Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Cathlyn Davis. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Cathlyn, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear the story of how you went from this being just an idea to making it into something real.

During the years I have worked in the interior design industry, I always wanted my end goal to be starting my own design business, I just didn’t know when the best timing would be to do it. I figured I would wait until I started my own family or had more experience under my belt, but at the end of the day I came to realize there’s never a perfect time to take a risk. I had felt the urge to go ahead and take a leap of Faith and start my business for about six months before I made any efforts to launch. I gave myself time to prepare, plan and pray about why I felt this inkling to go off on my own, and how I was going to make it happen. My first step was talking to people in the design community around me and getting advice from them. I spoke to young designers who had started their own businesses early on, my old boss and mentor from Dallas, as well as interior designers in the Austin community with years of experience as business owners. These conversations were the key to finding confidence and direction in my decision. From there, I created my LLC and received the required licenses to start my business. I purchased the necessary software I needed for business transactions, order processing and technical drawings. I then created a logo, a website, took headshots and planned out my social media and online marketing. I dove in head first and learned a lot in the process of turning my idea into a reality. The most challenging part was not the steps it took to make it official, but the confidence to finally step out on my own.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers?

Absolutely. I’m a full-scale residential interior designer. From ground up projects, remodels, or even just freshening up a space, I’m willing ready and able to help my clients create a space that feels beautiful but personal. I specialize in transitional and traditional design but am also experienced in contemporary styles too. I am a designer but also a project manager. I am able to take on projects head on in every aspect, this includes hard finish selections, design development, technical drawings, builder specifications, and every detail in between. I have always loved beautiful spaces and found that the space and environment in was in made a significant impact on my mood, productivity and rest. Growing up, my mother always had designed our home to feel comfortable, beautiful and intentional, and I brought that trait with me to college. Through internships and textile classes I took in college, I graduated and got my first job with an interior design firm in Dallas. This is where I had the opportunity to learn from people I respect and admire. While working as a designer and project manager, I gained experience managing multiple projects in many different styles and scales. And now I’m back in my hometown, using my previous work experiences towards my own business. I want my clients to know that I really love my job and I do not take any project lightly. This industry is personal, people invite me into their homes where they live and make memories, and I have so much gratitude for my clients putting their trust in me to help create a beautiful space for their families.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

My friends and family have been the best source of clients for me. I feel so lucky to have such encouraging and supportive people in my life. I would say 3/4’s of my current projects and clients are people that I knew prior to starting my business who are supporting and trusting me. The other 25% are referrals from my personal community around me.

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

The most rewarding aspect of being a creative is seeing the final product installed and experiencing it with my client. It is the moment where all of the planning, meeting, drawing and ordering ends, and all of the work it took to get there is finally done and right in front of us. It is hard to fully illustrate a beautiful space using photos and samples. It takes a lot of trust from my client to make decisions without seeing everything all together – so there is nothing better than showing the final design as a cohesive unit and experiencing their reaction and joy!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.cathlyndavisdesign.com
• Instagram: cathlyndavisdesign
• Facebook: Cathlyn Davis Design
• Linkedin: Cathlyn Davis Design

Image Credits
Kathleen Pieratt Photography, Caroline Lima Photography