We had the good fortune of connecting with Ami Robinson and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Ami, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I have created beautiful spaces and have worked in Interior Design in one way or another for over 25 years. Settling down in Colorado and knowing we were staying here for the long haul allowed me to start my own business and was the next logical step for me to continue to do what I love. I was looking to be inspired and to challenge myself. I wanted to work with clients that want to have homes and businesses they love and are comfortable in but are not sure how to make it happen. I also wanted to be able to help others (like myself) that want their homes to be welcoming but visually interesting and feel cohesive. As a military family, we have collected pieces from all over the world and I get excited about finding ways to bring old and new together. I have always enjoyed helping others find a way to showcase their personal belongings & treasures. Every client has different tastes and styles they are drawn to so designing spaces that suit each client and their needs is a challenge I enjoy!
Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I grew up around lots of color and beautiful things and have always been able to walk into spaces and “redesign” them in my head. I never realized this “redesign I saw in my head” could become a career I loved!
My design experience started with helping military families find ways to think outside the box when it came to on base housing! I am a proud military spouse that moved every 3 – 4 years making it challenging to develop a reputation and build a business…15 moves in 26 years happily following my Air Force man wasn’t easy but boy, was it fun! However, I am proud to say that with each new location I was able to pursue my career, learn from talented designers and work with incredible builders over our 26 years serving in the Air Force.
Once we moved to Colorado Springs, I realized this was my chance to put down “professional” roots in a place we loved. I worked as an Interior Designer with a local builder for 3 years then took a leap of faith and went out on my own to build a business. I wanted to work with people I enjoy and am inspired by, as well as be able to guide, teach and show clients that you can change houses into homes by using your own items or by purchasing items through local stores. I believe in loving where you live and surrounding yourself with the colors and mementos that make your space uniquely YOURS!
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Wow, we live in a such a beautiful, fun filled state where do I even start?!
OK, I would begin mornings hiking in my own backyard, up Strawberry Hill or head to Spruce Mountain Open Space! Then we would have donuts from Horseshoe Donuts in Monument (the biggest, most creative, seasonal flavors & yummiest donuts around)! We would go shop around the unique local stores in downtown Colorado Springs (I love the consignment stores best…Ashley’s Attic, Redoux Consignment & Platte Furniture are my favs!) We would have to spend several days exploring Garden of the Gods, the Broadmoor and visiting our surrounding little towns like Parker (don’t even get me started about the Paris Baguette) and Evergreen! We would have to go to Wide Open Saloon in Sedalia to dance and listen to live music but the ONE THING we would HAVE to do…is go to a concert at Red Rocks Ampitheater…what an unbelievable experience and a bucket list item for all that visit or live here!
I am from Texas and have lived all over the world, but I have turned into a Colorado Girl! I love the mountains, skiing, hiking and camping! I find inspiration from the colors and beauty that Colorado has to offer and for the first time in my life, I am at peace and am fulfilled with my business, relationships and life. I believe in loving what you do and doing what you love to find happiness.
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I LOVE that you are asking this question!! I have so many people that have supported my dreams and helped push me to just “go for it” when I was deciding if I should start my own business.
My husband and family are my biggest cheerleaders, always encouraging me to be my best. Treasure Davis, a Colorado Springs Real Estate BOSS gave me my first opportunity in Colorado to design her real estate office just 3 days after I quit my job as a Senior Designer with a local builder! I have also been blessed to have several clients that trust my vision and that have made me part of their “team”! I work with Brian and Kim Goodman, owners of Kimber Homes, on their custom builds, and we have won several Colorado Springs Parade of Homes awards. I also work with Tim and Julie Enders, buying properties (and even an RV camper) in Monument, Colorado and Siesta Key, Florida to renovate and design beautiful Airbnb getaways!
My right hand chickee, Lisa Conley deserves a shoutout too. She always has my back and believes in my visions (or tells me she isn’t loving it so we can get back on track)! She and her Special Forces hubba, Chad Conley, have also enriched our lives by including my husband & I in their nonprofit, 50 for the Fallen (@50_for_the_fallen)! We are honored to serve on the board and be able to help this incredible cause however we can. I am inspired by the dedication of the 50 for the Fallen team to help raise money and awareness for the mental health struggles that so many veterans deal with.
I have been supported and challenged over my entire career and found opportunities to pursue my passion every time we moved to a new location. But putting down roots in Colorado has allowed me to build long term relationships that continue to inspire me with new projects and have a successful business!
Website: www.designsoak.net
Instagram: designsofallkindswithami
Facebook: Ami Bingham Robinson/Designs of All Kinds