We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Carrie Holland a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Carrie, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you tell us about an important lesson you learned while working at a prior job?

I think the most important lesson in my business is listening.

As a designer, I strive to create not only a beautiful home but a functional space. Listening to my clients wants and needs is instrumental in how I design a room. For a unique look, I like to incorporate their individual styles, family heirlooms and collections to compose a home that is truly their own.

It is also important to listen to vendors and sub contractors. I hire qualified trade workers and value their opinions. While I don’t always agree, it is important to considers all options for any space.

Most importantly, at the end of the day, I have learned to listen to my gut. After I take in all options and ideas, I come to my recommendation. Sometime it’s not always the popular opinion and I have learned when to push my clients a little out of their comfort zone.

The end result is a unique and edgy space that’s comfortable and inviting!

Carrie, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I started my design business on accident! It was always a hobby and friends liked what I did. I started helping friends and then referrals turned into my first clients. I feel very lucky to do something everyday that I enjoy.

In my early days, it was just furniture and accessories. Slowly, I started helping with remodels and new construction which is now a core part of my business. It is very gratifying to create a space from the walls to the furniture to the accessories.

Have you ever had to pivot?

I studied finance in college and worked as an analyst. It was really just a job for me and never my passion. After children, I started personal training as a way to work part time. But as a creative person, this became quite redundant for me. I was training an interior designer and we started talking about different projects, I would tell her my ideas and she loved them. She hired me to help her pull fabrics. It was a great opportunity and the beginning of my career. I quickly started taking on my own clients and then went out on my own after she retired. I am forever grateful for this gift she gave me.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

I’ve built my business on referrals. I have pride in my work and I think it shows in the end result. Clients are happy and have referred me to friends and colleagues. I am grateful that they trust me to help their friends.

Contact Info:

• Website: Www.carriehollanddesign.com
• Instagram: Carrie Holland Design
• Facebook: Carrie Holland
• Linkedin: Carrie Holland

Image Credits
Emery Davis photography

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