Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Whitney Brown. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Whitney, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Have you ever had an amazing boss? What did you learn from them? Maybe you can share a story that illustrates the kind of boss they were or maybe you can share your thoughts on what you think made them an awesome person to work for?

I had the privilege of working for a high-level leader as an Executive Assistant. I would often receive encouraging cards and affirmations but more times than not I received advice on how I could do my job better and be more efficient. It was hard to hear things like that, but I look back and KNOW that I would not be as successful as I am today without the emotional maturity that I developed under his leadership. Sometimes the most influential people in our lives are the ones who are honest with us. It was not always pretty but I look back and think that he was an amazing boss who desired to watch me reach my full potential. I would get books from him that specifically targeted areas I need to grow. It could have been received wrong, but I knew his heart was to see me thrive and I developed into the leader I am today because I worked for a boss that showed tough love. I will ALWAYS thankful for that season.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Hi! I am Whitney Brown and I own Designs by Whitney! I am a 40-year-old mother of two and have been married to my husband, Matt, for 11 years. We have Benji, who is my stepson, and Burkley, who is my biological son. We love all things adventure and love water.

I got into interior design a little differently than most do. I have always had a passion to make things “look better” as long as I can remember. It started in high school with doing friends hair and makeup and progressed to fashion, while finally making its way to homes. I started out in the mattress business professionally. My father started a mattress franchise 39 years ago and by the time I turned 19 I landed a job with him at a local mattress store. It was there that I learned people skills and customer service that it would take to be successful. Clients would come in and buy a mattress and then be looking for bedroom furniture. I would pull out my small catalog and help them flip through pages searching for their perfect set! I fell in love with it. I loved helping them put their spaces together! It ignited a fire in me. Fast forward a little bit and Designs by Whitney launched.

Growing up, I was raised in a split home, and I constantly craved a stable, peaceful environment. It is through that leans that my heart’s desire became giving people the ultimate “safe place” to call home. I understood the importance of having a place of peace. A home that you walk into that brings joy. I am most proud of being able to meet each and every client with that care. I truly believe I am where I am today because I make the experience all about my clients! I love seeing them enjoy their homes that are curated specifically for them. I spend a lot of time getting to know my clients likes and dislikes so that when I am finished the home represents them. What I offer is a special experience. It is way more than design. I create SPACE for people to live their lives to the fullest!

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

When I started in the design world I worked with my family. I was partners with my dad. I realized that I would never reach my full potential unless I made the hard decision to go out on my own and face the responsibility all alone. It was the hardest pivot I have ever made. I had worked so hard, and my biggest fear was I would lose it all. But you have to listen to your gut, and you’ll have to be prepared to make hard decisions.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

I started mine by being SUPER real with my audience! I would let them in on my outfits of the day, inspire them with what was happening to me personally and allow them access into my life! The best advice I have is to be authentic and be you! Create YOUR own brand of marketing!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: designsbywhitneytn
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/designsbywhitneytn