We were lucky to catch up with Teresa Wilkins recently and have shared our conversation below.
Teresa , appreciate you joining us today. One of the things we most admire about small businesses is their ability to diverge from the corporate/industry standard. Is there something that you or your brand do that differs from the industry standard? We’d love to hear about it as well as any stories you might have that illustrate how or why this difference matters.
One of the biggest ways we differ from the traditional design model is how deeply involved we are in our clients’ lives throughout the process. We work with high-end clients, yes—but more than that, we really try to understand who they are and how they want to live. It’s not just about creating a beautiful space—it’s about curating an environment that supports their lifestyle, down to the smallest detail.
We offer full-service design, from the ground up—new builds, move-in packages, organization, and even art curation—but what really sets us apart is the way we stay hands-on from beginning to end. We’re there helping them make the big architectural decisions, but we’re also the ones organizing their kitchen drawers or making sure their favorite candle is burning when they walk in for the first time. It’s incredibly personal.
I remember one client who moved across the country. They were starting fresh in a new city and trusted us to take care of everything. When they arrived, the house was fully furnished, artwork hung, closets organized—there was even food in the fridge. Watching them walk in and immediately feel at home was a moment I’ll never forget. That’s what makes the difference for me—it’s not about design for design’s sake. It’s about creating something that feels effortless, comforting, and completely their own.
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 spent the first 20 years of my career in the fashion industry, working in merchandising and sales. I always had a love for textiles, color, and the emotional language of design—but over time, I found myself craving something more meaningful and personal. That’s when I made the decision to pursue interior design, and it was truly a turning point in my life. I went back to school and enrolled at the Heritage School of Interior Design, where I was surrounded by others who were also ready to make a change. It was empowering to be in a space full of people reinventing themselves—and I knew I was finally where I was supposed to be.
Even before I made the career switch, I was constantly analyzing and reimagining spaces in my head—thinking about how to make a room feel warmer, more open, more soulful. I’ve always had an intuitive understanding of mood, flow, and lifestyle. And most importantly, I’ve always had a gift for connection. I genuinely love getting to know people—how they live, what they value, how they move through the world. That emotional insight is what guides every project I take on.
Today, I run *Plush Couture Interiors*, a full-service design studio working with high-end clients nationwide. We offer everything from new construction and architectural collaboration to move-in ready packages, organizational planning, and art curation. But more than anything, we offer care and presence. I walk with my clients every step of the way—holding their hand through each decision, every moment of overwhelm, and every moment of joy. I’m there long after the furniture is installed. I become part of their life, and they often bring me into future homes, vacation properties, or other projects. I don’t take that loyalty lightly—it’s the part of the work I’m most proud of.
And now, I’m stepping into a new chapter. We’re in the process of opening our very own *Heritage School of Interior Design* in Los Angeles—coming full circle to the place where my own journey began. It feels incredibly meaningful to now be able to pass along everything I’ve learned—my experience, my passion, my approach—to the next generation of interior designers. It’s important to me that students not only develop technical skill, but also learn the emotional intelligence and personal investment that make this work so special.
If there’s one thing I want people to take away about me and my brand, it’s that we lead with heart. This is about more than just beautiful homes. It’s about building trust, telling stories, and creating spaces that feel like they truly *belong* to the people who live in them.
Can you share one of your favorite marketing or sales stories?
One of the biggest risks I took in my business wasn’t about chasing leads or launching a campaign—it was about trusting myself and narrowing my focus in a way that felt bold and a little scary at the time.
After stepping away for six months on maternity leave, I had a lot of uncertainty about how I would return to the business. But instead of trying to pick up where I left off, I made the decision to rebrand and take a more intentional approach. I worked with a business coach who asked me a simple but very challenging question: *Who is your ideal client?* I gave her a very specific answer—this wasn’t just about demographics, but lifestyle, personality, values, even how they want their home to feel.
Once I shared that vision, she encouraged me to shape my entire brand and business strategy around that one, very specific client. At first, people around me were skeptical. They thought I was limiting myself by only speaking to a high-end audience, that I’d miss out on other opportunities by being “too specific.” But I’d never built my business on mass marketing or chasing leads. From the very beginning, my client base has been entirely referral-driven.
The difference was, before the rebrand, I’d occasionally work with clients who fit that vision—one or two at a time. After the rebrand, *that* client became my entire base. I wasn’t just landing projects—I was attracting people who truly valued the level of detail, care, and luxury experience we provide. The kind of client who doesn’t just hire you once—they bring you into their next home, their vacation property, their friends’ homes.
Looking back, it wasn’t a marketing tactic in the traditional sense—it was a mindset shift. I trusted my instincts, got crystal clear on who I was designing for, and built everything around that. That clarity changed everything. What felt risky at the time ended up being the best decision I could have made.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
For me, the most rewarding part is seeing—and “feeling”—the happiness, relief, and comfort that radiates from my clients when a project is complete. There’s something incredibly fulfilling about watching someone walk into their space and feel instantly at home, knowing it reflects who they are on a deep level. It’s not just about how the room looks—it’s about how it makes them feel.
That moment when they exhale, smile, and say, “This is exactly what I needed”—that’s everything to me. Being able to create spaces that support and elevate people’s lives is such a gift, and I never take that for granted.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.plushcoutureinteriors.com
- Instagram: @plushcoutureinteriors
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100093125812815&sk=reels_tab
Image Credits
Nathan Schroder Photography