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

BARBARA, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. So, naming is such a challenge. How did you come up with the name of your brand?

When deciding on a business name, I knew from the moment I started any business that it would have Christine in it; why, you may ask? Christine is a name that many share in my family. My Grandmother held the name, and when she gave birth to my mom, she also gave her that name. Upon my arrival, my mother gave me the name as well. I wanted to honor the ladies who share a name with me through my business.

The most essential reason for naming my business B. Christine Interiors is because the first seven letters spell out the phrase “Be Christ,” which reminds me daily to be Christlike in EVERYTHING I do while operating my business and servicing people through interior design.

I smile every time I see the business name because it reminds me of my mommy, whom I love so much. It is a lovely name with such a beautiful meaning.

BARBARA, 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?

In 2006/2007, I vividly recall contacting my father for $50, seeking a quick solution to my financial woes. His response was blunt yet profound: “No, you will figure it out.” From that moment on, I embraced the challenge and embarked on a journey of self-discovery.

After delving into ways to generate income swiftly, I stumbled upon the power of eBay. Selling items from my home on this platform proved remarkably lucrative, igniting a passion that held my interest for years. While I dabbled in various Multi-Level Marketing ventures, none resonated with me on a deeper level.

Recognizing the importance of aligning my purpose and life’s calling with any business endeavor, I explored avenues such as life coaching and career guidance, each with its lessons and insights. Despite attempts to fit into certain niches, I sought a more profound sense of fulfillment.

In 2017, despite feeling compelled to pursue another path, I ventured into photography, a decision that would span five years. Although the business provided opportunities for ministry through imagery, a divine nudge from God, my Heavenly Father, in late 2021 prompted me to let go. With a sense of peace, I closed the chapter on my photography venture in March 2022.

I earnestly sought God’s guidance for my next steps earlier that year. It was then that God reminded me of my enduring passion for interior decorating, a love that had been evident during the construction of our new home. Reflecting on my history of assisting friends, family, and customers at Kirkland’s, the path forward became clear.

In April 2022, fueled by faith and divorced from fear, I founded B. Christine & Co., LLC, while maintaining full-time employment. With a renewed sense of purpose and dedication, I embarked on this new chapter, eager to bring beauty and harmony to the spaces of those I serve.

I proudly serve as the Owner and Lead Designer at B. Christine & Co., LLC, operating under the name B. Christine Interiors on Instagram. At B.Christine Interiors, we partner with clients committed to revitalizing their homes into exquisitely designed spaces that seamlessly blend luxury and functionality. Our mission is to cultivate tranquil environments ideal for busy professionals, families, and entrepreneurs. Our tailored services cater to various needs, ensuring every project receives the attention it deserves. We offer full-service residential design, virtual residential and small-space commercial design, air BnB design, and full-service small-space commercial design.

The individuals I serve primarily consist of busy professionals seeking to enhance their spaces and individuals who may struggle to unify their design concepts seamlessly. Throughout my interactions with clients, I often uncover deeper reasons behind their unfinished projects or challenges in envisioning their spaces. It is during these insightful moments that I believe my approach stands out: my heart is always prepared to address the needs of those I work with, incorporating prayer into my practice.

Many clients have entrusted me with personal aspects of their lives, a responsibility I deeply value. To me, prayer is an integral component of my business plan and strategy, guiding me as I assist clients in transforming their spaces and addressing their underlying concerns.

My greatest source of satisfaction lies in my decision to sever ties with fear, paving the way for a profound connection with faith that has filled my life with immense joy over the past year. Additionally, I take pride in my unwavering resilience, confronting every challenge and emerging triumphant. This resilience led me to victory and facilitated the discovery of a supportive community of designers who have since become cherished lifelong friends.

How did you build your audience on social media?

On January 18, 2022, I embarked on an inspiring journey to build my social media audience, guided by unwavering faith, authenticity, and an insatiable appetite for learning. Little did I know this path would lead me to extraordinary encounters and unexpected blessings.

From the beginning, I anchored myself in faith, believing that God guided every endeavor, as mentioned in Proverbs 3:5-6 in the Bible. As I shared my journey online, I infused each post with the authenticity of my experiences, creating a genuine connection with my audience.

On September 11, 2022, while attending church, I felt compelled to make a special monetary offering to God. It was a profound moment of gratitude, a gesture symbolizing my trust in His plan and provision. Unbeknownst to me, this act of faith would set the stage for remarkable events to unfold.

Just nine days later, on September 20, 2022, my social media landscape transformed dramatically. Several of my reels on Instagram went viral, igniting an explosive surge in my following. The unexpected growth filled me with awe and brought a newfound visibility to my content.

As the following year unfolded, my visibility attracted the attention of a celebrity couple who sought my expertise for their projects. This collaboration amplified my reach and opened doors to collaborations with various brands, further expanding my influence.

Yet amidst the whirlwind of success, one truth remained constant: none of this would have been possible without my unwavering faith in God and my commitment to showing up on social media, even when my content felt lacking. I persevered, learning and evolving with each post, each interaction, and each challenge.

My journey is a testament to the transformative power of faith, authenticity, and the willingness to learn and grow. Through the highs and lows, I remained steadfast in my belief, trusting that God had purposed and planned every step forward for my life. As I continue this journey, I rejoice with gratitude for the blessings that have unfolded and the lessons that have shaped me into the content creator I am today.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

The most effective strategy for growing my clientele has been a combination of fearlessness, unconventional marketing tactics, and leveraging word-of-mouth referrals.

First and foremost, I embraced rejection as part of the process. I understood that not every potential client would be the right fit, and I didn’t let fear of rejection hold me back. This mindset allowed me to approach potential clients with confidence and resilience.

To expand my reach, I sought out unconventional places where potential clients frequented. From paint stores to hair salons, automotive repair shops to grocery stores, I made it a point to showcase my expertise and engage with individuals who were in the market for interior design services. By immersing myself in these community spaces, I was able to connect with individuals who may not have otherwise considered hiring an interior designer.

I also took proactive steps to highlight my skillset by showcasing my own home. By transforming my living space into a showcase of my design capabilities, I provided tangible evidence of what I could offer to potential clients.

Partnering with a well-known real estate agency was another strategic move that significantly contributed to the growth of my business. By becoming one of their preferred interior designers, I gained access to a pool of clients who were actively seeking design services for their homes.

Word of mouth has undoubtedly been a powerful asset in expanding my clientele base. Satisfied clients who experienced the transformation of their spaces became enthusiastic advocates for my services, recommending me to friends, family, and colleagues.

In essence, by embracing rejection, seeking out unconventional marketing opportunities, showcasing my skills, partnering with key industry players, and fostering positive word-of-mouth referrals, I’ve been able to steadily grow my clientele and establish myself as a trusted interior designer in the community.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.bchristineinteriors.com
• Instagram: @b.christine_interiors

Image Credits
Photo: Darien Bryant/ Bryant Studios 3D Renderings : VVFYME