We were lucky to catch up with Elizabeth Demos recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Elizabeth thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Often the greatest growth and the biggest wins come right after a defeat. Other times the failure serves as a lesson that’s helpful later in your journey. We’d appreciate if you could open up about a time you’ve failed.

I owned a retail antiques and home furnishings store for ten years. Having a shop was a dream come true and honestly all I had ever seen myself doing. Three years into owning the shop I was approached by an editor about doing freelance production work and photo styling for a national magazine. I dabbled in that line of work with multiple publications while running my shop. In 2007-2008 the financial crisis hit and my business was struggling. I would supplement with funds from my freelance editorial work which was just putting a bandaid on the problem.The pressure became unbearable and I finally decided to close the doors of my beloved store. I felt like I let myself, my staff and my customers down. Failure was not on my bucket list but what came out of it was truly transformative. After a few months of self pity I started answering calls and emails from editors that had heard my shop was closed and I had a lot of free time. I started to travel to countless photo shoots. Had I not had that one big failure I wouldn’t have taken my photo styling career so far and opportunities arose that I could have never imagined. I was asked to style food and entertaining features, interiors features, lifestyle and travel features. It was magical work. I met lovely people and worked with talented crews. My career evolved and eventually I was asked to design residential and commercial interiors. Eventually my styling and interiors work landed the most exciting opportunity. I was hired to design sweepstakes homes for a huge television network. I truly believe all of these things wouldn’t have happened to me had I not had that failure. I have since learned that this bump in the road made me so resilient. I learned what it was to pivot, to pick myself up and think about other options. I once told a friend that was struggling to find her path, life is crazy but when you open yourself up to “what if” and “why not” good things happen.

Elizabeth, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I am a creative director, producer, content contributor, interior designer and photo stylist. I am best known for projects in print, television and online media. My editorial contributions have been featured in a variety of national lifestyle and interiors publications. It is likely you have also seen my handiwork on television, in advertising campaigns, catalogs, and books.

After years of styling and producing content for magazines and designers I crossed over to design commercial and residential interiors. I caught the eye of media executives at HGTV and in 2016 I was approached by HGTV’s parent company Scripps Network with the task to design sweepstakes homes for the DIY Network.

I started my creative career as the owner of a home furnishings store then I transitioned into a photo styling and in turn a flourishing interior design career. I have had the pleasure of designing homes, boutique hotels, vacation rentals, restaurants, bars, large plantations, offices, and most recently a country club.

What sets me apart from others in my field is that I come from a background in both business and in antique procurement. From business: I’m tuned into the need to streamline budgets and value engineer the project without compromising style. From my experience in the antiques trade I feel like I have an eye for quality, a deep knowledge base, and a long list of resources. I studied Art History and Architectural History in college and although I didn’t attend college to get a vocation I do feel like I use both in my work.

Problem solving is top priority in interior design. I tackle issues relating to space planning and functionality while delivering a beautiful space. It is possible to have both style and function in an interior.

I am most proud that I was able to pivot and land on my feet when the economy hit rock bottom in 2007-2008. Having a broad education, a curious personality, being ambitious, and “can do” mentality has help propel my life and career ever since.

As for my work itself, I definitely have a point of view but I am also keenly aware I’m designer for a client or the general public so while I infuse my style into projects it is tempered with the ultimate user in mind. One telltale trait in all my work is the inclusion of vintage and antique wares. They infuse soul into a project that new furnishings don’t quite do. I also love to mix patterns and unusual colors. I think it is tied to my British heritage. Some of my favorite designers layer pattern, color and vintage goods in a way that I feel is so inspiring.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

I don’t advertise. All of my work comes from word of mouth or repeat clients. All of this to say, good work ethic and results will translate into new work. Happy clients will gladly share your name with others and happy clients will gladly hire you again and again. I also rely on fellow professionals I have worked with along the way. Architects, contractors, sub contractors, all make up a big part of the team of individuals willing to share my information.

I am a big believer in lifting up everyone so I also share the names of individuals who’s work I admire. I can’t take on every project that comes my way and having these contacts in my pocket gives me the opportunity to pass along projects.

I am so grateful for the editorial and television exposure I have had. It has helped propel my work as well.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

Hands down the most rewarding aspect of being a creative is seeing my vision come to life and knowing that my clients trust that vision.

Contact Info:

• Website: elizabethdemos.com
• Instagram: elizabethdemos
• Other: www.pinterest.com/elizabethdemos/

Image Credits
1. Mary Britton Seseney 2. Mary Britton Seseney 3. Mary Britton Seseney 4. George Gill 5. Mary Britton Seseney 6. Elizabeth Demos