Inspired By: Charcoal Alley

A blog is something you can get lost in. A source for inspiration, a place for learnings, and an outlet for creativity, blogging is a creature of its own. Ever since I entered the blogosphere a little more than three years ago, I’ve come across some that I read religiously and always know I can turn to for inspiration. High on my list is Charcoal Alley. Paris Gerrard is the beautiful spirit behind this blog, which actually is more like a work of art than anything. From her own creative editorials to other inspiring images, Charcoal Alley is a magical, dreamy source that I could spend hours scrolling through. When I heard Paris did a special editorial just for us, I was excited to find out more about this creative being. She always seemed like one of those people whose life was like a handful of glitter floating in the air…always sparkling and always ready to go down that unexpected path, following the sun. Allow me to introduce you to: Paris Gerrard.

boho outfit with sparkler

Where are you from?

I was born in SLC, Utah, where I have lived there for the majority of my life. When I was a young child, my family and I moved to Kauai, Hawaii – where we lived for several years.

paris on mountain

How did where you grew up shape the person that you are today?

Utah and Hawaii are both incredibly beautiful states. I feel blessed to have grown up with such access to nature’s gifts. For me, it is essential to spend time in nature. Walking a coastline or hiking to a ridge top, soaking up the sun’s rays, breathing clean air . . . oh, and daily yoga—these are activities that have kept me centered and creative.

lots of accessories

Your blog is one of my favorites that I turn to or inspiration. How has it grown from when you first started it?

Thank you! Wow . . . it has been such a fun journey for me. Charcoal Alley has grown steadily now, for a couple of years. I was lucky to have caught the attention of some amazing labels and bloggers, early on, which helped me reach a larger audience. I must credit the beautiful Byron Bay Sisters Lizzy & Spelly from Spell Designs, as well as the fabulous Dylana Suarez from Color Me Nanaadore these earth angels, all of whom have been instrumental forces in the success of Charcoal Alley. I want to acknowledge them for adding the sparkle to my fairytale — I think they’ll know what I mean. Now, I feel that I am reaching a tipping point, as I’m working with some major labels such as Volcom, Free People, and Urban Outfitters. It is beyond exciting for me – it’s really a dream coming true!

paris

You are a visual artist as well. What is your favorite way to incorporate your art into your blog posts?

Of course, I love to sneak images of my paintings into my posts. But, I think that painters learn to see the world in a very unique way. I am always imagining how I would translate an object or a scene into a painting. What pigments would I use to mix that storm cloud? How would I paint that shimmering highlight on the water? Nature has such a perfect harmony. I like to reference those combinations when considering any design — even down to my wardrobe.

hair in flowers

One of the things that keeps me coming back to your blog is the beautiful imagery in your posts. Do you work with a team of people that helps to take your vision and turn it into a final product?

Absolutely! I couldn’t do it alone, but I must admit to a serious image addiction. I have been collecting and saving unique and beautiful images, that move me in some way, since . . . forever. Each post becomes its own creation, and I instinctively know which images to pull to help foster the feel or vibe that I am desiring.

laying down

parisss

Where are some of your favorite places to shoot?

Some of my favorite shoots are unplanned locations. Simply walking the streets where I am traveling, or finding a cool doorway in the city can be exciting. However, if it’s not already obvious, the beach takes the cake for me.

flowers and paris

Is there anything specific (a place, a person, or an experience) that has influenced you to live such a creative life?

I believe I was born an artist, and I have my mother to thank for that! My mama is also a visual artist, and she has always allowed — even encouraged — me to be myself.

paris laying down

We all crave wanderlust…where is one of the most inspiring places you have ever traveled to?

Once again, I must pay homage to Kauai. This land is really in an alternate dimension — it’s other-worldly — magical, is the only way to describe it. The minute you walk off the plane, you’re bathed in a wash of thick, oxygenated air. It’s like a drug that instantaneously relaxes you, slows you down, and brings you into the moment. The vivid colors of green, blue, and white transport and lift you up. Yes, Kauai, is a heaven realm. It’s a vortex for high vibrational energies that encourage transformation and awakening. Yet, the duality of Yin and Yang manifest in pronounced primal energies of creation and destruction. The Ancient Gods are still very much alive in Kauai. Things move quickly here — this is a place where mother nature can be fierce. Gratitude, honor and respect are key. Kauai encourages you to be creative, open, and free, but, always remember, you can access that energy from where ever you are. Just imagining it can open up a portal for you!

sparkler and accessories

So many festivals take place every season…do you have any you really hope to attend this year?

I don’t know about this year, but on my bucket list the festival Yi Peng and Loy Krathong. It’s a spellbinding festival that takes place in Thailand where thousands of paper lanterns are lit and released into the night sky, creating an awesome display. Symbolically, these acts serves as a time to reflect and let go of personal demons and negativity. The combination of the lights in the sky, rivers and lakes, makes for an illuminated, transcendent experience. For the participants, it’s an auspicious way to ring in the new year and attract good fortune.

paris in hat

What does a day in the life of Paris look like?

 I always start the day with a little stretching, and morning tea (currently, I’m loving Earl Grey with a splash of almond milk). Then I dance or yoga (or both), lunch, paint, plan or engage in a photo-shoot, run to Whole Foods, dinner, (always breaking to work on Charcoal Alley)! I work long and hard, and I am dedicated to this work, but I’ve created my life so that my work and life are all mixed together in a wonderful way. I love everything that I do, and that makes life feel magical.

paris in slip

If you could wear one outfit for the rest of your life, what would it be?

I would wear a black silk dress, and of course every piece of jewelry that I own!

silver bag and belt

What is one thing that will always put a smile across your face?

My delightful little cat!

accessories and sparkler

Music—What are you into right now? 

Right now, I am loving a couple of groups including Asgier, London Grammar, Odeza . . . and I can’t deny it — I’ve got a crush on Drake’s voice. I’d let him serenade me any day, but I’m always on the lookout for new music.

spinning in slip

What are three essential things you absolutely need in life?

Yoga, laughter, and art.

wavy hair and bra

What does the future hold for Paris and Charcoal Alley?

“Don’t tell your dreams to the world—whisper them to love.” – Deepak Chopra said this, and love knows my dreams. The rest of the world will just have to wait and see . . . :)

metal

paris twirling

What does being ‘free’ mean to you?

Being free means doing what I love. It means, living my life for me, as me. E.E. Cummings said, “To be nobody but yourself in a world which is doing its best day and night to make you like everybody else means to fight the hardest battle which any human being can fight . . .” My passion is to discover and embrace what lights me up, and in doing so, to show others how to be free.

sparkler and boho girl

Keep the magic brewing, Paris!

Paris is wearing: Embellished Band Brimmed Hat, Shredded Rayon Slip, Tambourine Bag

Follow Charcoal Alley on Instagram and bloglovin‘.

Follow FP Jana on Twitter.

0 0 vote
Article Rating
Subscribe
Notify of
19 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
TamarackAndKhus
9 years ago

It’s so great to read about women following their dreams and loving their work!
Such a great collection of jewelry, too.
http://www.etsy.com/shop/TamarackAndKhus

9 years ago

I love her more than I did before!

9 years ago

BEAUTIFUL!

<3
http://www.RitaMaesShop.etsy.com/
(SHIPFREE1)

9 years ago

I love her – an absolute, beautiful inspiration. Thank you for sharing! xoxo

9 years ago

Thank you so much for this introduction! As a blogger myself, she serves as an inspiration for me too. Amazing photographs! Xx, Tiffany | http://www.sunshinedaydreamphotography.com/

9 years ago

Thank you!!! I feel beyond honored to be featured. <3
Peace, Love, & Good Chocolate,

PARIS

Anonymous
9 years ago

One of your most inspirational post yet. I feel even more connected saying that I live in SLC as well.
XO Tiffany

9 years ago

Such a wonderful, inspiring post! I especially love the quote from ee cummings about being yourself, I think that is one of the most challenging and courageous things that you can truly do, to simple be who you are, no matter what other people think or say! : )

The Weaver Of Words…..give me 15 words and I’ll tell you a tale
http://averyfairytale.wordpress.com/

cgull
9 years ago

wonderful interview and spectacular photos!

Katie
9 years ago

Thank you for referring me to Paris’ incredible blog! She’s an inspiration :)

xo Katie

http://www.etsy.com/shop/adifferentsun

9 years ago

Having photos, outfit, and accessories as always!

Krystal | http://www.moorekrystal.wordpress.com

Alex
9 years ago

Awesome!

Sailor Simone
9 years ago

Wow! I am inspired! She is beautiful, I love her jewelry!

Quinn VanV
9 years ago

HOT

Alexandra
9 years ago

She has cool
Style

Zoe
9 years ago

Charcoal Alley is on fire!

Jessica
9 years ago

Wow…I’m in love with her blog, possibly more than FP’s ;)

Mykaela
9 years ago

wow – she is breath taking! I love this story…and I’m really captivated by her beauty! As a fitness instructor and a nutrition enthusiast, I’d love to know about her health regime…

Elizabeth
9 years ago

I’m beyond excited to have been introduced to this blog. A wonderful article and such beautiful images. I can’t wait to explore your blog, Paris. And those boots! I need a pair! ;)