We were lucky to catch up with Gabrielle Williams recently and have shared our conversation below.

Gabrielle, appreciate you joining us today. What was it like going from idea to execution? Can you share some of the backstory and some of the major steps or milestones?

I actually started when I was in High School. My mother is an Interior Designer and while I was in High School she would take me with her to her client’s homes and shopping so I was exposed early in life but that is not the direction life took me. I went to school to become a surgical tech, worked in healthcare for about 10 years before I became burnt out (after COVID). During COVID I was able to spend more time in my creativity and I started my own Furniture Refinishing company and I did pretty well for about 3 years but I did not know to really run a business so, I ended up taking a break, for a year or so. This break gave me the opportunity to really figure what it is that I wanted to do, not something that would just make money but something I could see myself really enjoying. I never thought designing and decorating was a job, let alone a career I could actually earn a living from because it was always something I just did. I would randomly redecorate rooms in my own home and in my friends’ homes because I enjoyed it and they loved the results. One day, a light switch went off and I decided I was going to go back to school for something I actually enjoyed, Interior Design. While in school I remembered how much I struggled trying to find other business girlies that did something similar, let along trying to network or form any relationships. So my home girl and I (who happened to be in the same program as me) encouraged one another to attend networking events related to Interior Design. I had the pleasure of attending an event that was a recognition and award ceremony called Toast to Atlanta Interior Designers hosted by Jameelah Watkins-Mallett of Jameelah Divine Interiors in May of this year, and this is when I knew this is what I was meant to do. It was really a full circle moment being amongst Atlanta’s Top Black Designers. I was able to meet other designers, seamstresses, organizers and other vendors that made me feel so welcome. That is when I learned about a Conference that Jameelah was also hosting in July and I decided in that moment it was time for me to invest in myself and this business that is meant for me. I put myself out there more than I ever had and it did not feel uncomfortable like it has previously, I have met some incredible women that are all designers that are in my corner, where there is no competition, only encouragement. Since putting myself out there and doing things different I have already had the opportunity to assist Jameelah with her tablescape at To Live + Dine in August. I took a chance on myself this time and not just hoping things would happen but actually made these things happen. These relationships and opportunities have provided me with what I need to be doing behind the scenes, the business side of things that I had struggled with before. I am so thankful for those who have poured into me, took a chance on me and pointed me in the right direction.

Gabrielle, 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?

I am an Interior Designer based in Atlanta, GA. I grew up with parents that encouraged me to go to school for something that will always be in need, anything medical related. My dad was in IT and had experienced the difficulty layoffs prove to be and mother always regretted that she did not complete her degree in Nursing. I ended up going to school to become a Surgical Tech, the person that passed the surgeon their tools during surgery. I absolutely loved doing this job and did it well for about 10 years but the politics at a hospital can be overbearing so I ended up transferring to another department and worked in Surgery Scheduling for about 3 years. That was one of the most horrible decisions I had ever made in my life and quickly came to that conclusion after COVID. That was when I decided I needed to give my nervous system a break and found a wonderful job working from home. This gave me time to make my home the attention it needed. I started with refinishing my grandmother’s tea cart that had been given to me. It was old and the finish was peeling so I decided to give her a facelift. After I completed it, I decided that I could do that more often and to other peoples’ furniture. So, I started by own business doing just that. Refinishing furniture organically lead me back into my true passion of Interior Design.
I believe your home should be your place of sanctuary, where you feel at peace. it should reflect your personality, it should inspire you and it should also make you happy. My designs are inspired by nature and the calmness you feel when you’re on the beach in Mexico, at a cafe in Paris, in the city, out to dinner on a rooftop, etc. My designs come from those moments where nothing else matters, those moments of pure joy and happiness, memories with friends and family.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

My husband has always done really well financially up until the year before COVID began. This was a time that we were at our lowest. My husband worked in the car industry and had his own business that was thriving until the economy took a downturn and so did the car industry. It came to a point where he had to let the business go and I became the bread winner of the household. I was working a job that I absolutely hated but because we needed the money it was not a time to make any rash decisions, we had to be very strategic about any moves we wanted to make and this required me to hustle. I was working a full time job and running my own business, with his help of course. This went on for 3 years and during that time I learned so much about myself and those I had around me. I learned to trust myself more and to be more comfortable with being by myself during this struggle. My husband was also struggling because he was used to being the provider and he had to deal with his own mental struggles and he had to rely on me more during that time. We grew to be a stronger couple and grew closer to Jehovah God, who helped us through. It was only because of his blessings and our congregation that we were able to come out stronger than we had ever been.

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

I have had to unlearn being indecisive and unsure. You cannot run a successful business with uncertainty, they cannot coexist. I am an only child so that means I am the oldest and the youngest and grew up to be a very agreeable person but that comes with some issues, being able to speak up for yourself, people pleasing and always saying Yes when you really don’t want to. These are habits that can wreak havoc on your self esteem and your ability to maintain relationships with people. I am more sure than I have ever been, thanks to a lot mental work and therapy.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.vibebygabrielle.com
• Instagram: @vibebygabrielle
• Facebook: @vibebygabrielle
• Other: Tik Tok @vibebygabrielle

Image Credits

Michelle Davina Photography