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

Hi Mallory, thanks for joining us today. Risk taking is something we’re really interested in and we’d love to hear the story of a risk you’ve taken.

The biggest risk I’ve taken in my design career was to leave my steady job and branch out as an entrepreneur. I have great respect for the employers I had before, as they helped shaped me into the business owner and designer that I am today.

I struggled with that decision for nearly a year as I thoroughly enjoyed the company of my boss and the structure of her design business. It was the birth of my first daughter that lit a fire in me. I was less interested in working weekends and after hours and I craved more control over my schedule.

I had connections in my home town and took steps towards building a clientele in that area. My husband and I knew we would move back one day and this was a good step toward that goal. I met a generous designer who offered to lease me a space and provide access to their resources. It was an incredibly close knit team and they graciously welcomed me. I grew my skills as a designer and although I knew I would miss being a part of their team it was time to find my own space.

I moved my solo business to a 1000 square foot industrial space in Reo Town. I spent four years there working mainly by myself and grew my network and my design services. It was such a luxury to have my very own space. I took a lot of pride in how that space developed and functioned during that time. As small as it was, I was able to designate a work station, materials library, conference room/custom built kitchen and furniture display. It’s where “all the magic happened” from accounting and marketing to design development and presentation.

After bringing on my first employee, it became clear that I had outgrown that space.

Through partnering with a local custom home builder I was able to design my new Mallory Hoggard Interiors studio from the ground up. I expanded to 3000 square feet allowing me to grow my team as well as add custom window treatments to my offerings. Neighboring with this Key Builders has been such a joy. We have works well together for years so being a few doors down has been such a luxury.

It’s been a year in my new space and I have a strong team of 4. The studio is a peaceful, creative and a collaborative space that I’m proud to invite clients, friends and family to.

Mallory, 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 grew up with a lot of creative influences. My mom for one was always dabbling in the creative arts and encouraging my sisters and I to be creative in our own spaces. My dad has a creative side as well and so did my grandparents in various ways. From faux finishes to wood working, painting, sketching, quilting, crafting and bridge architecture.

Choosing to pursue an Interior Design degree felt like a natural decision. The skills, even in college, were instinctual and I’m so glad I was able to find the best career path for myself.

Today Mallory Hoggard Interiors offers full service interior design. This includes consulting through the new build and remodeling process as well as 3D rendering, kitchen and bath design, all materials selections, home furnishings, decor and custom window treatments.

Can you talk to us about your experience with buying businesses?

I purchased a custom window treatment business that I used to partner with.

I was in the process of relocating to a larger space with intentions of growing my team so adding this service in house made perfect sense. We now offer a variety or window shade systems as well as custom drapery, valances and cornices.

It’s a luxury to offer custom window treatments to our clients as it’s one of the final details that goes into a fully designed space.

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

We are mainly a referral base business. We engage in social media and send out emails blasts but nothing has replaced word of mouth.

We take our responsibility very seriously but like to have fun too. The ability to relate to our clients in a very real way provides a certain level of comfort and trust. Especially for those who feel intimidated by the process of working with a designer.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.malloryhoggardinteriors.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/m.h.interiors/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MalloryHoggardInteriors/

Image Credits

Headshots: Amber rose Photography
Room Scenes: Mod Bettie Portrait Boutique