So what are the three lines
why I titled my consultancy Three Lines // my firm belief that nature, knowledge and truth illuminate darkness // my plea to not follow the algorithm
As I use this medium as a way to show off the broader scope of who I am and the type of work I’m putting out into the universe, I also need to provide some background.
A question I often get is : what are the three lines?
My public, business, marketing-myself answer is:
“my approach to consulting : strategy, marketing and team alignment”
Working with brands, non profits and individuals
That are legacy, challengers and/or just getting started.
Brands that focus on design, luxury (for the sake of craft) or women’s interests
Non profits that focus on women, children and the built environment
And individuals who are founders, heads of marketing, and/or looking to make a change.
But the real, personal, answer is that Three Lines comprise my very first tattoo.
While my high school classmates were getting tattoos of sunshine, hearts and even a golden retriever howling at the moon (Kyle, I’ll never forget you), I was getting an ancient Druidic symbol- on my sternum. Not because I was trying to be cool or different. Ok maybe a little. But really, the thought of picking flash off a wall made me feel like a poser, and there was no fate worse than that of being a poser (in 1999). And I really, really, really wanted a tattoo when I turned 18.
Celebrating being different and walking my own path was another unintended consequence of my mother’s constant response to “But everyone is…”
“If Everyone is jumping off the Brooklyn Bridge, would you?” While my answer was yes, in regards to me starting a substack (that I’m pretty sure I’m doing wrong). But in all other aspects of my life, I’ve typically been a steadfast No.
Which is why I like working with the challengers and the misfits. Those who cannot stand doing things the expected or easy or safe way. Those who can see what’s wrong and only focus on building things that are good and pure and mean something. And those who need a trusted support to guide them as they build something different.
But back to the tattoo.
There are several meanings and interpretations of the symbol that resonated with me, likely because 3 is my lucky number as I was born on 3/3. When I first saw it in Ireland, when I did the Irish Way Study Abroad program, I was taught it represented the male forces in the world, the female forces in the world, and the balance of nature in between the two. I’ve also seen it referenced as: the Mind, Body & Spirit; Underworld, Middle World, Upper World; the land, sea & sky.
The larger meaning, though, focuses on the three lines, radiating from a single point, spreading light on whatever it touches. That which illuminates darkness - nature, knowledge and truth.
All of which personally captures the type of work I do, who I do it for and what motivates me to do so.
TRUTH: Isn’t it sad how the word truth has been distorted in recent years? And yet, it has been thrilling to watch people and brands speak the truth. I love that new, challenger brands are talking about toxins in products that are commonplace here in America (but nowhere else in the world). Whether through food (like this biodynamic family food brand I’ve recently discovered, White Leaf Provisions) and cleaning products, like Molly Suds (yes, I like the name), I have come to learn so much about the impact of environmental toxins and am so hopeful seeing new brands sprout up that won’t accept the status, dirty quo. (transparency - neither are clients, I’m just a fan girl).
KNOWLEDGE: There are so many smart people doing many smart things. But the problem is that it is hard to find that knowledge in one spot. And we’re all so busy that it can be hard to put this knowledge down on paper (pages). I spent some time doing probono strategy work for the non profit Chamber of Mothers and saw that their site was disjointed and not fully representing all the amazing intellect and knowledge that they have within their team & network, and that they could be a resource to help educate today’s smart, passionate, fed up and fired up American moms. I’m extremely proud of this work as it honored the great resources this organization is gathering all in service of better strengthening the resolve of others to better understand their rights, their power and their impact. And since becoming a mother, I agree wholeheartedly that the mothers will save us all.
NATURE: Where have I seen this play out well? Half self-serving (I’m fractional CMO here), but totally honest answer, is the recent creative campaign that Stuga has created. A modern marketplace of Scandinavian, engineered wood flooring, Stuga has simplified the overwhelming process of selecting and purchasing a floor by curating the best ones across all price points. And while we have built a beautiful brand and addressed client needs and concerns for the past few years, we knew we needed to do something to stand out. Something no other flooring brand could even attempt. And we were only able to do so because we have a bold, visionary founder; a creative & collaborative team; and a creative studio to bring our vision to life, Likeness.
Aren’t these photos dreamy? Don’t they make you want to refloor your entire home?
I do all of the above so that I can spend more time in nature.
I don’t take meetings on Fridays. Which isn’t to say I’m not working, but the bulk of the day is spent adventuring with my Saoirse. We prefer walking aimlessly around gardens but also like museums - especially in swampy summer heat and frigid winters. She’s experienced Judy Chicago, Basquiat, Warhol, Monet, Picasso and Owusu-Ankomah, and has an appreciation of color and movement that I can only hope leads to creative endeavors in her life. Watching her look at flowers and paintings has made me slow down and more deeply appreciate beauty. It’s an experience that I am treasuring, and hope to continue as long as she is enjoying it as well.
Am I doing this right? 🙂
Next post: Infuriating observations on women’s health based on recent events I’ve been fortunate to attend.
Future post: Why I want to work with Irish brands and help them win in North America. That’s it, that’s the post.
Is there any fate worse than being a poser? Thank you for sharing your original voice. You’re doing it right. 😉