We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Sabine Hayes. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Sabine below.
Sabine, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you tell us a bit about who your hero is and the influence they’ve had on you?
Georgette Marise, the name of my business, is a tribute to the two remarkable women who shaped my journey and continue to inspire me every day. My late grandmother, Georgette, instilled in me a passion for design and creativity. Her encouragement and support led me to pursue a career in interior design, following my dreams with unwavering determination. She was a beacon of elegance and sophistication, with a flair for hosting and a love for exploration. My grandmother taught me the importance of friendships and connections. To this day I cherish my different circles of friends – those that motivate me, push me, hold me accountable, and lift me when I feel discouraged.
Likewise, my late mother, Suzanne Marise, embodied strength and resilience. Her unwavering faith and tireless work ethic guided her through life’s challenges, demonstrating the power of perseverance and compassion. My mother was a single mother who taught me the importance of God, family, and education. I was the only child and growing up we didn’t have much family in the States. I remember my mother making it a point to visit back home to the Caribbean where she was from to make sure I met my extended family members. As more family members started to move to the States I developed bonds and close relationships with them because of my mother.
From these extraordinary women, I’ve learned invaluable lessons about resilience, determination, and the importance of nurturing one’s passions. Their legacy fuels my motivation, reminding me that I have the tools within me to succeed, even in the face of adversity. As I navigate the ups and downs of running my business, their spirit serves as my guiding light, urging me always to put my best foot forward and embrace every opportunity with courage and grace.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Hello, I’m Sabine Guillaume Hayes, an interior designer and passionate blogger dedicated to helping clients transform their houses into homes they truly love. It all started with a simple question from my late grandmother, Georgette. She asked me “What do you want to do when you grow up?”. Finding the answer to this question forced me to take note of my interests. Growing up, my visits to Manhattan with my mother to see my grandmother fueled my fascination with skyscrapers and architecture. Observing the structures and spaces within them ignited a passion for interior design that I never knew existed. As a freshman and sophomore in high school, I started looking at architecture colleges and took drafting classes in high school. While working at a daycare part-time after school I met a parent who was an architect and started to pick her brain about the field. After hearing me talk about my interests she encouraged me to consider interior design. At that time I dived into the world of interior design, watched just about every design show in existence, started to build a portfolio, and researched interior design schools. This journey led me to pursue a degree at The Art Institute of Philadelphia and embark on a fulfilling career in interior design. Along the way, I discovered a love for writing and began sharing my insights and inspiration through my blog, an extension of my business, Georgette Marise Interiors. Through my work, I aim to inspire others to create their havens and live in spaces that reflect their unique personalities and lifestyles.
As an interior designer, I specialize in helping my clients transform their spaces into personalized reflections of who they are. I believe that a home should not only be aesthetically pleasing but also serve as a testament to its inhabitants’ personalities and stories.
Many of my clients come to me with a clear sense of their likes and dislikes but struggle with where to begin and how to achieve a cohesive look. My mission is to alleviate their overwhelm by guiding them through the design process, from concept to completion. I strive to create homes that are not only visually stunning but also highly functional, tailored to meet my clients’ everyday needs, and stand the test of time. Each project is infused with unique personal touches that tell a story and set their home apart. What I am most proud of is the trust I’ve built with my clients over the years. Despite any initial hesitations or fears they may have, seeing their joy and amazement at the transformation of their home is the ultimate reward for me.
We’d love to hear about how you keep in touch with clients.
As an interior designer, I recognize that no two designers are the same, just as no two design projects are alike. Each design journey is deeply personal and unique, tailored to the specific needs and desires of my clients. From the start of our working relationship, I have prioritized understanding the underlying motivations behind my clients’ projects, often discovering emotional reasons that drive their aspirations for their homes. By connecting with their why and their desires, I establish a foundation of trust and empathy that forms the basis of our collaboration. Throughout the design process, I maintain transparency and educate my clients on what to expect, recognizing that it’s not only a significant investment but also a transformative journey that requires patience and commitment.
As we progress, I take the time to truly get to know my clients as individuals, learning about their preferences, backgrounds, families, and plans. This deeper understanding allows me to design spaces that not only reflect their personalities but also enhance their daily lives. Upon project completion, I express my gratitude with personalized gifts, symbolizing the culmination of our journey together. Just as no two clients are the same, my gifts are not the same. Beyond the project, I strive to maintain ongoing connections with my clients, commemorating special occasions and surprising them with thoughtful gestures that keep our bond strong and their experience with me memorable. By fostering genuine relationships and delivering exceptional service, I aim to not only meet but exceed my client’s expectations, building brand loyalty that lasts a lifetime.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
One of the most rewarding aspects of being a creative, particularly as an interior designer, is the special connection I establish with my clients. Beyond simply redesigning spaces, my role often extends to that of a counselor, marriage therapist, friend, and problem solver. Building trust is paramount, as I am privileged to work in one of the most intimate and cherished parts of my client’s lives—their home.
Witnessing the transformation of a space, from envisioning its potential in my mind to bringing it to life, fills me with immense joy. However, the true highlight is unveiling this transformation to my clients and witnessing their genuine reactions. The priceless expressions of awe and delight validate the countless hours of creativity and hard work poured into each project. Even more fulfilling is hearing from clients years later about how the design of their homes has positively impacted their lives, reinforcing the lasting impact of our collaboration. This cycle of creativity, connection, and transformation is what truly fuels my passion for design and makes every project uniquely rewarding.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://georgettemarise.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/georgettemarise
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/georgettemarise
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/10336155
- Youtube: www.youtube.com/@georgettemariseinteriors2787
- Other: Houzz: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designers-and-decorators/georgette-marise-interiors-pfvwus-pf~1418050709 Pinterest: https://pinterest.com/georgettemarise.com Blog: https://goergettemarise.com/blog