I’ve put off writing this post for a while. I get emails on a weekly basis asking for career advice, and honestly, I’ve just not felt adequate enough to answer. But, I figure, maybe you’re just wanting to know my experience and not specific advice for your career path. I can do that.
How I Got Started. . . .
I actually went about it backwards and started my blog first, which grew into my design business. I thought about design all of the time and what I could do to make my own house look better. So, on a whim, I decided to start blogging about things I liked and ideas I wanted to remember. Never in my wildest dreams did I think thousands of people would actually want to read it every day. The Internet is a funny thing.
The only “experience” I had was a stint as a design consultant at Ethan Allen for a while before I became a full-time mommy. They hired me based on my sales experience, and I had the good fortune of working for a store manager and visual manager who took the time to teach me lots (how to pair patterns together, how to do floor plans, even how to pronounce the names of certain pieces of furniture. . .). It was a crash course in design, and I loved it. I didn’t love the hours of working retail but it gave me experience working with real clients, going into their homes and listening to what they wanted.
Work for Free. . . .At First
When I decided that I would start working for myself (almost) two years ago, I basically just put myself out there. I honestly just hoped to get two (non-family/non-friend clients) within the first three years. (I’m not a great goal-setter. . .) I worked really hard on my house, knowing that it would be my best portfolio. And, I volunteered my services to a few friends, making them swear I could post the progress on my blog. It was great practice and gave the illusion that “real people” actually thought I was good and reliable.![[Rash+Family+Room.jpg]](http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_aDSsKvJu0xE/S3ACEuX8KlI/AAAAAAAAA58/GINzXwhRh50/s1600/Rash%2BFamily%2BRoom.jpg)
(One of the first idea boards I did for a friend.)
Setting Your Rates
When I actually started charging, my rates were low and I made no money. I think the specific price you set has to be a personal decision. It should be competitive with other designers in your area to a point, but it’s really a personal decision based on your experience, demand and ultimately, what your time is worth. A wise designer once told me that your hourly rate should also take into account the time you spend getting ready, driving there, paying a sitter and ultimately being away from your family. If you’re making zero profit and working non-stop when you could be spending time with your family instead, you might want to reevaluate.
The other thing I’ve had to learn is that hiring a designer is a luxury, not a necessity. Your time, your ideas and your input are worth something. It’s not your obligation to work for every single person who asks for help with their home. The client/designer relationship has to be a mutually beneficial one. And, most likely, you’ll be more excited and interested in those projects that you feel are worth your time and effort.
Blogging: My Best Business Tool
I didn’t have any specific marketing plan when I started, but it turns out my blog—more than anything else—has been beneficial to growing my business. I’ve done no local advertising, yet most of my clients come directly through the blog. Blogging is almost a side business—definitely not an afterthought at the end of the day, but I do love it. The great thing about a blog—compared to just a web site—is that it’s an on-going display of your work and style, mixed with a good dose of your personality. It can give a potential client a good idea of what it will be like to work with you and if they feel you’ll “mesh” (style and personality-wise) before the project ever starts.
Besides blogging, I would strongly encourage you to have an online presence on Facebook and Twitter. Some of the best opportunities and exposure I’ve received have come through online relationships I’ve made through these outlets. Even if it seems like it some days, it’s not a waste of your time in the long run.
Back to School?
This is the question I get the most by far. Should you go back to school? It’s 100% completely a personal decision, but for me, it just wasn’t part of the plan. I don’t even think my school offered a degree in Interior Design, and if they had, I probably wouldn’t have been interested at the time. I got my degree in Public Relations and it hasn’t been such a bad thing. A huge part of growing your own business centers around PR/marketing and my mind is constantly spinning with ways I can get the word out.
I’ve said this before, but I think you either “know” design (even if you don’t know all of the terms/methods/history/etc.) or you don’t. I think there are certain things you can learn, but at the end of the day, we each have our own sense of style and a sense of what works and what doesn’t. I think a lot of people assume school (a design degree) will give them credibility. And, it probably will. Will it give you complete confidence when you hit the working world? Probably not.
I remember feeling like I could literally throw up in the bushes before I went into my first client’s home when I worked at Ethan Allen. It actually went really well, but it’s just that fear of the unknown. I’m not sure a degree from a design school would’ve made me feel any differently in that situation.
Have I ever had a client ask me about my degree prior to hiring me? Once. They asked, I told them. That was that. Again, this goes back to the blogging thing. . . It’s a great way to show what you can do, regardless of what your degree is in. Technically, I’m a decorator and not a designer, and I’m good with that. And, my clients seem to be, too.
Balance (or Lack Thereof)
This is the second-most asked question I get. How do I run a business, blog and be a mommy all at once? Well, I try to be pretty real with you because I’m not a fan of those who aren’t just to make the rest of us feel bad. So, go back and read my post here, and you’ll know I struggle. Oh, and just to make you feel better, you may like to know that my house is a mess 98% of the time, I do laundry at the last possible minute and we eat a lot of cereal and grilled cheese. Feel better?
“Live and Learn”
If I were going to have a motto for my business over the last two years, that would be it. Ask those around me, I say it during and after every project. Starting any business is, after all, a huge learning curve. Hopefully, each project I work on looks better and goes more smoothly than the last.
There have been tears, sleepless nights and several stressful moments, but the excitement of seeing where this is all going outweighs that for me. I’ve learned that it’s very little about glamour and a whole lot about being able to keep up with 384 details all at the same time. It can make me feel crazy, but it also makes me feel giddy. I love that I never know what the next week will bring my way.
I guess the bottom line is to just try. If this is what you want to do, then as with anything else, quit being scared and see what happens. That, my faithful readers (who have made it to the end of this way too long post), is my career advice in a nutshell. I hope this has helped to answer some of your questions.
Would love to hear any other thoughts you have on starting your own business. . .
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Emily, you are right, you either have it or you don’t – and you my dear, certainly do ;) Your success story is an inspiration to many. Thank you for taking the time to write this.
Emily – this is EXACTLY what I wanted to know, so thanks for writing it! No one can tell you how to start your own business or what path to take, but it’s nice to hear how someone else (who has become successful) did it. Thanks much and congrats on the results of your personal talent and hard work!!
what a lovely inspiring post. I too have been struggling with my corporate life and am desperate to try something creative…
I don’t think this was long at all. Thanks for giving such a great summary of how you got here, and not leaving out the messy parts :). I think we all need to be reassured that perfection is not reality.
I don’t think this was long at all. Thanks for giving such a great summary of how you got here, and not leaving out the messy parts :). I think we all need to be reassured that perfection is not reality.
Emily, such great advice. Thanks so much for sharing this. You deserve all the success in the world.
No fear! It’s hard not to have fear, but you just absolutely have to try something to know if you can do it. Regrets are for the birds. I’m gearing up to start my own business when my Peeps goes to school in the next couple years (not decorating), and so many of you awesome girls have led by example of how blogging can be a successful way to build an audience….so thanks! For your example and your wisdom and your entertainment. XOXO
Baylor Says…
Emily, It was comforting reading your post today. I’m at the very beginning of this venture and I’m still experiencing the “I can do this/No I can’t!” feelings. Thanks for passing on your experiences!
Well said Emily :)
Emily, thanks so much for sharing on this topic. You give me hope! I am a civil engineer who realized I hated that field, and now I’m home with my son, starting a design-related blog and hoping someday to be able to help others with decorating their homes. Sometimes I doubt I can start a “real business” without a design degree so I feel very encouraged reading your advice…
Emily, thank you for posting this. Hearing your “journey” is both inspirational and comforting. You do have an amazing talent and I always love seeing what you have in store here on your blog. Congrats again on your success!
Well said, you have it or you don’t. You do! Thanks for being real on the balancing act. I can’t stand when people act like it’s so easy. You’re doing a great job!
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Great insight Emily. Love hearing your story.
I love your honesty & you are moving so quickly & doing so well!! Go girl!!
big hug,
lauren
THANKS Emily!! I needed to hear that! Inspiring post!!
xo
jessica
thank you. for being such a warm and honest person. this was a wonderful post!
Great post :)
Thank you so much for opening up about all of this. I can imagine it’s not easy to spill all of this information, but know how many readers you have reached out to with this advice and it’s great great advice!! I didn’t even think about a blog being basically a virtual portfolio – you’re right! And I laughed out loud at your puking in the bushes comment – too funn!!! Thank you again – you should be very proud of your hard work.
A very insightful and interesting post today. I thouroughly enjoyed it. Keep up the great work.
Great post, Emily! Thanks for keeping it real!
Thank you so much for this post Emily! It’s super helpful as a young designer starting my career. Have a great day and thanks again!
Good for you Emily for just going for it! I know lots of people look to you for inspiration and advice so this post is really perfect. I so appreciate your honesty in your posts.
Thanks for your candor Emily, I agree that putting yourself out there is the way to go, hard as that may be. There are many people who have “an eye” yet lack the confidence, so bravo for showing us all how it CAN be done! And keeping it real in the process!
Cathy @ Room Rx
Emily-This is definitely an inspiration for those of us who have the creative bug but aren’t sure how to make the leap! Thanks for keeping it real, girl! :)
Emily,
You were inspired when you wrote this. I can feel your honesty and being 100% yourself. I’m so glad I read this post. I just started my blog which is my business a year ago and I’m also a mommy of three. Life isn’t easy and yesterday I was going nuts w/ all the toys I see. Real life is just like that. The important thing is, we’re doing what we want to do, we’re doing the best we can.
Thank you for being so candid.
Have a great Tuesday.
xo
Luciane at HomeBunch.com
I really enjoyed this post and hearing more about how you grew your business!
Emily,
Thank you for sharing all of this information – I found it very very valuable! I just decided to leave my corporate job to go back to interior design school. Following my passion and dreams has been a blast so far. I toggled back and forth about going back to school or not, and I agree it depends on the expierence you have. You gained much needed knowledge at Ethan Allen that most of us will get in school.
This was so inspiring to me as a new designer and I thank you for offering your advice! Congratulations on all that you have already created.
Lauren
See? Such an interesting, refreshing post. The behind the scenes details and insights are what make your readers come back for me. Thank you for being so refreshingly honest and you!
Thank you Emily for writing such an honest and inspiring post today. You have truly done an amazing job building your blog and design business.
I too agree that you either have it or you don’t. I have my degree in design, and do not want to discount that at all, but at the end of the day no amount of “technical” knowledge is going to help add that special touch to a room that some designer’s have.
Thank you so much for this post, Emily! I agree 110% with your advice to JUST TRY. I had no idea what I was doing at the start, but my first few client experiences were absolutely invaluable. I learned so much that I never would have learned if I hadn’t taken the leap!
Marissa
http://www.roost-home.blogspot.com
Such a wonderful post, Emily. Thanks for taking the time to put it together. I know we all admire you and how well you go after your dreams. Cheers to a crazy but fulfilling life!
Emily, thank you for such a wonderful post and sharing with us your experiences!
Great advice! Keep up the great work.
Jessie
http://www.mixandchic.com
So generous to take the time to share with people who are asking questions. I love it. I find one of the hardest things I have is saying no or charging for my services. With a blog people get comfortable with you and seem to want free advice a lot. It is easy to “waste” hours helping people….and eventually there has to be a line drawn. I don’t know why I have such a hard time with this….I would never ask my friends who are doctors or lawyers for free services…I guess that is another thing about working for yourself…you really need to treat it like a career and not a hobby (big lesson for me).
YAY! Thank you for sharing and giving inspiration to this budding designer!
Thank you so much for your honest and positive outlook on your design business. I love the way you write, and enjoy reading your blog on a daily basis. I’m becoming a mommy for the first time in about 2 weeks, so this is timely advice as I’ll be trying to sort out how I do life/my design career after the baby is born. Thanks for the inspiration–I know you’ll continue to do fabulous work for your clients!
Thanks for your post Emily! It was exactly what I needed to read as I begin my own journey in following my passion. It is inspiring to know that you started out much the same way I am. Your honesty is very much appreciated. You definitely have “it” and I enjoy visiting your blog everyday to see “it” in action!
Well said, Emily! Thanks for sharing with all of us.
Thanks for the great info! I love hearing about how people started and how everything works in their business.
I loved reading this, Emily! Your approach is just so natural and real. No wonder you’ve had success!
Thank you for writing this! I’ve been wanting to start a blog for a while now…but had TONS of excuses not too! Well, not anymore, I just started mine this morning!!!
http://www.candiussery.blogspot.com
Of course, my first post is dull…it’s hard to find words to say when in reality, my husband and mom are the only two reading! HA
But, I worked on a nursery project and we just finished up, so I’ll update that soon!
Thanks again for such an inspiring post!!!
God bless!!!
Thank you for sharing your insights and encouragement.
Great post. I studied Int Design but I think I have learned more about my own style and have become a better designer because of blogging. Blogging has pushed me further outside my comfort zone than the things I learned in school.
Thanks for posting this! I love your work and wish you balance and success in your life and business!
Great post, Emily. I was wondering, how/if you have access to lines that are usually “to the trade” only? I’ve been considering giving it a go and this has been one of the questions I’ve been pondering. Thanks!
Robin
this is a fantastic post, with GREAT info!! You seem like a very real person with raw talent. You’re my hero!!
Thanks for that post! Glad you have found success and that you put yourself out there, you have talent my friend :)
I am taking baby steps, just helping a friend with a re-design and working as an assistant for another designer! Learning the ropes.
Can’t wait to see your next two years and what magic you create!
So interesting to read – I didn’t realize that you’d started as a blogger THEN a decorator. I also followed the same path (been doing online design for a few years, quit my job in June to take on more clients – only I don’t have kids yet). Sometimes I wish I had the art history and Auto-Cad skills I would have learned in school, but I also think that if you “have the eye” then the other pieces can be learned.
I love this post!! I started my blog first too and now I’m going back to school but I hope one day to turn my crazy love of design into a business like yourself. You just gave me so much hope when I was feeling really down about myself and my future career and I cant thank you enough! I’m bookmarking this so that when I’m feeling crappy again I can come and read what you wrote and you’ll make me feel better all over again!
Thanks – love your blog and what you have to say. This post helps me as I look around and figure out what is next. In my former life I was a creative services director for a furniture catalog and I love interiors but I have never been brave enough to try something like what you did. Home staging is probably as close as I have come. So thanks for the good advice and the perspective. From where I am sitting you are doing an amazing job – cheerios and all!
Just saying … Your advice is heartfelt and so real. I love it. Thanks for sharing your story.
Hi Emily-
You should never feel inadequate. Your work speaks for itself! Your home and all of your designs are just beautiful. Can’t wait to see more of your new home!
I agree that you either have it or you don’t…and I’m in school for design(: I can clearly pick out the students in my major who “have it”. For me, school is what I wanted and think will help me in the future with this industry, but I have to say blogging and being connected and involved in the ever-changing world of design has been, by far, the BEST and most influential thing to me in my learning process. And you’re also right, certain things can’t be taught…like what patterns look good together. There’s no class on that one!
Thanks so much for posting this Emily! Your advice meets me at the most CORRECT time! My love for design has turned into something SO exciting!Love you blog and all you do! xoxo Destiny
This has got to be therapeutic for you to put it all in writing to see how far you have come- “nothing ventured, nothing gained” and the struggle is worth it and if you love what you do you will get there.
You followed your passion and you are doing a great job! Forever ago, I emailed you and told you that you were my favorite online “decorator”, and it’s still true. If I read any blogs at the end of the day, I always make sure that I at least read yours. Not only do you inspire me in my own home decorating and even spiritually, but your authenticity is so refreshing. You remind the rest of us that there is no shame in grilled cheese and cereal and the Barbie toy that shows up under a table in a perfectly staged living room photo. Life happens! Your post on this is one of my favorites! Blessings to you in your business, Emily! Thank you for your inspiration!
Such great insight, Emily ~ and you’re so generous with your experiences. Most new endeavors are a leap of faith after all. Thanks for sharing!
xo Heidi @ Show Some Decor
Very well said, written, and truly to the heart! And as an independent interior designer as well, I can hear, and feel, what you are saying! Nicely done! One additional question: what do you think is the best way to get your blog out there and have it grow? I don’t write every day but, at a minimum, once a week. Is that the ticket — needing to write everyday? Thanks so much for your input! Greatly appreciate it!
Thanks for sharing this heartfelt post, Emily. I could definitely relate to your beginnings as a design consultant with Ethan Allen. I, previously worked at EA, as a decorating consultant. I also felt like I was given wonderful fundamentals for working with clients. Really enjoy your posts!
Thanks for all of your wonderful comments! It was worth the two hours I spent working on it last night :)
@Susan I wrote this post on building your blog. Hopefully, it will give you some good ideas:
http://emilyaclark.blogspot.com/2011/03/thoughts-on-building-your-blog.html
@Robin I’m slowly learning about setting up “to the trade” accounts. All you need in most cases, is a tax ID number and business license.
Great post! And like everyone lese said, YOU HAVE IT!!!!
You’re a great designer/decorator! I needed this post by the way:)
I have never seen your blog before today but a friend forwarded this post to me–I’m in the beginning stages of starting my own business and your words could not have been more helpful. Thank you so much! (And from here on out I will be a loyal follower of your work…)
Thank You, thank you, thank you! Great advice.
Thank you for your words of wisdom. I felt as though you were talking to me in the end when you said “just try. If this is what you want to do, then as with anything else, quit being scared and see what happens.” I am going post this quote over my desk!
Emily, your post was exactly what I needed! Thank you! I am an attorney in the process of quitting the practice of law to become a designer. I have been so worried about changing careers – especially since I spent so many years (and $$$) to earn my J.D. However, your story is so inspiring and has given me the confidence to just go for it. Thanks, again!
Wow Emily I can’t tell you how much your post struck a chord with me! I have also recently taken the plunge to follow my passion and open an interior design business. I actually did choose to study first and can confirm it did nothing to aleviate the feeling of being sick in the bushes out the front of my first client’s home…LOL
Thank you for this post, it has given me confidence to continue to push along with my business and reminded me to keep the balance with my job as a Mummy
I love it when people share their experience on how they did it for themselves. It is something that I strive for and reading about successful woman helps to give me the initiative to move forward.
Thanks for sharing!
Emily,
I know everyone already said it but that was exactly the encouragement I needed. I have been determined to blog and use my Social Media more consistently to help grow my shop and it is working! :) Yay! As for blog readers, still trudging along on that but we’ll get there. My entire perspective on design and and decorating have changed so much…I think I need to go delete some of my original posts! Ha! Anyway, thanks, oh and just in case you are looking, I have found some fabric practically identical to the Imperial Trellis of the drapes in the that breakfast nook but not at $117/yd.
Liz :)
Emily-I’ve been reading your blog for quite some time now and find you so inspirational! We are have just started our own interior design business and are fellow Ethan Allen Alum! So far it’s been scary and so exciting, and it’s always great to hear how other successful designers are doing it! Thank you!
Oh wow! I would have never guessed that you weren’t trained in interior design! Your career path totally inspires me… I already have 3 degrees, so going back to school really isn’t in the cards for me, but I’ve been wanting to pursue a career in design. I have to admit that the lack of ‘design school’ creds has been making me a bit insecure. So glad you shared your story!
This was so incredibly helpful…thank you. I recently started a business restoring furniture in Charlotte and I’m learning every day. Chasing after two toddlers at the same time makes learning a little slow, but, we do what we have to do. :)
Emily, thank you so much for taking time give us all your advice!:)
When you said you get that ‘giddy’ feeling, I knew exactly what you meant, that’s when you know you’re on the right track to doing what you love! The path looked scary to me but in the long run I couldn’t ignore that gut feeling!
Wow- what an amazing post! Thanks so much for writing this. It is truly inspiring when you were talking about the degree. I am starting out w/o one too. And I agree that you said, you either have it or you don’t! You definitely have it, and I appreciate this post so much! :)
As always, Emily, you are so honest and helpful. I’m just starting that first phase of what you mentioned (helping friends decorate and be my clients). I now need to get over the fear and put myself out there publicly so other people know what I can do! Thanks for the inspiration!
Loved this post, Emily! I too have wanted my decorating business to grow since I started blogging, but it hasn’t so much as my blog has grown, so I guess it is a tradeoff. Now the blog keeps me so busy that I’m not sure how much time I could devote to a lot of clients. But, I’m still hoping to get more of those too along the way. I still love, love to decorate & change a up a room. I have had a few clients in the last couple of years that I’ve enjoyed helping & hope to have more. Right now, I’m helping my sister with her master bedroom renovation, complete from top to bottom.
Great post! I love your story and can really relate. You’re right – just go for it and see how it works out. If it doesn’t, change course or make a slight course correction. I’m so glad things have gone well for you! And, it’s always good to hear a lack of a design degree didn’t stand in the way. It’s something I debate, but haven’t decided if I want to do in the future or not since I already have a degree in Communications… adding school bills doesn’t sound appealing…
Awesome post! Thanks for keeping it real!
Emily, thanks so much for sharing your thoughts. You are very talented and a great sense of style. I’ve had my blog for a year and I really hope to take it to the next level so to speak. I know I have it in me, but I struggle with the I can and will do it attitude sometimes. I’m inspired by your story! Carrie
Wow. Thank you for this. I completely agree with all the things you wrote here. I am glad to hear that you don’t necessarily have to have a interior design degree to start a business. I am thinking about making moodboards and selling them, but how do you start selling that? Thanks.
I’ve had this post tagged since mid-week, and I’m so glad I saved it for a time when the kids were in bed, husband away, and I could FOCUS (and nod my head in agreement) with what you’ve said.
I always feel like I’m putting up my own road blocks regarding my desire to start a decorating/styling business: “Oh, I live overseas, can I still compete?” “Oh, I’ll soon have three kiddos under 5 y/o, maybe now is not the time…” Yada, yada.
What you’ve said is so real and resonates a lot – Thank You!
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I enjoyed reading this. It’s essentially my current story. I started an organization and redesign business, Simply Savvy, http://gosimplysavvy.com/. Launched the website, blog, FB, and twitter….I have high hopes. Now, if I can learn the ways to attract readers!
I’m so glad that I stumbled across this post. I just launched my decorating business/blog last week after years of helping others and hearing “you would be great at this”. I’m anxious to find out where it will take me and how it will impact my family. Thanks for sharing your insight. I thoroughly enjoy following your blog!!
-Jen
jadamsinteriors.net
Hi Emily! I am so happy I came across your blog! You’ve received numerous praise for being an inspiration and I must add to that! Your blog is exactly what I needed to see; real people, real designs with realistic budgets! I absolutely love how you shared your experience as being an interior decorator, a mother, and business owner and how you simply state how you either have the talent for interior design or you don’t. Thank you for sharing such a personal experience. I’ve gone back and forth with the idea of going back to school for interior design, wondering if I have enough talent, or how long I should be giving friends/family design tips and you’ve answered every single one of my questions in one fell swoop. After reading your post you gave me that hard push I needed to get into pursuing my career goals and for that I have to say THANK YOU.
~MGSIMPLESTYLE
San Francisco
Ah, Refreshing to read this blog post. It gives me continued hope to keep digging and doing my business too. I feel ya. Thanks for writing “how you do”.
Emily, your story is truly inspiring. I just launched my blog, My Love of Style, after taking on numerous diy projects that I wouldn’t have been able to do without the help of fellow bloggers, so I thought it was only right to return the favor in hopes of helping and inspiring others. I love interior decorating and dream of one day opening a home decorating/staging company. Thank you for sharing your story, it inspires and motivates me to keep dreaming!
Thanks again :-)
Jessica @ http://www.myloveofstyle.com
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Just read this, and love every word. You’re so relatable and love your candid comments about cereal and grilled cheese or throwing up in the bushes before an appt. You are inspiring to all of us!
xo Nancy
Powellbrowerhome.com
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Wow, I love that over a year ago and this post is still so valid! I am pushing through after so smash years of people telling me I should do this for a living and 2 kids finally in school, I’m nervous, excited and ready to go! Thanks for the insight!
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Thank you so much for writing this post. My friend and I just started an interior decorator business two months ago and have decided a great way to market was with a website and a blog. I LOVE writing for our blog and hope that it will get us through our many military moves. Both of us have had a passion for decorating most of our lives but being military spouses, have doubted our ability to succeed with building clientele when moving around every three years. We have our first “paying” client and are consistently working with friends, families, and our own spaces and marketing. Do you have any other advice for us? We are going to take a CAD course this summer but I actually love doing hand drawn renderings. How long did it take to reach your first goal of three “real” clients? Kind of wondering if I should be putting more energy in our blog or marketing. ENJOY doing both!!
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Hi there, nice post. This is an interesting and very informative topic. Thanks for sharing you thoughts on this issue. Keep it up, looking forward to read another one in the future. Cheers!
It’s true that some of the most striking interior design comes from completely redoing a space with new colors, furniture, and trimmings. Sometimes, however, a change that big is not needed. It may be that your room needs refreshing, rearranging, and a trained interior design eye.
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Hi Emily- I work at a hospital and I ran across your July 2012 Better Homes article/feature today… OMG – who said you can’t find anything relevant on outdated magazines at a hospital… I looked up your blog right away and I fell inlove with it. But this article is amazing – so inspiring. I was doing decorating on my own, then specialized in faux finish painint when it was all the rage, then I decided to go back to school graduated form the Art Insititute as a Residentail Planner- I had a few important projects that left alot of satisfaction – then my design career just kind of fizzled after the housing market was taking a dive- it was every day life, jobs, home ownership headaches… I dont know so much… I decided to put all that on hold – about a year ago I started a blog, but I felt so guilty not having the time to invest adequate time into it and keep it going on a regular basis…. I admire you so much and I dont even know you. I want to thank you for this blog post. It gives me hope- recently thinks seem to be driving me back to my first love – design… I need to keep my ears and eyes open but most of all my heart.
Very inspiring post.Encouraging to those who are starting with there business.Good post.
Chicago office furniture
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needed that….thanks for your outlook and words of advice. Im inspired. http://www.thinksspace.com
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well you have collected good pictures. i must say for having a good varieties of furniture must look up on Cheap Bed London
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Perfect article! I have decided to go for it here in Raleigh, NC. http://www.oneloveinteriors.com is officially open..now I just need some people to hire me :) I agree with working for “free” initially to get the portfolio built. I have commercial and hospitality design experience but hardly any residential. Best of luck and thank you for sharing!
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Emily, I think its great that you have succeeded in decorating. I was so happy to see you clarify you’re a decorator and not a designer. I want people out there to understand there is a difference between a decorator and designer. There’s a reason that designers charge what they do, and decorators what they do and that difference is years and money spent on a degree. A decorator can do an outstanding job with curtains, fabrics, paint, accessories etc but a designer can tell you where and why to tear down a wall, plumbing, electrical and the like. I am a mother of four and Interior Designer going out on my own because I’m tired of companies that hire people and call them “designers” when they could have little to no experience in designing at all. The last place I worked there was a “designer” that her previous profession was painting walls. That’s it and she gets the same title as someone who has a degree? It’s very aggravating to people who have earned that title. Thanks for being real!
Emily, I know this is an old post, but I just wanted to thank you for writing it. I’ve had a deep love of decorating since I was a little girl and am now a mommy of three trying to make my home a beautiful, comfortable place. I grew up with lots of connections to the real estate world and my husband and I have continued in that vein. I’ve had so many ideas for “practical” jobs but deep down I know that the only thing that I want to spend my time on, other than my family, is design. I guess I just need to start small and grow instead of sitting around wondering if I’ll be any good or if I’ll just be wasting my time. This was such an encouraging post and I just love visiting your blog. Thank you!
Thank you, Hannah. Best of luck with your new venture :)
Hi Emily
I know you write this some time ago but thank you, I too started out like you and have been trying to decide what my next step should be. To read your story gives me confidence in giving things ago with what you’ve got. Your words are just what I needed at this time and I can’t thank you enough for that.
Elaine – http://www.developingsenses.com
I was just forwarded this post and loved it. I too have no fancy letters behind my name, but those letters do not define who I am and what I do.
Loved, loved, loved this post!
Emily,
Thank you for your insight into this topic. I myself am thinking of starting my own business as I currently work for a large corporate design firm (which you mentioned in your post). I of course have my reservations such as building a clientele, balancing work load once the clientele is established, and even failing.
I think now is the perfect time to start my own business as I will be moving to a new state and city. What better time to start fresh and bring my design flair to the city right? I just want to thank you again for this post to help us budding design and business entrepreneurs.
Hi Emily,
Thank you so much for this post! I am young and working a full time job after trying to obtain my design degree. As many might know, working full time and going to school full time is hard…to say the least. I have recently become interested in starting my own staging/decorating business but my lack of degree has been a huge factor in motivation…well not anymore!
Thanks again for this post and your honesty about the realities of this industry/life mix.
This has helped me a ton!! I have been struggling so much to see my buiness & blog grow and I’d be lying if I didn’t say I was frustrated but a lot of what you have written here is what I have gone through so it gives me hope thank you :)
HI Emily,
I too started out designing my own home and then friends ask me to help with theirs. Eventually I started my own design and home staging business which has been surprisingly successful! I still get a bit nervous with each new client, however I haven’t had one not like the finished project! I also did a presentation of my work to a group of realtors. One realtor hired me on a permanent basis to stage her listings and most have sold within 30 days of my staging them!! So a win win!! Thanks for the encouraging blog, it always helps to hear someone else say go for it and don’t look back! 90% of success come from believing in ourselves, the other 10% is the encouragement we get from others like you, who keep us going. Thanks!