RITUALS
Taking care of myself has become a priority, as it enables me to be the best version of myself, both for my family and my work. Daily exercise is a cornerstone for me, even if it’s just a quick 20-minute workout with a Pilates online class or a Peloton ride at home. Acupuncture has been a game-changer, and I notice a significant difference when I’ve been neglecting it. I also indulge in massages and make use of the infrared sauna when I can. For facials, I turn to Joanna Vargas, and I occasionally visit Ever/Body or Tribeca MedSpa for HydraFacials. Self-care rituals like these help me stay refreshed and revitalized amidst my busy schedule.
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