shaadee came to model for us at metier when the latest shipment of isabel marant came in. she looked awesome in the clothes and we had a great time playing dress up and shooting her in the alley behind the store. when we asked what she “did,” she proudly replied that she was recently “retired.” retired!?! after escaping life in the corporate design world (old navy, gymboree) shaadee has been enjoying a life of leisure at the ripe young age of 30. in a world where we’re all concerned with what’s new, what’s next, and “how the hell do i get rich and famous,” it’s bold and brave to sit back, relax, and watch the waves roll in. check out the documentation of her easy lifestyle plus art & fashion favorites on her blog, early retirement!
Name: Shaadee Mae Ighanian
Age: 30
Hometown: Mountain View, CA
Where are you right now? in my bed
What do you do? live a life of leisure. i quit my corporate design job 6 months ago [a few months shy of my 30th birthday] and i spent a month in hawaii, then went to mexico for a little while, in the in-between i learned how to skateboard, and ive been riding my bike a lot. I love to cook/bake, do my nails, sleep in, read, draw…and i started my blog…early retirement!
Where are you going? i suppose ill have to join the working masses someday, but i hope to maintain my leisurely state of mind and to do something i believe in with people i respect and admire.
What will you be doing when you get there? work, i guess.
How did you decide to go in this direction? $$$
Do you have any expectations? $$$ + true <3 = early retirement! well, in all seriousness id love to work for a company that values their employees and allows them to have a life outside of the workplace. id also love to be able to do a variety of different projects or consult/freelance to allow me to experience as many different environments/people/places as possible.
Are you excited? Nervous? Terrified? Thrilled? im excited about the future because it could be anything! i know it sounds corny but i really believe that anything’s possible…so that’s always exciting. i’m nervous ill have to settle in terms of work so that i can survive 
im terrified of a butter shortage or a world where donuts don’t exist…omg, or even worse, if god forbid i should find out i have a gluten allergy and the world continues to have donuts but i can no longer enjoy them im thrilled about endless possibilities.
What are you looking forward to? well i know its just starting to feel like fall but im already looking forward to summer again! i love warm weather, sunshine makes me feel full and happy, and i can be outside, and play and swim, and go to the beach…maybe ill just make it an eternal summer this year and head to the southern hemisphere for a few months…hmmm….
What are you scared of? missing my chance.
What happens if it doesn’t work out? i think it will 
What is the worst thing that could happen? duh, gluten allergy [see above]
What is the best thing that could happen? true love
Did you ever think you’d be where you are now? yes and no…its all a big fat journey and i feel like i took a wrong turn but luckily i realized it, learned a lot along the way, and now im just trying to get back on the freeway.
Have you ever felt like this before? yes
What are you leaving behind? tradition/conformity
What are you taking with you? love, friends, family, memories, and donuts!
What will you miss? people/my dog
What did your friends say when you told them? AWESOME SHAADZ!!!!
ARE YOU READY? hell ya!
Yes!!! Shaadee is the best!
love shaadee mae — early retirement is an inspiration to us all!!
I love Shaadee Mae’s style. The Marant shoot looks amazing!! And I love that she is taking a risk and not settling.