Today we’d like to introduce you to Lauren Johns.
Hi Lauren, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I am a native Texan from a small town between Houston and San Antonio and grew up enjoying outdoor country life. I’ve been a creative person since I can remember, always drawing, planning or designing something.
Initially I envisioned a career connecting with people through counseling or social work until a fire destroyed our kitchen during high school. During the renovation I was able to space plan, make material selections and observe construction transform a space first hand. Naturally, my true passion for design was sparked and a new direction set.
In 2011 I earned my degree in Interior Design and Technology, graduating Magna Cum Laude from Texas State University in San Marcos and began working in custom residential interiors. Afterward I joined a firm specializing in model home merchandising and gained over a decade of experience in new build construction and furnishings procurement. This unique experience allowed me to create original designs for several notable projects, winning awards both locally and nationally. Most importantly, I earned my national and state licensures as a Registered Interior Designer by the NCIDQ and Texas Board of Architectural Examiners.
In early 2022, Salted Interiors was founded after feeling called to reconnect with homeowners directly and learn their “whys,” which ultimately inspires my designs.
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?
Not even close! Most roads worth travelling aren’t without a few hills to climb. I graduated in 2009, during the height of the housing market crash, with a degree in Interior Design. No one was hiring; extremely qualified candidates were fighting for entry level positions which made the task of securing a job fresh out of college nearly impossible. I applied to 20+ firms a week for any position available without a single response, it was devastating. I kept applying.
Only after scoring a “practice interview” with a local firm was a position created for me! I accepted the starter position doing grunt work and continued to grind, ultimately working my way through positions to Senior Project Manager.
The pandemic was a game changer for many, myself included. It helped me realize spending time developing relationships with everyday people and creatively problem solving through design is what truly inspired my best designs. Taking a giant leap of faith knowing I have to provide for my family, I stepped out to found Salted Interiors. God continually sends the right clients at the right time to evolve me personally while helping Salted thrive. From the busy family trying to survive through daily chaos, to home renovation horrors, to empty nesters ready to create their dream home–everyone has a story and I am blessed to be a part of the intimate details. It’s been the craziest ride but easily the most fulfilling.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Salted Interiors LLC?
Salted is derived from the biblical scripture in Matthew referencing “salt and light.” I believe strongly in using given talents to fulfill our Earthly purpose and wouldn’t be designing if God hadn’t redirected my career early on.
The extensive experience gained designing for model home merchandising specifically afforded me the opportunity to create spaces in their entirety, on a budget. Yes, a lot of “designer products” can be expensive but piles of cash aren’t required to make a space feel warm and inviting. It is critical to know your client’s budget and creatively allocate it. By knowing where to highlight a space and having a multitude of resources in your pocket great design can be achievable for everyone.
Salted Interiors specializes in residential interiors and light commercial design, from simple kitchen and bath refreshers to large scale renovations and office build outs. I enjoy working with clients throughout the entire design process– space planning and material selections through furnishing procurement, art and accessories. Design is fun because every projects’ needs are different but there’s always the “AH-HA!” moment when everything comes together. Seeing the clients get excited is my reward.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
Asha Hedge, Ph.D., LC has a profound place in my start and was monumental in teaching fundamentals and design education. There are few teachers who make a lasting impression and Asha is a true gem!
Mrs. Vicki Mayabb of Vicki Mayabb Interiors has been a life-long friend and mentor throughout the years. I began working with Vicki post graduation in high end residential interiors; her extensive knowledge in sourcing goods, providing mentorship over handling every obstacle, advice for speaking with clients and beyond is unmeasurable. She is a genuine friend and remarkable mentor. Love our lunch dates and life check-ins!
Mrs. Mary DeWalt of Mary DeWalt Design Group took a chance in granting me an interview when no one else would. I like to think of that as a “God moment” since she wasn’t hiring at the time and still created a position for me. Mary afforded me opportunities over the course of 10 fabulous years that are unmatched. She taught me about marketing, being a swift woman in business and the importance of industry connections.
These three women easily defined the design leader I am and are partially responsible for Salted’s success today.
Pricing:
- Salted offers complimentary design consultation to create a project-specific plan.
- All budgets welcome!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.saltedinteriors.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saltedinteriors/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574497761140
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/salted-interiors-austin?osq=salted+interiors&override_cta=Get+pricing
- Other: https://www.pinterest.com/saltedinteriors/?invite_code=02705f37cf474c4d8d6ae24881cb583b&sender=333548053560569286
