We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Asia Babbington. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Asia below.

Asia, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – walk us through the story?

I have taken two significant risks in my life that have shaped my career and personal growth.
The first risk was switching my field of study from Speech Pathology to Architectural Studies during my junior year of college. I was on a four-year scholarship and had already invested two and a half years into a program that promised a stable career path and job security, according to my parents’ perspective. While their advice was sound, I realized it wasn’t the right fit for me. I had always been drawn to creativity and the arts, having taken art classes from a young age. Additionally, my upbringing influenced my decision; my father was a construction foreman, and my mother, a flight attendant with a passion for design and renovating spaces, undertook a full gut rehab of our nearly 100-year-old home outside of Chicago. These experiences fueled my desire for a more creative and hands-on career. Switching to a three-year program in Architectural Studies, despite having almost no transferable prerequisite classes, felt daunting, but I trusted that I would find my path.

The second risk occurred almost four years after graduating with a Bachelor’s of Science in Architectural Studies, with an emphasis in Interior Design and a minor in Psychology. I had worked in about six different creative job fields and eventually decided to start my own business. Some might consider this job-hopping risky in itself, but following what felt right led me to opportunities I couldn’t have imagined. Reflecting on these risks, I see that they were ultimately about believing in myself. Taking the leap to bet on myself and pursue my passions wasn’t a completely calculated plan, but I trusted the diverse skill set I had gathered and the process of figuring it out.

Running a small business is challenging and has its ups and downs, but I am incredibly grateful that I took the plunge when I did. Had I not, I might not appreciate the little victories as much or experience the fulfillment of seeing my dedicated work create meaningful spaces for people. There’s truly nothing like it.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My journey included experiences in high-end interior design, metal fabrication, graphic design, furniture retail, and marketing, but I always found myself drawn to freelance design projects. This led me to start my own business, Salvaged Sanctuary.

What makes Salvaged Sanctuary unique is the emphasis on sustainability and accessibility. I believe in repurposing existing pieces and sourcing preloved items to create beautiful, functional spaces while minimizing environmental impact. One memorable project involved transforming a vintage spiral staircase into a dining area and shelving divider, providing structural support for opening a load-bearing wall. This creative approach embodies our philosophy of making the most of available resources.

I aim to make interior design accessible and approachable for everyone. Growing up, I didn’t see interior design as a viable career path, partly due to the perception that it was only for the high-end market. I want to change that by offering services that help renters and homeowners create functional, enjoyable spaces that allow their personalities to shine within their budgets.

One of my proudest achievements is seeing the positive impact my work has on clients’ lives. The gratitude and satisfaction they express when their spaces are transformed make all the effort worthwhile. Looking forward, I aim to expand Salvaged Sanctuary, continuing to help people create spaces they love while maintaining our sustainable approach.

I have been fortunate to be featured on an episode for HGTV and had my space highlighted on Apartment Therapy as well as Network Next Gen’s Hustler’s at Home series. You can check out these features here: HGTV, Apartment Therapy, and Network Next Gen.

To potential clients, I want to emphasize that interior design is for everyone. Whether you’re renting or owning, my goal is to make your space more functional and enjoyable. Working with Salvaged Sanctuary means collaborating on creative, sustainable solutions tailored to your needs.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

During 2020, I faced a significant pivot in my business and career. I was one year into running Salvaged Sanctuary and had just earned my real estate license that January. With the onset of the pandemic, I wasn’t sure what any of the markets would look like or if I would still have a business. It was a time of great uncertainty and anxiety.

During a time when it would have been easy to just stay in the loop of panic, I used this time to get creative in my apartment as an outlet. I finally tackled some of the ideas that had been in my head for months, turning my space into a blank canvas. This creative process served as a form of therapy for me, helping to manage the anxiety brought on by the uncertain times. The act of creating and transforming my space was incredibly soothing and grounding.

This creative burst turned out to be incredibly rewarding. My work was featured on Apartment Therapy, a goal I had set for myself five years earlier when I graduated from college. The shutdown allowed me the time to focus on this project, something I wouldn’t normally have had. Achieving this long-term goal was a proud moment for me, and it marked a great start to putting Salvaged Sanctuary out into the world during a challenging period.

People were investing more in their spaces, and this feature provided much-needed exposure for my business. It was a pivotal moment both for the business and for me as a creative, reinforcing my commitment to sustainable and personalized interior design. The experience not only helped me achieve a significant career milestone but also provided a therapeutic outlet during a time of widespread anxiety.

How did you build your audience on social media?

Building my audience on social media has been quite a journey, especially since I wasn’t exactly a social media mogul to begin with, and I still wouldn’t call myself one now. I had to learn a lot about using these platforms for business and marketing through trial and error. At first, it was challenging to figure out how to use these apps effectively, but over time, I found my stride.

What worked best for me was being authentic and sharing the random projects I enjoy doing in my home, keeping a budget and renter-friendly approach in mind. This felt the most natural and true to who I am as a creative and designer. Instead of focusing on rapid growth, I opted for a more grassroots, slower build of my audience. I value the quality of my followers over quantity, ensuring that the people who are here truly appreciate and resonate with what I’m doing.

While there are additional opportunities that come with hitting higher follower counts, I’ve always believed in only promoting and selling what I genuinely believe in and stand behind. My goal is to eventually collaborate and work with companies that align with my brand’s values and vision.

For those just starting to build their social media presence, my advice would be to stay true to yourself and your vision. Don’t be afraid to experiment and find what feels right for you. Authenticity goes a long way in connecting with your audience. Focus on building a community that values your work, and the numbers will follow. Quality engagement with your followers will always outweigh sheer quantity. And most importantly, be patient and persistent—good things take time.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.salvagedsanctuary.com
• Instagram: @salvaged_sanctuary
• Facebook: @salvaged_sanctuary
• Other: https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/colorful-mural-filled-chicago-rental-apartment-photos-36884800

  
  https://tv.apple.com/us/show/stuck-in-my-starter-home/umc.cmc.59z4t1zbw9ytymku7gv55x3xp

Image Credits

Sarah Crowley and Phillip Sturm