The Little Green House On The Corner Has Room For Everyone
When my oldest child was newly born, I met a woman holding a baby while lounging at the town pool. As a new mother, I often spent my summer days with my child at the pool because the sun would perk this sleep-deprived mom up as would the cool water. Making a new friend there, who seemed to be coping with the same challenges I was at the time, just made it all the better.
Agreeing to have lunch, one day, at her home, I arrived carrying the baby, a box of cookies, and an enormous diaper bag (as all new moms do). Sue, as she was called, greeted me with a smile and ushered me into the most incredibly decorated home I had ever seen. Warmth and creativity oozed from every corner. What I marveled at most was the inexpensive nature of every item she had used, and how - when put together in the manner that she did - made the entire home seem expensively put together.
Where I could look at a shovel and see 'shovel', she could look at that same shovel and see wall art. Some people just have that talent. Onna Carr is one of those people. All you need to do is visit her website, The Little Green House On The Corner, and read her blogs to realize how enormously gifted this woman is. Like Sue, Onna puts incredible heart and thought into everything she does and she makes it look easy. Onna is as humble and understated as the rooms she designs and yet, she brings tremendous character to light. That’s worth a million. See for yourself in her interview below.
What is your name?
Onna Carr
Briefly describe yourself and your life, including where you live, children (if any), and whatever else you would like to share?
I live in the Midwest with my family. I am an interior designer and a fiber artist. I manage my website, The Little Green House On The Corner. I am also the author of Lizzie Bennett: Pride and Prejudice Revisited 1943-1946.
If you were asked to describe yourself in one word, what would that word be?
'Being'. So many people are busy doing while I try my best to be known for being.
What is your personal mantra?
Micah 6:8. - He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?
Share the name of your blog(s).
I have two blogs on my website - Onna’s Blog and Friday Finds.
Explain what compelled you to begin blogging.
I have written for many years. After opening my website late last year, I decided that blogging was the next step to establish a greater connection with my readers.
Share with us the primary focus of your blog and what you hope to accomplish through it.
My blogs are both "lifestyle and design" oriented. I usually feature posts about what I am currently going through, personally, that involve issues, I believe, will resonate with my readers. I also write design-related posts on interiors, art, film, music, clothing, etc. that, I believe, my readers will be interested in.
List any awards you may have won.
I have been featured on two Amazon top-100 bestselling lists; I have diplomas of distinction in blogging and content marketing and social media marketing and a diploma of upper merit in interior design.
Are you a Brand Ambassador and if so, for which companies?
I am not currently a brand ambassador.
Which social media outlet works best for your public relations/marketing efforts?
LinkedIn and Pinterest are my two social media marketing outlets at the present moment, with LinkedIn taking the lead in my marketing efforts.
What is the one piece of advice you would give to anyone interested in beginning a blog?
Only write about subjects that you are passionate about—something that resonates deep within your soul. Also, invest in a good editor, and if possible, find a good art director for your posts’ images.
Share some names of favorite blogs you follow.
I am really more of a “print” person for my personal reading: I follow writers such as Rick Bragg, who is featured in “Southern Living.” However, I do enjoy Little House Living and Indepth-Design's Blog written by my LinkedIn connection, Sheila Gee Boling.
Beyond being a blogger, are you an entrepreneur, professional or business owner? If so, please explain.
I am the owner Onna’s, a design company. I also write articles for magazines and guest post on related blogs. I am, currently, looking to extend my business into 'social media management' for other businesses and into 'virtual assistant work' as well -- making businesses owners’ lives easier while enhancing their businesses’ images, effectively and economically.
Share a social cause or cause-based organization close to your heart.
Compassion International and the Homeschool Legal Defense Association’s Widows’ Fund as I like to assist both orphans and families in need.
When all is said and done, how do you want to be remembered?
I really do not have “wanting to be remembered” as a goal at all. My goal is just to do what good I can with the time I am given.
The true value of any home is not what’s on the walls but in them. What the Onna’s and Sue’s of the world demonstrate, time-and-time again, is that money can’t buy happiness. In fact, sometimes, lack of it can spawn incredible ingenuity and joy. Although, I will never have the design or decorating talent these two women possess, I now know where to go when I need some good advice – across town or to The Little Green House On The Corner.