We had the good fortune of connecting with Lauren Rickard and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Lauren, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Being able to have the flexibility and wanting the feeling that I accomplished something big.
Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
We are a full service interior design firm that strives at providing the most excellent customer service. At the end of each design project we have a strong relationship of trust with all our clients. They know they can count on us for anything. We have worked so hard to get where we are today by going above and beyond for clients. When we started with 0 $$, 0 employees, 0 clients and now we have 16+ different clients and projects, 2 interns, and we just keep climbing! Nothing about owning your own business is easy…. You work 24-7 whether you want to or not because that’s what you need to do to be successful. The lessons I have learned along the way is that our services are valuable and worth every penny so never sell yourself short. We have had rejection along the way and you can’t let it stop you or put you down. Hiring an interior designer isn’t for everyone & that’s okay. I want people to know that if you wish to use an interior designer for any project that you don’t have to have lots of Money to do so! Don’t feel afraid to call us and discuss your project to see how we can help you in some way or another. We offer all types of different design services. We can do full on project management, product selecting, ordering, installing to 100% completeness, to just simple idea boards to help you DIY your project on your own. We are always up front and honest to make sure each client knows exactly what to expect.
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?
My mom has helped me in so many ways. I have always looked up to her for being a successful business woman for 30 years in Insurance, to encouraging me to start my business and always having my back. She runs all the “paper work” side of things at LMI and keeps things super organized. She also helps babysit my 2 kiddos when I need to do business stuff, so I wouldn’t be where I am today without her!
My dad has also been very inspiring as a business owner himself for 20+ years in the construction industry. He is honest, hardest worker I know, and cares more about doing the right thing than money, which to me is an important business ethic to have.
My husband has also supported me from day one when I decided to quit my job working for another designer at a firm to starting my own company back in 2017!
The several firms I worked at prior to starting Lauren Michelle Interiors all help mold & influence me to be who I am today in the design industry and I wouldn’t trade that experience for anything. It was super difficult and frustrating at times, but looking back, I am always grateful for those experiences.
Website: www.laurenmichelleinteriors.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurenmichelleinteriors/
Linkedin: Lauren Rickard
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/laurenmichelleinteriors
Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/lauren-michelle-interiors-larkspur
Image Credits
Photographer: Jeff Morris Photography