We recently connected with Miranda Waser and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Miranda thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What was it like going from idea to execution? Can you share some of the backstory and some of the major steps or milestones?

I once had the opportunity to work for a designer I had admired for years—someone I truly idolized. For a long time, I doubted my ability to succeed in the interior design field because I lacked experience with essential programs like CAD, SketchUp, and Chief Architect. Still, I was determined to work for her, so I made a point of reaching out regularly to express my interest.

In the summer of 2020, during the pandemic, she reached out to discuss how I could support her team. I was thrilled to be hired and joined her team as a stager. While I enjoyed contributing to her projects and occasionally pulling ideas for designs, my heart was set on doing more hands-on design work. Observing her strengths and challenges as a designer gave me invaluable insight into how I’d want to approach running my own design studio someday—and how I’d do things differently.

After some time, I decided to move on and accepted a role at a local showroom chain. That position was a turning point for me. I gained valuable knowledge about tile installation, hard finish vendors, and even logistics like working with local installers. At the same time, I quietly started building my own business in the background. I got my Washington business license, created a logo and website (since I didn’t have the funds to hire anyone at the time), set up a lead generator, downloaded contract templates, and began spreading the word to friends and family.

Just three months into my showroom job, I realized I was turning down work because I was too busy. It was a sign that I needed to take the leap and pursue my dream full-time. Leaving the stability of a full-time job was nerve-wracking, but I knew it was the right decision.

I still remember driving home after my last shift, crying tears of joy while on the phone with my mom. It felt incredible to be stepping fully into a career I loved—one I built for myself. That moment marked the beginning of a new chapter, and I’ve never looked back. I don’t think I could ever imagine working for someone else again.

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

I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit. In high school, I started a jewelry-making business, selling earrings to my classmates. Later, I explored photography and stuck with it for several years before shifting my focus to other creative pursuits. My passion for fashion design led me to apply to FIDM in Los Angeles, dreaming of becoming a swimwear and lingerie designer.

However, the cost of schooling was too high, and with no financial support from my parents, I chose the community college route instead. For four years, I attended part-time while working full-time. I even enrolled in the interior design program at my local community college but dropped out after the first term. Balancing work and school was a struggle, and exhaustion often caused me to miss classes, even though I genuinely enjoyed learning.

Determined to pursue creativity in other ways, I took retail jobs in more creative positions. I worked as a Visual Merchandiser at Target and a Home Supervisor at Anthropologie. Eager to break into the interior design industry, I cold-called local designers—and it worked! I gained valuable experience working for several designers, including a position at a virtual interior design startup, which unfortunately closed during the pandemic.

Creativity and art have always been integral to my life. My mom is a graphic designer, her mom was a talented artist, and my great-grandmother was a woodcarver and ceramicist. Carrying on that legacy, I’ve recently taken up ceramics as a hobby in my free time, continuing to explore and express my love for creativity in all its forms.

My vision for my brand includes launching a ceramic shop, opening a showroom, and creating engaging video content for YouTube and TikTok to connect with a broader audience. I’ve always been ambitious and driven by big goals—they’re what fuel my passion and keep my spirit alive!

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

Social media has been a game-changer for me as an interior designer. Our work is so visual, and platforms like Instagram are the perfect digital storybooks to showcase what we do. I’ve always approached social media with authenticity, which I think has been key to building my audience. I love sharing behind-the-scenes glimpses—whether it’s updates on what my team is working on or snippets from my day-to-day life.

For me, it’s all about showing up as my true self. By being genuine, I’ve been able to attract an audience and clients who align with my energy and vibe. That’s crucial in interior design because it’s such a personal, collaborative process. You spend months, sometimes years, working closely with clients, so there has to be a good connection from the start.

My advice for anyone just starting to build their social media presence is this: don’t try to be someone you’re not. Share what feels natural to you, and let your personality shine through. People are drawn to authenticity, and the right audience will find you if you’re consistent, genuine, and passionate about what you do.

Any advice for managing a team?

I absolutely adore my team. Recently, we rebranded to Studio Kaye to reflect the collective importance of what we do together as a studio. None of this would be possible without the incredible support of my team members, Miranda and Cat.

That said, managing a team is no small task. It goes beyond assigning day-to-day responsibilities or keeping them updated as things evolve. It’s about fostering an environment where they feel truly supported, both in their roles and as individuals.

My biggest piece of advice for managing a team is to prioritize open communication and active listening. Feedback is invaluable. If something isn’t working or progress feels stuck, taking the time to hear your team’s thoughts can uncover solutions you might not have seen yourself. Often, they bring a fresh perspective that can help refine processes or address areas needing improvement.

Leadership isn’t about having all the answers; it’s about creating a space where collaboration thrives. By listening and learning from your team, you’ll not only strengthen operations but also build trust and morale.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.studiokaye.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/studiokayeinteriors/

Image Credits

Jenny Chok – https://www.jennychokphoto.com/
Genny Moller Photo – https://www.gennymoller.com/
Luke & Mallory – https://lukeandmalloryleasure.com/