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

Alright, Rebecca thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Looking back, do you think you started your business at the right time? Do you wish you had started sooner or later?

There are moments when I wonder what my journey would look like if I had started my interior design business earlier. When I decided to transition from my career as a choreographer and Pilates instructor, the advice I received from professionals in the field wasn’t encouraging. Many warned me that making a living in interior design was difficult despite my comfort with running a business. I also understood the challenges of being an artist without a stable income, which made their words resonate a bit too much.
At first, I chose graphic design, thinking it was a safer creative path with broader opportunities. But deep down, I wasn’t fulfilled. I found myself gravitating back to my true passion, and I finally decided to trust myself and pursue interior design—the field I had always dreamed of.
If I had listened to my heart, I’d have over 17 years of experience in this incredible industry. But every step of my journey happened for a reason. My background in graphic design has equipped me with valuable skills that enrich my work today.
Though my path was unconventional, I am deeply grateful for the experiences that led me here. I’ve learned never to let others’ doubts deter me from following my passion. Now, I’m fully immersed in the work I love—crafting beautiful, thoughtful spaces for my clients.

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 founded Rebecca J Hansen Design Studio in 2016. Our team creates custom interior designs for residential and small business spaces in Southern California, the United States, and Costa Rica.

Located in Northeast Los Angeles, we offer comprehensive interior design services tailored to your needs. Whether you’re looking to transform your entire home or just one room, we handle every detail from the initial concept to the final installation of furnishings. Our thoughtful approach to design results in a full-service client experience from concept to completion. Every detail is carefully selected, creating spaces that reflect your lifestyle and provide a welcoming atmosphere for guests while serving as a personal sanctuary for you. We manage it all so you can focus your time on what is important to you.

At the heart of our design philosophy is a deep respect for craftsmanship and community. We prioritize working with local artisans and small businesses and incorporating a balance of antique and handcrafted pieces with modern furnishings. This not only enhances the character of the spaces we design but also fosters a meaningful connection to the broader community.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

As an interior designer, the most rewarding aspect of being a creative is bringing my vision to life in a way that’s not just visual but tangible. There’s something incredibly fulfilling about transforming ideas into physical spaces—spaces people can walk into, touch, and experience. It’s the moment when a concept evolves into reality, and you see how it positively impacts someone’s daily life. Creating environments that feel both beautiful and functional is what truly makes this work so meaningful.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

I find inspiration from a variety of resources, such as podcasts, networking events, books, and conversations with colleagues. Two standouts for me in managing my business are Traction by Gino Wickman and the podcast A Well-Designed Business hosted by LuAnn Nigara. While Traction is geared toward larger businesses, many of the strategies are adaptable to small businesses like mine, offering practical, actionable steps for sustained growth.

The podcast covers a broad range of topics specific to interior design and entrepreneurship, with clear takeaways I can implement in my day-to-day operations.

Beyond design, I prioritize financial literacy. I’ve learned the importance of understanding business finances—from managing credit and savings to maintaining an emergency fund—which is essential to ensuring stability during both highs and lows. These resources have been invaluable in shaping not only my approach to design but also how I run a resilient business.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://rebeccajhansen.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rebeccajhansen/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-j-hansen-02984016/