We were lucky to catch up with Emily Brown recently and have shared our conversation below.

Emily, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Alright – so having the idea is one thing, but going from idea to execution is where countless people drop the ball. Can you talk to us about your journey from idea to execution?

From an early age, my passion for entrepreneurship was evident. Walking along Toronto’s Queen Street East with my parents, I envisioned businesses within the old, historic buildings. My parents still recall how I would excitedly point out buildings and detail my plans to transform these spaces into different businesses, ranging from coffee shops and music venues to recording studios, with my own living space on the top floor.

So when I decided to start my own business, it was a natural progression. I began my design career within the music industry, but I knew that the digital space didn’t fully align with my creativity. The pivotal moment came when I began working for an interior designer upon my relocation to Austin. It was here that I discovered my authentic place in the creative world. This designer became more than a mentor to me — she guided me through the intricacies of managing a design business. After several years of working for this designer alongside returning to school for a degree in interior design, I leaped into entrepreneurship. Emily Lauren Interiors was born and I began signing on my first few clients.

My journey of business education was (and still is) one of constant discovery. I’m a natural creative with no prior business experience, so I had to immerse myself in learning the basics such as contracts, pricing strategies, proposals, invoicing, budget management, project organization, procurement, and client relations. I took free online workshops and courses in business and I experimented with various tools and systems to see what worked and didn’t work. I learned from trial and error and made a lot of mistakes along the way, but always welcomed constructive feedback from my clients and colleagues to refine and improve my processes.

Unlike most new businesses, I didn’t immediately focus on branding or a website. Instead, my energy was put into refining my design aesthetic, learning who my ideal client is, and streamlining internal processes. I shared behind-the-scenes photos and project progress on Instagram which began to build a client base that aligned with my design aesthetic. Once I had a few projects under my belt, I had a clearer sense of the types of projects and clients I wanted to work with, which is when I decided to invest in branding and a website.

Owning my business has been a humbling experience, filled with hard work, creativity, and flexibility. Although it can be very stressful at times, overall it has been incredibly rewarding and fulfilling. I always encourage others who are considering starting their own business to take the leap and go for it!

Emily, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m Emily Brown, the owner of Emily Lauren Interiors, an interior design studio in Austin, TX. My studio specializes in creating high-end residential and commercial spaces. Being from Canada originally, our studio draws inspiration from our northern roots and European design principles, and we craft a quiet, understated aesthetic using timeless, natural materials that tell a unique story. We provide comprehensive design services for both new construction and renovation projects.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

I had to unlearn and reshape my perception of success. Initially, I thought running a successful business revolved around a big office space with numerous employees, juggling multiple projects, and offering an array of services and products. Oddly, this vision contradicted my love of working remotely and my lack of enjoyment in managerial roles. When I came to this realization, it prompted me to redefine success on my terms, realigning my goals and priorities. By letting go of external expectations, I gained the freedom to channel my efforts towards meaningful aspects of my business, without any pressures, resulting in a more meaningful and intentional path to business growth and development.

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

The most rewarding aspect of being a creative is having a client come to me with a problem, whether it’s optimizing space usage, achieving a specific aesthetic, or addressing any other concern, and they trust me to solve it for them. I enjoy the process of collaboratively brainstorming ideas that can bring subtle yet impactful improvements to their daily experiences. Witnessing the journey from conceptualization in my mind, translating it onto paper, and ultimately witnessing its transformation into a tangible reality is an incredibly gratifying experience. For me, the design and construction industry puts my design skills to the ultimate measure of creativity and innovation.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://emilylaureninteriors.com
• Instagram: @emilylaureninteriors or http://instagram.com/emilylaureninteriors
• Linkedin: http://linkedin.com/in/emilylaurenbrown
• Other: https://pinterest.com/emilylaureninteriors

Image Credits
Portrait: Feather & Twine Project Photography: Madeline Harper Photography