While I’m sinking into the inner theme songs of Mr. & Ms. B for the Rock Your Rental contest, I’ll bet you’re wondering what YOUR inner theme song sounds like. Many of you have emailed to tell me that you’ve been thinking about your record collection (“record” applies even if you’re not spinning vinyl, dig?). You’ve been telling me that you love Coltrane, and Iron and Wine, and Adele. Some of you are even dipping into the proverbial oldies and dredging up some serious emotional memories.
This is entirely the point.
And by the way, “oldies” are subjective. To some, that means Etta James. To others, we’re talking Ace of Base. Whatever floats your boat.
YOUR sound is a mix of memories; imprints of emotional resonance. Experiences are personal, and your memories are laced with the notes of forgotten melodies, lyrical turns of phrase, and rhythms you’ve long since relegated to the ‘teenage angst’ years.
Music forms the fabric of who you are. And who you’re becoming. Your musical point of view is your unique signature.
YOUR VOICE.
How you choose to communicate your voice is as important in life and business as it is in your personal space. On that note, rising star Abby Kerr of Abby Kerr Ink is launching Freeing the Voice of Your Business, a powerful, 5-module audio course designed to help you uncover and define your voice on your terms.
So listen up. Whether you’re embarking on a new business or figuring out how to creatively express yourself in any capacity, Freeing the Voice of Your Business will help you unlock your creative potential and navigate the proverbial expressive minefield as you hone in on exactly what makes you, well, you.
As part of the ‘Freeing Your Voice’ conversation, Abby invited me, along with three powerhouse personalities to share our perspectives on what ‘voice’ means, how to define and refine it, and how to sing it from the rooftops. Justine Musk of TribalWriter.com dishes on the tension between giving your voice room to breathe while calling it forth artfully and intentionally, Amna Ahmad from PragmaticHybrid.com discusses the shadows that haunt while you’re crafting your voice, Alison Gresik from Gresik.ca shares what it feels like to sink into the fullness of your voice while avoiding the fugly mimicry bug, and I jam on the world your voice wants to live in.
Heady stuff.
Freeing your voice is crucial to successfully transforming your space. I asked Abby how Freeing the Voice of Your Business applies to the context of interior design, and how you can use this knowledge in crafting your unique melody, your inner theme song, YOUR voice.
Erica: How does ‘Freeing Your Voice’ apply in the wider context of self-expression (in business or in aesthetic artistry)?
Abby: Freeing your voice is about coming into your ability to express outwardly what you know is true for you on the inside. Whether that be through a business model, through fashion, through the gifts you give, through interior design, or through your dietary choices, it’s all connected. Freeing your voice is about taking part in a larger conversation. You’re not living in a vacuum, so why behave as if you are? Your choices *do* matter. And other people need and want to hear about them.
Erica: How does one learn to let go? With all the conflicting messages (and memories) attached to things, people, and ideas, how does one tune it all out and learn to listen to the (sometimes quiet but always powerful) melody within?
Abby: Ooh, great question. Learning to let go to past stories and voices starts with remembering who you were before the story or the voice came into play for you. Sometimes that more primary, original self is SO subtle and worn at the edges that it can be hard to put your finger on. But somewhere underneath, you know who you were — and who you are. What this means for you and your voice can take all sorts of forms: oh, now I get to travel if I want to. Oh, I don’t have to cook on holidays anymore. Oh, I really hate that shade of lavender. Oh, I won’t be talked to like that. Letting go is a process, but pressing *toward* the pure, original, primary self is the way to expedite it for yourself.
Erica: What was your inspiration for creating Freeing the Voice of Your Business, and how has the experience informed your creative expression in business, in day-to-day life, and in your personal space?
Abby: GREAT question. My inspiration for creating the product was twofold: first, my awareness as a younger entrepreneur some years ago {younger, as in, in my first business incarnation} that a compelling voice that created a world for my customers was something that came naturally to me. People commented on it. I had to notice that it was a gift of mine. And let’s be honest — it’s fun to share the stuff we’re best at teaching, isn’t it?
Secondly, the inspiration came from my clients and readers who told me that voice was an issue for them — an ever present concern, almost a neurosis. Lots of people have no clue if the voice of their business is working for them or not. {Some of them hire me to tell them that.} But I wanted to create an entryway for them to start to experience their own purest and most powerful business voice on their own terms. And I wanted to invite other strong voices to join me in leading this conversation. Hence, your involvement, Erica!
Creating this course has informed my own creative expression in a very full-on and unexpected way. Thinking about voice as it relates to one’s business expression has heightened my awareness of my own business voice — and hence, doubled any neuroses I may have already had! {Quelling those as I type.} At the same time, creating this work has given me a renewed sense of commitment to keeping my own voice pure and potent. That’s something that’s really important to me, whether I’m creating content for my audience, or choosing new shoes, or straightening up my studio. It *all* connects.
Freeing the Voice of Your Business will be released Thursday, June 16th. Sign up here for Abby’s ‘Inklings’ e-newsletter to receive a quiet nudge when it’s ready. You’ll receive a complimentary 10-part e-course gift when you do. Better still, hop on over to her exclusive advance list, ‘Covered In Ink’, for a very handsome discount price.
And if you’re feeling luxy, click on the badge below (I know how valuable this will be for you so I became an official affiliate). Not only will you learn how to hone in on the You of you, you’ll receive a half-hour consultation with moi, to help you craft your voice in the context of your personal space.
We’ll excavate the disparate notes until we uncover your deepest melodies. We’ll jam on what you’re working with, the limitations that are driving you crazy, and where you want to go (aesthetically and emotionally speaking). And then I’ll help you get there.
So if you’ve been wondering how to dip your toes in the water without committing yourself to making a revolutionary transformation, now’s your time. A little renewal goes a loooong way.
Freeing the Voice of Your Business and finding your inner theme song. Now that’s beautiful harmony.
* PS ~ Send me your receipt to erica {at} ericaswansondesign {with a little dot} com. That way I can get in touch to set up our jam session. Can’t wait to meet you!








I design for the senses. Especially the ears.

















