We were lucky to catch up with Mimi Wittstruck recently and have shared our conversation below.

Mimi, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

It’s taken me years of experience to build the skills I have in interior design. Honestly, there’s no shortcut—you have to put in the time. Working for different companies was incredibly valuable because it taught me what works, what doesn’t, and how to identify role models (and what to avoid). I made it a point to carve out opportunities to take on projects independently whenever possible. Those experiences made me a much stronger designer because I had to figure things out, solve problems, and take full responsibility for the outcomes.

I’ve also made an effort to become an expert in the craft—taking licensing exams, reading more books, listening to podcasts, and getting mentorship from other designers. That said, I’ve learned that no matter how much you know or how many projects you’ve done, you’ll never have all the answers. The key to confidence is knowing where to find solutions when you need them.

For me, curiosity is essential. It keeps you learning and growing, which is critical in this field. Communication is also huge—you need to listen, collaborate, and clearly articulate your ideas to clients and contractors. The ability to ask questions has been a game-changer for me. Early in my career, I hesitated to ask questions, feeling like I should already have the answers. Now, after 20 years, I’ve realized the more I learn, the more fearless I am about asking. It’s okay not to know everything—in fact, it’s impossible! I rely on the experts I work with—contractors, artisans, and tradespeople—and their insights make every project stronger.

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

Hi! I’m Mimi, founder of Mimi Wittstruck Design, a boutique interior design studio where I create timeless, vibrant spaces tailored to each client. My background in interior architecture from Rhode Island School of Design and years of experience at high-end design firms shaped my approach to design—classic, polished, and full of personality.

I specialize in full-service residential interior design, from space planning to custom furnishings and installations. My focus is on blending beauty and functionality to solve common challenges, like making a home feel both stylish and livable. What sets my work apart is my love for textiles, bold patterns, and creative color combinations that bring warmth and energy to a space.

I’m most proud of the relationships I’ve built with clients and the joy they feel when they see their spaces come to life.

Alright – let’s talk about marketing or sales – do you have any fun stories about a risk you’ve taken or something else exciting on the sales and marketing side?

One of my favorite marketing stories comes from a time when I took a big personal risk. Through word of mouth, I was invited to speak at a charity luncheon for 100 women. Like many people, public speaking is not my thing—definitely not something I’d normally volunteer for. I decided to focus on what I do best: design. I picked a topic I was passionate about and used plenty of inspiring images to guide me through the talk. Being a self-proclaimed design nerd, I found that once I started, I could keep going—I had so much to share. By the end, it had paid off in ways I couldn’t have imagined. Countless women came up afterward to thank me for the inspiration.

Even more surprising, I was approached to speak at other events, and doing it again felt so much less scary. It’s a reminder that even if something feels daunting, it’s worth sharing your gifts with others—you never know how it might resonate or where it might lead.

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

Absolutely! A business coaching program for interior designers has been one of the most transformative resources for me. I attended a lecture by my coach in 2018, from that one lecture it felt like stepping out of the dark and into the light. It completely changed how I approached business and success, opening my eyes to the power of mindset and focus in achieving goals.

In 2020, as I launched my business, I joined her year-long coaching program. It was intense, with multiple meetings each week, but being surrounded by successful designers pushed me to elevate my strategies and think bigger. I realized that so much of success comes down to believing in yourself and taking intentional steps to make it happen.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.mimiwittstruckdesign.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mimiwittstruckdesign
• Other: PINTEREST: https://www.pinterest.com/mimiwittstruckdesign/

  HOUZZ: https://www.houzz.com/pro/mimiwittstruckdesign/mimi-wittstruck-design