We’re looking forward to introducing you to LeeAnna Benavidez. Check out our conversation below.
LeeAnna, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What do you think is misunderstood about your business?
One of the biggest misconceptions about Sensory Style Co. is that interior design and professional organizing are quick, one-size-fits-all processes. Many people assume an organizer can simply come in with a team and make rapid changes — but I take a more intentional approach. For me, it’s not just about decluttering or staging; it’s about space planning in a way that supports how clients truly live day-to-day.
When it comes to interior design, there’s also an important distinction between creating a space that is merely functional and creating one that is deeply intentional. My work is rooted in designing sensory-friendly, accessible environments that adapt to a client’s lifestyle and evolving needs. This is especially important for families with neurodivergent individuals, seniors facing new mobility challenges, and anyone seeking inclusive design solutions in Austin and beyond.
At the end of the day, I believe every home or workspace should do more than “look nice.” It should empower independence, promote comfort, and evolve alongside the people who live and work in it.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m LeeAnna, founder of Sensory Style Co., an Austin-based interior design and professional organizing company. We specialize in inclusive, accessible, and sensory-friendly design solutions that go beyond aesthetics to truly support everyday life.
I work in-person across the Austin area—Lakeway, Dripping Springs, and Spicewood are my regular stops—and also provide virtual services for clients throughout Texas and nationwide. Basically, if Wi-Fi reaches you, so can I.
My background in speech-language pathology showed me how much environments shape independence and well-being, which inspired me to bridge healthcare and design. Today, Sensory Style Co. creates intentional spaces for families, seniors, and individuals with cognitive, sensory, or mobility challenges, always with the belief that every space should evolve with its people. And yes—I’m the person who insists reorganizing a pantry is a perfectly valid Saturday night plan.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
Two experiences within my own family profoundly shaped how I see the world—and ultimately inspired the vision behind Sensory Style Co. Growing up with a brother who has Down syndrome gave me a front-row seat to the challenges and triumphs of being neurodivergent in a world that isn’t always designed with inclusivity in mind. Later, when my dad became wheelchair-bound, I witnessed how quickly a once-comfortable home—or even a commercial space—can become restrictive when accessibility hasn’t been thoughtfully planned.
These experiences taught me that design is never just about aesthetics—it’s about access, dignity, and independence. They fueled my mission to create environments that prioritize accessible design, sensory-friendly solutions, and universal design principles. Today, that work extends beyond families and seniors at home to include small businesses and commercial spaces—helping them not only welcome clients, customers, and employees through the door, but also encourage them to stay, feel at ease, and thrive.
Combined with the insights I gained from working with countless speech clients, I’ve learned that every environment should empower the people who use it. And in my family, we like to laugh that I started by rearranging my brother’s toy shelves as a kid—only to grow up rearranging entire houses, and now even businesses. Some habits really do stick.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Battling cancer twice taught me a lesson that no success ever could: you can choose to suffer in isolation, or you can choose to grow in community. Illness strips away the illusion that we can do everything on our own—it forces you to lean on others, to accept support, and to realize that strength is often found in connection.
That mindset is the heartbeat of Sensory Style Co. As an entrepreneur, I’ve learned that building a business is much like navigating recovery—you face unexpected setbacks, moments of uncertainty, and days when grit alone won’t carry you. What makes the difference is community: mentors, clients, and collaborators who remind you of your “why” and keep you moving forward.
Suffering also taught me to design with deeper empathy. Whether I’m creating sensory-friendly homes in Austin or helping small businesses craft accessible environments, I understand how critical it is to design spaces that reduce stress, promote comfort, and help people feel less alone.
In short, cancer taught me that true success isn’t about the awards, the recognition, or even the growth charts—it’s about building something that supports people when life is at its hardest. And if you can do that with humor, resilience, and a little bit of stubbornness, you’re already winning.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
At Sensory Style Co., I’m committed to a long-term initiative called Passion Projects—redesigning spaces at no cost for families and individuals who need them most. Funded through commercial profits, client tips, and community donations, these projects create a ripple effect: each transformation not only changes one space, but also sparks greater awareness of the importance of accessible and sensory-friendly design.
Whether it’s a family home or a small business, my belief is simple: good design should never be a luxury, but a lifeline. Passion Projects is my way of making sure that vision continues to grow—no matter how long it takes.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What do you understand deeply that most people don’t?
I understand just how precious life is—and how the spaces we live and work in either support that truth or make it harder to experience. An inclusive, sensory-friendly space doesn’t just welcome diverse thinkers; it creates room for brilliant ideas, deeper connections, and a stronger sense of belonging.
I’ve also learned that while knowledge may be powerful, empathy is what gives it meaning. A large bandwidth of empathy allows us to design and live in ways that truly support one another.
At Sensory Style Co., I believe if your work isn’t meaningful, it’s just a job. But when it’s driven by purpose—whether it’s a family home in Austin, a small business in Texas, or a virtual project across the country—it becomes a career path that makes a lasting impact.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sensorystylecompany.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sensorystylecompany/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leeanna-benavidez-02304a1a0/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550234144820
- Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/@SensoryStyleCo.
- Other: https://www.pinterest.com/sensorystyleco/
