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

Rachael, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Do you think your parents have had a meaningful impact on you and your journey?

I am so priveledged…My parents have always been extremely enthusiastic and encouraging. My dad also had lots of experience being an entrepreneur and encouraged me to forge my own path with my business if that’s what I felt called to do. There is an infamous story in our family about my dad being so excited about a play at my brother’s baseball game that he just yelled “BASEBALL!” He and my mom both brought that level of enthusiasm to anything my brother and I were interested in. If we wanted to do it, they did what they could to help us explore that interest and dream. Still to this day, they are my biggest cheerleaders and offer guidance and reassurance whenever I ask for it. My dad was instrumental in getting all the documentation and administrative details ironed out for me when I started my business so I could focus on the creative and networking parts.

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.

I first got into design after realizing what a perfect marriage Interior Design was for me. It is a crossover discipline of the technical/analytical and creative, which is perfect for my brain. I love creative problem solving and that is exactly what I do for my clients every single day. I take tasks and projects that are super overwhelming to my clients, and help them through the entire process from something seemingly simply like choosing a paint color to figuring out a challenging space plan for their furniture, to methodically planning the layout of an entire home remodel to repurpose existing space in more effective ways. I am never focused on trends or my personal taste; my number one priority is the health and happiness of my clients. I protect their investment in their space and focus on bringing their taste and style to life through my expertise and experience. My design takes into account all of their personal background and experiences, their unique needs, and how they live their lives, not just their favorite colors and styles.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

Sustainability, accessibility of design for all, and community are at the core of what I do. Ecological choices over economic choices, people and planet over profit, creating accessibility to all physically, financially, and mentally, and building the community of folks who believe in this mission, andwill be the rising tide that lifts all our boats. I believe in the power of design to change the world!

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

People pleasing! I have a heart for service and really want to help anybody and everybody I can. I had to learn where and how to give in service of others, how to value myself, where to place my boundaries, and how to hold them to be the best designer and business owner possible. Sometimes that means telling people no, being firm, and even breaking ties with folks who are good people deep down, but aren’t aligning with my mission. It often felt really cruel to me, but in the end, relearning appropriate boundaries with how I am giving of my time and talents makes me a better human all around.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://perennialdesign.studio
• Instagram: perennialdesign.studio
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachael-cole-114708273/

Image Credits

Jamie Pratt
Eli Greiss