Today we’d like to introduce you to Rebecca Frierson.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My path into interior design did not start in a design studio. It started in a classroom.
I was a teacher before I had my children, and I truly loved it. I have always been someone who enjoys learning and growing, and teaching gave me a way to pour that into others. When my kids were born, I made the decision to stay home with them. It was a season of life I will always value, but I quietly set my career aside to be fully present for my family.
Even during those years, my creative side never really went away. I have always loved making things feel beautiful and thoughtful, whether it was in my own home or helping a friend pull a space together. It was something that came naturally to me, and something I genuinely enjoyed.
As my kids got older and more independent, I started to feel ready for something that was just mine again. I wanted to challenge myself, to learn something new, and to build something with purpose. Interior design kept calling me back, so at 40 years old, I decided to go back to school. That decision changed everything.
I also knew I wanted to work for myself. I wanted flexibility and the ability to create a career that fit into my life, not the other way around. What I did not fully realize at the time was how much I would have to learn beyond design.
I am naturally more of a creative thinker than a business minded one. I tend to see the big picture first. Starting my own design firm meant learning how to run a business from the ground up. There were moments that felt overwhelming, but I was willing to learn. Over time, I found my rhythm and gained confidence not just as a designer, but as a business owner.
As I began working with clients, I noticed a pattern that I did not expect but now truly value. Many of the people I work with are in the middle of a life change. Some are becoming empty nesters and figuring out what their home looks like in this next stage. Some are moving into a home they plan to stay in for years and want it to finally feel like them. Others are stepping into independence for the first time and want a space that feels comfortable and personal.
There is almost always a transition happening.
Getting to walk alongside my clients during those moments is something I do not take lightly. It is not just about making a space look good. It is about helping people feel settled, inspired, and at home in a new chapter of their life.
Looking back, I can see how each part of my journey led me here. From teaching, to staying home with my kids, to starting over at 40, every step mattered. Building this business has stretched me in ways I never expected, but it has also been one of the most fulfilling things I have done.
At the end of the day, I simply love helping people create spaces that feel like home.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
One of the biggest struggles for me has been learning how to take something that feels so natural, like creativity, and turn it into a real business.
Design comes easily to me. Seeing how a space can come together, how it can function better and feel more like home, that part has always felt intuitive. The harder part was learning how to communicate the value of that. My work is not a physical product someone can pick up and hold. It is the ideas, the vision, and the thought process behind every decision. In the beginning, that was difficult to put into words, and even harder to confidently charge for.
I also had to learn how to actually run a business, which is something no one really prepares you for. There are so many moving parts. The financial side, the legal side, managing timelines, setting expectations, continuing education. It is constant. I had to become comfortable with things that did not come naturally to me and be willing to figure things out as I went.
There have definitely been moments where I had to learn the hard way. Times where I wished I had done something differently or known more going in. But those experiences have been some of my best teachers.
This career has required me to keep growing, not just as a designer, but as a business owner. I have had to study, adapt, test what works and what does not, and be willing to adjust when something is not working. Marketing myself has been its own challenge, learning how to put my work out there and trust that the right people will connect with it.
It has not always been easy, but it has been worth it. Every challenge has helped me build a stronger foundation, and over time, it has given me confidence in both my work and the business I have created.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about R. Frierson Interiors ?
My business is built around helping people create homes that feel personal, functional, and reflective of who they are in this stage of life. I offer full service interior design, guiding clients through everything from space planning and selections to the final layers that make a home feel complete.
A big part of what I do is helping clients see possibilities they may not have considered on their own. Many people tend to play it safe when it comes to their home, especially with color or bolder design choices. I really enjoy gently pushing my clients outside of their comfort zone in a way that still feels true to them. Some of the most meaningful spaces come from taking those risks and trusting the process.
I also draw a lot of inspiration from my travels. Experiencing different places, cultures, and architecture has shaped the way I see design. I love incorporating that influence into my work, whether it shows up in the materials we choose, the textures we layer, or the way we bring art into a space. Art is always an important part of my designs. It adds personality and tells a story in a way that nothing else can.
What sets me apart is the way I approach each project on a personal level. I am not trying to create a certain look or repeat the same style from home to home. I take the time to understand how my clients live, what they are drawn to, and what will make their space feel right for them. Especially since many of my clients are in a period of transition, I want their home to support that next chapter in a meaningful way.
Brand wise, I am most proud of building something that feels genuine and approachable. I want people to feel comfortable reaching out, even if they have never worked with a designer before. My goal is to make the process feel collaborative and enjoyable, not overwhelming.
At the end of the day, I want readers to know that good design is not about following rules or creating something that looks perfect. It is about creating a space that feels like home to you.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
I would not be where I am today without the people who have supported me along the way.
When I first started, I intentionally sought out designers who were not only talented, but also willing to share their knowledge about the business side of the industry. That is a completely different skill set, and one that does not always come naturally to creative people.
Veronica Solomon has been incredibly influential in my journey. She created a Facebook group called “What They Don’t Teach You in Design School” that I joined early on, and it quickly became an invaluable resource. It was a place where designers could ask honest questions, learn from each other, and better understand how to actually run a business. She also offered mentoring and classes that helped me start thinking more strategically.
More recently, Cheryl Clendenon has stepped into that space and has continued to provide guidance and education for designers. I have taken several of her workshops focused on running a successful design firm, and they have been incredibly helpful. Being creative is one thing, but building a financially successful business is something entirely different.
On a more personal level, my biggest cheerleaders have been my close friends. They were the first ones who trusted me when I was just starting out and let me experiment and grow. They have continued to support me by referring me to others, bringing me back into their homes for new projects, and valuing my time and work. That has meant more than I can fully express, especially in an industry where people often expect advice for free. Having people close to me understand that my ideas are my work has made a huge difference.
I also truly have the best clients. Many of them have become dear friends over time. Inviting someone into your home is a very personal experience, and I do not take that lightly. The trust they place in me, especially during important transitions in their lives, is something I deeply appreciate.
Building this business has not been something I have done alone. It has been shaped and supported by a community of people who have encouraged me, challenged me, and believed in what I was building.
Pricing:
- I do not have a set price. Every job is custom tailored to the client’s needs.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://RFriersonInteriors.com
- Instagram: https://Instagram.com/rfriersoninteriors
- Facebook: https://Facebook.com/rfriersoninteriors
