“Success isn’t life without struggle-it’s hitting your stride by embracing the adventure. Opportunity is around every corner, but we need to keep working, living and creating, so when the time comes, we’ll be ready.”
Quote from ‘Make Life Beautiful’.
The McGees are an uber successful couple in the world of interior design and I found myself in a rabbit-hole looking into their two companies- Studio Mcgee and Mcgee and Co.. From their website down to their Pinterest board; binge-watching their design content on YouTube and crowning it with their Netflix show, Dream Home Makeover- twice!
Scrolling down their Instagram profile, I bumped into a post promoting their 2020 book release! you best believe I had to get my own copy.
They definitely took advantage of the Covid-19 pandemic and its associated isolation to write an amazing autobiography.
Their companies were founded less than a decade ago but their reputation would fool you into thinking that they’ve always been there...How did they do it? Dream Home Makeover’s shallow attempt in indulging me with the behind the scenes still leaves me wanting more. Kindle in hand, I am excited to get deep into the inner workings of their brains, hungry for the full story, beyond the ten-minute Studio Mcgee YouTube videos.
No exaggeration, Once you start it, you are hooked. It’s how the story is delivered with a point of view from both Syd and Shea Mcgee. The chapter titles would have you think they are giving you tips on designing a beautiful space but in the end it’s all about tips on designing a beautiful life. Hence the title, Make Life Beautiful.
Quite an artistic approach, I have to admit, and successfully executed.
They talk about the initial dark days associated with entrepreneurship… How financial strain in turn strained their relationship….The 'hang-in-there' phase that got them questioning if they'd made the right decision....the hits and the misses, not forgetting the huge - HUGE! - sacrifices involved along the way.
They do not romanticize the idea of entrepreneurship and chasing the dream. But at the same time they fill you with hope that if you are good at what you do, work hard, give your all when opportunities come, it all works out in the end.
They don’t shy away from revealing their current struggles as well, as we might think their success means they have it all figured out. They are still learning. They are human.
For those who hate the preachy approach of motivational books, this autobiography will definitely be perfect for you. Relatable in its themes and conversational in its approach, the audio-book version may definitely appeal to you too.
It is clear that life is a combination of impulsive decisions as well as deeply-thought-out plans, in case you thought it takes one or the other.
The first battle is getting to know yourself, what you want to do and what makes you happy.
What more can I say? Everything they touch turns into gold-Midas. This book is beyond fantastic, I dare say my best business motivation book- officially. Giving this a 5 star CaCo rating- no debate. Get the book and challenge this 😊.
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