Today we’d like to introduce you to Naomi Young
Hi Naomi, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I have always been drawn to the arts and to people. I have a background in psychology, fashion and retail. At the beginning of 2024, I was feeling like I still hadn’t really found my place in the creative world. I saw a school called The Psychologie of Home in Portland and I decided to go to training there to become an Interior Designer. I learned all about the ins and outs of the business and I knew that’s exactly what I want to do!
Looking back, I’ve been doing this my whole life. As a kid, I was always repainting and redecorating my room, changing color schemes and themes. It was my form of expression.
Your space is an extension of your personal style and I love to help people access the part of themselves that they might be afraid to show off or live out authentically as themselves.
What would your home really look like if you could truly make it an extension of your deepest self? Your passions, experiences, interests and what you find beautiful.
This goes for businesses and commercial spaces as well. We all have a story to tell within us, my goal is to help your space express a little bit of that story within you, a place you can be proud of, find solace in with a flair of fun and artsy spunk too.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Owning your own business is so vulnerable. You are totally exposed to the world, people’s scrutiny, judgement and comparison. I have found that the internal part of business ownership is more challenging than the day to day external work. It’s not all about the numbers or the photos. To me, it’s about the relational aspect of the work. It’s exciting to be the main decision maker and to have the freedom to decide what I do and don’t want to do. Knowing that it’s all on me to make things happen, to achieve goals, to get paid, etc it can be daunting. I try to take it one thing at a time and releasing the need for things to be perfect has been the only thing keeping me from getting stuck.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Many people are afraid to hire an interior designer for a variety of reasons, one that I’ve heard is that they are afraid their space won’t feel like “them” or feel like it’s their style. With my background in Psychology, I can easily connect with people and with my background in Fashion, style and I go hand in hand. Helping people access, express and be comfortable claiming their personal style while pushing them to go beyond their norm, is what I love to do.
Remodels are some of my favorite projects. Shopping for and selecting tile and hard finishes are my happy places. Creating a custom floor tile pattern using black and white 12” hexagon textured tiles for a bathroom and entryway is one of my favorite things I’ve ever done.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
Well, my business is still in its infancy, so I don’t feel quite ready to be handing out advice yet. One thing I try to constantly remind myself, is to not compare myself to others in my field. Everyone is different and has their own strengths and it’s ok if we all do things differently. There’s a lot of noise on the internet and it can feel draining, so walking away and just doing my own thing is something I remind myself of often.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://larisanaomi.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evolve.larisa/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61572391923600
Image Credits
Tayo Falaiye and myself (Naomi Young)
