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

Hi Ariana, thanks for joining us today. Earning a full time living from one’s creative career can be incredibly difficult. Have you been able to do so and if so, can you share some of the key parts of your journey and any important advice or lessons that might help creatives who haven’t been able to yet?

I worked for a design build company before I started Honeycomb on my own. I knew it was something I always wanted to do and I didn’t have a lot of savings for it. I worked full time and started moonlighting so I could build a small client network and save money. When the opportunity presented itself for me to branch out on my own, I made barely enough to make ends meet, but I was building the business. Whatever extra I made, I put it all back into the company. It wasn’t until after 3 years of business that I finally paid myself a salary. I think having at least 6 months of savings is key to starting any business. You should also know that it will take time before you are taking any money home and the more that you re-invest in your business, the better off you will be in the long run!

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

I’m the founder and the principal designer of Honeycomb Home Design, which is a full service interior design firm. I knew from a young age that I wanted to be a designer and a business owner. After graduating from design school and business school, I wanted to get real-life experience so I worked for several other designers, contractors and got any retail experience I could. In 2016, I started Honeycomb and have not looked back!

With Honeycomb, we’ve worked for so many amazing clients all over the U.S. Most recently, we completed a beautiful bar project in Ohio and am currently working on our local Country Club. Our goal is to design a boutique hotel!

We are a full service design firm, specializing in remodels and new construction. We are so proud and honored to be able to bring our client’s visions to life! We utilize technology and our structured processes to help bring clarity and confidence to the construction world.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

Recently, I welcomed my second baby boy and took a few months off work. Of course, being a business owner, you are never really “off” but I really tried to take some time away. We had an employee that was causing a lot of drama, making mistakes, and proving to be more difficult than helpful. I had to let them go, which was the first time I ever did anything like that. It was so difficult. I remember just crying, with all of my emotions going crazy, but I knew I needed to do it. Looking back, it was the right decision and I feel like I’m stronger after going through that experience.

How did you build your audience on social media?

I kept pretty consistent on Instagram and would post every day. Same thing with facebook. Although I don’t have a ton of followers, I have pretty good engagement and do get leads from social media. I would definitely invest in high resolution photography and just stay consistent with your social media strategy.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.honeycombhomedesign.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/honeycomb_homedesign/

Image Credits

Lisa Maksoudian Photography