Published on October 16, 2017 | Last Updated on October 16, 2017

One of my first purchases when I started my business was a Simplified Planner so it feels a little surreal to have Emily Ley sharing on the blog today! I’ve been a longtime fan of her colorful lifestyle as well as her love for family. Emily’s planners are to die for but she also has a ton of cute accessories to go with them! Not to mention she’s the author of Grace, Not Perfection, a book I think any women feeling constantly overwhelmed with balancing it all should read. With a baby on the way, I (literally) want to take a page from Emily’s book on how she handles owning a business while prioritizing family and does it all with such grace. Keep reading to see how she spreads kindness and joy in her everyday life!

DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS?

The last few years I’ve been buying extra school supplies while buying my own kids’. I donate them to their schools at the beginning of the year for them to use however they need.

FAVORITE PICK ME UP WHEN YOU’RE IN A RUT?

A nap! 🙂 It’s the ultimate reset.

FAVORITE GUILTY PLEASURE?

Coffee! I love good coffee and most days have a cup or two…or four.  My husband and I are co-owners of a coffee shop (Concord Coffee) so that’s a new adventure for us. And it’s the perfect marriage of my entrepreneur spirit with my favorite indulgence!

TELL US ABOUT A KIND ACT SOMEONE DID FOR YOU RECENTLY? BIG OR SMALL!

My husband cleaned our entire house! We normally split the cleaning responsibility so having him do that gave me a great reset and made me feel so loved. He gave me both time and some extra peace of mind.

IN WHAT WAYS DO YOU USE YOUR BUSINESS TO SPREAD KINDNESS?

Our company is probably best known for the Simplified Planner® – but I always say, the day we become just a planner company, I’m closing down shop. It’s about so much more than just that. We create products that are simple, intentional and serve a purpose of adding a little bit of joy to a woman’s life. We want to serve all type of women, in all season to organize, simplify, and carve white space for the good stuff of life.

WHO INSPIRES YOU MOST AND WHY?

My mom – she’s my hero. She taught me everything I know about motherhood, life, organizing…and everything in between!

#WORDSTOLIVEBY:

“I will hold myself to a standard of Grace, Not Perfection”. It’s a phrase that I uttered as a new mom, business owner and wife as I wanted to and tried to do it all. Perfection was what I chased and frustration, disappointment and heartache was what it got me. It was that day that I spilled my heart to a friend and decided to make grace my standard and this way of thinking my motto.

MORE ABOUT EMILY:

Emily Ley is Founder and Creative Director of Emily Ley Paper & Gifts. She is also the creator of the bestselling Simplified Planner—a daily agenda for what matters most. She’s also authored her first book, Grace, Not Perfection  and has its follow-up A Simplified Life releasing later this year. Raised in Pensacola, Florida (home of the most beautiful beaches you ever did see), Emily graduated from the University of West Florida with degrees in English, creative writing, and public administration and then went on to become the executive director of the city ballet. From there, she worked in nonprofit management and public relations before launching her brand in 2008. Following the success found at its online home, EmilyLey.com, the Emily Ley brand quickly grew to be carried in over 500 retail outlets across the United States and around the world. Emily has been recognized with numerous awards, including Best New Product—Desktop (for the 2015 Simplified Planner®) at the National Stationery Show as well as Top 10 Designers to Watch in 2015 by Stationery Trends Magazine. Now as a businesswoman, wife, and mama to three, Emily enjoys Friday pizza parties on the living room floor, strong cappuccinos with her college-crush-turned-husband, and making memories to savor for a lifetime with her twins and first grader.

KEEP IN TOUCH WITH EMILY:

Follow along on Instagram @emilyley | Facebook | Pinterest | Twitter @EmilyLey | Emily Ley