We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Grace Hernandez. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Grace below.

Hi Grace, thanks for joining us today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

Being an entrepreneur is always a risk. Every time you start a new venture, you’re taking a chance. I’ve bounced between starting my own businesses and working for as long as I can remember. I usually keep a part-time job as a buffer, just in case things don’t go well with my business. Last year, I worked for a company designing and staging Airbnbs across the U.S. It helped me build my resume, but I knew I couldn’t stay with the company for long. The work was exhausting and unpredictable.

When I quit that job at the end of the year, I decided to start my own interior design company. Not as a side hobby and no part-time job to keep me afloat. Doing interior design full-time had always been a dream for me, and since I didn’t go through a formal interior design program, starting my own company felt like an even bigger risk. What if nothing happened? What if I couldn’t get any clients? Those thoughts constantly ran through my head, but I chose not to give them enough time to stop me from pursuing my passion. So, I launched my business and went full-time.

As expected, I’ve had my slow weeks, but I often look back and marvel at how I’ve consistently had clients and a steady income each month. A risk always seems scarier before you take the leap. It’s the feeling of looking down over the cliff that holds me back. But I’m always glad I took the plunge, even when things don’t turn out exactly how I envisioned. For me, trying and failing is part of the process of figuring out what works and what doesn’t. I learn something new with every risk I take, and that motivates me to try again.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’ve been an entrepreneur for the last 10 years, so I’m always thinking of different business ideas. In 2020, I bought a couple of vintage trailers off the side of the road and remodeled them. That turned into a business of buying and remodeling vintage campers and RVs. I did all the work myself and learned a wide array of creative skills, but I mostly fell in love with the design process—coming up with a style, choosing backsplash, flooring, and upholstery, and seeing it all come together to create something unique and beautiful.

After a couple of years, I wrapped up that business and attended an online interior design school for a year. Around the same time, I helped my sister in Pennsylvania, my brother in California, and a friend in Lakewood design and launch their own short-term rentals. Shortly after, I got a job with a company designing and staging short-term rentals across the U.S. It was the most fast-paced and challenging job I’ve ever had, but I learned so much and had the chance to practice my skills with a lot of creative freedom.

Being the entrepreneur that I am, I always knew I wanted to start my own business. So, I quit that job and started my own company, which is now Brighten Designs.

In the short-term rental design industry, I often see mass-produced, sterile designs that appeal to everyone but lack personality and fail to stand out. When I walk into a short-term rental, I want to feel like I’m stepping into a friend’s home, where I’m welcomed as a guest. If I wanted the sterile atmosphere of a hotel room, I’d book a hotel. When designing short-term rentals, I focus on creating spaces that tell a story, giving guests something memorable to take away. I believe this approach is what sets Brighten Designs apart and helps generate more bookings by standing out from the sea of generic short-term rentals.

With Brighten Designs, I offer full-service interior design and staging, as well as virtual design consultations. I offer two packages:

1. The first package includes a design consultation, three design concepts, a shopping list with product links, a to-do list for staging the short-term rental, and professional photos.
2. The second package includes a consultation, three design concepts, one final design plan with a room layout, curated furniture and decor tailored to the client’s budget, product purchasing and order management, onsite staging and setup, and professional photos.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

For me, the most rewarding part of being an artist is leaving something better than it was before for others to enjoy. And what really drives me is seeing the potential in something and transforming a space with the limited resources I have. I often have to work within certain boundaries, and while that can feel limiting, it’s also a challenge that motivates me to find creative solutions. Discovering what I can achieve within those constraints is always surprising and incredibly rewarding.

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

Word of mouth! Family, friends, friends of friends, and so on. I recently joined a network of short-term rental hosts and service providers in Denver, and it’s already been a great source of new clients. As more people start short-term rentals, there’s a growing demand for design help. I’m hopeful that this network will continue to grow my business. Most interior designers find their clients through word of mouth, and I’ve found that to be true in my experience as well.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.brightendesigns.com
• Instagram: @brighten.designs
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brighteninteriordesigns/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gracehernandez5/

Image Credits

Micah Stailey Photography, Abbie Joy Photography