For our 2nd week of our new series '2022, It's Nice To Meet You' we chat to Merci Maison Co-Founder, Jade Yarbrough. Launched earlier this year, Merci Maison has quickly gained momentum through its curated selection of furniture, lighting & homewares. 2022, will see the brand expand further across more categories & custom work including extending their beloved tableware offering, watch this space!

We chatted to Jade about her love for a physical diary, her top organisation tips, the learnings she is taking from 2021 & what she is most looking forward to 'meeting' in 2022.

Name:  Jade Yarbrough 

Occupation: Interior Designer and co-founder of Merci Maison

Pronouns: she/her

Traditional Place Name:  We live on the land of the Gadigal and Birrabirragal people, the traditional custodians of the land.

What are you most looking forward to ‘meeting’ in 2022?

To travel again and be able to go on sourcing trips around the world. After the last couple of years, that feels like a very distant memory. We have just launched a vintage category online, so I’m looking forward to being able to travel to procure (in person) some really beautiful pieces from international markets. 

I am also looking forward to being able to reset and spend some time in nature – being able to slow down - before heading back into the hustle bustle of it all.

And most of all, spending more time with family! 

Reflecting back on 2021, what is something you have learnt that you will take through to 2022?

Resilience.  This year as for so many presented its own unique challenges – not least of which launching a business during a global pandemic – and so I learnt to not be afraid to ask for help. And underpinning both of those – striving for balance, that it is important to switch off at times. 

What is one personal, professional or financial goal you will be tracking in your 2022 diary?

I love to plan my to-do list every day, it keeps me on track. 

When I am busy it’s the one investment of time I make that helps to keep me focused and sets an intention, helps me to feel organised and gives me a benchmark so I know I am getting through everything. 

For me, it’s about setting smaller goals each day and checking back in to see what I have achieved. It feels less overwhelming and definitely keeps me sane during those busy weeks.

How many years have you been using an An Organised Life Diary?

Probably since you first started! I’ve always been obsessed with having a diary or daily planner and handwriting my to -do lists. There is such satisfaction in writing it all down, not to mention ticking it all off too! 

What 2022 diary did you pick & why did you choose that style?

I like to plan my to-do list each day, which is why I chose the A4 daily planner. I have always opted for a silver or gold engraving so have tried something different this year with the de-bossed black monogramming. 

Talk us through that feeling when you first unboxed your new AOL 2022 Diary? What did you notice? 

Fresh!!!!! The crisp feeling of the pages, and the smell and quality of the leather. The excitement and anticipation of a new year, new experiences, new accomplishments.  There’s nothing quite like starting a fresh diary!

What is your favourite feature in your 2022 diary & how will it help you stay organised?

Definitely the daily planner, for the reasons I mentioned earlier. I also love using the goals section and taking time to reset and write these out for the new year. It’s been something I’ve really loved to do since a young age and looking back. 

You often forget how far you have come and how much you have achieved in the year. I find quite often you’ve achieved more than you think. 

It’s a gentle reminder to celebrate the wins, big or small and realise your milestones instead of constantly chasing the next big goal or target. 

What are the top 3 ways you organise your life?

1. Write my daily to-do list before I start my work day or any meetings 
2. Blocking out time in my calendar (to prioritise and meet deadlines)
3. Exercising, even if its just a walk in the morning. It makes me so much more productive and clear headed for the day

What are 3 things in your wellbeing toolkit? 

1. Exercise 
2. 20-min Guided Meditation 
3. Swimming

What are your current desk essentials? 

AOL Diary, music, water, measuring tape and Astier de Villatte incense 

Top WFH organisation hack?

Switch up your working spot! If you’re not feeling as motivated or as attentive as you’d like to be - sometimes it just takes a fresh perspective.  

Get ready for 2022. Start HERE by exploring our 2022 Collection & shop Jade's favourite diary HERE.

Photography by Rachel Yabsley from The Fourth Creative

Follow Merci Maison HERE & Founder Jade HERE  | Shop Merci Maison HERE