We recently connected with Elle Schwab and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Elle, 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.

I was one week away from starting maternity leave with my second child when everything shifted. I already knew I wouldn’t have access to paid leave, but I was surprised to learn that my short-term disability coverage would be significantly less than I’d anticipated—at a time when I had been committed to the same company for six years. As my leave wrapped up and I reached out to coordinate my return, it became clear that my role—and the structure around it—had changed. The team dynamic was different, the office location had shifted, and the logistics of two kids in daycare just didn’t add up. I realized I’d be spending more to work full-time than I’d be bringing in.

It was a pivotal moment. I wanted more agency in my work, more recognition for my contribution, and more alignment between my career and family life. Around that time, a client I had just completed a furnishings install for encouraged me to strike out on my own. With my husband able to bridge the gap financially, I decided to give it a shot.

At first, it was a slow roll. With daycare just one day a week, I used the time to dive into research, test out software (Revit, SketchUp, Materio, QuickBooks—you name it), and start shaping what I wanted Elle J Design to be. I built my own website, gathered every portfolio image I could find, and leaned into existing relationships with clients and industry partners.

By the end of that first year, I had designed four spec homes for a developer and signed a client for a remodel + addition on their existing home. The marketing piece was (and still is) a learning curve, but the operations side—thankfully—came more naturally. Having an accountant for a mother and a lawyer for a father didn’t hurt. My process was something I developed as I went, and it’s since become a solid foundation I continue to refine.

To me, launching meant more than filing an LLC—it meant showing up with work I was proud of, presenting it clearly, and building real relationships. That’s still what drives Elle J Design today.

Elle, 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?

Hi, I’m Elle Schwab—Owner and Principal Designer at Elle J Design. I specialize in full-service interior design and space planning, with a focus on creating homes that are as functional as they are beautiful. I work with clients through every stage of their project—from early layout and planning through to furnishings and final styling.

My path into design wasn’t a straight line, but it was a natural evolution. I earned a degree in hospitality business and started my career in event planning—where attention to detail, flow, and the overall guest experience were everything. Eventually, I went back to school to get certified in kitchen and bath design, and that’s where it all clicked. I’d found the perfect intersection of creativity, functionality, and problem-solving. After a decade of working in the design industry, I launched Elle J Design to bring a more thoughtful, streamlined, and client-centered approach to the full home design process.

At Elle J Design, we help clients navigate everything from new construction and major renovations to whole-home furnishing projects. Many of our clients are busy professionals or families who want a home that feels cohesive, comfortable, and considered—without having to manage every detail themselves. That’s where we come in. We guide them through a clear, collaborative design process that saves time, reduces overwhelm, and delivers results they love living in.

What sets us apart is our ability to look at the whole picture—from architectural details and spatial planning to finishes, furniture, and final styling. We’re known for being organized, down-to-earth, and incredibly thorough. I’m proud of the relationships we’ve built, the repeat clients we’ve earned, and the fact that we’re trusted to lead projects from the ground up.

At the end of the day, my goal is simple: to help people create spaces that support the way they actually live—spaces that feel good, function well, and grow with them over time.

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

I think having worked in this market for years before launching Elle J Design gave me a strong foundation. I had already built relationships with contractors, vendors, and other industry professionals throughout the county, and many of them were familiar with my capabilities, standards, communication style, and work ethic. That professional trust goes a long way. Combine that with consistent five-star reviews and heartfelt client testimonials, and I’ve been fortunate to attract clients who value a high level of service, clear communication, and thoughtful design.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

At the heart of Elle J Design is a mission to create spaces that feel intentional, lived-in, and entirely personal. I love designing homes where every detail—whether architectural, functional, or aesthetic—has been thoughtfully curated to support the people who live there. My goal is for clients to walk into their space and immediately feel like it just fits—like it was designed specifically for the way they live, relax, gather, and grow.

As a business owner, that same intentionality extends to relationships. I care deeply about fostering an environment where clients feel seen and supported, and where team members and collaborators feel empowered and excited to show up every day. I want Elle J Design to stand for more than great work—I want it to represent trust, clarity, respect, and creative collaboration at every level.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.ellejdesign.com
• Instagram: @ellej.design
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555132780565#
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/public-profile/settings?trk=d_flagship3_profile_self_view_public_profile

Image Credits

@dawson_and_harper