We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Megan Mays. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Megan below.
Megan, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?
I spent the first 12 years of my career life as a intensive care nurse. While I loved taking care of people, I hated feeling unsupported and missed the creative part of myself. When I went back to school and transitioned to a career in interior design I vowed to create a business and life that I would love and that would help others love their life as well. In keeping with that feeling, when I design spaces for individuals, couples and families, I like to focus on keeping the design unique to each client, incorporating their personalities and things they love. Design is not “one fits all” and I believe you should be able to see your clients personalities in the design.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I have always been interested in interior design but took what I saw as the “safe” option in school instead and became a nurse. After 12 years of being a nurse, I knew that though I liked helping and taking care of people, this was not the right place for me. I took a left turn and went back to school for Interior Design. From the first minute of my first class, I knew it was the right choice for me. It just felt right. I’ve since learned that it was not only that I was creatively fulfilled by design but also that it allowed me to continue to help people, just in a different way than I was before. I like helping people embrace who they are and infuse that into their design instead of copying the most recent design trend. This also helps the designs last instead of feeling outdated in a few years when a new trend has come into place.
At Ravenhouse Design, we offer a full range of interior design services, from one-room transformations to complete new builds with custom furnishings. Our approach is highly tailored to each client, ensuring that their unique style and needs are reflected in every detail. Whether it’s a remodel or a new construction project, we assist clients in selecting every element of their home, from flooring and cabinetry to lighting and furniture, creating spaces that are cohesive, functional, and beautiful.
What sets us apart is our dedication to creating designs that feel personal and timeless. I believe a home should be a true reflection of the people who live in it, not just a replication of fleeting trends. My nursing background has given me a deep understanding of how to connect with people and truly listen to their needs, which is a skill I bring to every project. I focus on making the design process approachable and enjoyable, helping clients navigate decisions while ensuring their homes are as functional as they are stunning.
I am most proud of the relationships I’ve built with my clients and the trust they place in me to bring their visions to life. Design is deeply personal, and it’s a privilege to help people create spaces that support and inspire them in their daily lives. At Ravenhouse Design, my goal is to create homes that not only look beautiful but also feel authentic and enduring—a space where my clients can truly feel at home.
Can you talk to us about how your side-hustle turned into something more.
Yes, my side hustle eventually grew into my full-time career. For 13 years, I worked as an intensive care nurse—a role that taught me the importance of attention to detail, staying calm under pressure, and connecting with people on a deep level. While I loved my work, I always had a passion for design and found myself drawn to creating spaces that felt both beautiful and functional.
Eventually, I decided to go back to school for interior design while continuing to work as a nurse. At first, I took on small projects for friends and family, which allowed me to build my portfolio and confidence. Over time, word-of-mouth referrals started coming in, and I realized I could really make it on my own. One of the most pivotal moments was completing my first large-scale project for a client outside of my network—it was both exciting and validating.
As my client base grew, I reached a point where I could no longer balance nursing and design, so I made the leap to pursue interior design full-time. Starting Ravenhouse Design was the culmination of years of hard work and careful planning.
Looking back, I’m grateful for the gradual transition—it allowed me to refine my skills and develop a clear vision for Ravenhouse Design, while doing it at a pace that made me feel comfortable. It’s a big leap to go from a corporate job to starting your own business. . Today, I’m proud to create spaces that reflect the individuality and needs of my clients, blending my design expertise with the people-centered approach I honed in my nursing career.
What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?
The best sources of new clients for me have been a combination of word of mouth and Instagram. Word of mouth has been invaluable—there’s nothing quite like a happy client sharing their positive experience with friends and family. It’s incredibly rewarding to know that the work I do resonates so strongly that clients are excited to recommend me.
Instagram has also been a game-changer for my business. I started advertising on Instagram just in a throw everything at the wall marketing strategy or lack thereof before I knew anything and it’s been one of the best marketing tools I have found so far. It’s especially helpful because it often brings in clients who are already aligned with my design philosophy which is very helpful in the design process.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ravenhousedesign.com
- Instagram: @ravenhousedesign
Image Credits
Heather Kirchhofer