follow friday: @yesterdayssweetheart

name // Emily Benziger

age // 25 today!

location // Tucson, AZ

occupation // office manager by weekday, founder of Fine Life Co. the rest of the time!

you may know her as @yesterdayssweetheart, but we think she should be known as every's sweetheart! emily has the most adorable, classic style, perfect hair, and the best taste in everything from home decor to lip and nail colors! it's no wonder she's started up her own online shop providing quality and unique items to admirers like us! it was so fun getting to know her through this q+a, read on to learn about this darling and how you can shop her shop!

1 // Happy birthday! What are your hopes for your 25th year? 

Thank you! This year really marks a milestone for me and I feel like it's going to be a busy one with the new business. I hope to enjoy this time, have fun and hopefully be successful! Aside from the business aspect, I hope to have a healthy, happy year and maybe take a trip to San Francisco with my boyfriend, David at some point (I need a vacation!)

2 // When I first started following you, I remember you were one of the firsts to strut the Peter Pan collar. What trends are you into right now? 

Oh man! I was a full supporter of the collar look- although looking back now, I really don't think it worked on me, ha! My style is ever-changing, but as I'm "getting older" I'm really finding a more simplistic, comfortable look suits me best. Favorite wears have to be anything linen, oversized tops, thrifted boyjeans, midi skirts, high-waisted everything, etc- paired with a comfy pair of clogs.  I've been representing FLCO as much as I can, so you can usually find me in pieces made by the talented designers I'll be carrying; such as Hackwith Design House and Elizabeth Suzann. I think buying handmade/Made in USA is very popular right now, with good reason! Good, quality products are high on my priority list.

3 // Tell us the story behind your new online business! 

The idea of owning an online shop stems back to years of working in retail. During that time, e-commerce made a name for itself and I really wanted to be a part of it's growth. I loved the idea of consumers being able to shop from anywhere at anytime- including me! So I went to college and got a degree in Fashion Merchandising, as well as several certificates in the business/management field. With that and lots of endless daydreaming, Fine Life Co became a reality. 

Fine Life Co is a clothing, accessories and home goods shop based around the concept of new, found and made. The new and made sections includes quality clothing, bags, candles, jewelry and more. Many of the items available are made in the United States and/or are exclusive through collaborations with talented individuals and brands. The fact that I've been lucky enough to work with some of the people I most admire is incredible! The found section is composed of clothing and goods foraged in Arizona from beautiful ceramics and vintage clothing- Arizona has some of the best thrifting!

4 // Where do you hope your new business will take you?

Someday, I'd love for the business to be something I can put my sole focus on. Right now, I like to think of it as a creative outlet for me to bring things I enjoy to others- whether that be a new handmade garment, or a found item with a story behind it. I'm excited that the site will open up a lot of doors in the creative field for me; working alongside some great companies and designers, going on buying trips to find the perfect inventory and styling endless shoots for the site (one of my favorite things to do). 

5 // What's are some of your favorite items in your shop? 

These links won't be live until Monday so make sure to check back or take a look at our instagram @finelifeco! The Tucson Market Bag is a special collaboration to me and one of my favorite items (find your city here). My favorite clothing items is my collaborative Hackwith Design Ollie top and Elizabeth Suzann Marlena top in Ivory Noil (the prettiest textured silk fabric). I stack all of these rings on different fingers and wear them every day! This jewelry dish was made by a friend in San Francisco and holds all of your little odds and ends perfectly! Last but not least, I love that I could include some pieces made by myself to include in the shop; including this copper bar necklace (more sizes and colors available on site).

6 // What are you currently jamming to? 

I can't put down Oh Honey's ep, With Love. My favorite tracks are one and two, but all four are SO good!

7 // Spill it, I want to know your secret to your beautiful skin.

Ah! I think I have finally solidified a regime and the products that keeps my sensitive skin at bay! First off, the clarisonic is my hero. I use Cetaphil's cleanser everyday, as well as Boots cleanser (in my shower) and their eye make-up remover (which I saw Kaitlin uses both as well here), followed by Cerave's pm lotion. Although pricey, I haven't found a better match than Tarte's BB Cream to my skin that keeps it from breaking out. I've been meaning to try Kaitlin's sugar scrub in the link above- sounds like the perfect exfoliant! 

8 // What inspires you? 

EVERYTHING! Literally. I can see the most random thing and be inspired by it, whether it's the colors, texture, composition, etc. Of course my friends and family are huge inspirations in my life. Music, Movies and print. Also, I'm an avid pinner on Pinterest and find endless inspiration for style, spaces and diys. 

9 // Birthday wish???? 

Tomorrow and Sunday I'll be selling select items from the shop at a local event called the Spring Bazaar. My birthday wish is for smooth sailing through this busy weekend and even smoother on Monday for the launch! Oh, and GOOD FOOD!

check out her instagram --->> here!
or some of her photos down here --->>

thank you emily for being part of our follow friday feature!

check out her shop (coming may 5) --->> here!

x's + o's
chelsea diane & kaitlin elaine