Meet Robin Davis | Owner/Interior Designer

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

Hi Robin, what role has risk played in your life or career?
When one speaks of risk taking, I like to think of it more like a well thought out or calculated move. One where I weight the options and then jump. My whole upbringing and my parents took calculated risks to better their lives and the lives of their children so I’ve definitely lived by that too. In the same token if you have to think too long about something, you’re probably not going to make a move or decision- rather you’re going to stay stuck in the same place.

I trust my gut and intuition about risks- if it doesn’t feel right, I move on and the same in reverse. Every career decision I’ve made has had some amount of risk- the difference though was when I worked for large corporations, I didn’t have control of the bigger picture, just myself and my worth. When the rug gets pulled out from under you, twice in my case, you have to be able to figure it on your own and for me that meant controlling my own destiny and start my own business. A business built during one of the biggest recessions and banking collapse in my lifetime (2008-2011) was a HUGE risk. But I had to pay for the roof over my head and the mouths to feed so for me it was less of a risk and more necessity to survive. Fifteen years later, it’s the best decision I ever made.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My earlier career was in the corporate world as a business development manager in sales and marketing. I worked for major cruise lines and tour operators for almost 20 years. The love I had for teaching my products and cultivating the relationships with my accounts helped me figure out just who I was and what I could be. The opportunities I had to travel the world opened up a creative side that I didn’t know was so strong and would one day be what I am now.

Unfortunately the downside of working for a large corporation, in sales, and dealing in discretionary incomes, whenever there is a major economic downturn, those employees are the first to be laid off. The first time it happened to me, I was so mad at my employer, having given them 8 years of my life and over-achieved set goals, I took it personally. I was also freaking out because I had a mortgage, a 3-year old daughter and was a single Mom. How was I going to survive? Fortunately I landed an even better position with a cruise line and was able to continue doing what I loved. Until the banking collapse of 2008/2009 and basically the country shutting down. I knew the inevitable and tried to calm the fears of my coworkers but knew it would be just a matter of time before a severance package came again. This time though, I had a plan- I had to keep moving and since no one was traveling anytime soon, I had to create a business. Since my side-hustle was designing and decorating having spent so much time studying the architecture and designs from all the destinations I had visited, I said to myself- start your own design business. Crazy idea to some- not so much for me. The difference I had was how to market and sell my talents, design a website and create buzz. The other difference is that I was willing to be the painter, DIY builder, whatever it took to get something done. These were the days long before HGTV and more like Design on a Dime- but less tacky and bigger budgets. Guess what, it worked!

As the business grew, my group of trades grew too and allowed us to take on bigger projects. I didn’t have to ‘do it all’ anymore and have a great group of specialists who do the drywall, painting, framing, etc. I grew as a person and a designer. I never stopped learning something new every day- I could read blueprints and lighting plans and understand the entire build process. I knew when to ask a question and when to just listen- those days of sales and account management honed those traits. I was and am still a problem solver- women are good at that on a daily basis! There are no problems, only solutions that need to found.

I’ve been at this on my own for over 15 years now and can’t believe how much I’ve grown as an interior designer. I didn’t go to school for this, yet my work is some of the best in the region and the print work speaks to that. I don’t think anyone should feel that they aren’t talented enough but you have to push yourself- learn as much as you can whether on the job or by just asking. See what others are designing, what you like or don’t like or what you may or may not do differently. I don’t have a specific style because I believe every project should be unique to the client- its not about me its about them and how I can make it better than they ever imagined. I don’t think I’m the best out there but I believe in my talents and the business I’ve grown speaks to that. Besides a great portfolio on my website, my new work now is primarily through word of mouth or repeat and referral. That’s how anyone would like to see their business over time.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
So, Portland, Maine has been named by several magazines as ‘the best’ for many reasons in the last 10 years. The best place to visit, the best place to retire, the best food scene in America, etc. etc. So when I have folks visit and its summer, we’re going to be enjoying the water where we’re located.

For musts, everyone should visit Two Lights State Park and the Portland Headlight. I actually live next door to the park which is one of the oldest former forts in the US. The ramparts and former fortresses can be seen dotting the landscape, along with a soccer game or impromptu frisbee game happening. To explore the gorgeous landscape is breathtaking. Portland Headlight is the first lighthouse commissioned by President George Washington, yes that’s how long it’s been here, and is the most photographed lighthouse in the world. To see it and watch the surf crash upon its rocks is stunning.

Up the road to another set of lighthouses is Two Lights State Park. Yes the view is gorgeous but I go there for lunch at The Lobster Shack. Order up a lobster roll, fried clams or seared scallops, fries and a drink and sit on the red picnic-tables on the ledge watching the surf is absolutely perfect. It’s a must at least once during the summer.

To see the skyline and Portland Harbor at night, one only has to take a sunset sail aboard one of the many schooner sails we have. Many are BYOB so I like to pack a charcuterie picnic, some wine and locally brewed beer and let my guests ooh and awe at the beautiful bay and light from the setting sun. It’s truly magical.

Another fun thing is to take a Casco Bay Lines ferry out to Peaks Island for the day. It’s a 15 minute crossing but feels like a world away. Grabbing a bike rental if you don’t have your own allows you explore the entire island, stop for a quick swim or a picnic lunch. It’s such a reminder of a simpler time where time and life slows down.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I couldn’t have made it without the support of my siblings. They helped loan me monies while I was trying to get my feet off the ground and build my business. They held me accountable and were cheerleaders when projects started to come in and shared in the accolades. My sisters helped me with childcare when I needed to work 7-days a week. They reminded how strong and stubborn I was and that they knew I would succeed, regardless of the direction.

My family deserves more than just a little credit- my sisters and my daughter are my biggest supporters!

Website: robindavisinteriors.com

Instagram: @robindavisinteriors

Facebook: Robin Davis Interiors

Image Credits
Lauren Lear Photography Peter G. Morneau Photography Matt Congdon Photography