Balancing creativity, logistics, and professional relationships, no two days in the life of an interior designer are alike. As the founder of a creative business, I’ve embraced the beautiful chaos of wearing many hats to bring thoughtfully crafted spaces to life. Here’s a glimpse into one of my days.

Early Morning: The Practical Side of Design

My mornings always begin with a dive into emails. As a solo business owner, I’m the primary point of contact for clients, suppliers, and contractors, so staying on top of communication is crucial to keeping projects running smoothly. Whether it’s answering client inquiries, coordinating with vendors, or following up with contractors about project progress, my inbox often sets the tone for the day. Once the emails are addressed, I turn to my calendar to map out the day ahead.

With so many moving parts, prioritization is everything. Some days are heavily focused on design work—refining concepts, selecting materials, or creating presentations for clients. Other days, I’m hopping between client meetings, site visits, and sourcing trips to ensure every detail aligns with the vision. Then, of course, there are the administrative tasks—budget management, invoicing, and tracking orders—which are just as vital to keeping my business organized. It’s a constant balancing act, but the variety keeps my days dynamic and exciting.

Midday: The Heart of the Work

Design is so much more than creating beautiful spaces—it’s about meticulous execution and ensuring that every detail of a project aligns with the vision. This time of day often revolves around project management, which is a crucial part of the process. It involves juggling delivery schedules to make sure items arrive on time, coordinating with vendors on custom orders, and addressing any issues that come up with fabrication, shipping, or installation. Whether it’s solving a last-minute delay or troubleshooting a miscommunication about a custom piece, staying proactive is key to ensuring everything comes together seamlessly.

In addition to managing logistics, I might spend part of my day meeting with contractors and artisans to review progress. These meetings could take place on-site to assess construction updates or at a craftsman’s workshop to finalize details on a bespoke piece of furniture. These moments are some of my favorite parts of the job—they’re when the abstract ideas from mood boards, sketches, and plans begin to take physical shape. It’s incredibly rewarding to see something conceptual become tangible, and it’s always a collaborative effort. I deeply value the relationships I’ve built with the skilled craftsmen, builders, and artisans I work with. Their expertise and dedication to their craft elevate every project, making it a true team effort. These collaborations remind me why I love what I do—turning creative visions into reality, one carefully executed step at a time.

Afternoon: Where Creativity Begins

Post-lunch is when the hands-on design work usually begins for me. I take a moment to reflect on current projects and bring to the drawing boards ideas and thoughts I’ve had the night before. Whether it’s refining the mood board for a condo in the city or visualizing the layering of textures and colors in a living room design, this is when I feel most inspired. Once the technical details and logistics are managed, I can fully immerse myself in the creative flow.

My afternoons often involve selecting fabrics, sourcing unique artwork, exploring furniture options, or collaborating with artisans to craft bespoke pieces that align with Studio Tissé’s dedication to quality and timeless design.

Whenever time permits, I venture out to visit showrooms, antique shops, or local boutiques around Atlanta. These outings are a treasure hunt for me, where I often stumble upon one-of-a-kind items that add character and soul to a design. My passion for unique, collectible pieces not only elevates a space but also connects me to the stories behind these objects, which I love sharing with my clients. It’s these details—an artisan’s signature, a vintage piece with a history—that transform a design into something truly personal and memorable.

Evening: Reflection and Growth

As the day winds down, I turn my attention to business development. Running Studio Tissé as a solo entrepreneur requires constant strategic thinking, and the evening hours are when I can focus on the bigger picture. This time is invaluable for setting long-term goals, planning marketing efforts, and evaluating how to grow the business in ways that align with my vision. Whether it’s researching new opportunities, refining my brand messaging, or reviewing financials, I use this quiet time to ensure that every aspect of Studio Tissé is moving forward in the right direction.

Alongside business development, I take the opportunity to reflect on the day’s progress. What went well, and what could have been handled differently? This process of reflection helps me improve my workflow. I take notes and outline tasks for the following day, making sure I stay organized and prepared. This practice not only keeps me on track but also ensures that I can hit the ground running first thing in the morning.

Before completely winding down, I like to gather inspiration for current and future projects. This could mean flipping through one of my favorite old Japanese architecture books, or browsing European design magazines for fresh ideas. I find that this process helps me keep my creativity flowing and stay connected to the global design community. These quiet moments of inspiration are crucial—they allow me to recharge and bring new ideas into my work. By the time I’m ready to call it a day, I feel satisfied knowing that I’ve nurtured both the creative and business sides of Studio Tissé, preparing myself for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

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Being a solo interior designer isn’t easy. It’s long hours, endless multitasking, and constant problem-solving. But it’s also deeply rewarding. I get to meet incredible, passionate people and transform spaces into homes that tell stories—stories shaped by collaboration, timeless design, and the unique needs of each client.

Through Studio Tissé, I’m able to bring my passion for craftsmanship and my cultural heritage to every project, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Let’s collaborate to create a home that reflects your style and story. Contact Studio Tissé today to get started.