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

Alright, Emily thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. One of our favorite things to brainstorm about with friends who’ve built something entrepreneurial is what they would do differently if they were to start over today. Surely, there are things you’ve learned that would allow you to do it over faster, more efficiently. We’d love to hear how you would go about setting things up if you were starting over today, knowing everything that you already know.

I can see that I was meant to be a creative entrepreneur. This revealed itself really early on in life. If I had tapped into this sooner, I could have bypassed the expensive education that neither developed me creatively or entrepreneurially, or gave me a marketable skill. I wish my advisor had sat me down and pointed out all the ways I was not fit for a Bachelor of Science, or that department. And, if she had really known me (if I had really told her what I enjoy doing), she would have advised me to be somewhere else entirely. However, I was lost and was looking for others to tell me who I am. Then, I was shocked at the struggle. If I had explored what I really wanted, I may have taken a different path that presented struggle — but it would have been a different kind of struggle. A struggle that was for something — something that was ‘mine’. Instead, I academically struggled and really didn’t have anything to show for it. I might have been further ahead, sooner, if I had invested that time and tuition into a 2-year program, apprenticeships, traveling, creative launches, working under someone, something! I have rediscovered who I am through serious setback and failure … I am not that much different than the girl I was as a child: creative, opinionated about what I like, self-directed, sensitive, ambitious, caring, and passionate. I work hard but I also like to set up my days in a way that fits me. I spent too long trying to fit myself — and it works until it doesn’t. There are so many other quirks, limitations, and differences about myself that I rejected. If I were starting over today, I would fully embrace all these aspects of myself and get really curious… I wasted a lot of time trying to be someone else to somebody else.

Emily, 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?

I moved to Atlanta to pursue a career in interior design. While there, I worked for two designers that went on to have shows on HGTV. One also had a store in Midtown where I worked. While there, I learned about the robust tv/film and advertising industries. It was there that I delved more into styling and visual merchandising. It all started to click for me. Those magazines I flipped through for years captivated me because of the styling. I refer to styling as “the art of placement”. It truly is an art form and there are so many homes, storefronts, venues, and publications that benefit from strong styling.

After 10 years in Atlanta working in set and prop styling, visual merchandising, location scouting, and supporting other designers, I moved back to my hometown of Greenville, South Carolina.

I quickly realized an opportunity to help designers, photographers, and brands elevate what they are trying to accomplish with their clients. I launched Circa Maison in January 2024 with my partner, Chris Jones, and the response has been incredible! It turns out that not all interior designers enjoy styling and that publications here are very open to utilizing a stylist for their photoshoots. It also turns out that some people aren’t ready to hire an interior designer – yet – and rather than renovate their entire house, they want to elevate + edit where they live. So, I offer interior styling services to homeowners so they can fall back in love with where they live. Even if you have great pieces, if the pieces are not thoughtfully placed, you will not get the maximum beauty and impact of your things. I am spending a lot of time educating people on what styling is from our shop which is located at 1172 Pendleton Street (Greenville, SC 29611) inside an incredible MCM gas station occupied by Teresa Roche Textiles. The storefront serves as a 3-D portfolio of what I am capable of … It isn’t just a shop (although everything is for sale!). It is meant to be an inspiring experience for visitors and a display of my range of capabilities. Circa Maison offers: interior and photo styling, visual merchandising for other storefronts, personal shopping, and art placement (we also will hang all of your art securely!). In addition to these services, Circa Maison represents the incredible work of Kent Ambler. Kent is well-known nationally for his woodcuts. However, the best kept non-secret is his incredible paintings which are mostly tucked away at his home on Paris Mountain. His paintings really speak to me and we hope to debut these unique works in a curated, styled way that properly showcase the spirit and talent behind this exceptional artist. To learn more, please visit: www.circamaison.com Lastly, I am passionate about other shops succeeding. Even if you are a “competitor” of mine, I welcome the chance to consult with you on captivating, more interesting window displays, better product merchandising, store layout, and overall styling touches that will impact your buyer’s experience and your bottom line.

Any fun sales or marketing stories?

India Hicks was my second customer. She is an interior designer, fashion model for Ralph Lauren, and relative of the British Royal Family.

I was at a talk she was giving and had several pairs of earrings I made – in my purse. I had brought them to the event to share with my friend over lunch. This was a new friend and I thought she might enjoy seeing them. Admittedly, I also worried we might not have anything to talk about — so I brought a “conversation starter”. It was a great decision to put them in my bag because after the talk, I nervously stood in line with my book to meet India and have her sign it. At the last minute, I decided to show her the earrings and ask for her feedback. NO ONE asked her any business questions during the Q & A. I also wanted to get her reaction. If this fashionable woman likes them, then I may really have something here. Really, it was a practice in me taking a chance on myself — putting myself out there. I love to promote and encourage others but there are so many challenges I have with promoting myself, or my work. However, if there is one thing I have learned from being around some really big egos, you must go for it. If there is one thing I have learned from some of my favorite spiritual leaders and CEO podcasts, you must be willing to ask for feedback. She bought nearly every pair I had with me! COMPLETE SHOCK. It was powerful. Very powerful.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

This is not my only goal or mission which drives my journey, however, while I feel like a lot of my work experience prepared me for where I am now, I also lost a lot of opportunities and financial freedom because of a decade-long struggle with major depressive disorder and anxiety. I hope to make up for lost time and come out – personally, spiritually, financially, relationally, and creatively – even better! There is so much to do, learn, see, experience, connect, create, serve, and heal! I am here for it all. I look forward to seeing what I am capable of and growing as a person, creative, and entrepreneur!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.circamaison.com
• Instagram: @circamaison

Image Credits

Jack Robert Photography