[00:00:01] Opening + Intention

Robyn: We did it. We’re 3:00 p.m. on the dot. We are on time. We have an intro video.
Alexandra: Who are we? We just don’t have the new camera yet, but that’s close. Next one. Coming soon. Something to look forward to.
Robyn: All our fans and followers. Should we light us in as we talk about Whitespace today?
Alexandra: Oh my gosh, I’m almost a little nervous about what’s going to emerge. I think we’re in our own truth-telling white-space moment right now — there are some major things on the horizon that haven’t happened yet.
Robyn: Yeah. It’s cool for us to have these markers in time as we’re documenting this. You’re seeing things unfold in real time.
Alexandra: That’s the teaser. What should we light in today? What’s your intention with the brand-new Soul candle?
Robyn: I still have the wrapper on — let’s just do it. We don’t have anything to lose.
Alexandra: Is that the intention?
Robyn: That’s the intention. Nothing to lose. Nothing to lose. Everything to gain.

Alexandra: The Soul candle — custom made by Robyn James.
Robyn: Custom scent blend. Except now I think the flame isn’t going to hold — too much wick.
Alexandra: Maybe that’s part of it. Even the candle doesn’t want to hold the flame. The irony.
Robyn: Candle unlit, but intention still holding.

Alexandra: I’m lighting us in with: what do we have to lose? And the intention of honoring the in-between — the white space and the pauses.
Robyn: My tendency is to rush through. I see the vision, I see where I want things to go, and I want to be there already. But this is about patience and presence.
Alexandra: That smells really good. The in-between is a lot of that too — holding the vision while the flame isn’t fully lit yet. It’s about trusting, like you said: patience and presence.
Robyn: Keeping at it. Cheers to us doing it.

[00:04:20] Patience, Presence + Divine Timing

Robyn: This is episode five.
Alexandra: Actually six. We’ve been doing it a few months now.
Robyn: I’m proud of us. It’s interesting how divine timing works — when things move quickly and open effortlessly, it’s like you can just open the door and walk right through it.
Alexandra: Versus the doors you’ve been banging on for so long and they just won’t open.
Robyn: Exactly. I always pay attention to what feels aligned and effortless. Even when there’s effort, it still feels easeful.
Alexandra: And yet some things haven’t clicked into high gear — they just haven’t transpired yet.
Robyn: Yeah. This show, this space, holds both of us through transitions. It illuminates what we want, what we stand for, what we want to create and co-create. It’s not an accident.
Alexandra: Nothing’s an accident, even when my human brain gets annoyed.

[00:05:32] Consistency + The Creative Muscle

Robyn: You had someone reflect back to you — he’s trying to be a writer, writing thirty versions of something to practice for the big one, just to move the creative energy.
Alexandra: The consistency of showing up, even when it’s not your best work.
Robyn: Exactly. We’re in the process of creating our best work by showing up here and doing this. It’s like building a muscle. You don’t just pop out of the womb and go compete. You have to build your strength, get the reps in.
Alexandra: Humans hate that part. We just want it to be perfect from the start.
Robyn: Oh, the candle is staying lit. How beautiful. That’s the analogy — I thought it was a goner.

[00:06:44] Introducing Principle Four: Whitespace

Robyn: Episode five: Whitespace. Principle number four of the Twelve Principles of Beauty and Design that we’re unpacking in Form + Frequency.
Alexandra: If this is your first time watching, our intention isn’t to preach perfection but to reveal how these principles exist in everything — from the micro to the macro.
Robyn: Sacred geometry, frequencies, shapes — the same patterns guide everything from the human body to the cosmos.
Alexandra: When we talk about Whitespace or Proportion or Rhythm, it’s not about being the perfect designer or stylist. These are spiritual principles first.
Robyn: Beauty has this power to soothe the nervous system and help the body and mind feel safe and clear. We want to encourage people to be true to themselves — in their homes, fashion, branding, everything.
Alexandra: There are exceptions to every rule. Your version of Whitespace will look different from mine. We just want to write the permission slip to be authentic — while having us in your head saying, “This could be a little more proportionate.”

[00:08:52] Unique Expression + Authenticity

Robyn: That’s it. We came here to help people unlock their unique expression — not hinder it.
Alexandra: Not to pretend to be someone you’re not.
Robyn: Exactly. We see behind the story — in your brand, your home, your energy. We see sparks of what you want to create and help you bring that to life.
Alexandra: Everyone secretly desires to be seen in their uniqueness. No one really wants to look like everyone else.
Robyn: And yet we try. We compare, we replicate. But the real art is in uncovering what’s already there.
Alexandra: That’s the work. Not to copy an issue of Vogue or hire someone to make you perfect — it’s to translate beauty into something true.

[00:10:24] Honesty, Depth + Reflection

Robyn: It’s not easy to do this on yourself. That’s why I’m so grateful to have you as someone who holds up the mirror.
Alexandra: Same. And that’s what we’re doing here — being that mirror for everyone listening.
Robyn: Exactly.

[00:11:00] The In-Between Moments

Robyn: What I love about having you here right now is the in-between moments. We don’t have to schedule a two-hour coffee to catch up — we get the play-by-play as we pour coffee in the morning.
Alexandra: It’s those moments that are the most special — the pause, the white space that’s not planned or performative.
Robyn: It’s authentic. It’s coexistence. And it’s always at the most perfect time.

[00:12:24] Coexisting + Connection

Alexandra: I love coexisting with people. It’s in my Human Design — I’m not meant to live alone.
Robyn: You’ve been fighting that. Thinking independence means solitude.
Alexandra: Exactly. I’m independent regardless of who’s in my space. And it’s hailing right now.
Robyn: Perfect metaphor. The storm and the stillness.

[00:13:19] TribSisterhood + Real Relationship

Alexandra: Our relationship has evolved so fast because we’ve created community — almost tribal. Helping with groceries, meals, morale. It’s the simple moments.
Robyn: I need a lot of white space and alone time — but I don’t feel like I need to entertain you. It’s companionship that doesn’t require performance.

Robyn: I was thinking last night — I don’t even like the term “best friend.” You feel more like a sister.
Alexandra: That’s exactly it. A sister sees the good, bad, and ugly — the undone moments.
Robyn: Maybe that’s the invitation for everyone listening: where can you create more white space in your relationships? Let people see the undone, the no-makeup, the I-just-woke-up version.
Alexandra: Because otherwise you’re only letting them love a fraction of who you are.

[00:16:17] Letting Yourself Be Seen

Robyn: How much are you really letting someone in if you only show the fraction that’s polished?
Alexandra: That’s not your fullest expression.
Robyn: That might be my favorite thing that’s ever been said on this show.

[00:16:30] Shame, Perfectionism + Permission

Robyn: Shout-out to Aimee Murrell from Murell Design Co — she’s doing a series on “space shame.” She quoted Brené Brown: shame is selfish. Perfectionism is a defense mechanism. We judge ourselves — and others — before they even can.
Alexandra: To avoid the shame of being seen as messy or imperfect.
Robyn: Exactly. Which reminds me — the most shame I ever felt professionally was when I was twenty, working an internship for GlobalFest, and I missed one of our biggest sponsors on the printed brochure. Tens of thousands of copies. I was mortified.

[00:19:05] Trusting the Process

Alexandra: And yet — it’s weathering the storm, literally and figuratively. Trusting that even when things go wrong, life goes on.
Robyn: Exactly. For me, white space right now is trust. I left something I know, and I’m in the liminal. I just have to be patient, have faith, and show up.

[00:20:08] Whitespace as the Unsaid + the Undone

Robyn: White space is the unsaid, the unfilled, the undone. It’s what gives everything else room to resonate. It’s about allowing rest and reflection so meaning can arise.
Alexandra: We’re both in an in-between. And astrologically, of course — Mercury retrograde in Leo — a pause for reflection on authentic expression.
Robyn: Exactly. It’s no accident. We’re shifting identities — professionally, personally — preparing for major moves that haven’t yet happened.

[00:21:54] Say Less

Robyn: Even in design, we want to cram more in. I’m guilty of that in marketing — adding too many words. But often less is more.
Alexandra: Say less. That was going to be my phrase for today.
Robyn: Say less. Because we fill silence to prove, to avoid being misunderstood.
Alexandra: But whitespace — in words or life — is trust. The pause says, “I’ve already said enough.”

[00:23:59] Everyday Chaos + The Power of Space

Robyn: We hoard, we over-explain, we over-design — thinking more is better. But sometimes the brain just needs a yard between the houses.
Alexandra: Exactly — give everything a little fence, a little lawn. That’s whitespace.
Robyn: The hail’s turning to rain.
Alexandra: Roll with it. That’s why we film on the couch — come hang out, live in the mess, tell stories, share design tips, and let life happen.

[00:25:26] Visual Learning + Home Design

Robyn: I’m such a visual learner. That’s why we pull images — to make beauty tangible.
Alexandra: Let’s start with kitchens.

[00:26:00] Whitespace in the Kitchen

Alexandra: A kitchen should be one of the most minimal spaces. There’s so much activity — it needs grounding. Hide the clutter. Build-ins for the fridge, concealed coffee bar, everything functional.
Robyn: The kitchen is where white space is hardest — but most needed. When it exists, I want to cook. I can move faster because everything’s where it belongs.

[00:27:32] Systems + Intentional Design

Alexandra: Hire a designer. The kitchen is the heart of the home — optimize it. Create systems that actually function for your life.
Robyn: That’s the difference between accidental white space and intentional white space. Design for it. Build systems that create calm instead of chaos.

[00:29:59] Minimalism, Warmth + Texture

Alexandra: White space doesn’t mean sterile. It’s about tone, texture, and warmth — fireplaces, stone, glass, wood. Minimal, but still alive.
Robyn: Exactly. The purpose of whitespace is to guide the eye — too much noise creates confusion. The brain needs hierarchy to feel safe.

[00:36:05] Editing, Essence + Design Truths

Robyn: It takes work to pare things down. To choose what truly serves the story and let the rest fall away.
Alexandra: Know the rules so you can break them.
Robyn: Exactly.

[00:37:23] Minimalism as Meditation

Alexandra: Minimalism is meditation in form. Quiet creates contemplation. When the room breathes, you can breathe.
Robyn: Intentionality is everything. Your version of whitespace will look different from mine, but when it’s thoughtful, you feel it.

[00:39:11] Fashion + The Art of Space

Robyn: Let’s talk fashion. The picture on the left — the exposed neck — that’s white space. Surrender. Presence.
Alexandra: The neck is vulnerability. It’s beauty in openness.
Robyn: Exactly. It’s proportion, story, expression. What do you want to leave as white space on your body?

[00:42:23] Minimalism vs. Maximalism

Robyn: You can still be maximalist with whitespace — and minimalist with clutter. They’re not the same thing.
Alexandra: It’s about intention, hierarchy, focus. What’s the story you want to tell?

[00:43:23] Style Evolution

Alexandra: Since meeting you, my style has changed. I used to over-accessorize — now I value breathing room.
Robyn: Same. Great jeans, a tailored blazer, statement pieces. Less choice, more clarity.

[00:44:52] Whitespace in Branding

Robyn: In branding, whitespace creates clarity. Without margins or padding, your message can’t breathe.
Alexandra: Humans respond to beauty principles instinctively — we just feel better when things have space.

[00:47:49] Design Hierarchy + Communication

Robyn: When you try to tell me everything, I get nothing. White space guides attention.
Alexandra: Exactly. Say less — let the eyes rest.

[00:52:00] The Soul of Whitespace

Robyn: Silence is a sensory experience — it gives the soul space to catch up.
Alexandra: And sometimes we’re forced into that silence to make big decisions.

[00:53:00] Trademark Issues

Robyn: I have a pending trademark in both the U.S. and Canada for my brand name — and there may be issues. Negotiations, maybe a rebrand. After months of work and stepping into my media founder identity, it feels frustrating.
Alexandra: You don’t have to make a move yet. This is a pause — a test of faith and discernment.
Robyn: I know. It’s God saying, “Hold up.”

[00:58:02] Surrender + Perspective

Alexandra: This is making you anchor in. Either you fight for the name, or you explore something new. It’s reflection, not failure.
Robyn: Even chaos shapes character. It’s not the easy path, but it’s the right one.

[01:00:07] Patience + Trust

Alexandra: Change forces perspective. It takes you down a new street — you see something beautiful you would’ve missed.
Robyn: Exactly. And when we create space, the right things fill it.

[01:03:36] Leaving Room for Miracles

Robyn: We fear letting go — of clothes, relationships, identities — but white space makes room for miracles.
Alexandra: You have to plant the seed and trust that God will water it too.

[01:04:59] Current Obsessions

Robyn: My obsession: Adidas Sambas. Functional, timeless, comfortable — they go with everything.
Alexandra: Mine: Le Labo Bergamote 22. It’s my fire perfume — activates my Leo energy. You know it when you smell it.

[01:06:55] Reflection Prompt + Closing

Robyn: Reflection prompt: Where in your life are you mistaking noise for nourishment? And what might happen if you let things be a little quieter?
Alexandra: That’s what we all need — a sacred pause.
Robyn: Stay cool, my friends.
Alexandra: Stay cool. Say less.
Robyn: Have a beautiful rest of your week.
Alexandra: We’ll see you in two weeks.