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

Teri, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Are you happier as a business owner? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job?

I am extremely happy as a business owner. It has been such a luxury to me and my family to be able to work for myself and be flexible with my time. There have been a few times where I wonder, wild t it be nice to have a regular job with a salary, something you can shut down at 5 and go home and forget. When I had my first son I actually thought about this a lot. Life felt so chaotic with a baby, and it almost felt easier to have one work life, and then one home life where you can appreciate both better while you’re doing it. By now, that I have 2 children I’m realizing how nice it is to not have to ask for time off, to be able to drop off at school, and to rock my newborn to sleep when he dries, knowing I can always finish up my designs during g the next nap, or at bedtime.

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 started my interior design business, NAFASI, in 2013. It is a boutique interior design firm specializing in residential interior design. I have traveled around a lot and moved the business with me Fri DC to Rwanda, to finally here in Charleston!

I am more creative than technical. I consider my work an art. I listen to the client and make a functioning home for them that is beautiful. No two clients’ designs will ever look the same, but they will all have bold NAFASI flair!

Have you ever had to pivot?

Each time tat I’ve moved I’ve essentially had to restart my business. Most notably, I took my business overseas to Rwanda when my husband got a nonprofit job there. I had to find the right clients, work with a whole new world of vendors, make custom furniture that didn’t already exist, and I opened a brick and mortar store since the need for designed homes was there!

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

I enjoy it. I feel lucky to enjoy what I do for a living. I think it’s rare. I have a fun idea for a space, and I get to make it come to life!

I also reay love the feeing of a beautiful completed space that is designed for my one client, presenting it to them, and getting their reaction. At my last presentation she started crying because it felt so personal and beautiful. I love getting to do that for others.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Www.nafasinteriors.com
• Instagram: @nafasi_interiors
• Facebook: Nafasi by Teri Clar

Image Credits

Teri clar