Erica Murphy shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Hi Erica, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What are you chasing, and what would happen if you stopped?
I’m chasing my dreams— the vision of ELM Interiors as more than a business, but a calling — a home for my gifts. I’m chasing alignment. The kind where my gifts and my work sit at the same table—where my natural instinct to curate, organize, and refine becomes the way I serve people. I’m building a brand that honors who I am: detail-oriented, future-minded, and deeply creative.
I’m chasing the freedom to create on my own terms, building a brand that proves creativity can be both purposeful and profitable. I’m chasing the moment a client sees their life reflected in their space—functional, beautiful, and fully them. I’m chasing impact: using my eye, my voice, and my systems to make design feel attainable and elevated at the same time through mood boards that spark possibility, 2D concepts that bring clarity, 3D renderings that make clients say “that’s it,” and curated pieces from the ELM Shop that elevate.
What would happen if I stopped?
If I stopped, the world would miss my fingerprint. Spaces would still get decorated, but they wouldn’t carry the ELM signature—the thoughtful flow, the layered textures, the quiet luxury I bring to each decision. Clients who need my eye would settle for “good enough,” and that’s not the legacy I’m here to leave.
If I stopped, I’d silence gifts that were given to be used. The ideas that nudge me at 2 a.m., in the morning, If I stopped, I’d trade purpose for comfort, and that’s not me, anymore.
If I stopped, I’d be teaching myself to play small. I’d be telling the younger version of me—the one who sketched dream rooms and rearranged spaces like a puzzle—that her vision was cute but not worth building.
If I stopped, ELM Interiors would become a what-if instead of a legacy. The collections I haven’t curated yet, the client transformations not yet lived in. I refuse to stop or give up on myself and I hope this inspires anyone reading this to keep chasing their own version of “more.”
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Erica Murphy, a Certified Interior Decorator and the Owner of Erica L. Murphy Interiors (ELM Interiors)—a virtual interior design studio built around creativity, accessibility, and transformation. I created ELM Interiors to help clients reimagine their spaces through thoughtfully curated E-design services that bring beauty and function together, no matter where they are located.
Through my fully virtual design process, clients receive a complete 3D visual of their space along with shoppable links to bring their dream room to life—right from home. Whether it’s a single-room makeover or a full home redesign, my goal is to make the process simple, inspiring, and personal.
What makes ELM Interiors unique is our exclusive online décor and furnishings catalog, available at https://www.elm-interiors.com/shop. From living room to bedroom pieces, our curated collection offers designer-quality home décor shipped directly from the manufacturer. We proudly provide trade furniture and décor to everyone—not just clients—making high-end design more accessible to all.
When you work with me, you work directly with the designer. Every project reflects my personal commitment to detail, balance, and individuality. My mission is to live out my purpose through my gifts—using creativity, intention, and design to help others create spaces that truly feel like home.
You can explore ELM Interiors, browse our shoppable mood boards, or learn more about our virtual design services at https://www.elm-interiors.com
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
The part of me that has served its purpose is the version that played by the rules of society—the one that sought validation through job titles, timelines, and other people’s definitions of success. But now, I’m releasing the mindset that I have to shrink my creativity to fit into systems that were never designed for dreamers like me. I’m releasing the belief that stability only comes from a paycheck or that fulfillment is found in meeting corporate expectations. I’m letting go of the part of me that settled for “safe” when I was called to create something significant.
Through ELM Interiors, I’ve stepped into the part of my story that feels like freedom. Entrepreneurship has taught me that I can design my own blueprint—one rooted in faith, purpose, and creativity. One that doesn’t need permission to build, lead, or innovate. I get to pour my gifts into something that reflects my voice and values. I get to create spaces that remind others it’s possible to live beautifully and boldly at the same time.
So, I’m letting go of the version of me that was content surviving in structure, and fully embracing the woman who is called to create her own. ELM Interiors is more than my business—it’s the manifestation of my decision to trust my gifts, bet on myself, and design a life that reflects the beauty I help others create.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I would tell my younger self: you don’t have to have it all figured out—just start where you are and trust your gifts. Every detour, every “not yet,” and every moment of doubt is preparing you for what’s already yours. The dreams that keep tugging at your heart aren’t random—they’re direction.
I’d remind her that she doesn’t have to fit into every box or follow every rule that society says equals success. The corporate ladder isn’t the only way up—sometimes, your purpose builds its own path. I’d tell her that her creativity isn’t “too much,” it’s her calling; that the way she sees beauty, design, and detail is a language that will one day speak for her.
I’d tell her to stay grounded in faith, to keep showing up even when it feels small, and to stop dimming her light to make others comfortable. Because one day, she’ll realize she was never meant to blend in—she was meant to build something of her own.
And that “something” will become ELM Interiors—a reflection of her courage to chase her dreams, use her gifts boldly, and design a life that feels like home.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Whom do you admire for their character, not their power?
I admire Beyoncé—not just for her success or influence, but for her character and the way she carries her purpose with quiet strength and relentless excellence. What inspires me most about her isn’t the fame or power; it’s her discipline, her humility, and the way she honors her craft. She embodies what it means to stay grounded while evolving, to lead with intention, and to never stop perfecting your art.
Beyoncé moves with grace, but she also moves with vision. She doesn’t chase trends—she creates them. That mindset resonates deeply with me as a creative and entrepreneur. With ELM Interiors, I strive to embody that same level of integrity and intention—to build something that reflects purpose, not pressure; substance, not status.
I admire how she keeps her personal life sacred, her team loyal, and her work transformative. That balance of privacy, professionalism, and passion reminds me that real power comes from alignment—knowing who you are, staying rooted in your purpose, and letting your work speak louder than your words.
Beyoncé’s character reminds me that success is fleeting, but excellence and authenticity endure—and that’s the legacy I aim to build through my own gifts and creativity with ELM Interiors.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?
Absolutely. Because for me, the work isn’t about applause. When I pour my best into something, whether it’s a design concept, a 3D rendering, or a curated mood board, I’m doing it as an expression of purpose, not performance. I’ve learned that fulfillment comes from giving your all, even when no one’s watching, because that’s where integrity and growth live.
When I started ELM Interiors, I wasn’t chasing recognition; I was chasing meaning. I wanted to create something that reflected my gifts, my creativity, and my faith — something that could make people feel seen and at home. Even if no one ever said “good job,” I’d still design with the same care, the same intention, and the same commitment to excellence.
Praise fades, but purpose doesn’t. I know that when I’m using my gifts fully, I’m honoring God, the One who gave them to me. That’s more than enough. The real reward is knowing I’ve done my part — that I showed up, gave my best, and left beauty behind.
So yes, I’d give everything my best, because purpose deserves it — even in the quiet seasons when no one’s clapping.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.elm-interiors.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elminteriors_/
Image Credits
ELM Interiors @elminteriors_ | Terica B Photography @tericabphoto
