We recently connected with Victoria Morgan and have shared our conversation below.

Victoria, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Owning a business isn’t always glamorous and so most business owners we’ve connected with have shared that on tough days they sometimes wonder what it would have been like to have just had a regular job instead of all the responsibility of running a business. Have you ever felt that way?

I would venture to say, I’m the most fulfilled I’ve ever been as a business owner. Prior to starting Haven’s Hallow Interiors, I was a program manager in the transportation industry for 10 years. Seemingly an extreme pivot–juggling several moving parts/people, managing deadlines well, alongside implementing new systems to improve efficiency proved invaluable for launching an interior design firm. After having conventional jobs, I’m certain business ownership is best suited for me.

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

Born and raised in Memphis, TN, I moved to Chattanooga, TN to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. Upon graduating, I moved to Nashville, TN to attend Lipscomb University where I graduated with a Master’s of Science in Professional Counseling. My experience as a therapist allows me to incorporate therapy into my work with clients. Most don’t know why they like what they like, and honestly it’s not their job to unpack that, that’s where I am tagged in. Knowing the why helps to ensure the inhabitants of the home are completely reflected in functional ways with elevated style.

Can you talk to us about how your funded your business?

Initially, I started Haven’s Hallow Interiors as a side hustle while gainfully employed as a program manager. I would accept design clients, and work on them at night and on weekends. I continued this until quite frankly my full time job got in the way of my part time job. My goal was always to grow the business to full-time capacity, so I was preparing and excited for this transition. I will say though, oftentimes, if you treat a business like a part-time gig that’s the result you’ll achieve. If you’re serious, I recommend wholeheartedly committing to both (the job that pays you and your passion) for a season. This effort acclimates you to transition for your future. I can attest that you’ll reap the rewards.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

Making the transition from employee to business owner there are countless habits I needed to unlearn. The most notable being establishing and enforcing boundaries. I have always been relatively good at setting boundaries; however, starting a business often times creates a false narrative in your mind that as your business grows, you must be accessible to your clients 24/7. That’s completely unrealistic, and for me, unnecessary. I design houses. There’s never a life-threatening emergency that can’t wait to be answered during business hours. Doing so, teaches your clients how to interact with you and it also reinforces productivity during business hours. Set those boundaries and enforce them–even if it’s just for yourself initially.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.havenshallow.com
• Instagram: @Havens.Hallow
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/havens.hallow

Image Credits
Kristin Mayfield Adam Denison