Cribbs Style

  • About
  • Blog
  • Let’s Connect!
  • Privacy Policy and Disclosure

Growing Myself Through the Haven Conference

Behr· DIY· Haven Conference· HD Jeffrey Court· Home Depot· Organizing· Paint· Rust-Oleum· Ryobi· Thoughts· Woodworking

18 Jul

 

**This post may contain affiliate links, you can read about my disclosure here. **

This is my fourth Haven Conference I have attended and each year that I go, I’m in a new season of my blog. In case you don’t know what Haven Conference is, it’s a blogging conference for DIY and Home Decor bloggers where we connect with other bloggers in various stages of their careers, we meet brands like Home Depot, Ryobi, Behr, and Rust-Oleum (to name a few), learn the behind the scenes information that help us grow our blogs, do hands on projects… I could go on and on. Basically it’s a two day crash course full of awesome. Every year I walk away changed, with new connections, and enough knowledge that makes my brain want to peace out and set up a chair on a beach.

Personal growth at the Haven Conference

Business cards ready for the conference!

When it’s all over, I take a look at where I am and set sights on where I want to be by the time the next Haven comes along. This past year alone I feel like I’m leaps and bounds over the girl who came the first year to Haven. Heck, the past 6 months alone I have had SO much growth even my husband is taken aback. All of that growth that came from the connections and relationships I made the Haven’s before.

All my essentials ready for two days worth of learning!!

The great thing about Haven is that you can pick your sessions based on what it is that you feel you need a little extra push. It reminds me a lot of college picking classes and asking your blogging friends which classes they’re taking. I had a few distinct goals: photography, videos, building relationships with brands, and growing my audience organically. Here’s a side note, even if you’re not a blogger, no matter what your career is, you need to have goals to help you improve personally and professionally. Some of which I started BEFORE I went to Haven. I read three books a couple weeks before:

  • “Girl Wash Your Face” by Rachel Hollis
  • “You are a Badass” by Jen Sincero
  • “You are a Badass at Making Money” by Jen Sincero

I needed to have my mind right because whenever you are around people who are at various stages of their career, it’s important to be strong in where you are in your journey, and know that you cannot compare yourself. Ever.

Don’t mind me, just fan girling as I meet Holly from Our Faux Farmhouse and Erin from Cotton Stem

Chris and Peyton Lambton kicked off Haven with their opening speech. You would know them if you watched “Yard Crashers” or now “Going Yard” or if you are a huge Bachelor and Bachelorette fan (raises hand), where they were both contestants. They spoke of how they got their start, the bumps along the way, and how they got to where they are now. (And I did show him pictures of my yard in hopes that maybe he would take mercy on me and help a girl out.) The closing remarks by Shanty 2 Chic sisters Whitney and Ashley, who also shared their journey filled with lots of “no’s” and a really big “yes”, which resulted in a furniture and decor line at At Home stores nationwide. In all of their stories, they both outlined how important it was to stay true to yourself, be confident in your abilities, and never ever give up.

Peyton and Chris Lambton
Shanty 2 Chic sisters Ashley and Whitney

Of course I’m a little biased by Whitney and Ashley, as I was on their team for the Ryobi Chopped competition. Three teams competed with limited tools and supplies to create a project in an hour. It was an intense and fun competition where yours truly not only came up with the idea of the project, but also cut out the huge pineapple, with assistance from Traci from Beneath My Heart and Jana from A Happy Blessed Girl,  in the picture. Any chance to use power tools, I am ALLLLL over it.

Posing with our finished project.
Intense competition underway.

My mentor this year was Brooke Ulrich from All Things Thrifty and I knew that she was going to be awesome because, duh we share a name! Seriously though, she was a true gem and I adore her and her work. Plus, she’s besties with Mandi Gubler from Vintage Revivals and I’ve been enthralled with her and her husband Courtney, again another great husband name (wink, wink), as they renovate an old mercantile.  Speaking of mentors, I was super sad to learn that my first ever mentor Chris from Just A Girl, won’t be returning to Haven next year. I cannot tell you how important it is to align yourself with people who have good hearts and I have been blessed with mentor’s who are knowledgable and rockstars inside and outside of Haven.

I adore Brooke from All Things Thrifty!! We had some deep conversations in our group!

While I got to see the friends I have made along the way, I attended sessions on my two hot topics of photography and video, but the biggest goal of them all: building brand relationships. Being able to meet the team face to face from the Jeffrey Court One Room Challenge meant the world to me! Amanda and Andrew from Jeffrey Court who are the sweetest and most helpful during the competition! Then of course the judges Ashley and Jamin from The Handmade Home and KariAnne from Thistlewood Farms.  Over the course of 6 weeks for the competition we all got to know each other pretty well and since then, there has been a pretty big void so it was nice to hug them!  The “pinch me” moment came when I was invited to the Home Depot and Ryobi dinner. I don’t know if they’ll ever quite understand what it meant to receive that invitation, especially on the day that I received it. (I see you God- well played.) If anything it was the “you’re doing great just keep going” that I needed and I am super excited for what is to come!

The crew from the Jeffrey Court One Room Challenge!

My pretty place setting at the Home Depot and Ryobi dinner.
Jose and Liz Marie from Liz Marie Blog and White Cottage Farm were part of my table mates.
I got to tag along with this talented crew too!

 

Behr knocked it out of the park with their touches of Charleston!

While I loved that Haven was here in Charleston, I am looking forward to it being in Atlanta next year and so is my family. Let’s just talk about my family who has been my “why” on this blogging journey. My husband has been a rockstar and always takes the helm the days of the conference so I can soak it all in. My girls, who I really didn’t get to see for two days, are always my cute little sidekicks who love my swag bag and love talking to the brands just as much as me. No matter where this journey takes me, and I have my goals, my girls already think that I’m a rockstar and to me, that’s everything. The rest is just icing.

This was waiting for me when I came home. Love my tribe!

 

 

My world and my why sporting their new Hometalk t-shirts.

 

My words of advice and I’ve learned every year at Haven:

  • Find your why
  • Stay true to who you are: know you are a rockstar and you are enough
  • Keep learning and growing
  • Never stop at “NO”

XOXO,

Brooke


Antique Candle Works had the most adorable booth and is pretty much one of the few pictures I took that didn’t include people.

 

 

Let's connect!!

Stay connected for all your DIY and organizing needs!

Success! Now check your email to confirm your subscription.

There was an error submitting your subscription. Please try again.

We won't send you spam. Unsubscribe at any time. Powered by ConvertKit

« Easy DIY Popsicle Koozie Up-Cycle
Ultimate College Back to School List, Dorm Essentials, and Adjusting to Dorm Life »

Comments

  1. Dana says

    July 19, 2018 at 1:08 pm

    Love your post and pics!! I am kicking myself for missing my chance to meet you in person. I was so fangirling in the background but I have enjoyed following you on insta and watch your stories every day!! Next year I am so gonna walk up and met you in person!!

    • Brooke says

      July 20, 2018 at 9:13 am

      Thank you Dana!! I wish you would have, I’m just me!! Cant wait to meet you!!!

  2. Carrie @ Curly Crafty Mom says

    July 22, 2018 at 10:09 am

    I just love the pineapple you came up with and built for the Ryobi Chopped competition! I really need to learn how to use power tools, they kind of scare me right now! lol! It looks like you had an amazing experience. I need to take a look at those books you mentioned.

    Carrie
    curlycraftymom.com

    • Brooke says

      July 23, 2018 at 10:32 am

      Thank you so much Carrie!! I used to be scared of them too and had the opportunity to use them at Haven which got me over my fear. The crew with Ryobi is really good about hands on teaching. I also recommend checking out the Home Depot workshops and they even have “Build it Her Own” where you do projects and you get to learn how to use different tools. Oh and the books are definitely worth checking out!! I have a few other’s too I can also recommend. XOXO,
      Brooke

  3. Julie Briones says

    July 28, 2018 at 6:57 pm

    Love the post! You had a really good time, didn’t you?! What a blessing to be invited to the HD and Ryobi event!❤️ I’m glad we got to “meet”, or at least winked and waived to each other throughout the weekend! Next time, let’s visit a wee bit! Love to hear about your journey!

    • Brooke says

      July 31, 2018 at 10:17 am

      I really did, did you?? Yes I couldn’t agree more!!! Loved getting to see you face to face!!

Hi, I'm Brooke! Welcome to my little corner of the web where I share my (hopefully) helpful tips about how I'm navigating through life, one organizing and DIY project at a time. Come on in, make yourself comfortable, and let's get to work!

Let’s Connect

  • Facebook
  • Google+
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest

Stay Connected

Features

Featured on Hometalk.com

cribbsstyle

Lover of DIY• Organizing Nerd• Chaos Coordinator• Momma of 2• Wife• Living the dream in Charleston, SC •
brookecribbs@live.com

Brooke Cribbs
I am blown away by the support on our announcement I am blown away by the support on our announcement about moving. The number one question I get is “how can you leave, you did so much?!” On the blog I’m taking a walk down memory lane and y’all we did do a lot. But the blood sweat and tears are going to be worth it for the next family.
From early in my relationship with Courtney, we lo From early in my relationship with Courtney, we loved going to open houses and parade of homes. Anything to get ideas and inspiration on what we wanted in our own home. Believe it or not, we’ve moved 10 times. Of those 4 were homes we bought and one of them a home we built. Needless to say when we saw the online photos of our “hopeful” future home plan, we agreed we had at least one more move in us.  What’s something you’re looking for in your next home?
In my lifetime of doing DIY, I’ve picked up a fe In my lifetime of doing DIY, I’ve picked up a few tips and tricks along the way. #partner Check out the link in my profile for my first @homesdotcom article of the year where I share all my juicy secrets. 🙌🏽
I needed to take a long break after last week to p I needed to take a long break after last week to process all that’s going on. I’m still processing. One of my favorite things to do is take long walks through construction sites surrounded by plumbing and framing.  No lie. This is where we’ve gone multiple evenings over the last couple of weeks. This place has brought us a lot of peace and on the blog I’m spilling the beans on our secret.
I had to do it too and pull up my top nine from th I had to do it too and pull up my top nine from this year. And I’m not surprised by what’s there. The tragic helicopter accident that took Kobe, his daughter, and their friends rocked me in a way I didn’t know it would.  It was clear that y’all loved the bedroom renovations this year and our @wearewoodgrain accent wall was a huge crowd favorite. Kennedy’s diamond pattern wall is one of my most pinned on Pinterest to this day. I’m deep in planning mode for this year and can’t wait to bring more fun content. Hope that everyone had a great night and an even better weekend!!
Walking out of this year with a whole new perspect Walking out of this year with a whole new perspective. While this year was filled with so much uncertainty, I was still able to find some light and a more clear vision. (I’ve always said the best lessons come in the valleys of life.) I’ve spent the last few weeks with Court and the girls and I’ve come to some realizations that will change the vision I thought I had for the future. I thank you for being on this journey.  I’m blown away by the people I’ve met online and in person from this community.  The opportunities I’ve been blessed to experience.  I pray that everyone has a safe night and we all wake up tomorrow with hope that the new year will bring more peace.
Christmas is only two days away, but there’s sti Christmas is only two days away, but there’s still plenty of time to make one of the perfect handmade holiday courtesy of  the @homedepot! Home Depot doesn’t just focus on big DIY projects, they have all the supplies to help you with your smaller personalized DIY projects too! From stencils to wood shapes they can help you bring your handmade gifts to life. Looking for more holiday DIY gift ideas?  Don’t forget to check the link in my bio for other great DIY Holiday Handmade Ideas  to make the ones you care about most, smile.  #THDxHoliday #HomeDepotPartner #sponsored #thdxdiyworkshops
The holidays can be a stressful time of year, and The holidays can be a stressful time of year, and this year is no exception. If you’re looking for a last minute, budget friendly, and sentimental gift, the @homedepot has you covered! What better way to show someone you care, than with a thoughtful homemade gift.  Check out the link in my bio for all the other amazing DIY homemade holiday gift ideas. Also, be sure to check out my blog and how I took @_ashleighlaurn lazy susan tutorial and put my own personal spin on it. (See what I did right there?) 😉 #homedepotpartner #thdxholiday #sponsored #thdxdiyworkshops
Load More...

The bottom line

All work is Copyright of Cribbs Style and are solely the opinion and suggestion of Cribbs Style. Any links to affiliate sites could result in payment to me, but my honest opinion will be given in regards to the products. You are more than welcome to use one picture as long as you link back to this site and please do not crop out any watermarking.

Copyright © 2021 · Refined theme by Restored 316