Meet Autumn Washington

We were lucky to catch up with Autumn Washington recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Autumn, you’ve got such an interesting story, but before we jump into that, let’s first talk about a topic near and dear to us – generosity. We think success, happiness and wellbeing depends on authentic generosity and empathy and so we’d love to hear about how you become such a generous person – where do you think your generosity comes from?

My generosity stems from a deep-seated belief in kindness and the profound impact that even the smallest acts of giving can have. I truly believe that generosity is a language of love that transcends words, creating a ripple effect that touches lives in ways we may never fully comprehend.
My faith as a Christian is a cornerstone of this belief! Scripture teaches us that we are called to love and serve others, reflecting the grace and compassion that God so freely gives. I am inspired by the teachings of Christ, who demonstrated selfless giving and reminded us that it is more blessed to give than to receive.
I’ve been fortunate to witness and experience the transformative power of generosity—whether through the kindness of a stranger or the support of loved ones during challenging times. These moments have left an indelible mark on my heart, reminding me of the beauty and responsibility of paying it forward.
For me, generosity is more than an action; it’s a way of life, a reflection of gratitude for the blessings I’ve received, and a desire to be a vessel of hope and encouragement for others. In giving, I find fulfillment, purpose, and a deeper connection to the values I hold!

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

What an amazing experience this journey has been!!
Thank you for the opportunity to share my journey and passion with your readers. I am the founder of Autumn Washington Events & Lavender by Autumn, both firms are dedicated to creating exceptional experiences through ultra luxury experiences for the ultra-luxury bride! At the heart of what I do lies a deep commitment to artfully celebrating affection!
My story began with a lifelong love of design! Over time, this passion evolved into a professional endeavor that I am immensely proud of today. What excites me most about my work is the opportunity to connect with people, understand their unique needs and dreams, and bring those visions to life in ways that exceed their expectations.
For me, it’s not just about the end result—it’s about the journey, the trust built with clients, and the joy of seeing a vision come to fruition. One of the things that makes our work special is our ability to blend innovation with tradition, the personal touch we bring to every project, and or the transformative impact of our services.
Currently, I’m thrilled to share that we are expanding our reach with opening an office in the United Kingdom! These exciting developments reflect our growth and unwavering commitment to serving our clients in even more meaningful ways.
I hope readers will not only learn about what we do but also feel inspired by the passion and purpose that fuels the work of both firms, Autumn Washington Events and Lavender by Autumn.
Thank you for allowing me to share this with you—I look forward to continuing to make an impact in ways that matter.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Adaptability and Continuous Learning
o Why it was impactful: In a rapidly changing world, being flexible and eager to learn, opened doors to new opportunities and helped me navigate unexpected challenges with ease. By staying curious and continually upskilling—whether through online courses, workshops, or self-directed projects—I found myself better equipped to handle whatever came my way.
o How to develop it:
 Stay curious: Read widely, listen to podcasts, or watch expert webinars.
 Embrace new experiences: Volunteer for projects that push you outside your comfort zone.
 Reflect regularly: Keep a journal of lessons learned and identify how you can apply them moving forward.
5. Effective Communication
o Why it was impactful: Strong communication skills—both written and verbal—helped me share ideas more clearly, build stronger professional relationships, and collaborate effectively. Being able to articulate thoughts and listen actively also fostered trust and respect among colleagues and clients.
o How to develop it:
 Practice public speaking: Join groups like Toastmasters or seek out local meetups where you can hone presentation skills.
 Get feedback: Ask mentors or peers to critique your emails, presentations, or pitches.
 Focus on active listening: Pay attention to nonverbal cues and confirm your understanding by paraphrasing back to the speaker.
6. Resilience and Grit
o Why it was impactful: The ability to bounce back from setbacks and keep moving forward was crucial. Every journey has its share of obstacles, and resilience helped me persevere through challenges without losing sight of my goals.
o How to develop it:
 Set realistic goals: Break down your ambitions into manageable steps, celebrating small wins along the way to stay motivated.
 Build a support system: Surround yourself with mentors, peers, and friends who encourage you and offer perspective during tough times.
 Adopt a growth mindset: View failures as learning opportunities rather than personal shortcomings.
Advice for Early-Stage Professionals:
• Experiment and Explore: Don’t be afraid to try different roles or tackle diverse projects. Early in your journey, gaining a broad set of experiences can reveal your true interests and strengthen your adaptability.
• Seek Out Feedback: Constructive feedback—especially from mentors and peers you trust—is one of the fastest ways to improve. Embrace it as a tool for growth.
• Invest in Relationships: Networking and finding a community of like-minded individuals can fast-track your learning and open doors you didn’t know existed.
By focusing on adaptability, communication, and resilience—and actively working to improve these areas—you’ll be better positioned to navigate your career path successfully and seize opportunities that come your way.

Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?

When I start to feel overwhelmed, I try to slow down and create some mental space. Here are a few strategies that have helped me:
1. Pause and Breathe
o Why it helps: Taking even one minute to focus on slow, intentional breathing can calm your nervous system and clear your head.
o How to do it: Inhale deeply for a count of four, hold for a moment, then exhale slowly for a count of four (or longer).
2. Write It Down
o Why it helps: Offloading thoughts onto paper (or into a digital note) can help you see tasks and worries more objectively, making them feel more manageable.
o How to do it: Jot down everything that’s on your mind—tasks, deadlines, concerns, ideas—then categorize or prioritize.
3. Take Small Steps
o Why it helps: When tasks feel overwhelming, breaking them into smaller steps can help you make steady progress without feeling paralyzed by the big picture.
o How to do it: Identify one or two immediate, achievable actions to move forward, then celebrate those small wins to keep momentum going.
4. Set Healthy Boundaries
o Why it helps: Constantly saying “yes” to new commitments can quickly lead to burnout. Learning to gauge your capacity and honor it can prevent overload.
o How to do it: Practice politely declining tasks or delegating when possible, and carve out time for rest or personal activities.
5. Seek Support
o Why it helps: Talking through challenges with someone else can provide fresh perspective, reassurance, or even a practical solution you haven’t considered.
o How to do it: Reach out to a friend, mentor, colleague, or mental health professional. Share what’s on your mind, and ask for guidance if needed.
6. Schedule Breaks & Downtime
o Why it helps: Taking regular breaks helps prevent mental fatigue and allows for recharging—making you more effective in the long run.
o How to do it: Incorporate short “reset moments” throughout your day—like a quick stretch, a brisk walk, or simply stepping away from your work to recharge.
Ultimately, feeling overwhelmed can be a signal that you need to slow down, reset, and possibly adjust your priorities. By listening to that signal and giving yourself permission to pause, you can regain clarity and tackle your tasks more confidently.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://lavenderbyautumn.com
• Instagram: @lavenderbyautumn

Image Credits

Ruzin Cunningham – Wedding Photographer