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

Lauren, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Earning a full time living from one’s creative career can be incredibly difficult. Have you been able to do so and if so, can you share some of the key parts of your journey and any important advice or lessons that might help creatives who haven’t been able to yet?

Yes, I’ve been able to grow Lauren Ashley Design into a thriving, full-scale design studio that supports both my family and my creative purpose — but the path to get here wasn’t a straight line. Like many businesses, it began as a dream and a side hustle. I had a deep passion for interior design and a vision for helping people create homes that feel both beautiful and truly livable.

Everything shifted in late 2019 and early 2020 when both my husband Joshua and I were laid off during the national economic and health crisis. What could have felt like a setback became the push I needed. I took a leap of faith, and Lauren Ashley Design quickly became not just my creative outlet — but our family’s primary focus and livelihood.

There weren’t a lot of systems in place at the time. I had no mentor or formal blueprint — just a strong design instinct, a clear vision, and a deep commitment to building something meaningful. I knew from the beginning that I didn’t want virtual design to feel like a lesser version of in-person services. I focused on creating a process that was warm, collaborative, and personalized — one that honored both the aesthetics and functionality of a home.

That meant every detail mattered — from thoughtful layouts and material selections to ensuring the design supported each client’s real life. As the business grew, I developed streamlined systems, defined service packages, and leaned into the flexibility of virtual design to reach clients across the country.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that building something sustainable takes time, resilience, and clarity. I wouldn’t trade the challenges — they shaped Lauren Ashley Design into what it is today: a purpose-driven, design-forward studio that’s deeply rooted in connection, intention, and the belief that your home should support the way you live, not just how it looks.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I grew up in Mount Airy, North Carolina, a small town that shaped my values and determination. Diagnosed with epilepsy at a young age, I overcame significant challenges through perseverance, faith, and family support—lessons that deeply influence how I approach both life and design.

I earned degrees in both interior design and visual communications, which provide a strong technical and creative foundation for my work. But what truly sets Lauren Ashley Design apart is our dedication to delivering a luxury virtual interior design experience that rivals traditional, in-person services.

Many virtual design offerings can feel generic or impersonal, but I’ve built a studio and process that prioritizes high-touch collaboration, sophisticated aesthetics, and thoughtful functionality. Our clients receive meticulously crafted 2D and 3D renderings, personalized finish selections, and comprehensive CAD documents for all necessary areas — ensuring that every detail is clear and actionable for contractors and vendors.

By leveraging advanced virtual tools and clear, detailed presentations, we help clients nationwide visualize and confidently make design decisions, regardless of location. The flexibility of virtual design paired with our attention to detail means our clients enjoy a seamless, elevated experience that feels personal and exclusive.

I’m most proud of the relationships I’ve built with clients who trust us repeatedly and refer others, showing that our approach delivers both beautiful results and peace of mind.

At Lauren Ashley Design, we believe luxury design should be accessible, approachable, and tailored — creating spaces that look stunning and work beautifully for the way people live.

Can you talk to us about how your side-hustle turned into something more.

As I mentioned previously, Lauren Ashley Design started as a side hustle while I worked full-time elsewhere. The turning point came in early 2020 when my husband Joshua and I were both laid off during the pandemic, and I decided to fully commit to growing the business.

The key to scaling Lauren Ashley Design has been a strong focus on SEO and my blog. By consistently sharing valuable design insights and showcasing projects through blog content, I was able to attract organic traffic and build trust with potential clients. This approach steadily increased inquiries and helped establish the business as a trusted virtual design studio.

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

The best source of new clients for Lauren Ashley Design has been Facebook groups. I join groups tailored to my target audience, offer simple advice, engage authentically, and share my services when requested. This approach helps build trust and connect with people who are actively seeking design support.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.lashleydesign.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lashleydesign
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1EUhpydKAN/?mibextid=wwXIfr
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lauren-ashley-design/