We recently connected with Emily Taber-Moore and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Emily, thanks for joining us today. Almost all entrepreneurs have had to decide whether to start now or later? There are always pros and cons for waiting and so we’d love to hear what you think about your decision in retrospect. If you could go back in time, would you have started your business sooner, later or at the exact time you started?
If I could turn back time and choose when to start my business, it’s an intriguing question. The answer is both yes and no. Yes because isn’t that what we all wish? To independently be our own bosses and call the shots is the dream for many people. In all honesty though, I would have to say no. All the experiences I have had throughout my design career provided me with essential knowledge of running different aspects of an interior design business. Had I not gone to school for four years, taken on multiple internships or worked for other established firms then I would most likely be pursuing a passion in the dark. I do believe you can teach yourself anything you put your mind too, but without some form of structure there is chaos. Timing is everything. Some are ready sooner than others. I believe my time happened when it was supposed to. To this day, I am still evolving and learning, but I can say without hesitation that I don’t regret a second of my journey.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
My design journey began at a young age when I discovered my passion for rearranging spaces and playing with colors and materials. With a desire to pursue a career in interior design, I embarked on a four-year design program in college, where I immersed myself in both interiors and architecture. During this time, I also studied abroad for a semester in Florence, Italy which enriched my understanding of design and architectural history on a more global scale. However, graduating in 2008 at the height of the economic recession, finding an actual job in the industry was challenging. I worked my way up through internships, retail, showrooms, and design firms, all while taking on side projects in my spare time. In 2019, I took a leap of faith and founded Henry Rose Design, later rebranding as Studio Henree LLC in 2022.
Presently, Studio Henree is a full-service interior design firm specializing in high-end residential and boutique commercial projects from coast-to-coast. As a company and interior designer, what I am truly proud of is offering a fresh approach that challenges the typical SoCal coastal style. Through my international travels and years of experience working with a range of distinguished designers, I have fostered a deep passion for intermixing a variety styles in my projects. Standing firmly behind the principle that every space should be a reflection of its inhabitants, I believe that designing with authenticity sets my style apart from others. Great design transcends boundaries, and the Studio Henree brand fully embraces that philosophy.
Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?
As an interior designer, creativity is rarely a linear path. It involves continuous exploration, experimentation, and refinement. Non-creatives may struggle to understand that the initial ideas we generate are often just the starting point. We go through multiple iterations, adjusting and refining our concepts to achieve the desired outcome. It’s a dynamic and evolving process that requires flexibility and an open mind.
On the other hand, the creative process often involves navigating ambiguity and embracing the unknown. As designers, we’re comfortable with ambiguity and can see it as an opportunity for growth and innovation. Non-creatives may find it challenging to understand our ability to work through uncertainty and make decisions amidst the absence of a clear roadmap. It’s about trusting our instincts and intuition while staying focused on the end goal.
Design is a unique blend of subjectivity and objectivity. While we bring our artistic vision and personal style to the table, we also need to consider functional requirements, client preferences, and industry standards. It’s about finding harmony between artistic expression and meeting the needs of our clients.
Additionally, inspiration is a fundamental driver of creativity. Inspiration can come from anywhere—nature, art, travel, culture, and even mundane everyday experiences. It’s about being receptive to the world around us and finding beauty and ideas in unexpected places.
Creativity thrives on constant learning and growth. As designers, we strive to stay updated with the latest trends, materials, technologies, and design principles. It’s a never-ending process of expanding our knowledge base and pushing the boundaries of our creativity. Recognizing the nuances of the creative process can foster appreciation for the work we do and spark inspiration in unexpected ways.
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
I have been fortunate that approximately 90% of my projects come from word-of-mouth recommendations and referrals. Building my reputation has been influenced by three essential factors: transparency, adaptability, and attention to detail. From the initial stages, I prioritize open and honest communication with my clients, ensuring there are no hidden agendas regarding costs and realistic timelines. While unforeseen circumstances may occasionally disrupt schedules, I never make unrealistic promises. Adaptability is another crucial aspect as I am able to cater to diverse design styles, helping clients refine their preferences and guiding them through the process. Attention to detail is a fundamental aspect of every project, and many may not realize that as designers, we are responsible for meticulously drafting the construction documents. It is our duty to scrutinize every millwork detail, material application, plumbing location, lighting and electrical plans, furniture placement, down to the minutiae such as flooring transitions and door hinge styles. By placing a strong emphasis on these guiding principles, I cultivate meaningful relationships with my clients, where trust becomes the cornerstone for every decision made throughout the design process.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://studiohenree.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/studiohenree/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/studiohenree/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/studio-henree/
- Other: Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@studiohenree Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/StudioHenree/
Image Credits
Jenny Siegwart, Chipper Hatter