Allow me to reintroduce myself… I’m Emily Dowling Williams. Before we embark on this blog journey together, it couldn’t hurt to give you a glimpse into the crazy. So, let's dive in…
I live in a small town where everyone knows each other. Here in Winter Park, you might have seen me around… I’m the Head Designer at Z Properties, the lady wearing feathers on a Monday, and the one that unabashedly keeps on layers of jewels for bar class. I’m wife to Zane, mom to Z, and the preferred human of Monkey. You might already know I dabble in apparel and tabletop/home accessories with The Grove and Clementine (respectively), so I guess you can say my love of fabulous things knows no bounds. And, while this isn’t my only personality trait, I very rarely meet a glass of sauvignon blanc that I don’t like. Most importantly — and hopefully the reason you’re here, but not the only reason you’ll stay — is Be. To me, it’s the best place on earth for all things sparkly, colorful, fabulous, and beautiful, and it’s a dream of mine to get to share it with like-minded women and enlightened men far beyond the 32789 zip and our home on Park Ave.
I live for my family, great design, and my community — and within all those things, I also live to add sparkle and color to my everyday life. I’ve been a jewelry lover and collector for many years, and nothing brings me greater joy than to share my joie de vivre with the world through the universal language of big, beautiful, shiny, dazzling jewels.
When you visit Be On Park (whether online or in our Winter Park storefront), I hope you feel welcomed and inspired. I hope you feel worthy of decadence and luxury, and I hope you feel seen and understood. So let’s get to know each other, shall we? I’ll get started.
- Go-to way to caffeinate? One cup of coffee to get me moving in the morning (with just a smidge of oat milk and a dash of Splenda)
- Nightcap of choice? White Haven (Editor’s note: White Haven = Sauvignon Blanc.)
- What time does your alarm go off? 5:30 a.m. I love getting a bunch of things checked off early, and then (absurdly) exclaiming “I’m done for the day!” at 8 a.m. In reality, far from it.
- The first thing you do in the morning is… Get myself to The Bar Method (most days…)
- Favorite way to break a sweat? I swear I’m not paid to say this, but again, The Bar Method. I’ve been loyal for years!
- Favorite way to blow off steam? Nothing relaxes me like being alone with my own thoughts.
- You’re at the farmer’s market… what are you picking up? Definitely not food. (Don’t ask me to cook!) I’d say flowers — my favorites are peonies.
- You’re sitting on the beach... what’s in your bag? Trashy magazines, Fresca, and sunscreen
- Song you’ll never get tired of hearing? I love anything by the Counting Crows. I know, so very 90s of me.
- Favorite movie to rewatch? To Kill a Mockingbird (which is also my favorite book)
- Where would you live if it wasn’t Winter Park? Anywhere out west with a good view of the mountains
- One skincare product you can’t live without? Aquaphor
- Words to live by? Don't overthink things - seize opportunities.
- Your favorite piece of jewelry (other than your engagement ring)? My diamond studs (you can’t go wrong with a pair like these)
- Your most sentimental piece of jewelry (other than your engagement ring)? My anniversary band (I love this one if you’re looking for your own)
- Celebrity who should play you in the movie of your life? My dear friend, and the woman who keeps Z Properties running, Chanel Vicari (in her breakout, Oscar-winning role, of course). She knows all of my Emily-isms and gets to observe me on my best and worst days.
- If you didn’t work in jewels and design, what would your job be? I wouldn’t work. Kidding, but I truly cannot imagine doing anything that wasn’t creative.
- What candle scent fills your home? Orange blossom is a fave.
- Who’s someone you’d love to have a cocktail with? Andy Cohen, plus as many Housewives as we can invite
- Who’s a fictional character you’d like to have a cocktail with? Evelyn Hugo
- If you were a color, what would it be? Pink — most specifically, Razzle Dazzle by Benjamin Moore
To know me is to know that I like to keep it real and unedited – but for your sake, I’ll keep this space *slightly* edited. Life is a beautiful thing, and I’m on a mission to make it all the more beautiful by celebrating life’s luxuries.
I can’t wait to share more in this space, whether it’s life through my pink sapphire-colored glasses or tipping you off on a piece you simply can’t live without.
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