Meet Jill Livingston | Founder + Creative Director

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jill Livingston and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jill, do you have any habits that you feel contribute to your effectiveness?
I am a creature of change, not habit. Things don’t stay constant in my world, from clothing design to hairstyles, bucket-list travel, to interior design. That has served me well in my career. It is really important to me that the company and our brand never become stagnant. With ever-changing trends phasing in and out on social media, I am so thankful that we are always finding ways to reinvent our event landscape. As much as we want to be inspired, we want our clients to be inspired, so we push them to not replicate what they are seeing on social. We pull from our own inspirations in travel, fashion, interior design, and our best inspiration of all: nature. Pulling and creating from these outlets keep us moving forward in a fresh way, and that comes instinctually.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My business coach used to always say to me, “What sets you apart from others is what’s between your ears”. My brain, my imagination, my travels, my experiences, my perspective, my eye for design is all what sets me apart. It’s uniquely mine. In art, it’s not right or wrong. Luckily, it has served me well and it’s why I continue to pull from the influences + passions in my life. I am proud to say that my intuition has guided me along every step, even when I didn’t know where I was going. The same still rings true. I don’t always know the end destination but I have confidence to follow my intuition to get there. It is exciting to think about what is still to come.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I live in a pretty special lake community that is a little off the grid but not too far from Downtown We’d have to start (and end) the week there, to disconnect and take in the mountain views from the boat on our lake. Eating crab legs and drinking ice-cold champagne. A quick trip to the city is on the bucket list so we can have at least one dinner in town at my favorite restaurant, Domo, a Japanese farmhouse. You feel transported to another place which sets the imagination in motion. Surely a vacation will be planned over dinner. A nightcap at Union Station’s Cooper Lounge is always a must. Espresso Martinis on order!

I certainly wouldn’t shy away from a road trip to the mountains or camping by a river. Something remote where we can cook over the fire and listen to the river without seeing anyone for days. Or maybe we take the train from Denver to Glenwood, sitting in the observation deck (and yes, sneaking in a bottle of wine to enjoy while taking in the views).

Coming home and smelling like the campfire is the perfect end to much needed time away with a friend. But one last stop at the Performing Arts Complex or Art Museum will give us a taste of culture before heading back out on the water to catch a last sunset.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Although the name Eclectic Hive was initially referencing our inventory, it has evolved to speaking about our work family that has supported my vision over the last 12 years. We come from many different backgrounds from education to passions, cultures and beliefs. Every person who has touched this organization has imprinted on me in some way. The dedication not only to the project but to each other still astounds me. My right hand, Nicholas Patterson, needs personal recognition as he has been my guide through nine of our twelve years. He allows me the space to dream big and sometimes fall flat, with encouragement to do it all over again until we make some magic. Everyone needs a Nick by their side.

And equally as important in my story, is a thank you larger than words to my husband and my nine year old son. Working in the wedding business is extremely taxing on your time, emotions and sometimes heart so coming home with the weight of that is a hard thing to put on anyone. These two incredible humans give me the unspoken permission that I need to fulfill my personal passions that co-exist with my family time and obligations. I am beyond grateful.

Website: www.eclectichive.com

Instagram: @eclectichive

Image Credits
First Three Images: Carrie King Photography Fourth Photo: Jose Villa Fifth Photo: Alp + Isle Sixth Photo: photographer unknown Seventh Photo: Erich McVey