Thursday, June 2, 2016

Southern Spotlight: Liz Harris Carroll

Today, I'm excited to introduce a new series: Southern Spotlight. I find so much of my inspiration from business owners who are killing it in their fields, and we have so much incredible talent here in the South. To kick it off, the spotlight is on Liz Harris Carroll, an interior designer based out of Wilmington, NC.

I've mentioned before that I had the honor of interning with Liz Carroll Interiors right after I graduated from college. I'll never forget walking into her office/design studio - it was literally picture perfect. Owner and designer Liz Harris Carroll left the corporate world to pursue her passion for interior design and never looked back. Since then, she, along with office manager Emily Bell, has curated a business that reflects desire to create beautiful spaces for people and has been featured in Coastal Living and People Magazine, among many others - check out her latest online feature here. Get to know the brains (and beauty) behind Liz Carroll Interiors.

1. Have you always worked in the interior design field?
No. I started my career at a Fortune 5 bank working in Human Resources and Process Design & Quality Control. I have a Black Belt in Six Sigma which is what I did a lot of work in at the bank. (Google Six Sigma Black Belt if you're curious!)

2. How did you get the courage to make the switch and start your own business?
I loved working at the bank, but my job involved a lot of travel. I had just had our first child, so I knew I needed to do something different and be home more. While I loved my job at the bank, I felt like my creative side wasn't being fulfilled. After taking a few months off over the summer to figure out options, I decided to start an Interior Design business, and I haven't looked back since.

3. What do you love most about being an interior designer?
I love creating spaces that evoke a feeling in clients. Whether they want to feel relaxed, happy, calm, energized, creative, etc., it's an amazing feeling to be able to give someone that gift.

4. Do you have a favorite project?
The design process is really personal and I develop close relationships with my clients and their spaces. I have a lot of favorites!

5. Where do you find inspiration?
Travel, travel, travel. And other designers that I am friends with are constantly inspiring me. I love to learn.

6. What is the biggest lesson you've learned since starting Liz Carroll Interiors?
Trust yourself and know that mistakes are valuable lessons.

7. Any advice for someone who is wanting to start her own business or break into the design field?
Work for another designer and/or find a mentor if you are a sole proprietor. Finding a support system and mentor for a business I was running alone, was a game-changer for me. I have network of close design friends across the country that I lean on all the time for advice (and encouragement!) and I couldn't do it without them.

8. Anything else you'd like to share?
I try to always remember to not take myself too seriously. :)

Be sure to like Liz on Facebook, follow on Instagram, and on Pinterest. I can assure you that you won't be disappointed!
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