Today we’d like to introduce you to Lenore Callahan.
lenore, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I family history is one of artisans, builders and entrepreneurs, so i guess its in my blood. I grew up in Suburbs of Denver Colorado and realized at an early age the Burbs were not for me. Upon graduating I moved to Chiacgo Il in the height of an abundant time in development and architecture and was blessed to work with 2 of the prominent real estate development companies shaping the chicago skyline.
After my mother had a brush with death i returned to Colorado to spend some time near her. During this time i took a break from Interior design and spent my days working as a personal trainer, it was a great learning experience in sales and learning the motivations behind people’s behaviors and learning to connect on a deeper level.
As time went on i felt something was missing which drew me back to design, i had a longing to explore so i started submitting resumes to all of the places i thought looked interesting to live. I got an interview at a company in Austin and I as soon as i got off the plane i knew i had to live here! Of course i was hired for the job, working with a local company designing closets, i knew this was not my where my passion was, but it got me to Austin. Within a year I had ventured off on my own and started Lenore Callahan Interior Design. I was nervous as i never expected or intended to open my own firm, but people kept asking me for help on their homes not related to closets! People just wanted to work with me! it was very synchronizing and unexpected and the start to a new venture!
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?
I feel very blessed to have had the experience i have had, i was not looking for it, i was not forcing it, it just happened and i moved with it. I feel it was very Diviney inspired. I am grateful everyday. I love my job and experiences its brought to me even the bad ones! Its not easy starting a company in a new town not knowing anyone! i had to push my self out of my comfort zone to meet new people and put myself out there as a new business owner and really walk the talk! What they say is true – “Fake it Till You Make It” – I knew i wasn’t faking my skillset or my integrity or knowing i could get it done, looking back now i realize i was faking the confidence i had in knowing i would be successful! Its a roller coaster the first few years owning a business, wondering when and where the next client would come from, dealing with peoples expectations and vendor and contractor mistakes! However though all of this i kept faith in my self and followed my gut, I treated my clients with honesty and integrity and the work just kept flowing in…. and evetime i tried to do even a little marketing, i would get so busy that i would have to start turning down projects.
Over the years i have realized that this job, the creativity, helping people design their spaces is exactly what i was made to do!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Lenore Callahan Interior Design?
Lenore Callahan Interior Design is a boutique design firm specializing in high end residential and commercial projects.
For me, design has never been just a job—it’s a calling. I want to be the person who helps my clients transform their space and reconnect with how you want to live, feel, and grow. I see so many people living their life in compartments, they compartmentalize their work self vs their home self vs their social self. I feel life is a combo of all of this that it should all flow together so one can be their most authentic self! I like to help my clients build who their are into the spaces we create! The space one lives or works in can have so much power in balancing out the self.
This kind of work requires more than creativity—it requires character and a passion of people and learning about them and who they are and giving them a safe place to open up and express what they truly want!
To build this trust I approach every project with three non-negotiable values:
Clarity – so you always know what’s happening and why
Honesty – even when it’s uncomfortable or inconvenient
Integrity – in every recommendation, decision, and conversation
This is what sets me aside from other firms, the integrity and creating a safe place for one to connect with themself!
What matters most to you? Why?
What matters most to me is a happy client at the end of a project. A client who feels fulfilled by the work we have done and love the space they are in!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.lenoreinteriors.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lenore.callahaninterior.design/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lenorecallahaninteriordesign
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lenorecallahan
