Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle Lynne.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Michelle. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
My background is in Corporate America, most recently as the Area Director of a boutique recruiting firm here in Dallas.
In 2007, the company was sold and I knew I had to do something different with my career path. I’ve always had a passion for interiors and creating a welcoming home, so in 2008 (the same year I got married, we bought a home… and oh yes, the economy crashed) I started my business. I did it part-time at first – waking up before dawn to work a few hours on the new business before going into the office to perform my “real job”.
I began ML Interiors Group with a focus on both home staging and interior decorating. I was just trying to get a hold of something that would pay the bills, feed my passion, and also allow me to be present in my new marriage. It was a juggling act!
In 2010, I was able to leave my role in recruiting – and I haven’t looked back! In fact, I have grown from a solo-preneur trying to do it all to lead an amazing group of people who continue to elevate the quality of work we provide to our clients. Our focus is now 99.9% interior design rather than home staging, but the network and systems gained from the foundation of home staging has continued to be invaluable.
Has it been a smooth road?
Well, 2008 to begin with. Not the best economy to launch a business aimed at the luxury market, right? Haha.
And in 2014/2015 when the DFW housing market skyrocketed, I had to pivot quickly to stay afloat. The demand for home staging, which was my bread & butter, tanked. Homes were getting multiple offers almost as soon as the “coming soon” sign was put in the front yard… even before we had the chance to stage the space. At the time, I had my own home staging inventory, which I liquidated and then crash coursed the full-service interior design business.
I was originally pretty insecure about my lack of “education” in the design field. But learned that my experience in the business world, including managing projects and multi-million dollar budgets, was invaluable. I run the business like a business – and not a hobby. We have processes & procedures, systems and checks, and so forth. And what I don’t know about interior design, I have hired individuals who do. Together, we make an unstoppable team!
So, as you know, we’re impressed with ML Interiors Group – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
My design firm is comprised of a talented group who serve our clients well. Our focus is residential design, renovations and decorating. We love a project from conception through to the accessorizing and styling. (After all, staging & styling is where the company started!) Every project is run through our 16-Step “Experience” in order to keep our clients apprised of each step as well as keeping the projects on track and on time. Internally we call it the 16-Steps of Sanity because it’s amazing just how much detail goes into creating & running a design!
What sets us apart from most design firms is that we work as a team rather than as individual designers. We collaborate on all of the designs, regardless of who is the lead designer on the project. This brings multiple perspectives, ideas and concepts to every project we take on. This is a great benefit to our clients because it’s like “buy one, get three (designers) free”. I’m so proud of the designs we produce – I could not offer the experience we provide our clients without my amazing team and am grateful to have such design genius surrounding me.
We operate with the terms “smart, stylish & fun” leading us. This describes both how we operate day to day as well as our designs. We don’t take ourselves too seriously, but we do manage our projects with the utmost of professionalism.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I moved to Dallas from Southern California almost 18 years ago. What really impressed me then (and now) is the hospitality displayed from the residents. Not only do the men open doors and wait for the ladies to get on the elevator (yes, fellas, this IS appreciated and not standard behavior nationwide!), but smiles are returned and eye contact on the street isn’t avoided.
I felt very welcomed to the city, and that warmth has not diminished in the decades of my residence. And of course, it goes without saying, the wide variety of arts, culture, entertainment and shopping experiences. Dallas is chock full of things to do and see!
DFW is a jewel of delight sitting (somewhat) below the radar in the middle of the country.
Contact Info:
- Address: 4542 Belt Line Rd., Addison, TX 75001
- Website: www.MLInteriorsGroup.com
- Phone: 972-248-4733
- Email: info@mlinteriorsgroup.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mlinteriorsgroup/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MichelleLynneInteriorsGroup/
- Other: https://www.houzz.com/pro/michelle-lynne/__public
Image Credit:
Lance Selgo, Jordan Stratton
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