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

Hi Christie, thanks for joining us today. Coming up with the idea is so exciting, but then comes the hard part – executing. Too often the media ignores the execution part and goes from idea to success, skipping over the nitty, gritty details of executing in the early days. We think that’s a disservice both to the entrepreneurs who built something amazing as well as the public who isn’t getting a realistic picture of what it takes to succeed. So, we’d really appreciate if you could open up about your execution story – how did you go from idea to execution?

I had been a practicing occupational therapist for years and after having my second daughter I decided that really wanted to pursue a true passion of mine as a career, that being interior design. To be honest, I was scared. I didn’t know if anyone would hire me, how I would get clients, all of the unknowns start running through your head, but I sat down with myself and said, this is what I want to do. I am running full speed into this and I am going to give it my heart and soul to make it a reality. Both my dad and sister are entrepreneurs as well (in different fields), so the idea of starting and having my own business didn’t feel so unattainable to me. The getting started with gaining the expertise to even begin as an interior designer was the trickier part. I struggled with being worried that people wouldn’t take me seriously because of my original career being so different from interior design. Where later on, I quickly realize how intertwined the two career paths truly can be.

I went back to school for interior design, completed my program, all while working and learning as an intern for another local interior designer. I utilized my connections to help me get a kickstart with a hands on learning experience. At the time, I had a wonderful neighbor of mine who had his own very successful interior design firm. After some time working with him and learning the ins and outs of a full process of a client project from start to finish, I really felt as though I had the knowledge and tools to start my own business. From that point on, the rest is history and Lennon Nora Interior Design was born.

I began styling and taking photos of what I had done in my own home and family projects to get a portfolio going. Once, I had some nice projects and spaces to show, I started sharing them on local Facebook groups. I received a number of inquiries (which at that time I was THRILLED about, because I thought it would take so much longer for a client to want to work with me as a designer just starting out). After getting some nice projects under my belt, I was able to start adding well rounded projects to my portfolio, have a beautiful website for potential clients to peruse and learn more about me and my aesthetic. I slowly started to gain traction with building a client base and about 6 months after starting my company we moved out of the area. We ended up moving to a suburb outside of Philadelphia, where it is saturated with interior designers and very talented ones at that. I remember sitting in my room in pure silence thinking to myself how am I going to make myself stand out in this saturated market? What is going to make a client choose me over another interior designer? I took a lot of time to think about this and decided that I needed to invest in myself and my business to get there. I decided to get my Aging In Place Certification, which coincidentally is a certification that you can get an as Occupational Therapist as well. It felt appropriate with my clinical background and I felt as if I was onto something. After receiving my specialty certification, a light bulb went off. I had the skills, education and qualifications that no other interior designer in this area has. In a typical aging in place situation where a medical condition needs to be considered, a client would have to hire a designer and a certified aging in place healthcare professional. I am both an Occupational Therapist who has the ability to interpret medical information, and I am an interior designer… I am able to create a specialized niche that no one else can offer. This is where I began sharing and advertising for my speciality niche within the interior design and residential building world.

I was invited onto a podcast to talk about this whole journey and discuss how I was able to create a career as an interior designer and not only that, but create a way to incorporate my other career to provide a very specialized service to my clients. I wanted to do this interview because the majority are not aware that aging in place (especially for those who have a specific medical condition) is available to them when they are remodeling or building their homes. Aging in place is one the fastest growing sectors in residential remodeling. I want to spread the word that my expertise is available to people in their homes and that it can be so crucial for those who want to live in their homes for as long as possible.

From there on, I have had the opportunity to be a part of amazing projects, work with trusting clients, learn from mentors and have my colleagues all along for the ride. I could not be more grateful. I am not only able to offer luxury residential interior design services, but also luxury residential aging in place design within my business all while pursuing both of my passions in life. That’s what building a business is all about. Learning and constantly growing.

Christie, 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?

My name is Christie Fleming. I named my business after my two daughters, Lennon and Nora. I am a luxury residential interior designer in the Philadelphia area, who also offers specialized Aging in Place Design. I was previously a practicing Occupational Therapist, so with this background, I am able to offer aging in place residential design for those (adults or children) who may have chronic conditions or special needs. Aging in Place design allows clients to live in their homes for as long as functionally possible and it brings me joy that I am someone who is able to assist with that. My specialty niche is my main differentiating factor from other interior designers, but I also try to approach all of my designs with a holistic client centered point of view. Most times, clients have a difficult time understanding what it is that they like, but also what they need to make their spaces work for them and how they live their day to day. We are able to bring that to light after spending time and learning about how they live. It’s not only making spaces beautiful, but functional and a true reflection of the client. There is nothing better than knowing that you helped someone achieve something that they didn’t believe was achievable.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

Word of mouth referrals, and Instagram. Potential clients love seeing photos and learning the behind the scenes of how my projects come to life. I believe that when they see enough of my projects that resonate with them, I usually get a call or inquiry.

Can you share one of your favorite marketing or sales stories?

I had Philadelphia Magazine reach out to me directly asking if I had any recently completed projects that fit the description of the article that they were writing about; ‘2023 design trends’. I was honestly flattered that they had even known who I was or were interested in my work. I sent them photos of a space in my own home that I had just completed that fit their description and they loved it. I had heard back and they notified me that I was going to be in the publication. I had no idea what they were going to use and truly, I was expecting a small photo with my name and some info. The issue came out and I went to my local Barnes and Noble to buy some copies for fun memorabilia of my business. I started flipping through and I saw that they had given me two full double spreads! My jaw dropped to the floor. As a humble, small, relatively new business I couldn’t believe my eyes. This is my absolute favorite moment thus far in my career and it was a wonderful free way for credibility and marketing of my business and services.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.lennonnorainteriors.com
• Instagram: @lennonnorainteriors
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lennonnorainteriordesign

Image Credits
Meghan Balcom Photography, Rebecca McAlpin Photography