We were lucky to catch up with Emily Ann Ortega recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Emily Ann thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s start big picture – what are some of biggest trends you are seeing in your industry?

Right now it is very common for Austin and the surrounding areas to be remodeling their homes and adding value to their properties.
Many design trends that are trending right now are mixed metals and adding wood elements to your design.

We appreciate all of the opportunities to be able to make something old and outdated and completely transform it into something modern and functional.

For example, we just designed a Home in Cedar park, Texas it was predominantly brown from 20 yrs ago..
Our client had excellent taste in modern vintage and from there we added more off whites, creams, bronze, black, and silver to make the home up to date. It came out so beautiful and was such a fun journey to be apart of.
I would highly recommend buying a home that needs design and remodeling, this will help save money at buying and add more bank to your pockets at your time to sell! :)

Emily Ann, 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?

Hi my name is Emily Ortega, I am a such an “Austin Girl.” My friends call me Emm and my family literally calls me their “Austin Girl.”haha

From the time I was little, I have always appreciated art and the beauty that homes can carry.

I have lived in Austin for nearly 13 years.
During Covid 2019 I started my small business Emm’s Services with my fiancé Miguel Martinez (our Amazing Contractor.) Houses we’re flying off the market and our business quickly grew from remodeling and designing to adding selling into the mix.
I am a very eager Realtor and Designer that truly understands and appreciates our communities. Having living all over Austin throughout the years, I have become very familiar with our artistic and creative styles that help me when I’m creating designs or finding the perfect style homes for my clients/friends.
My business stands out because I am honest with all of my clients and like to make them feel comfortable during the design/selling/buying process.
I understand that I am helping them in Their homes and I never want to push my personal styles or preferences onto them rather than bring their visions to life and elevate their designs. My partner Miguel is a complete beast at designing and building! His fun energy and knowledge really keeps our business stand strong as well.

I am so proud that we really started our business from the ground up, no help or guidance just faith and a whole lot of planning. I do believe that anything is possible if you work your tail off to get it off the ground.

We would not be where we are today if it wasn’t for our amazing clients, families, and friends that have supported our business for the past 4 years.

We look forward to designing more dream homes and giving back to our wonderful communities. :)

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

The best way to know your community is to get out there and meet them. Do not be afraid to hand out your business cards to strangers or shake their hands. 90% of our business came from people that were strangers at one time or another. So get yourself out there and be proud of yourself and your business. People will support you if they see how much love you put into it!
When we first started our business we had cards that I would take to fire stations and police departments along with pies to show my appreciation for their services as well as introduce our business. I was pleasantly surprised at how many wives from the first responders had called us looking for help in their homes. I always wanted to portray myself and our business as people with love and soul… that is what the people will remember. In business you are selling yourself first..

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

We have had great luck receiving business via Facebook/ Instagram and are now at a point where it is mainly word of mouth referrals.

Marketing is a must when locating new clients and network network network!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emm_sellsdesigns_austin?igsh=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Emmsservices?mibextid=LQQJ4d