We’re looking forward to introducing you to Megan Bailey. Check out our conversation below.
Megan , a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What is a normal day like for you right now?
Oh gosh…a day in the life! Let’s see… my alarm goes off at 5:45 and I snooze 3 times until I get up at 6:15. Brush teeth, change clothes and go out to the kitchen to get my kids things ready for the day, breakfast, waters, sippy cups, lunch, at 6:40 my oldest comes out to eat and I go lay in bed with my 4 year old (morning snuggles are the best!) My husband and I get the littles ready (4 and 2) and then we go outside and play in the driveway until my 11 year old comes out, (not-so) ready for school!
Everyone piles in the car and we’re off, jamming the latest rap tunes, courtesy of my 11 year old DJ while the littles point out every construction vehicle, airplane, garbage truck and school bus on the way to school and daycare.
I workout when I get home, usually go for a mile and a half power walk or 20 minutes of work out videos! Shower and eat breakfast and sit down at my desk, ready to work (usually) by 9:30!
My work day can consist of a lot of things, in any combination of the following…emails, phone calls and texts from clients, vendors and builders, floor planning, sourcing materials (everything from furnishings to tile to light fixtures), putting together mood boards, presentations or pricing, renderings, placing orders or doing returns, accessory shopping, scheduling deliveries, unpacking deliveries to check for damages, consultations, design meetings or showroom visits with clients, site visits…the list goes on! And that’s not including all the “regular life” things that get thrown into my days, things for school/daycare, kids schedules (days off and doctor appointments) currently planning 3 birthday parties, family photo outfits, holidays and weekend activities! I will squeeze in a massage here and there too because… well, see above! Haha
3:30 rolls around and I’m back in the carpool line and picking up the littles from daycare! Once we’re home the second half of my day starts! We’re playing, getting kids fed/dinner ready, maybe go on a walk or go outside, my oldest has baseball games or practice every night Monday-Thursday so that also keeps us busy! We read a lot of books, build a lot of Legos and magna-tiles, play with cars and trucks and there are always balls being thrown in the house (typical boy mom activities) then its bedtime snuggles and I can finally sit down for a few minutes before going to bed!
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi! My name is Megan Bailey, owner of Megan Bailey Interiors! I’m a residential interior designer, specializing in remodels and furnishings. I have owned and operated my business for almost 8 years primarily from repeat clients and referrals (the biggest complement to me and my business!)
I believe that I have developed a great design process to help break down each phase of design for my clients. There are so many steps and decisions to make in remodels and furnishings, so many details to capture and make sure they are in the right place whether on construction plans or putting an entire room (or house) together. It’s all about being able to help my clients navigate their options, make tons of small decisions and collaborating together to bring together one beautiful finished space!
It’s so intriguing to get a glimpse into my clients lives, their lifestyles, their families, things they have going on, how they intend to use their spaces, it all funnels into the design process and makes it fun, more like I’m meeting with friends versus having “business” meetings. Interior design is not a “one size fits all” industry, every space that I help design is so personal to that specific client and I love finding ways to incorporate their ideas and creativity first, then build on that with my flair and expertise!
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
That’s an easy one…having kids!
When my oldest was born, I learned that time is the most valuable thing because I started to measure everything off of how old he was. His first year flew by and it was like…wow, that went by fast, an entire year just gone in a blink of an eye. Then he was starting kindergarten, playing sports, becoming his own person…now he’s in middle school, my middle is starting kinder next year and my youngest is about to turn 2. Any mom will tell you, time is a thief, and the time I have with these sweet boys is flying by. Even when they are all driving me bonkers, I savor it because they are my world and it’s this time that I’ll never get back.
Time has shaped how I see the world, I’ve learned to take a step back and enjoy all the moments, soak it in, be present (this is a big one!), relish in the good and know that the hard times will eventually pass. The days are long but the years are short, it’s so cheesy but it’s so true. I look at the world and life through a different lens now because my world is all based on time. How much time I have to work in a day, how much time I spend with my kids and my family, how much time I spend on myself, etc. Everything revolves around time, personally, professionally, socially and in a world where everything has a price tag, time is something you can’t buy back!
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
There are so many things! Really think about big decisions twice or 3 times, run down the rabbit trails and explore all the options, let things marinate for longer amounts of time before you really decide how you feel about a situation. Listen to your gut and your inner voice.
If something disrupts your inner peace, let it go. You’re better than whatever is dragging you down.
Lastly, don’t give away too much information upfront, I’m really chatty and I like carrying on conversations with anyone who will talk to me, but I’ve learned to ask more questions and listen more rather than blabber on about myself.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What’s a cultural value you protect at all costs?
I’m full Italian and proud of it! One thing that I’ve really come to value in the last few years is my extended family and nurturing that relationship with my cousins and aunts and uncles, more than just at a family reunion. I’ve been calling by brother and cousins that I’m close with and just catching up and being more proactive about planning time to spend together! My family is huge and the memories I have with my cousins growing up are some of the best! Family is huge in Italian culture and mine is certainly the best!
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: Have you ever gotten what you wanted, and found it did not satisfy you?
I think this is a loaded question because if you get what you want and it didn’t satisfy you, then is it really what you wanted? Sometimes what you think you want isn’t really what’s best for you and life will show you that in lots of different ways. Or maybe you get a version of what you want but it’s not exactly what you want, which will then teach you what you actually want!
The moral of this and what I’ve truly come to believe is that God is the creator of your future, you can’t control it and you can’t force it. You can “want” all you want but ultimately, it’s all in His hands.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meganbaileyinteriors/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/meganbaileyinteriors/
Image Credits
Elemby Photography
Southern Lane Photography
Wisp and Willow Photography
