Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Mackenzie Collier . We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Mackenzie, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. One of our favorite things to brainstorm about with friends who’ve built something entrepreneurial is what they would do differently if they were to start over today. Surely, there are things you’ve learned that would allow you to do it over faster, more efficiently. We’d love to hear how you would go about setting things up if you were starting over today, knowing everything that you already know.

If I were starting over, I’d prioritize branding and marketing much earlier. Initially, I lacked clarity on my target clientele and the projects best suited for me. Attempting to appeal to everyone seemed like the broadest strategy, but in hindsight, I should have conducted thorough market research and defined my niche sooner. It wasn’t until three years into my business journey that I undertook this crucial step. Once I identified my ideal client and crafted a focused strategy, winning over clients became significantly easier. While my ideal client profile has evolved, the essence of my brand still revolves around the foundation laid back in 2014.

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.

In the ever-evolving world of interior design, at Mackenzie Collier Interiors, we are committed to pioneering authentic design tailored to each individual. We steer clear of cookie-cutter designs and instead aim to infuse personality into every project. With a strong focus on sustainability and collaboration, we’re reshaping traditional design approaches and setting new industry standards.

My design journey began with a simple goal: to create spaces that seamlessly blend beauty with practicality. With a background in Psychology from Michigan State University and Interior Design from Harrington College of Design in Chicago, I wanted to redefine how we inhabit our surroundings. Today, Mackenzie Collier Interiors offers a comprehensive range of services tailored for both residential and commercial clients, including new builds and historic homes, all with sustainability as our guiding principle. Our commitment to eco-conscious practices informs every aspect of our work, from material choices to project execution. What truly sets us apart is our collaborative ethos. We believe that great design is a team effort, with each team member contributing their unique skills and perspectives. This collaborative approach fosters creativity and ensures that our designs meet the specific needs of our clients. Transparency, integrity, and client satisfaction are at the core of our philosophy. From initial concept to final installation, we prioritize exceeding expectations and delivering exceptional results.

Mackenzie Collier Interiors is more than just a design firm—it’s a full client experience. We engage our clients with our five-senses client-centric approach, from design samples to personalized playlists or cocktails, ensuring every aspect of the process reflects their individuality. At our core, we are dedicated to ensuring our clients are ecstatic with their design outcomes. Our passion lies in collaborating with clients to unveil their authentic design styles and translate them into tangible, immersive spaces. Witnessing our clients’ excitement and seeing their spaces come to life over time is incredibly fulfilling. We want our audience to know that genuine care and passion underscore every project we undertake.

Throughout my 13-year tenure as a business owner in the interior design realm, maintaining profitability has been a formidable challenge. The subjective nature of our product, the perpetual need for client acquisition, and our dependence on the real estate and construction sectors make it a demanding industry. Yet, I take immense pride in the resilience of my all-women, creative team. They’ve demonstrated remarkable adaptability and positivity amidst the myriad challenges we’ve encountered.

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

After investing years in organically cultivating a robust Instagram following exceeding 10,000 followers, our team faced a sudden setback when our account was inexplicably disabled. Despite a year-long struggle to recover it, our efforts proved futile. Forced to start anew, we reassessed our approach and realized that while Instagram fostered community support, it didn’t translate significantly into revenue. Consequently, we shifted our focus toward leveraging our Instagram as a design portfolio and redirected our efforts towards enhancing SEO and PR initiatives. This strategic pivot not only improved our marketing ROI but also enabled us to refine our target clientele, which diverged from our Instagram audience.

How do you keep your team’s morale high?

Managing a team amid the backdrop of “The Great Resignation” has posed significant challenges. The evolving professional landscape, particularly among new college graduates, necessitated a shift in our management approach. Basic tenets of professionalism, once assumed, now require explicit training. As a manager, I advocate for maintaining a holistic perspective and prioritizing key metrics aligned with business objectives. Flexibility is key; I actively listen to employee feedback and embrace innovative approaches when beneficial. Regular one-on-one meetings foster open communication and morale among the team, providing a platform to address concerns and celebrate successes.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.mackenziecollierinteriors.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mci.phx
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091864221208&viewas=&show_switched_toast=false&show_switched_tooltip=false&is_tour_dismissed=false&is_tour_completed=false&show_podcast_settings=false&show_community_review_changes=false&should_open_composer=false&badge_type=NEW_MEMBER&show_community_rollback_toast=false&show_community_rollback=false&show_follower_visibility_disclosure=false&bypass_exit_warning=true
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mackenzie-collier-interiors
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/mackenzie-collier-interiors-phoenix
• Other: email: [email protected]

Image Credits
Headshot/Lifestyle/Team Image/Blue Sofa/Material Flat lay images: Heather Kirchhofer, Agnes Art and Photo https://agnesartandphoto.com/ White sofa, Lemonade Insurance mural open-concept office space, kitchen with brass pendants and green sofa, Greenwood Brewing Bar: Jason Roehner https://www.roehnerphotographs.com/