Today we’d like to introduce you to Mindy Porter
Hi Mindy, 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 guess you could say interior design is in my blood.
My obsession with interior design started when I was very young. Hours felt like minutes when I was arranging and rearranging the shelves in my room growing up. While other kids were reading magazines like Cosmo, I was glued to House Beautiful and sketching floorplans for fun. My mom was always rearranging our furniture too, so I guess I was just born into it.
My grandmother, an antique dealer, had a huge influence on me. She taught me that great vintage pieces are timeless, and I spent many Saturdays at garage sales and flea markets with her, picking up things I probably didn’t fully appreciate at the time. But I learned a lot from being around her. You also learn that the time to buy the vintage piece you love is when you see it. Chances are if you love it, someone else will too, and it will be gone by the time you make the decision to buy it. This is my philosophy, which must be why I have stacks of mirrors and art in odd places around my house…you know, “one day” for our next home or for just the right project. PS, my husband does not subscribe to this philosophy.
But despite my passion, I didn’t pursue design at first. Instead, I spent 13 years in marketing. I was good at it and moved up in the company, but something was missing. I knew that ultimately I did not want to look back and regret not following my heart. (I will say, having 13+ years at a professional services firm under my belt definitely helps me in my design business. Every. Single. Day.)
After remodeling two of my own homes and helping a friend with a microbrewery project, I realized design might be the right path for me. Eventually, I took the leap, and in 2019, at 36, I started Spruce + Sparrow Design. It was a big shift, but one I’m so glad I made. It’s been the perfect mix of passion and purpose, and I haven’t looked back since.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Has it been a smooth road? If by “smooth” you mean launching a business in interior design right just before a pandemic, then sure, it was as smooth as a gravel road. The pandemic threw a whole new layer of challenges my way that I definitely didn’t see coming.
One of the biggest hurdles was dealing with material delays. The entire world’s supply chain decided to take a beat, and suddenly, getting furniture, fixtures, and materials became like trying to find a unicorn. Items were constantly out of stock, and shipping delays were more common than a good hair day. It was like playing a never-ending game of “Will It Arrive on Time?” and spoiler alert: it rarely did. So, I had to get creative, flexible, and keep my vendors on speed dial, praying they’d have something in stock that wasn’t on backorder until the next century. But hey, it kept things interesting!
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Spruce + Sparrow Design?
My name is Mindy Porter, and I own Spruce + Sparrow Design based in Austin, Texas, offering interior design and furnishings. I am lover of all different styles. My clients have a mix of tastes and styles, which I love! My designs use contrast and juxtaposition to highlight visual elements by combining the old + the new, the bold + subdued, the whimsical + the refined.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
The most important lesson I’ve learned is that being bold pays off. Trust your gut, because if you don’t, your gut will probably start sending passive-aggressive vibes until you do. Don’t play it safe—it’s the design equivalent of ordering a plain bagel when you could have had the everything bagel with extra cream cheese.
And part-time? Please. I thought part-time sounded like the best life solution, but working part-time is not realistic for me. I’m not a part-time mom either. I’m a full-time mom and house manager juggling ALL . THE . THINGS …and a full-time business owner and designer. When you love something (like my family AND my work), I just can’t do part(ial) roles.
Regarding style: If you love it enough, you’ll make it work—no matter how interesting the room layout or how bizarre the color combo. Stop worrying about “that color doesn’t go” or “that’s not my exact style.”
Every home needs a little whimsy, something that makes you grin like you’re in on a secret. Whimsy doesn’t have to mean cheesy—it can be sentimental too. Take my entryway, for instance. There’s my grandmother’s (8th generation!) piano sitting there. Would I choose it for my home? Definitely not. Does it belong there? Absolutely. My grandmother gave it to me, I wanted it, so I make it work. And every time I see it, I remember that sometimes the best things don’t always “go” but they fit perfectly, and they bring joy. So, take that risk, throw in something unexpected, and remember—life’s too short for blah walls and boring furniture.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://spruceandsparrowdesign.com
- Instagram: @spruceandsparrowdesign
