We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Madison Flintz a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Madison, thanks for joining us today. Risking taking is a huge part of most people’s story but too often society overlooks those risks and only focuses on where you are today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – it could be a big risk or a small one – but walk us through the backstory.

Quitting a full-time steady job to chase my dreams and step out on my own was a scary risk to take.
I knew I wanted more. I wanted more than a job in one location with no real opportunity to grow. I wanted to do more than work in a retail store that only skimmed the surface of what I wanted to do. I wanted more than the corporate life with the ladder that seemed to lead to yes, a steady income, but a life that didn’t produce my dreams becoming a reality. I wanted more flexibility and the opportunity to connect with my creative side. I wanted to help people more. To help those who didn’t feel comfortable in their own homes and sought out someone to help them create that comfort and peace. I prayed about it, sought out support and confirmation from those who love me and want me to succeed, and made the leap. I quit my job with one potential client and a whole lot of prayer.
It’s been almost a year since I started my own business for interior design services, and I have been so grateful and blessed to have had the opportunities I have already had. I have had a steady client base and I am only hoping it will continue to grow. I don’t necessarily recommend going the route I took to everyone, but I felt a lot of peace and encouragement (tangled with some fear) about this risk – and I am hoping my hard work will continue to pay off.

Madison, 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 have a degree in psychology and counseling, but the dream to be an interior designer has been in my heart for a long time. I have drawings from when I was a little girl redesigning our home, always wanting to rearrange furniture in the house, paint, etc. I would spend hours with my Nana watching HGTV just thinking of how wonderful it would be to have their job reimagining spaces to be pretty – to fix problems in homes that didn’t make any sense.
I provide interior design services that range from something as simple as a space plan and mood board to a whole new room or home design. I am working on learning more about construction and the architecture part of the business, but reimagining existing spaces into something more beautiful and functional for the family that resides there is my specialty. I use interior design software and go through a step-by-step process with each of my clients that starts small and keeps them as involved as they would like to be along the way.
When creating a design, I intentionally think of the space in its entirety. How it flows visually and physically in the home, a consistent color palette, and the functionality for those who live there. I love using more warm tones while playing with texture and pops of color. I am drawn to clients who want to use my services for my creativity and allow freedom in the design. I appreciate those who understand or are willing to understand that good design sometimes takes time, and is usually an investment that enhances your quality of life.
I enjoy getting to know my clients and what their needs and likes are. I feel as if my business is set apart from others in my area due to my true desire to get to know my clients and my great attention to every detail. I believe every detail matters – the shape of the trim and the type of face plates you use; the shape and color of the hardware, the color palette, and each texture and pattern coming together, working together for the whole. I believe in investing in quality furniture but also in the ability to go less expensive in some other decor areas if needed.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

Word of mouth is everything. Support from family and friends truly got me started, and one client who told someone else, who told someone else… etc. In addition, social media, especially Facebook, starting out is a huge asset. Joining small business pages and community groups allows for marketing and communication to gain new clients. I would advise others just starting to put themselves out there, believe in and have confidence in their work, and learn and study hard – and hopefully, the clients will follow.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

My biggest inspirations in the design world are Jean Stoffer out of Grand Rapids and Joanna Gaines. Jean Stoffer’s book “Establishing Home” helped me realize how possible this profession is without a degree in design, and it has continually given me a lot of design, business, and family inspiration.
Joanna Gaines of course could be considered the Queen of Interior Design. Her book “Home Body” gave me much inspiration, and being able to witness her growth as a designer through “Fixer-Upper” and her other business endeavors has been beautiful to watch. Many of her design projects (especially in the last 6-7 years or so) I consider to be Masterpieces and pillars for my inspiration. I also pull so much inspiration from Carley Summers, Stef Turner, Amber Lewis, and Julia Marcum – just to name a few.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://designbymadif.com
• Instagram: @designbymadif
• Facebook: Design by Madi LLC

Image Credits

Some photos taken by Carrie Wilmouth