We recently connected with Erica Murphy and have shared our conversation below.

Erica, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Alright, so you had your idea and then what happened? Can you walk us through the story of how you went from just an idea to executing on the idea

Going from idea to execution, I started by writing down my vision, in detail. The details of “why” am I creating this business?, “what” purpose will it serve? and “when” do I want to launch it? I am a true believer in writing things down, you will see them come to fruition. Not only write your vision or goals down, but add a date to it. The date is important for the execution. Otherwise, a goal or vision without a plan of execution is just a wish! After writing the vision down, I prayed over it. After praying over the vision, I focused on just creating, I provide custom e-designs, mood board and concepts for interior spaces, therefore, I would have creative sessions where I would just let the ideas flow, naturally, with no pressure. I remember being able to come up with ideas and create non-stop. I then was able to focus on branding aspect, in my past life, I was a website consultant, so I had the knowledge on how to create my own website and marketing materials for my business. Once those were solid, I had to figure out the logistics of the business on the backend, I wanted things to be seamless and as user-friendly as possible for my prospective clients who want to work with me. I did tons of research of the industry and found a niche that is different and in many ways, stands out, offering to an audience of do-it-yourselfers that need an interior stylists’ assistance with decor ideas. In order to move beyond the idea phase and actually launch, I had to go for it! I had to push past my comfort zone, my doubts, all of the reasons why I should wait until everything is perfect, but when you have a gift, an idea, a vision, you have to just go for it!

Erica, 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?

Erica L. Murphy Interiors currently offers virtual interior styling services. Whether you need assistance with decor ideas, a concept consultation, or a complete e-design of your space, all interior services are done entirely online. It is a convenient way for you to work with me even if you live in another state. All packages are digitally designed for your space that you can DIY. Erica L. Murphy Interiors is an affordable way to work with an interior stylist to transform your space. I offer custom mood boards to provide top-notch design ideas. Mood boards are great for getting a jump start on your interior styling ideas. It visually communicates design styles and decor ideas. It is a well thought out collection of images, aesthetic, color palette, materials and textures that are intended to help bring forth a particular style or concept for your space. I also offer custom E-design packages which is great for those who need an interior stylist’s expertise. It is a simple and affordable alternative to traditional interior design. This service is completely virtual by providing you with a full visual design of your space and shopping links are provided where you can purchase the items from your E-design. I also offer digital concepts that include a written consultation is intended to bring forth ideas of a particular style desired by creating a custom concept board. This service also provides you with shop links where you can purchase the items from your concept board. My clients who have purchased the E-design or Concept service, receive a personalized “How to Guide” with a designer’s note curated by me. I will be expanding my services to include full service interior design, in the near future, stay tuned!

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

I believe the hardships we experience causes us to persevere. I have a quick story from my journey taking you way back to my college days at UTSA, I studied Architecture and Interior Design in College. My College professor asked me, “What is your dream?” I replied: “To be an interior designer on HGTV!” but then, life had a change of course for me because I was rejected from the School of Architecture program. I have always had an eye for design, decor, and will walk into a space and re-design the area in my mind, sounds crazy, I know, but if you are a creative, you get it! I have always had family, friends and some strangers tell me I have a talent in design, but I guess my original dream faded and I never took the leap of faith, until now. My passion has never left, my love for design has never left, it’s all in divine timing. My passion to help people and my passion for design are the reasons why I created Erica L. Murphy Interiors, it is my belief that everything comes around full circle. To be honest, that rejection deterred me from my passion for several years. But, let me tell you about my full circle moment, recently, I joined a network of Black Interior Designers — shout out to Black Interior Designers DFW! At the end of 2022, we had a Vision Board party event held at the Dallas Market Center. I am relatively new to the group, so, it was my first time going to the Dallas Market Center, which is not open to the public, I was invited as a guest for the event. You have to be a registered member to have access to the market. As we were creating our vision boards in walks this man telling us about some upcoming initiatives happening, then he walks over to me, only, and asks am I a member there? I replied, “No” I was a little hesitant about answering. In that moment, he registered me on the spot. This was a huge deal! He officially registered my business as a Buyer at the Dallas Market Center. Come to find out, he was the VP of Home & Design. I had no idea, that was being in the right place at the right time. That was God showing up and showing out, letting me know that I belong in that room! Despite what my past experiences have been in this field, I am resilient, that was the level of encouragement I needed to keep going, that was a sign that I am right where I am supposed to be and it’s only up from here!

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

I had to unlearn, when you are a creative person, you are creating from the heart, and that can get messy when it comes to business. I had to learn that every open door isn’t necessarily my door, and that’s okay. Learning that every prospective client may not be the right fit for your business and that’s okay. I had to unlearn taking things personally. Don’t take it personal, it’s just business. I’ve said this before, but I believe that’s what this entrepreneurial journey is all about, the lessons learned and unlearned. The toughest one yet is sticking to my business standards no matter the prospect. Sometimes the hardest decisions are the best decisions for your business. I am constantly reminding myself that it’s not about who doesn’t value you or your business, it’s about you valuing yourself and your business. Always remember your vision, your “why” and never forget, you’re an expert in your field who provides a solution to a problem. That is my daily affirmation along this journey!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.elm-interiors.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elminteriors_/
• Other: email: [email protected]

Image Credits
All photography by: Terica B Photo, https://tericabphoto.com/