You’ve often expressed a desire to glimpse more of the daily rhythms behind Sugar & Cloth and my personal life. So, as a fresh start, let’s journey back to 2014 and unveil some pivotal behind-the-scenes moments, shining a spotlight on the incredible individuals who transform visions into reality. Think of it as a candid exposé, much like a favorite reality show, but without the drama, focusing instead on the vibrant, often humorous, chaos that fuels our creative endeavors here at Sugar & Cloth. This isn’t just about pretty pictures; it’s about the grit, the laughter, and the collaborative spirit that makes every project come alive.

In truth, nearly every captivating image, every inspiring DIY project, and every insightful post you encounter on the blog is the product of a dedicated team effort. This article, then, is a heartfelt dedication to showcasing the unsung heroes—the faces, the passionate spirits, and the myriad emotions—that typically remain just beyond the frame. Don’t worry, I’ll introduce each of them personally, giving you a proper introduction to the brilliant minds and hands that contribute to our collective magic.

To make this journey through our creative world as enjoyable and easy to navigate as possible, I’ve organized these invaluable contributions into thematic categories. The first category captures a phrase that has become a constant refrain in our studio, a testament to the meticulous effort behind every visual story we tell:

This question isn’t just about technical execution; it’s the heartbeat of our visual storytelling. It encapsulates the shared anticipation and the collaborative push for that single, perfect frame that encapsulates the essence of a project. It’s a phrase that signals the culmination of tireless styling, careful lighting, and often, a dash of improvisational genius. Every stunning image on Sugar & Cloth begins with this query, a silent conversation between creator and camera, artist and muse, ensuring that the magic we capture truly resonates with you, our cherished audience.

Meet Aelish, an absolutely indispensable member of our photography team. She often steps in as the right-hand support to Jared, our primary photographer, especially when we find ourselves outnumbered or when Jared himself needs to be in front of the lens. Her keen eye and creative input have been instrumental in many of our projects. One of my personal favorites that Aelish captured was the vibrant Smirnoff rooftop party – her photographs perfectly conveyed the celebratory atmosphere and intricate details of the event. If you’re in or around Houston and in search of a talented photographer with a fresh perspective, I wholeheartedly recommend her services. Her ability to capture authentic moments and stunning visuals is truly exceptional, making her an invaluable asset to any creative endeavor.

Above, we have Kim, another incredibly talented photographer who has played a significant role in many of our blog’s most memorable features over the past year. Her work is meticulous and truly elevates the visual appeal of our content. Kim’s expertise helped bring to life the delightful Easter dessert table, transforming it into a vibrant feast for the eyes. She also captured the stunning transformation of my backyard makeover, showcasing every detail of the renovation journey. Furthermore, Kim was instrumental in photographing the studio tour, giving our audience an intimate peek into our creative space. Her consistent dedication and skilled photography have been invaluable in shaping the aesthetic of Sugar & Cloth.

It’s quite common around here for our team members to don some of our past DIY creations, often adding a touch of whimsy and personal flair to our shoots. Take Kelly, for instance, seen here sporting a playful chiquita banana headband from a previous project – she’s always game for a creative challenge. While Kelly is based in Dallas, making in-person collaborations less frequent, we were absolutely thrilled to work with her last December. She joined forces with us to help kickstart an exciting new video series that is set to launch this month, bringing her vibrant energy and fresh ideas to our visual content. Her expertise is proving vital as we venture into new storytelling formats.

With Jared now serving as the full-time photographer for Sugar & Cloth, my role has wonderfully shifted. I’ve embraced the luxurious position of creative director and stylist, much like a person gracefully navigating a puddle while someone (Jared, in this case) chivalrously lays down their jacket. While I usually pride myself on my fierce independence and my belief that I can tackle anything solo, I’ve found immense joy in entrusting the crucial task of photography to Jared’s expert hands. This shift has freed up invaluable time for me to step back, oversee the bigger picture, and capture all the candid, often hilarious, behind-the-scenes antics with my iPhone. It also means more opportunities to sneak in cuddles with our studio cats, Augusta and Pebbles, adding a touch of cozy charm to our bustling workspace.

This image perfectly illustrates why my living room could no longer serve as our primary creative hub. The sheer volume of props, equipment, and ongoing projects quickly overwhelmed the space, making a dedicated studio an absolute necessity for our growing blog.

To optimize our workflow and keep things running efficiently, we often juggle multiple projects simultaneously. It’s not uncommon for one project to be expertly photographed by Jared while I’m immersed in preparing another. A prime example of this multi-tasking is the art of icing fake cakes. Yes, you read that right – fake cakes! Crafting styrofoam cakes adorned with delectable frosting is not only significantly more cost-effective but also far less time-consuming than baking and decorating real ones. Given the “sugar” in Sugar & Cloth, we’re surrounded by an abundance of real desserts anyway, making practical props like these a studio essential. This ingenious solution allows us to maintain a visually rich and diverse content stream without the added pressure and expense of constant real baking, ensuring our blog remains a sweet escape for our audience.

Alternatively, you might find me gracefully posing in front of the camera, sporting a perfectly curated fake smile, all while discreetly trying to ascertain from Jared if we’ve successfully “gotten the shot.” It’s a subtle art, balancing natural appearance with behind-the-scenes communication. It’s important to remember that for many of our DIY posts, the step you see captured in a photograph might have already been completed, and we’re simply staging the final product to appear “in action” for the blog. This ensures clarity and aesthetic appeal. In one memorable instance, a staged shot of me sawing wood turned out to look alarmingly like I was about to accidentally sever my own hand! Naturally, we quickly reshot the sequence, this time with Jared safely and normally operating the saw with a vice, reminding us all that safety (and realistic staging) always comes first.

Not every photoshoot goes exactly as planned, and sometimes, those unexpected moments turn into the most memorable stories. From battling the elements to accidental prop-eating, these “gone bad” photo-ops are a testament to the real, unscripted fun and challenges of content creation. They highlight the genuine effort and often hilarious mishaps that add character to our creative journey, reminding us that perfection is often found in embracing the unexpected.

This is Tiffany, our incredibly capable right-hand girl and indispensable office assistant. She’s the anchor that keeps our ship sailing smoothly, especially when the creative currents pull us in a thousand different directions. Tiffany is meticulously handling all the intricate details for our 2015 workshops, ensuring everything runs without a hitch. Beyond her incredible organizational skills, she also crafts a truly killer pom pom! Her dedication allows us to focus on the creative aspects, knowing that the operational side is in the best possible hands.

These two images perfectly capture the undeniable challenges of outdoor photography when strong winds decide to join the party uninvited. What begins as a carefully styled scene can quickly devolve into a chaotic struggle against the elements, with props flying and hair in disarray. It’s moments like these that test our patience and creativity, often resulting in both frustration and uncontrollable laughter, becoming part of the memorable (and often hilarious) behind-the-scenes narrative of Sugar & Cloth.

   

Ah, the perils (and undeniable perks) of working with delicious props! Here I am, red-handed, caught in the delightful act of devouring some of the delectable items meant for our Food Network article photoshoot. It’s a common occupational hazard when your workspace is filled with tempting treats. Sometimes, the temptation is just too strong, and a little sampling becomes an irresistible necessity for quality control, of course!

This charming little guy, while an absolute joy, is the quintessential reason why a dedicated studio became an absolute necessity for Sugar & Cloth. As our operations expanded, the lines between home and work blurred, and a professional space became crucial for focus, organization, and the uninterrupted flow of creativity.

Beyond the meticulous planning and execution, our studio environment thrives on a vibrant soundtrack. We definitely get down to some serious tunes while we work! For a period, Rihanna was on a relentless repeat, providing the perfect energetic backdrop to our DIY endeavors. While her anthems still make an appearance, our playlist has evolved, embracing a diverse mix that keeps spirits high and creativity flowing. Music is an essential ingredient in our recipe for a productive and joyful workspace, influencing the rhythm and mood of every project we undertake.

This memorable shot features a radiant and pregnant Cara, modeling a stylish handbag for a giveaway with an enthusiasm that was truly infectious. Her joyful presence always adds a special spark to our collaborations, and she perfectly embodies the vibrant spirit we aim to share with our audience.

In today’s fast-paced digital landscape, maintaining a strong social media presence is paramount for any blog, and Sugar & Cloth is no exception. This playful phrase, “Stop, it’s Grammer’ Time!”, has become our internal cue for pausing the physical work and diving into the vibrant world of Instagram and other platforms. It’s a reminder that content creation extends beyond the camera lens, encompassing the vital task of sharing our stories, engaging with our community, and ensuring our visuals reach the widest possible audience. This dedication to digital engagement is as crucial as the crafting of any DIY project itself, bridging the gap between our creative process and your screens.

Yes, I genuinely utter that phrase, often to myself, multiple times a day! It’s no exaggeration to say that a solid 20% of my day is dedicated to social media breaks – and by “we,” I largely mean me. The middle photo vividly illustrates the kind of spontaneous and vibrant photo opportunities that inevitably arise when you gather a group of passionate bloggers and send them on an exciting trip together. These moments are not just about capturing beautiful content, but also about fostering community and sharing authentic experiences with our audience, making “Grammer’ Time” an integral part of our creative and communicative strategy.

While the immediate team drives much of our daily content, Sugar & Cloth wouldn’t be where it is today without the unwavering support of a wider circle of family and friends. These individuals, though often behind the scenes of the behind-the-scenes, contribute immeasurably with their time, advice, and sheer enthusiasm. Their contributions are the quiet, steady pillars that allow us to dream bigger and execute more boldly, making them truly indispensable to our journey.

At the very pinnacle of this esteemed list are my Mom and Dad. Curiously, over the past year, they’ve developed a subtle aversion to being photographed, seemingly out of a playful fear of appearing online – I have absolutely no idea where they might have gotten that idea! My Dad, in particular, is a true hero; he drove all the way from West Virginia and lived with me for a solid month, providing invaluable support during the initial “studio madness” and helping to extinguish the metaphorical (and sometimes literal!) fires of our new creative space. My Mom is a relentless researcher, constantly digging into new companies, innovative ideas, and emerging trends, always ready with astute business advice. While I often joke about “wingin’ it” on my own, their guidance and unwavering belief are truly the secret ingredients to our sustained growth and sanity.

This is Nancy, Jared’s incredible Mom, and truly, there’s almost nothing she hasn’t done to support Sugar & Cloth over the past year. Her talents are boundless, and her willingness to dive into any task is unmatched. From meticulously organizing our first studio to assisting us with the complex move into our new, larger space, Nancy has been a constant source of strength. She’s painted walls, cleaned tirelessly, prepped for countless workshops, skillfully made aprons, built sturdy cabinets, and even crafted delicate clay napkin rings. This woman is a true force of nature, possessing a multitude of talents that have been absolutely indispensable to our operations and growth. We are incredibly fortunate to have her as part of our extended team.

My brother, Tyler, also possesses a remarkable knack for dodging the camera, especially when there’s a chance of his image being published online. However, I managed to capture this rare shot of the two of us during the vibrant West Elm + Etsy Pop-Up event back in March. Tyler’s contributions to Sugar & Cloth are far more extensive than I can adequately convey, but let’s just say his favorite (and most frequently used) phrase is “I need to use the truck,” often signaling another major logistical task he’s generously undertaking for us. So, if you ever spot him wandering around Houston, be sure to playfully remind him of his iconic line – he genuinely loves to help, especially when it involves his trusty truck!

Caitlin, Jared’s sister, is not only our resident bathing suit model but also an incredibly supportive member of our extended team. While her undeniable charisma and ability to beautifully showcase our projects are a major bonus, especially when we need a DIY floppy hat photographed, her contributions extend far beyond just modeling. Caitlin has, on countless occasions, made the hour-long drive to assist us with moving, cleaning, and organizing the studio. Her tireless help and unwavering support never go unnoticed and are deeply appreciated, making her a truly invaluable part of the Sugar & Cloth family.

This is Ainsley, Cara’s delightful daughter. She very graciously allowed us to transform her space into a beautiful big girl room with this makeover, which was an absolute joy to create. Beyond her role as a charming model, Ainsley also plays a crucial role in keeping Jared wonderfully occupied while Cara and I indulge in what seems like an unlimited number of hours of delightful, meandering chit-chat about anything and everything. Her playful presence adds a touch of innocent charm and welcome distraction to our often bustling creative environment.

Did I mention that I accidentally adopted two kittens? Yes, that happened! It was an unexpected turn of events: I was politely (some might say boldly) inviting myself into an old warehouse next to our former studio that was undergoing renovations when I overheard two construction workers excitedly shouting “kittens!” in broken English. Jared, initially, refused to even touch them. Yet, a mere five minutes later, he had already named them after golf courses – Augusta and Pebbles. So, they’re still very much a part of our daily lives, bringing endless purrs and playful distractions to the studio. Don’t judge my spontaneous rescue mission; sometimes, the best team members find you!

Ah, good old Ray Ray! Ray has undoubtedly become one of my favorite friends of Jared’s, and for very good reason. When we first moved into our studio, Ray and Jared embarked on the monumental task of assembling a staggering 105 pieces of IKEA furniture – I repeat, one hundred and five! His dedication didn’t stop there; Ray also played a critical role in the success of our cocktail workshop and was absolutely instrumental in pulling off the incredible rooftop watch party. He single-handedly carried all the equipment and props onto the roof of an old, 1900s metal warehouse, navigating a precarious ladder, after driving all the way from Austin. Beyond his superhuman strength and unwavering help, Ray also has the most infectious giggle that brightens every challenging situation. He truly embodies the spirit of going above and beyond.

Last, but certainly not least, we have the adorable Little David, our cherished resident child model. He is also the two-year-old son of my assistant. While his official name doesn’t include “Little,” his father also shares the name David, so the affectionate moniker perfectly suits him and helps us differentiate. Little David brings an irreplaceable element of charm and innocence to our photoshoots, always managing to steal the spotlight with his natural charisma and playful spirit.