Talk Shop: Bradley Agather Means // Luella & June
Photo by Jen Burner
ABOUT BRADLEY
Bradley Agather Means is the founder of Luella & June, one of our favorite lifestyle blogs, and Bisette Co., the ultra luxe Texas-based personal gifting service that serves as a quiet authority on creative gift solutions for even the most discerning of recipients. A former magazine editor, Bradley has a well trained eye and loves the thrill of the hunt. She is an avid traveler with a passion for art and delicious food, and is a girl after our own hearts – which is why Ariel and Bradley bonded immediately through Instagram, when they were both approximately one million weeks pregnant. Bradley collects beautiful books and considers pink peonies and peanut M&Ms to be two of life’s greatest pleasures – which is why we love her so.
Describe your style in three words or less:
Classic and feminine, with a twist.
What have been the three biggest influences on your aesthetic in your life:
What hasn’t? I’m inspired daily by the people I meet, the books I read, the posts I double-tap. My aesthetic is constantly evolving.
How did you start your company, and what is your favorite thing about what you do:
Luella & June began solely as a creative outlet. I never could have imagined that it would become a full-time job. It was and always will be a place for me to share the things I love.
In the last year, with my partner Eden Delaune, I launched a luxury gifting service called Bisette. We specialize in wedding registry consultation along with personal and corporate gift selections. Like the blog, it’s another outlet for me to track down and share cool discoveries with others.
Simply put, I love the thrill of the hunt. It’s my favorite part of the job.
Do you have a mentor in your career, and if so, how have they helped to shape your trajectory:
First and foremost, my mother. She has been a banker at J.P. Morgan for over forty years. She set the tone for what it looks like to work hard and really love your job.
Secondly, Taylor Tomasi Hill. She was my very first boss when I worked at Teen Vogue. She’s brilliant and one of the most creative people I know. I loved working for her. It was really the first moment that I knew that I wanted to edit.
What does your home say about you:
I think there’s no greater compliment than when someone says, “Your house is so you.” That means I’m doing it right. My home is colorful, warm, and a constant work in progress – which pretty much sums me up, too.
Where do you find inspiration:
Everywhere. Books, movies, art, you name it. These days, Instagram is a major source of inspiration for me.
Who are your style icons:
Aerin Lauder, Lauren Santo Domingo, and “Marge Sherwood” (Gwyneth Paltrow’s character from The Talented Mr. Ripley).
What are your key ingredients for entertaining:
A relaxed hostess is key. The guests take their cues from the hostess. If she appears stressed out, the guests will be, too. Cocktails are important as well!
Do you collect anything:
Dishes. I absolutely love beautiful plates. I’m constantly hunting them down at auctions.
What are you working on right now:
A top-secret holiday project for Bisette. (You heard it here first!)
Wardrobe staples:
A striped t-shirt, my navy blazer from Blazé Milano, Chanel ballet flats, and a pair of straight-leg cropped denim (currently: the Riley style from AGolde).
Best interior advice you ever received:
Don’t neglect your ceiling! Consider it another surface space in the room and be thoughtful about it. A painted ceiling can really transform the room.
Favorite places to shop for home:
Dallas has some really amazing shops for home. I love Blue Print and Amy Berry Home. Online, I’m constantly stalking Chairish and Live Auctioneers.
Most prized possession and why:
A vintage Cartier tank watch. My husband gave it to me on the day that my son was born.
Take Ten: My Favorite…
Food: French fries
Drink: Vodka martini (extra, extra dry) with cocktail onions
Film: Sabrina
Hotel: Hotel il Pellicano
City: Dallas
Bedding: A mix of Leontine Linens and Hill House Home
Tea or Coffee (and how do you take it): Iced latte with an extra shot of espresso and cashew milk
Playlist: Anything from DJ Lucy Wrubel
Weekend Activity: Tennis followed by a lunch date with my son and husband
Design Book: I can’t pick just one!
