Today we’d like to introduce you to Erica Holley.
Hi Erica, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for sharing your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers.
Thank you! I’m actually an Austin native, and at fourteen decided I’d be running my own interior design firm one day – I’m nothing if not determined. I started shadowing some local designers my mother had previously worked with and taking courses in high school, all before going on to receive my Bachelor of Science in Interior Design from TCU. I began my professional career working in the Dallas Design District on the hospitality side of things, where nightclub, restaurant, and hotel design were our bread and butter. I loved the idea of designing these experiential spaces so many people would get to enjoy, and I worked hard to connect myself within that side of the industry, both on and off the clock.
Somewhere along the way, however, I missed the intimacy and slower-paced lifestyle that only comes with residential design. I made the switch and accepted a position at another firm here in town, which allowed me to familiarize myself with local vendors and really all sides of the biz. Then, just over two years ago, I took the leap and went out on my own! Little did I know at the time that it would be the single greatest, most rewarding decision I could ever make for myself, professionally speaking.
Would it have been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Certainly not! As I’m sure any designer or business owner would attest, this path is not for the faint of heart. I find such fulfillment through creative expression and the relationships forged along the way, but what you don’t see is over a decade’s worth of hard work, late nights, trials, and errors that I have to thank for any of it. It’s so cliché I’m just about rolling my eyes at myself, but I’m deeply grateful for that hustle, too – no mud, no lotus.
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 company specializes in residential interior design projects, ranging from brand-new construction to historic remodels, all the way up to the lightest of zhuzhes. In truth, the variety is my favorite part of the job. As a result, I wouldn’t say I’m known for one particular design style but rather for my transparent and contemporary approach as a whole, which seems to resonate with clients (many of whom I’ve been fortunate enough to work with on multiple projects). I’ve always said I never want to be the type of designer that has you walk into a space and immediately recognize it as my work, but instead walk in and be so taken aback by the individuality and attention to detail that when you later find out I designed it, you think “of course.” The way I see it, each project is as unique as the client who approaches me with it, and it would be a real disservice to not treat both as such.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
Our old website is currently undergoing some c
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @holleyhouseco
