Today we’d like to introduce you to Amanda Holliday.
Hi Amanda, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Looking back, my journey to becoming an interior designer just kind of fell into place organically. I’ve always been naturally drawn to aesthetics, whether it be in beauty, fashion, interior design, etc. and love almost anything creative, so I always knew I’d end up utilizing those skillsets in some capacity. I majored in fashion merchandising at the University of Houston with a goal of becoming a buyer (I think my generation was heavily influenced by Rachel on Friends, lol). During my last few years of undergrad, I worked full-time at a real estate development firm. We built single-family, commercial and multi-family properties all over the Houston metroplex, and I assisted in the design and staging in the communal areas of the multi-family developments. I also helped out a girlfriend from time to time who had her own interior design firm, focusing on staging multi-family lounge areas and model units, as well as dabbled in the design/furnishings of family & friend’s homes/businesses because it was something I enjoyed but never thought I’d end up as an interior designer until my last semester of college.
At the time of my internship, all of the fashion positions that were available through the program were entry-level retail sales at department stores and I had no interest in doing that, so when a girlfriend mentioned a potential internship at a high-end interior design firm, I asked my professor if I could go that route instead. It was a hybrid organization that had a retail storefront selling luxury home goods in the front and a design firm in the back. To be honest, my experience at that firm wasn’t the best and almost deterred me from continuing in the industry altogether. However, once I completed my program term and thought it through without the emotions attached to that experience, it propelled me to go back to school for interior design, and I enrolled in a 1.5 year online program based out of London, UK. During that certification program- which is comparable to an associate’s degree in the States- once I felt confident in my design abilities, I started scouting for junior designer positions.
I researched all of the design firms in the greater Houston area and listed all of the companies that were within my aesthetic and felt like they could be a fit, and since none of those firms were hiring at that time, I took it upon myself to visit the firm directly- personally introduce myself, hand them my resume and let them know I was interested in working with them should the opportunity arise. After five long months of doing this, with only a few interviews in between, I got a call back from a high-end boutique design firm. I was hired as a junior designer and quickly moved up to lead designer with the intention of leaving within five years to go out on my own. That experience was priceless for my journey, as I wore all of the hats in the company, which not only prepared me to successfully open up my design firm 3.5 years later but also allowed for me to build those invaluable connections that are integral in my industry.
And so, on May 1, 2019, Amanda Brooke Interiors was born. My leaving was a bit of a hasty decision, we were going through a merger with another local firm, and I felt it was no longer the direction I wanted to take, so instead of going to work for another company, I made the decision to start my own venture. In hindsight, it was an incredibly bold move because I had no website, no photographs, no social media, no current clients, and with no way of marketing myself, no way of onboarding new clients. But here’s where those connections came into play… I reached out to every person on my mailing list, informing them of my decision and had multiple people respond with interest in hiring me. In addition to signing on a handful of smaller jobs, I also enrolled in courses (social media and copywriting), hired a business coach and have figured out everything else along the way through trial and error. That’s one thing that I don’t think is shared as much as it should be… that no one really knows what they’re doing as entrepreneurs (at least as far as the business side goes), you just keep pivoting until something sticks. As long as you stay committed to the end goal and maintain a solutions-oriented mindset, it’ll all work out, but rarely as initially expected. ; ) All that said, I can tell you with full certainty that starting my own firm has been the most rewarding and frightening decision of my life, but I could never go back to building someone else’s dream.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Absolutely not. My journey has been anything but smooth. In addition, there has been a multitude of struggles along the way. I like to say my official title isn’t CEO or principal or lead designer, but a problem solver. Everything from contractor/client betrayal to employee no shows to Covid quarantine to rewriting my entire contract because it was too intimidating and caused me to lose multiple jobs… the whole process has been a “struggle”, but the majority of the time, I don’t view it this way… I still feel beyond grateful to wake up and do what I love everyday. I make a living helping people design their dream space and that’s pretty remarkable. If I could do it all over again without all of the roadblocks, I wouldn’t change a thing. Those speed bumps taught the most valuable lessons and pushing through made me stronger.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a high-end interior designer and work primarily on residential and commercial properties, although, would love to get into hospitality and specialty interiors like yachts and aviation. (Putting it out in the universe for something to come my way!) We specialize in using natural materials in neutral hues to respect and enhance the beauty of the architecture and surroundings, using unique wall textures and furniture, along with European modern foundational furniture so that the space feels collected and timeless. We add color through accessories and artwork and believe that all surfaces and eye levels should be addressed with the same significance. The home should tell the story of the homeowners and highlight their lives so that when guests visit, they are able to immediately identify who lives within the walls of the home.
What are you most proud of?
I didn’t come from a family of entrepreneurs and was raised by a single mother who tried to do the best she could to instill core values, work ethic, and the importance of education in all of her five children. I paid for my education, am completely self-made and am paving the entrepreneurial path for my family, and hopefully, generations to come.
What sets you apart from others?
One of my strengths that allows me to excel at my job is my ability to connect with and understand people well. I completely believe that our surroundings affect our well-being on a cellular level and that we need more connection and face-to-face interaction in what’s becoming more of a digital, distant world. If clients feel connected to and proud of their spaces, they will want to spend more time in those spaces with those that mean the most to them. In addition to the social and familial benefits, it also allows for clients to show up and perform as their best, optimal selves, which trickles down to all areas of their lives. It is my mission to make that happen for as many people as possible for as long as I can.
Can you talk about how you think about risk?
Risk-taking and getting outside of one’s comfort zone is the only way we grow as individuals. I’ve taken so many risks in my life and will continue to do so throughout the remainder of my lifetime. Pushing boundaries and learning new information or skillsets keeps the brain stimulated and opens new doors/opportunities for the pursuer. Some of the risks I’ve taken are 1.) moving to Houston on my own, after visiting for a week, without knowing a single person, to finish my undergraduate degree. I was born in raised in the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex, and the majority of my family still live there, so I visit often. 2.) Pursuing a career in interior design in a city and industry I had zero connections in. 3.) Leaving a cushy firm to go out on my own with no prior entrepreneurial experience and no clients on the books. The list goes on and extends into all areas of my life. The more you take risks, the less scary they become.
Contact Info:
- Email: amanda.holliday.interiors@gmail.com
- Website: www.amandabrookeinteriors.com
- Instagram: @amandabrookeinteriors
Image Credits
The commercial space images were taken by Par Bengtsson and the residential project was shot by Jack Thompson.
