We recently connected with Colleen McDaniel and have shared our conversation below.

Colleen, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What do you think matters most in terms of achieving success?

Success, to me, boils down to three non-negotiables: mindset, persistence, and hard work.

Your mindset is the foundation—if you don’t believe it’s possible, you’ll talk yourself out of the very thing you’re meant to do. I’ve learned that the way you think about challenges directly impacts how you show up. A growth mindset turns obstacles into lessons. Without that, every setback feels like a dead end.

Persistence is the fuel. There were countless moments where I questioned the path I was on—late nights, designs that needed an overhaul, things not going the way I planned—but I kept going. One moment that stands out for me: Starting my own business in the middle of a pandemic. Gaining traction was almost impossible, and I initially felt overwhelmed with what felt like an uphill battle. That said, I stuck with it, and everything came together just the way it was supposed to.

And then there’s hard work. There’s no getting around it. Talent is great, but effort is everything. I’ve had to work twice as hard to create the life I want—and I’m still building. But every hour I invest, every risk I take, brings me closer.

Success isn’t just about being smart or lucky. It’s about showing up, doing the work, and believing in yourself long before the results show up.

Colleen, 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?

I’m Colleen, an interior stylist and the founder of Curlantiks—a virtual styling studio dedicated to helping people create beautiful, intentional homes that reflect who they are and how they want to feel in their space.

My journey into interior styling started with a deep love for vintage furniture, layered textures, and the feeling of walking into a room that just gets you. This world was introduced to me through my grandmother, who owned her own flea market, and showed me the true beauty behind vintage. Over the years, I found myself constantly rearranging, sourcing, and styling spaces for friends and family—and eventually realized this wasn’t just a hobby; it was a calling.

Through my virtual styling services and e-book, I help clients bring their dream spaces to life, no matter their location or budget. Whether it’s a cozy living room refresh, a mood board for a Parisian-inspired bedroom, or a step-by-step plan to tackle a renovation, I guide my clients with clarity, creativity, and ease. I also offer an instructional e-book for those who want to learn the art of styling their own homes—because I believe good design should be accessible to everyone.

What sets me apart is my belief that your home isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about energy, intention, and how it supports your daily life. I don’t just drop a design and go; I teach, I collaborate, and I listen deeply. My goal is to help you feel confident, inspired, and empowered in your space.

I’m most proud of the way my work has helped people fall in love with their homes again. Especially those who felt overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure of how to make their vision a reality.

If you’re new here, I want you to know that I care deeply about every project, and I meet every client exactly where they are. You don’t need a million-dollar budget to create magic—you just need intention, style, and a little guidance. That’s where I come in.

Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?

Yes—community has been one of the most game-changing resources in my creative journey, and I wish I had leaned into it earlier. I was able to build a community through each of the resources I highlight, and it has honestly transformed my business.

Platforms like Skillshare opened my eyes to new techniques and tools that helped me refine my craft and grow my interior styling business with confidence.

Clubhouse was where I first started having real-time, unfiltered conversations with other creatives—hearing their stories, asking questions, and realizing I wasn’t alone in the ups and downs of building something from scratch.

And Discord? That’s where the deeper connections happen. Having a space to brainstorm, get feedback, and just be in community with other creatives has been vital for staying inspired and accountable.

The truth is, creativity can feel isolating if you let it—but when you surround yourself with people who are also building, experimenting, and growing, it changes everything. That collective energy and support is something I now actively seek and encourage others to tap into early on.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

My creative journey has been full of pivots—each one teaching me something new about resilience, clarity, and alignment. Two of the most significant shifts I’ve experienced were moving to a fully virtual platform and starting my business during the height of the pandemic.

Launching an interior styling business in the middle of so much global uncertainty wasn’t easy, but it taught me how to adapt quickly, lean into purpose, and connect with people in meaningful ways—digitally. That experience pushed me to reimagine what styling could look like beyond in-person installs and traditional design services.

Going virtual became more than just a practical decision—it allowed me to reach clients across the country, offer flexible styling support, and build educational resources like my e-book for those who want to learn and style on their own terms. Each pivot helped me get closer to the core of why I do what I do: to help people feel empowered, seen, and at home—wherever they are.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://curlantiks.com/shop
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/curlantiks/?hl=en
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colleenmcdaniel/