Interview | Walk Around the Block with Hannah Garvin

Hannah Garvin grew up in New Jersey, but her work as a photographer, stylist, and ceramicist is a living, breathing embodiment of her now-home, Southern California. Her sunny, pastel palette imbues a dreamy vibe often tethered by more earthy elements (think palm leaves, fresh fruit, and translucent blue ocean waves).  Hannah talked to us about that ever-present balancing act between work and family, but if it’s anything like the sophisticated compositional balance in her photos, we think she’s pulling it off—and then some!

They really emphasized reading and pursuing creative hobbies

I grew up in northern New Jersey.  My parents were pretty conservative—as kids they mostly wanted me and my three siblings to be outside instead of watching TV.  They really emphasized reading and pursuing creative hobbies, which helped mold me into a pretty creative person from a young age.

learning how to balance running my business while also being a full-time mom

Photography has always been a big part of my life, so it only made sense for me to try and make some money while doing what I love.  I started my photography business almost three years ago and have been working primarily with women-led brands, which I absolutely love.  I’ve been continually learning how to balance running my business while also being a full-time mom, and the journey has been tiring at times, but I'm so thankful to have been able to grow a small business alongside my family.

it’s very satisfying being able to work with my hands, tech-free, to create beautiful things.

I also started making ceramics about a year ago.  A friend of mine invited me to join a class with her—we both had young babies at home and wanted to try out something new for ourselves.  I love to create items that are useful around a home and beautiful to look at.  I’m currently working on a new Mama Series—it’s sort of my ode to becoming a mom.  All of the items represent a small part of motherhood.  I really love this side of my brand—it’s very satisfying being able to work with my hands, tech-free, to create beautiful things.

we’re thankful to have gotten a baby who sleeps well and laughs a lot.

My family is me, my husband Chris, and our 18-month-old daughter, Ever.  Since she was born, she has been surprisingly easy-going and happy.  The vibe in our home is super low-key, so we’re thankful to have gotten a baby who sleeps well and laughs a lot.

The biggest surprise I’ve encountered since becoming a mom is how truly difficult it is to balance home life and work.  I’ve learned so much about sacrificing my own needs for my daughter's, but I’m just embracing this busy season of my life as I know it will pass too quickly.

I can’t imagine living in a place where the sun doesn’t shine most days

The sunshine in California is life-giving.  I can’t imagine living in a place where the sun doesn’t shine most days.  The colors, textures, light, and landscape of this state are always inspiring my work.

A great stroller offers freedom from the indoors

My husband and I keep our collection of baby products quite minimal, so we always research before we buy something to make sure it will be the right fit for us.  We definitely value design and aesthetics of any product we bring into our home.  We live in a really walkable neighborhood, but also travel a bunch, so having a beautiful, compact stroller that works well in our own city or internationally is what we look for.  A great stroller offers freedom from the indoors; it provides a way for parents and baby to get out for fresh air and see the world!

Hannah is using the Poppy stroller in Cantaloupe.