Misogi in the Making

Last weekend was my last work trip of 2024. Work, as in my last on-campus requirement for the Masters of Journalism I am pursuing (alongside an investment firm check-in), in Boston, a city that has totally stolen my heart. An advanced degree may not sound like a direct corollary to my job but the idea that “style and substance are not opposing philosophies” or “making meaning” or pulling back “the veil of familiarity” or any of the other phrases you may have heard me express (fumble may be a better word) have been toward an aim that consumes me. And that is furthering this brand daily in its attempt at interweaving making bright, happy products with the reality and beauty of this unfathomable day-in-and-day-out madness and miracle of being human.

In the earliest days of this company, doing trunk shows out of U-hauls (we made a lot of furniture back then) at any home that would let us pull up and unload, we created copy that said: We believe that style and substance are not opposing philosophies. That a fabulous dress empowers you, a beautiful home recharges you, and a hand-written note touches you. We believe it’s these everyday moments of delight that make for a well-lived life.

And while it’s evolved, certainly, in many ways that sums it up. The products all of us buy and use and live in every day touch just that, the everyday. The everyday moments spent in our homes. The everyday coffee each morning in pajamas. It’s all intertwined, the mundane and the sacred.

Figuring out how to tell that story and our stories and have it all intermingle is something I’m passionate about, hence pursuing an advanced degree, that includes everything from podcasting to humor writing to digital media production.

Many weeks the workload on top of my other workload can have me question what on earth I’m doing but at the end of every semester I’m so happy that I’ve kept going. It’s brought to mind the Japanese concept of Misogi, the idea of choosing one “big thing” every year to embark upon. A Masters was my one big thing a few years ago and while it’s not complete, I understand more than ever why this concept can be so significant.

As this year comes to an end, I’m pondering what 2025’s Misogi will be. One of my best friends is running three marathons in three consecutive days. I can tell you it definitely will not be that. But, it’s percolating..