Today we’d like to introduce you to Shannon Horsey.
Hi Shannon, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
Born and raised a New Yorker, it is no surprise I went to school to study interior design in upstate New York. Growing up, I was always rearranging furniture. I was fascinated by how a flip of a switch, a light would turn on or turn a lever, and you have water. How did it do that? When my dad built an addition to our house, I loved helping and living amongst the smell of sawdust. So I always knew I would be in the world of interiors or architecture in some capacity. I initially assumed I would lean toward architecture because I was more familiar with wall studs, rafters, and supporting beams. My field of knowledge as a teenager was that architects also designed interiors. During my college tour, I found an interior design school that opened my eyes to their program. During my four years there, I peeled back the layers of this industry, graduated with Bachelor’s in Fine Arts, and started on a path of a lifetime career. I learned about the science and psychology of design and found my passion for interior design. Whether inside a classroom, conference room, hospital waiting room, or kitchen and living room, it’s essential to understand the people in those spaces and how they interact with them.
My first job out of college and the tenure of my career was for an office furniture dealer in New Jersey and New York City. We provided furniture and architectural elements for commercial spaces. In this job, I had to expand my skill set to include project management, managing truckloads of furniture deliveries on the busy streets of Manhattan to fill multi-stories of skyscraper buildings. Pro tip: project management of this type includes ensuring everything fits into the elevator. Eventually, I moved to Texas with my husband and two kids about 12 years ago. I worked for a company determined to improve K thru 12 education by improving school interiors. This interior design sector was one of my most rewarding jobs as I saw firsthand how my designs impacted kids’ learning. About four years ago, I decided to take a much need break and focus on personal health and well-being. The intent was to take a break from working. However, during this break, I renovated my own house. Which led to a neighbor asking for help with their kitchen renovation. Which led to another neighbor needing help with a bathroom and closet renovation. Which led to another neighbor – you see where this is going. The success of these projects ultimately morphed into creating my own business in the world of residential interior design.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Throughout my career, I have worked with great companies and had outstanding mentorship at every step. I am grateful for the smooth road that brought me here. The opportunities afforded to me, from designing interior spaces to managing projects to managing an entire design team, have allowed me to navigate as a small business owner in the interior design industry in Austin.
The biggest struggle is finding reliable trade professionals. I often hear that contractors or tradespeople don’t call homeowners back. If they call back – they don’t show up. If they show up, they don’t finish the job. And, if they complete the job, the quality is below expectations. Thankfully through my experience, I have found reliable tradespeople who are experts in their fields. I have worked hard to build a team of tradespeople and craftspeople who work well together and have synergy. Our firm always advocates for our clients, but we also strive to create a positive work environment for all the workers. Our carpenters understand what the plumber needs, and the plumber cares about what the electrician does. Our painters will take great care in protecting the flooring. And everyone takes pride in the execution and completion of the project.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next, you can tell us more about your business.
Our tagline at Shannon Horsey Interiors is, “It’s the inside that counts.” Yes, our business is interiors, but we care even more about the people inside them. And we care about the people working in them. We take a thoughtful and caring approach to design. We are not niche, meaning we don’t design to a specific style. Instead, we create and elevate your style to ensure you get the most out of your home and how you live in it. We believe that it is our process that sets us apart and that makes for a positive experience working with us.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
Everything comes down to communication, organization, and a buttoned-up process. Inevitable you will run into a hiccup on a project, but when have trust and rapport built with your clients and partners it makes navigating issues easier.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.shannonhorseyinteriors.com
- Instagram: @shannonhorseyinteriors
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/shannonhorseyinteriors
- Other: www.pinterest.com/shannonhorseyinteriors
Image Credits
Reagen Taylor Photography
