Today we’d like to introduce you to Lauren Himes.
Hi Lauren, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
As the daughter of an architect and an avid lover of playing The Sims as a child, I always understood and appreciated the design world, but didn’t think to pursue it as a career until later in my 20s. Instead, I sought a career in Clinical Social Work with the hope of making a big difference in the lives of the low-income population I worked with in Chicago, where I resided at the time. Like many social workers, I was burnt out; like many Chicago transplants, I was too cold; and like many creatives that find themselves in a highly-structured setting, I yearned for something different. My now-husband and I moved to sunny Austin, Texas and he began remodeling homes. As soon as he set foot in the residential remodeling world, it became apparent that his clients needed guidance on what choices to make for their new spaces– something that I believed I was naturally well-equipped to do. When it finally hit me, just post-pandemic, that interior design was always what I was meant to do, so many puzzle pieces fell into place. I spent time furiously studying, learning, and practicing the craft. I borrowed interior architecture books from my dad. I taught myself AutoCAD and all the necessary software. I built my client base from the ground up, truly. As the years since I started my business have gone by, I’ve carved out a niche for myself as an independent designer in Austin doing eclectic design. Since that first year, I have been on the Austin’s Best Interior Designers list from Austin Home 4 times. I’m as busy as i’ve ever been and i’m not stopping anytime soon!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It’s always a struggle to start a business out of thin air. At the beginning, it was difficult finding some of my very first clients. I remember posting on Nextdoor offering design services (for next to nothing, at the time) and showing up at the house with an iPad and a dream. I have dealt with several difficult clients that taught me that I need to amend either my services or my contract. It’s all been a great learning experience at the end of the day! I think my biggest struggles have been with myself and just finding the confidence to continue learning and working towards building this career. Like a lot of people, I struggle with imposter syndrome and have to consistently remind myself that I have happy clients, happy colleagues in contractors and architects I have collaborated with, and am producing better and better projects all the time. I’m proud of myself!
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My business name is based on my nickname, Lo. I’m an interior designer that specializes in contemporary designs that incorporate organic and sculptural elements, creating spaces that are timeless and uniquely personalized with a sense of playfulness. I primarily work in the residential space but have been experimenting in the commercial space too lately. I work with a variety of talented industry individuals and contractors on my projects (one of whom is my husband, Luke!) and am dedicated to listening to my clients’ needs and bringing them to life in a way that is both fun and functional. I always want to experiment and bring something funky into fruition, I don’t do cookie-cutter, so for the people that enjoy a little whimsy and personality in their home– i’m your gal.
What’s next?
I am looking forward to further defining my brand to the point that I only take on clients that align with my signature style. I am hoping to get a big project published in a big publication within the next year! My husband Luke and I also plan to get more into developing our own properties, building and designing on our own as a passion project.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.loandbeholdinteriors.com
- Instagram: @lo.interiors
