A designer’s favorite things.

The best-of-the-best books, gear, software, and tools. Plus the wellness goodies that keep me calm and creative.

Here’s what I read and use myself, and regularly recommend to clients and friends.

Shavaun avatar for her favorite things

Books

Shavaun’s Favorite Things, Book: Who Not How

An empowering read that changed my perspective on how to tackle even the biggest goals.

Shavaun’s Favorite Things, Book: The Psychology of Money

A grounding book that explores wealth, greed, and fiscal satisfaction.

Shavaun’s Favorite Things, Book: The 12 Week Year

A practical productivity model for ambitious entrepreneurs.

Shavaun’s Favorite Things, Book: Profit First

Money management made easy. Great for solopreneurs and small business operators.

Gear

Shavaun’s favorite podcast mic.

Shure MV7 Microphone

This mic is legit. Even my podcast editor asked. “Your voice quality is already good,” he said.

Shavaun’s favorite tripod phone stand.

62″ Phone Tripod

Fits easy in a bag or carry on. Convenient and compact. Too compact; I keep losing it.

Shavaun’s favorite dslr camera.

Canon EOS 6D Mark II

My workhorse. Flip screen and Bluetooth connectivity come in handy for self-recording.

Software

Shavaun’s favorite cloud storage solution, Dropbox.

Dropbox

My internal hard drive would implode without this. Go-to cloud storage.

Shavaun’s favorite e-commerce email service provider, Omnisend

Omnisend

Email provider for emerging e-commerce brands. Lower cost, smart automations. Get 30% off.

Shavaun’s favorite testimonial app, Testimonial.to

Testimonial.to

Collect and display client testimonials, easy. Get 15% off your first year.

Candles & Fragrance

The undercurrent to my creative flow.

Shavaun's favorite Spoken Flames candle, Always Bet on You

Spoken Flames Always Bet on You Candle

Bold, smoky fragrance. I concept’d this directly with our fragrance house. Notes of tobacco, sweet orange and charred clover for a touch of luck.

Shavaun’s favorite essential oil diffuser, Vitruvi

Vitruvi Stone Diffuser

Neutral, sturdy. Home décor staple. But, what’s inside? 20 drops eucalyptus, 10 Cedarwood Himalayan. My secret blend.

Shavaun’s favorite candle, Fearless Candle by Spoken Flames

Spoken Flames Fearlss Candle

Orange, cedarwood, and a hint of clove spice. A best-seller loved by New York Magazine (and Oprah).

Shavaun’s Favorite Flamingo Estate Candle

Flamingo Estate Agrigento Olive Tree Candle

Fresh, herbal, green. Take me to the Mediterranean garden.

Shavaun’s favorite things, Lore Fragrances’ Somewhere But Nowhere

LORE Somewhere But Nowhere

Soulful brand that lives up to its lore. Spicy, creamy, woody. I’m wearing this right now.

Shavaun’s favorite things, Necessaire Body Wash with Eucalyptus.

Nécessaire The Body Wash, Eucalyptus

I use this pre-shower for lymphatic massage. Sets calm before the shower, where my best ideas form.

Shavaun’s favorite things, Aesop Hand Wash, Resurrection Aromatique

Aesop Resurrection Aromatique Hand Wash

Woody, herbaceous. You’re seeing the trend here. A deep inhale with every restroom pause.

Disclosure: All opinions are my own, based on the products and services I personally use and recommend. Some, not all, links on this page are affiliate links. I may earn a small commission (at no cost to you). Offers are accurate at the time of posting and may change at the company’s discretion.

Sensory candles for more mindful self-care.

Candle craftsmanship with a designer’s touch (yep, that’s me!).

The Airbnb of photography.

My review of Peerspace is one of the most read articles on my site. The platform is my go-to for product shoots. Great range, equipment and spaces for every vision.

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