Marilee’s Designs

Marilee’s Designs Local B o u t i q u e offering Name Brand F a s h I o n as well as Custom Hand-made Gifts

Nothing like accidentally opening that camera and getting an unplanned meeting with the REAL you. 😂📱No good angle.No war...
08/18/2026

Nothing like accidentally opening that camera and getting an unplanned meeting with the REAL you. 😂📱

No good angle.

No warning.

No time to suck anything in, fluff anything up, or emotionally prepare.

Just you and a camera angle that clearly woke up and chose violence. 😳😂

But isn’t that a little like life?

We feel pretty confident when we’ve had time to prepare.

We know what we’re going to say.

We’ve planned the photo.

Picked the outfit.

Practiced the presentation.

Gotten ourselves together.

And then life flips the camera around.

Suddenly we’re seeing ourselves from an angle we didn’t choose.

We’re exposed.

Unprepared.

A little uncomfortable.

And very, very real.

Those moments can make us question how we see ourselves. But maybe confidence isn’t always looking polished and feeling completely prepared.

Maybe it’s knowing who you are when you’re caught off guard.

It’s being able to laugh at yourself, adjust when necessary, give yourself a little grace, and keep moving when life doesn’t give you time to find your best angle.

Because business, relationships, motherhood, leadership, faith - none of them come with a beauty filter.

Sometimes life catches us completely unprepared.

And sometimes the most confident thing a woman can do is look at the unfiltered version of herself and think…

Well. There she is. 😂

Still worthy.

Still capable.

Still figuring things out.

Still showing up.

That’s real confidence.

And possibly why God gave us the ability to close apps quickly. 🤣📱

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07/24/2026

If you know me... you know this is funny. 😂

Deb Drummond invited me to speak at her 𝗛𝗼𝘄-𝗧𝗼 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝗲𝘆 𝗦𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗶𝘁, and my first thought was...

"Deb.. are you sure?"

Because if there were an Olympic event for justifying one more cute jacket, I'd probably win a GOLD medal. 🛍️😅

But here's what I've learned over the years...

Money isn't just about numbers.

It's about mindset.

It's about stewardship.

It's about having the courage to build something that lasts.

And maybe the greatest kind of wealth isn't measured by what we own at all...

What exactly is true wealth? We're going to talk about this!

Maybe it's waking up with purpose, loving your people well, using your gifts, and ending the day knowing your life mattered.

Deb and I laughed about raising creatives (𝘣𝘦𝘤𝘢𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘥𝘰𝘦𝘴𝘯'𝘵 𝘢𝘭𝘸𝘢𝘺𝘴 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘢 𝘣𝘶𝘥𝘨𝘦𝘵 😆), but underneath the laughter is a conversation every entrepreneur, and honestly every woman needs to hear.

I'm honored to be joining Deb as one of the speakers at her 𝗛𝗼𝘄-𝗧𝗼 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝗲𝘆 𝗦𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗶𝘁 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝘂𝗴𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝟴, where I'll be sharing what I believe is one of the most overlooked pieces of wealth... Link to join us is in the comments!

Living whole in your purpose.

🎙️ Catch the full episode of our conversation on Express Light.

Just sayin’! …But, before anyone panics, I’m not talking about surrounding yourself with people who encourage bad decisi...
07/23/2026

Just sayin’! …

But, before anyone panics, I’m not talking about surrounding yourself with people who encourage bad decisions. 😄

I’m talking about choosing friends who celebrate your joy instead of criticizing it.

Friends who cheer for your dreams instead of questioning them.

Who see your potential instead of your limitations.

Who leave you feeling lighter, braver, and more like yourself every time you’re together.

The people you spend the most time with quietly shape the way you see yourself.

Choose the ones who remind you to laugh a little louder, dream a little bigger, and occasionally… buy the jacket.

Because life is simply more fun when you’re surrounded by people who clap when you walk out of the dressing room. 🤍

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The perfect comfy set for those warm sunny errand days 😎 Grab yours from the website!
07/23/2026

The perfect comfy set for those warm sunny errand days 😎 Grab yours from the website!

I think many of us, especially women, carry this quiet pressure to always be available.To answer one more text.Help one ...
07/23/2026

I think many of us, especially women, carry this quiet pressure to always be available.

To answer one more text.

Help one more person.

𝘚𝘢𝘺 𝘺𝘦𝘴 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦.

Pour out just a little more.

Serving others is a beautiful calling. But somewhere along the way, we can become so busy serving we forget who lead our hearts to even serve in the first place.

Even Jesus stepped away from the crowds.

Not because people didn't need Him.

But because He knew His strength, clarity, and purpose flowed from time with His Father.

"Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed." — *Mark 1:35

If Jesus made time to withdraw and pray, maybe we should find it a priority to doing the same now and then.

The truth is, sometimes the greatest act of GRIT isn't pushing through another meeting, another ministry, or another commitment.

𝗦𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲𝘀 𝗚𝗥𝗜𝗧 𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗸𝘀 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗽 𝗮𝘄𝗮𝘆. To recognize the boundary needed.

To be still.

To disappoint a few expectations so you don't lose sight of God's direction.

It takes GRITt to choose what is necessary over what is urgently requested.

It takes faith to believe that God can continue His work while you sit quietly at His feet.

Because the world doesn't need another exhausted volunteer simply filling a place on the church schedule, community board room, or care committee.

It needs women who have spent time with Jesus, women who are refreshed and have a clear mission, women who serve not from obligation or guilt, but from hearts overflowing with His presence, ready to serve with renewed purpose.

It could be the bravest thing you'll do today is step away from the noise long enough to hear the gentle voice of the One who called you to live with a greater mission in the first place. 🤍

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Dear California, I'm sorry we cheated & took our ugly toes to Florida, but.. the sand was nice and the water was warm! ...
07/22/2026

Dear California, I'm sorry we cheated & took our ugly toes to Florida, but.. the sand was nice and the water was warm! 🌊

This was our first trip to the Miramar Beach area. If you go I highly recommend Hotel Effie Sandestin - gorgeous hotel & quality service, plus rooftop pool views 💫

“B𝗼𝗿𝗿𝗼𝘄 𝗕𝗿𝗮𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆,” she said, as we were recording this week’s podcast. Her words stopped me.🩷II hadn’t really thought of...
07/22/2026

“B𝗼𝗿𝗿𝗼𝘄 𝗕𝗿𝗮𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆,” she said, as we were recording this week’s podcast. Her words stopped me.🩷

II hadn’t really thought of it like this, but it’s so true. Isn’t that exactly what so many of us are doing?

Starting the business before we feel qualified.

Walking into the meeting before we’re completely confident.

Starting a family even.

Relocating somewhere new.

Launching the idea that’s been living in our hearts.

Having the hard conversation.

Taking the first step when we can’t yet see the whole view.

As women, and especially as entrepreneurs, we’re often the ones who act first. That can feel exciting one moment and downright terrifying the next.

But as I like to say…

𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗶𝘀 𝗻𝗼 𝗳𝗮𝗶𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗯𝗲𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗿𝘆.

Every “yes” teaches you something.
Every setback gives you wisdom.
Every step forward builds confidence you simply can’t gain by standing still.

One of the reasons I so enjoyed my conversation with Deb Drummond who is an entrepreneur herself, founder of seven international companies, media visionary, and most notably a champion for other women, is because she reminded me that courage doesn’t always arrive before the decision.

Sometimes it grows because of the decision.

And one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself is to surround yourself with people who have walked the road ahead of you, people who will challenge you, encourage you, share their wisdom, and remind you that your dream is worth pursuing even when it feels uncomfortable.

This week, if you’re waiting until you feel fearless…

Don’t.

Borrow a little bravery.

Take the next step.

Your own courage will catch up in the process.

I’m excited to introduce you to Deb through a recent episode of Express Light, and I’m honored to be joining her as one of the speakers at the 𝗛𝗼𝘄-𝗧𝗼 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝗲𝘆 𝗦𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗶𝘁 on 𝗔𝘂𝗴𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝟴, where we’ll be talking about building not only financial confidence, but lives of purpose and lasting impact. (𝘓𝘪𝘯𝘬 𝘵𝘰 𝘫𝘰𝘪𝘯 𝘪𝘯 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘴.)

What is one brave step you are taking this week? I’d love to cheer you on. 💫

07/21/2026

What if your beginning has nothing to do with your ending?

Some people are born into opportunity.

Others decide they're going to create it.

When I sat down with Deb Drummond for the latest episode of Express Light, she shared something that stopped me in my tracks.
(𝘊𝘢𝘵𝘤𝘩 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘶𝘭𝘭 𝘦𝘱𝘪𝘴𝘰𝘥𝘦 𝘰𝘯 𝘮𝘺 𝘸𝘦𝘣𝘴𝘪𝘵𝘦 𝘰𝘳 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘧𝘢𝘷𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘦 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘯𝘦𝘭.)

Long before she built seven international companies, became a global entrepreneur, founded The Women's Channel, or was featured 48 times in Success Magazine, she was a six-year-old little girl growing up in a single-parent home who quietly decided...

"𝘔𝘺 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘨𝘰𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦 𝘥𝘪𝘧𝘧𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘵."

Isn't that where so many meaningful journeys begin?

Not with a perfect plan.

Not with unlimited resources.

Not with someone handing us an opportunity.

But with 𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗱𝗲𝗰𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗲𝘃𝗲 that where we are today doesn't have to determine where we're going tomorrow.

One act of GRIT. One step of faith.

One of the things I admired most about Deb wasn't simply everything she's accomplished, it was her humility. Even after decades of success, she still talks about learning, growing, surrounding herself with wise people, and continuing to step into places that stretch her.

That's a reminder every entrepreneur, and every woman, needs.

Success doesn't usually show up all at once.

It grows one courageous decision at a time.

I'm so excited for you to hear this conversation on Express Light. And if you're looking to grow your business, and your financial future, I'm also honored to be joining Deb as one of the featured speakers at her 𝗛𝗼𝘄-𝗧𝗼 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝗲𝘆 𝗦𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗶𝘁 on 𝗔𝘂𝗴𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝟴.

https://summit.debdrummond.com/august26?am_id=marilee548

I have a feeling this conversation and this event will encourage you to think a little bigger about what's possible.

Who's one person that encouraged you to believe your story could be different? 💛

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Have you ever had an outfit you didn't know what to do with? - Then later decided to just wear it and well, loved it?Con...
07/21/2026

Have you ever had an outfit you didn't know what to do with? - Then later decided to just wear it and well, loved it?

Confidence is often built one small decision at a time.

Sometimes it starts with wearing the thing that makes you stand a little taller.

Sometimes it's speaking up in the meeting.

Sometimes it's introducing yourself to someone new.

𝘐𝘵'𝘴 𝘳𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘭𝘺 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘰𝘶𝘵𝘧𝘪𝘵.

It's about choosing to stop letting doubt make your decisions.

You might be surprised what changes when you do.

07/15/2026

It hits different when your first order of books arrives. 📚💛

Holding that first box in my hands wasn’t a reminder that I wrote a book.

It was a reminder that every hard chapter, every lesson, every setback, every small act of perseverance had the potential to become hope for someone else.

To be an author is an incredible privilege.

Not because of recognition.

Not because of book sales.

But because it’s an opportunity to serve.

I’ve never looked at this book as a pursuit of fame or fortune.

I’ve always looked at it as a mission.

A mission to reach the woman who’s quietly carrying more than anyone knows.

The woman who’s questioning herself.

The woman who’s convinced everyone else is more qualified.

The woman who’s wondering if she’ll ever feel confident enough to begin again.

Women are remarkable.

We carry so much with grace, yet many of us become experts at doubting ourselves.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned through building businesses, rebuilding after difficult seasons, and walking with God through unexpected chapters, it’s this:

The things we wish someone had told us often become the very things we’re called to share.

That’s the heartbeat behind When Grief Meets Grit.

Not simply telling my story.

But helping another woman see what’s possible in hers.

If one chapter encourages one woman to keep believing, to keep building, to trust God a little more, or to take one more courageous step… then every page was worth writing.

I truly believe life was meant to reflect God’s light.

And I believe joy isn’t something we stumble into one day.

It’s something we learn to choose, protect, and share with the people around us.

Thank you for allowing me to be part of your journey. It is an honor I will never take for granted. 💛

And if you have started reading it, i’d love to hear your feedback! In fact, if you believe in the mission of it, dropping an amazon or barnes & noble review would be super helpful for the next woman meant to read it.

Thank you for joining me in doing life with GRIT! ✨

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Pacific Grove, CA

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Monday 10:30am - 8pm
Tuesday 10:30am - 8pm
Wednesday 10:30am - 8pm
Thursday 10:30am - 8pm
Friday 10:30am - 8pm
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Sunday 10:30am - 8pm

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