We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Sara Morris. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Sara below.
Sara, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear about a time you helped a customer really get an amazing result through their work with you.
We recently completed a new build project with clients. I met the wife while volunteering at our kids’ school. She was overwhelmed with the build process and already busy with her own business that she did not have the time or energy to make all the decisions necessary for the project. When I shared what I do, she asked if we could meet to discuss what they needed. The husband will admit that though he liked me at first, the investment in design services shocked him. Yet, the wife knew she needed help, so they signed an agreement to have me make lighting selections, and design the Great Room and Reading Room. Once all of this was presented, they were so amazed, they asked me to select everything for their bedroom, daughter’s room, foyer, & dining room. At this point, it was nearly the whole home. We developed a great relationship in which they were so trusting of my suggestions and opinions. My team spent several days doing the final install and making everything perfect for the big reveal and move in day. The reveal was everything a designer could dream of. The clients walked in to a perfect home and were overwhelmed with emotion! A lifelong dream realized in this gorgeous, magazine ready home. We recently had dinner together and they went on an on about how happy they were with everything. The husband jokes he would have paid us double to get the results they did! It was an amazing experience for both of us and now we have a great friendship as a result.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I have a degree in Psychology, and didn’t get into Interior Design until after I had 3 children. I longed to do interior design, but didn’t feel confident enough to just start a business. So, I took an Interior Design Certification course at the New York Institute of Art & Design. It takes time to build a business, especially in this field. But I think what sets us apart is the relationship part of it. I’m very relational and love getting to know my clients. I’m also very down to earth, and many in the design field have an air of snootiness to them. I’m not sure where that comes from, but I’m just very real. I maintain professionalism, but also am not afraid to be myself. I don’t need to put on airs! The main focus of our business now is larger remodels, full home design, and furniture. We also provide Vacation Rental Design, which is amazing for profitability in short term rentals. The best project results are when the client fully trusts us, the process, and that final product will be even better than they could imagine!
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
When I was first looking into pursuing design, I asked someone if they thought it was a good idea. They immediately shot me down, said too many people are doing that, seems like it would be a waste of time. I was, quite honestly, devastated. My husband pushed me to pursue it anyway, and I’m so glad I did. But honestly, it messed with my confidence for years! For a long time, I felt I wasn’t good enough, nor that I ever would be good enough to be a “real” designer. Though I have been blessed with some amazing projects the last couple of years, it’s only been in the last 8 months or so that I’ve been able to overcome this negative thinking that I’ll never be good enough. My advice would be to be careful who you get advice from! Find people who will be your cheerleader, but also that you can trust their advice. Look for those who have your best interests in mind and are looking to see you succeed.
How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?
My husband and I are both business owners. We have virtually started our businesses from nothing. We often “get by” using what we have (computers, equipment, etc.) We also live frugally so that we can take time to build. It was just 2 years ago that I rented my first office space outside of my home and purchased furniture for it. Everything takes time, and if you can slowly invest, I think it’s wise.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.morrisdesignco.com
- Instagram: @morrisdesignco
- Facebook: @morrisdesignco
Image Credits
Marissa Jean Photography T Almond Films