Meet Katy Allen of Nashville’s Artful Agenda
Nashville-based Katy Allen is helping us stay organized with her digital planning tool, Artful Agenda. Syncing family schedules just got a whole lot easier! Image: Amelia Moore
Originally from Arkansas, Katy Allen took her passion for planning to a whole new level — she founded Artful Agenda, a digital planner she launched in 2018 to blend the charm of paper planning with the convenience of a digital app. As a busy mom and business owner herself, Katy knows what it means to manage multiple calendars at once. Headquartered here in Nashville, her company empowers us to plan smarter, stay organized, and live more inspired lives. Get to know this week’s FACE of Nashville!
What inspired the idea for Artful Agenda?
I’ve always loved paper planners and how inspired they made me feel. I think many people can relate to the feeling of a “fresh start” with a new planner or notebook. I wanted that, but because of my husband’s busy touring schedule (Kris is a musician), I needed something digital that synced with Google Calendar. I looked and looked for an option, and when I couldn’t find anything that fit my needs, I decided to create Artful Agenda.
What prompted your love for paper planners, and how did that passion influence your business?
I’m not sure where my love of paper planners started, but I can trace it back to my elementary school days. My teacher, Mrs. Bryant, had all of us buy the same type of planner and then taught us how to use it. In my adult life, I’ve used planners from Kate Spade, Lilly Pulitzer, and Emily Ley. The layouts and fun cover designs were always my favorite parts, which is why I knew early on that for Artful Agenda, I wanted to offer a layout reminiscent of its paper counterparts with a variety of cover options.
As a mother of three with a traveling musician husband, how do you use Artful Agenda to manage your household and family schedules?
Artful Agenda syncs with major calendar platforms, which is huge for our family. For example, Kris uses Google Calendar for work, and our designer (we are remodeling our home) uses Apple Calendar. One of the best parts of Artful Agenda is that it syncs with both of them!
Beyond that, I use the ‘List’ tab a lot. I use it for grocery lists, packing lists, brain dumps, and so much more. I find it incredibly helpful that it’s housed in the same place as my calendar and not in another notebook, which I have found I use for a bit before I lose or discard it.
If you could give one piece of advice to other busy women looking to improve their planning and time management, what would it be?
Look for things you can eliminate, delay, or delegate. Oftentimes, we are doing too much. Trying to find ways to squeeze it all in can only get you so far. My goal is always to find ways to do less of some things in order to make space for the more important things.
What’s one thing people would be surprised to find out about you?
I’m not a particularly organized person! I think people probably assume that I am because I own a business centered on productivity and planning. My struggle to stay organized is part of why I love planners and started my own company.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Anger is teaching you something. Either something inside of you is off balance and needs to be addressed, or it’s telling you that a boundary is being crossed or you are being disrespected. Sometimes, it’s a combo of both. When I’m angry, I’ve learned to look for the lesson in it and ask myself, “What needs to change?”
Outside of faith, family, and friends, what three things can’t you live without?
Books (I’m a big reader), something exciting to plan for in the future (I love looking forward to things), and coffee (it’s my favorite part of every morning).
LIGHTNING ROUND
Most memorable recent meal in Nashville (where were you, and what did you have?) Kris and I had a pork dish at Miel that we still talk about! I can’t remember exactly what it was, but I know it was one of their specialties. It was to die for!
Favorite self-care product or treatment? I’m a big bath person! I live for a nice bath while reading a novel and listening to music.
What’s on your nightstand? A humidifier! We got over the flu not long ago.
Favorite hidden gem in Nashville? Star Bagel Cafe’s iced coffee. I tell everyone this — their cold brew iced coffee with half-and-half is, in my opinion, the best!
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Jenna von Oy Bratcher
Jenna von Oy Bratcher is StyleBlueprint's Associate Editor and Lead Nashville Writer. The East Coast native moved to Nashville almost two decades years ago, by way of Los Angeles. She is a lover of dogs, strong coffee, traveling, and exploring the local restaurant scene bite by bite.