Tips to start an Interior Styling Business | Interview with Mysa Home Styling
When I started blogging almost 5yrs ago I had no idea all the amazing people I would meet. And today I have the privilege of having Heather from Mysa Home Styling on the blog. She is such an amazing person, so I am incredibly excited to have her here answering some questions about how to start a creative business and some real struggles she faced along the way.
Tell us 3 facts about yourself.
1) Throughout my childhood I was educated through private school, homeschool, and public school. So I can really relate to almost anyone when they tell their school stories. A little secret? I liked public school the best. 2) My husband and I didn’t get along when we first met. We had very poor first impressions of each other and it took a whole year before that changed. Now we really like each other, so that’s good. :) 3) My husband and I are passionate about anti-trafficking a help lead a group that fights sexual exploitation. This past February we visited Thailand and Cambodia to learn more about trafficking and it was incredibly eye-opening.
What is the biggest thing you have learned about yourself since starting Mysa Home Styling?
The biggest (deep) thing I’ve learned about myself through starting Mysa Home Styling is how prone I am to worry and anxiety. I have really had to intentionally trust God through this process and continually put the results into His hands. I so easily want to take control, but that’s what leads to anxiety. I’ve also learned that I really enjoy the marketing side of things and learning best practices in that area.
How did your desire to start Mysa Home Styling begin and where did the name come from?
I’ve always had a love for decorating, arranging, and making a space beautiful and functional. Growing up my parents would always be surprised by how much time I spent in my bedroom, rearranging furniture and creating little vignettes on my dresser (although I didn’t know that’s what they were called at the time!). So when college time came I looked into majoring in Interior Design, but the school I chose didn’t have it. So I majored in Graphic Design and spent the last few years doing that. But graphic design isn’t my passion, so I started to consider what it would look like to do home styling on the side. I had so many friends and family encourage me in it, especially my husband. It was really his encouragement that pushed me to start Mysa. He believes in me so much! The name is actually a Swedish word which means “to cozy up.” Anyone who knows me well knows that I LOVE to be cozy. The word conjures up candle-lit dinners with family, cuddling on the couch for movie marathons with friends, and curling up in bed with a good book. All some of my favorite things. So it only made sense to name the business that since I hope to help people create homes where those things can take place.
How would you describe your design style?
My design style is mainly eclectic. It is highly influenced by mid-century modern, but has a good mix of boho. Overall I like my space to feel comfy and lived in, with just the right amount of “stuff” (I’m neither a minimalist nor a maximalist). I’m a huge fan of black and white with pops of color, but also love some good neutrals in leathers and woods.
What was your biggest obstacle to starting your own business?
I think my biggest obstacle to starting my own business was myself. For so long I let my own fears, questions, and doubts get in my way. It wasn’t until I allowed myself to voice those fears—what if I’m not good enough, what if no one hires me, what if I fail—and had a good cry, that I really felt like I could begin. So get out of your own way, find people that believe in you, and listen to them!
If you could give any new entrepreneur one piece of advice what would it be?
Well I think the advice of getting out of your own way is huge, but other than that—learn from others in your field. Reach out to people who have businesses similar to yours, follow them, watch what they do. Take advantage of free courses and webinars, read blog posts, do all that you can do to learn from those who are successful doing what you want to do!