Have you ever accomplished a huge goal and then afterwards thought …now what do I do? That’s the current stage I’m in after wrapping my tv show, Rental Redo. Having a design tv show has been a lifelong dream of mine. I wrote about my journey to television (here), and although this dream didn’t begin to manifest until last year, it was something I’ve been working towards since college. I still feel like I’m trying to process it all. Everything happened so quickly — within a year I made a pilot, got the series greenlit, filmed 7 episodes, aired the series, and now, what was a lifelong dream has come and gone.
I can’t thank you enough for your support of the show! Of course, my hope is that this is not the end, but the beginning of a successful tv career. But I’d be lying if I didn’t say I have my doubts. The tv industry is a very unpredictable business, and it seems to be even more so for Black design tv hosts. It’s rare to see Black design tv hosts with multiple seasons and spin off shows. I don’t believe any have had the longevity or success of lets say, Property Brothers or Home Town. And it’s also a business where the people who are a key factor in making the show a “hit” (ie. the talent), have very little no control or say on the future of the show. You basically spend months dedicating your life, blood, sweat, and tears, and then just have to sit back and wait for the powers that be to decide your future. And if you’re an impatient person (like me), that waiting period feels like torture.
My hope is that Rental Redo will get picked up for a season 2, but first, it has to air on cable (sometime in January). And then cable ratings (and other factors) will determine if I get a season 2. However, it could take months upon months before I hear its fate…
So… now what?
I had a chat with my “boss”, Joanna Gaines the other day (the fact that I can even say that is still mind-blowing and I thank God everyday for it) and I asked her what advice she would give while I’m in this waiting season. Her response was, “…keep creating.” As simple and obvious of a statement that was, it was an aha moment for me. There is so much inspiration inside of me that I want to give and share with the world. It’s the main reason why I started this blog and inspiring others to create a home and life they love no matter where they live has been the mission behind everything I do. So regardless of the outcome of the show, I still have the power to create, to inspire, and to be a resource to YOU! And the thought of that brings me so much joy.
If you watched Episode 2 of Rental Redo, then you saw me searching for a studio space. I’m still on the hunt. I want it to be a creative studio — a place where I can produce inspiring content, videos, design, photography etc. Maybe even a place where I can house workshops and get togethers –building and fostering community is important to me. Getting a studio space will be a BIG leap of faith for me, but one I feel like I need to take (or at least explore) in 2023.
Obviously, I will continue to do Interior Photography (I talked about my reason why here…and also because I gotta pay my bills). And I have a few house projects that I had to put on hold while I was away filming that I’m excited to dive back into. One of which is my bedroom refresh that I teased on IG months ago (here), and then totally left you guys hanging. My bad! I’ll mostly be sharing that transformation on IG, so be sure you’re following me there (@eastandlane).
But, I also want to hear from you guys (yes all 5 of you that read this blog 😉) on what type of content would be helpful to you! I truly want East + Lane to be a resource. A place where you can go to get inspo, tips, and advice for your own home, projects, life, etc. So what are some current pain points or design problems you are having or even fashion and lifestyle related questions? Heck, let’s even include photography/tv/career related topics. Let me know in the comments below!
Love ya’ll
xx
Comments
30 responses to “So… What’s Next?”
I love your blog, gifts and talents. Keep inspiring those of us who are not gifted with design and creative ideas. I’m still trying to figure out how to make my small bedroom with a king sized bed look comfortable and “roomy” 😘
Thank you so much for your support and encouragement! Small bedroom w/ king sized bed — I’ll be sure to share some tips!
Very proud of you and all that you have accomplished. Keep the creative flood gates open and push forward💕💕💕
Thank you so much!!
I enjoy watching your show.
Thank you so much for watching!!
I need to build a storage bench that can also be used for seating at a medmod cost. I have absolutely no storage in my small apartment!
Ooo, love this idea! DIY bench + Small space storage solutions– NOTED!
I very much enjoyed your show. I have to agree with you, that their aren’t shows with US being brought back season after season. My wish for you is that you get a second season. Sorry for your loss.
Thank you so much for watching!! The lack of equity in the TV industry is so unfortunate. But thank you so much for your encouragement and support!
Even though I own my home, I loved the do-able and reasonably priced DIY updates from your show. I would love to see more of this content!!
I second this! “Phase one” updates while we build up the budget to do a larger renovation.
Fingers crossed for a season 2!
Love this idea! fingers crossed!!!
YES AND YES! More budget-friendly updates coming your way! And thanks so much for watching the show!
Would love to see more exterior home projects! Your outdoor porch was a fun one to follow along with, as were your garden boxes.
Love following your journey and hoping for great success and definitely a season 2!
xo
ooo yes!! I’ve been dying to tackle my backyard. Adding this to my Spring project list!! Thank you for sharing!
Congrats on a successful season 1. I find it important to define ‘success’ for yourself. Do you know many people DREAM of doing a thing and never ever come close to manifesting? So proud of you in every way. It’s clear that others saw your talent because the dream became a reality. Get excited for this time the “in between’ which might be a sweet of a spot. I am a design hobbyist and what I think I struggle with most is organizing the ideas- what’s your process? Vision boards, flat trays, a specific app or format? Any info you provide will be helpful.
Welp, you just gave me another aha moment! “DEFINE SUCCESS”, and get excited for the “in between” time. You are so right! Definitely something I need to do, especially after such a big life event for me. I don’t want to miss out on all the things I could be learning/growing/doing etc in this “in-between” time because I’m so anxious for the next thing. Thank you for your words of wisdom!
I too am a black woman working in a creative space that I love. I’ve also been in a place of feeling frustrated with the daily struggles and a number of other things that come with being in spaces we aren’t seen in regularly…yet. I was so excited to see you on the Magnolia Network and watched your show every time a new episode dropped. It was very helpful and inspired my husband and I to refresh our rental. Keep pursuing your passion! Keep believing that your work matters! Keep breaking barriers and doing the hard stuff. Your work is paying off more than you know.
I totally feel you! The one thing that keeps me motivated through the struggle is the hope that it will inspire other black and brown girls to know they can do it too! Thank you so much for your support and encouragement! And praying many blessings over you and your creative endeavors <3
I have loved watching you inspire your clients in the show about how to maximize their small-ish budgets (at least vs what’s normally seen on tv shows) to create a warm and welcoming room. My idea for new content is to share the design idea and then a cost breakdown for executing yourself with some practical tips for how to make it happen. That way we can be inspired to try it ourselves and not be held back by guessing the cost is too great. Thanks for your hard work and the great show and I look forward to see what you create next!
Thank you so much for watching!! And I love your idea! There’s a lot of red tape as far as how much “inside scope” I’m allowed to disclose about the show designs/budget breakdowns etc…BUT, I can put together some design plans (that aren’t from the show per se) but that can give you an idea on how to execute/costs etc. Thanks for sharing!
I loved your show and was amazed at what you were able to accomplish in such a short time frame with limited resources. “Keep creating” was such great advice. I hope to see more of your work on television but am sure you will find your audience no matter what.
It makes me so happy to hear that you enjoyed the show! Thank you so much for watching. And you’re right– regardless of if its tv of elsewhere, I hope to continue to inspire and foster community <3
Congrats Key! The show was great and you accomplished some serious miracles and were just so innovative! I’d love to see DIYs and budget friendly updates (because not everyone has unlimited budgets!), and would just love for your blog to be a place to come to regularly or semi-regularly. Instagram has sort of made blogs obsolete, which is really sad, so I’d love to come here for great design content and community 🙂
I saw other people already posted, but I would also like to see affordable design options that look high end or mixing more affordable and vintage pieces with maybe one splurge item. I love your style!
Thanks,
Hallie
Congrats on your successes! 🙂 So well deserved!
As for what I’d love to see … you mentioned in your post about revealing things on Instagram. Maybe I’m the only millennial who’s not on Instagram, but I’d love if you’d share a quick recap on the blog of whatever projects you share via Instagram!
Hats off to you for not being on IG (I have a love/hate relationship with it). Yes, I can totally do a recap on here!
Just found your show for the first time and am loving it! I love your style and can’t wait to see what’s next! Looking forward to checking out more of your own home on your blog/IG.
I just watched your show for the first time and am so glad I did. I look forward to watching more. I love your design and how nice you are to everyone you work with! My ‘special’ problem area in my very small home goes like this: I have a 14′ by 20′ living room combination dining space. I would love to see what ideas you might have for this type of room that encompasses everything even including my art studio! Or should I say my painting area at the end of our dining table? Thank you and much continued success!