Making the time to travel while having a career that requires you to stay put is something many strive for. But for Meredith Louis, she’s figured out a way to make it work. As an intellectual property (IP) and technology lawyer, she advises clients on licensing and commercializing assets as well as on legal issues relating to the Internet, social media and mobile apps. As an avid traveler, she’s a meticulous decorator filling her apartment with tangible memories from her various trips.
Originally hailing from the city of Austin (Meredith still considers herself a Texan despite living in New York for about 10 years now), she studied Art History in college, and enrolled in law school with her mind set on starting a career that focused on legal issues in the art world. But after taking her first IP course, she was hooked. We caught up with Meredith (and her gorgeous pup, Turkey) at her apartment on the Lower East Side where she shared with us her thoughts on meditation, the very sweet story behind her favorite piece of jewelry, and why everyone should own a Potcake.
What is your “urban island,” that oasis in the big city that helps you find balance?
My apartment feels like a bit of an oasis to me. It gets a ton of light and sits just above the tree line overlooking a small park, which almost makes me forget that I’m in the city when I’m there. Until I remember that it’s only 700 square feet and there’s a bike in the entry hall.
What is your favorite adventure?
Traveling. I love feeling like a foreigner, far, far away from home.
If you were an island, which one would you be?
Turks & Caicos, because that’s where I met (and adopted) the love of my life, my dog, Turkey (sorry James!). He’s a Potcake, an adorable island mutt. They are all over the Caribbean, and there’s a wonderful organization in Providenciales called Potcake Place that rescues them off the streets and finds homes for them.
If you were a city, which one would you be?
Istanbul. It has such great history, culture, art and food.
What are your five island essentials?
Am I stranded on the island or just visiting? Definitely my dog, my husband and a hat, either way. If I’m stranded, I’d throw in a fishing pole and a boat. If I’m just visiting, then a book and an iPhone full of good music.
What work/life balance trend do you think is the most underrated?
Does having a glass of wine (or two…) with dinner count? That’s definitely my go-to cure for a stressful day at work. And I have lots of them, which works out well for my local wine store.
What work/life balance trend do you think is the most overrated?
Meditation… I know so many people who swear by it, but I just don’t get it. Which probably means I’m not doing it right.
What was the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
It’s ok to say no (cliché, I know, but also really good advice!).
What was the best piece of advice you’ve ever given?
Adopt a Potcake. They’re the best!
We believe all jewelry tells a story. What is the story behind your favorite piece of jewelry?
My mom’s mother had such amazing jewelry, it’s hard to pick just one. My grandfather traveled overseas a lot, and (probably out of guilt) always brought back amazing jewelry for my grandmother. After one trip to Africa, he had a necklace made for her out of boar tusks. I wore it on my wedding day. It’s pretty spectacular—it has little gold African animals walking across the tusks and a gold lion’s head pendant hanging from the center.
Get Meredith’s look with the Nenita Double Trail Cuffs and the Lake Twist Bar Necklace.
Shot in Meredith’s home in New York, NY. Photos by KR’s Tracy Dungo. Follow Tracy on Instagram at @tracydungo.
What’s your urban island? Tag @kalakiriot on Instagram and use the hashtag #myurbanisland for a chance to be featured on our site.
Tracy Dungo
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