Meet Megan Thompson | Principal Designer & Founder

We had the good fortune of connecting with Megan Thompson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Megan, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?

I graduated from design school during the recession, and finding employment in my field was practically impossible at that time. I worked in other aligned industries instead. I worked for a countertop fabricator, a window company, etc., but the industry was very unstable at the time. I wanted stable employment, and health insurance, so I worked as a barista for a little while. While working at the coffee shop, we had many customers that were business owners, and I came to know them over time. I would pick their brain about how they started, what made them successful, etc. After a while, I decided to go out on my own and I have never looked back!

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?

I am so grateful to say that we will be celebrating our 10 year anniversary this coming January, 2023. The journey I have been on has been most rewarding, though not easy at times. Running a business as a solopreneur can be extremely lonely at times. 

What really helped me grow was joining a business coaching program that is directed exclusively toward interior designers. I now have a nationwide network of other talented designers to run questions by, support & uplift, and get solid business advice that has improved our level of service dramatically over the past few years. This was the best investment I have ever made, and I will continue to be in the program as I learn something new each week.

What sets Spark Interiors apart is our pledge toward sustainability. Currently we are on a mission to educate consumers, and clients about the negative impact the building/construction and furniture industries have on our planet as well as our personal health. We re-branded a year ago to share more about how important sustainability is to us, and to make a promise to our clients to do right by them. 

Not many people are aware of just how toxic many interior finishes can be. I feel that it is our responsability as designers to select materials and furnishings that will not negatively impact the health of our clients once we turn over the keys.

Beyond this, we are creating an internal list of manufacturers that have the same core values, and are doing their part to ensure that the products they sell are fairly sourced, and have a low impact to the environment and the people who manufacture them. I decided this April to take it one step further and we are now planting 10 trees for every invoice that is paid. This is a small step in the right direction, but we are working on a way to report the carbon impact each project has on the earth, so we can further offset the emissions we are responsible for.

The most important thing I want people to know is that sustainable design does NOT have to look any different. We can creating jaw-dropping spaces that make a statement while doing right by the planet and our clients.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?

I am a mountain girl at heart, so we would have to head out to Breckenridge or Vail, no doubt. My favorite little spot in Breck is Broken Compass Brewing because they are dog friendly and we are a dog household! There are also some great little dog-friendly lakes and ponds in Edwards that our pups love to visit for a swim on a hot summer day. If we are going to be out that way, we might as well stop by Iron Mountain Hot Springs, in Glenwood Springs! Nothing better than a sunset soak in the adult-friendly pools while sipping a hard cider or IPA.

Next, I would say Meow Wolf is on the list, followed by the Clifford Still Museum.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?

Shoutout to those who supported my dreams in my early years! Particularly the Arvada Young Professionals group, which is organized by the Arvada Chamber of Commerce. I know that my business would not be where it is today without this group. I learned about running a business, I made friends, met other industry partners, and best yet – I was presented with the opportunity to remodel the Chamber of Commerce offices with the City, which was a huge boost for brand awareness. During this time I was also able to participate in the Leadership Arvada program and participate in a community give-back program.

I also have had the pleasure of being involved with the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce, and took part in their Leadership Program, Impact Denver. In this program our team helped a local non-profit that aides refugees that come to Denver. While a member of the chamber here, I was also part of the leads group program, which I co-led for a term. I was introduced to a vendor that I still do business with today, and am so grateful for the connection.

Website: www.sparkinteriorscolorado.com

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Image Credits
Photography Credit: Justin Martin Photography