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Today we’d like to introduce you to Missy Stewart.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Missy. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I moved to Houston 4 1/2 years ago. I had been a designer in the Reno/Tahoe area for over 20 years. With Reno, Nevada being only 9 miles from the California border, many of the dot com people were investing and building. Business was very good for many years. However the area was hit hard in 08. With the downturn and me having a wanderlust for adventure, I decided to move to Houston. Also, I wanted to live closer to my mom, my brother and his family. My children were grown and all going different directions themselves, so I made the move to Houston.

I first went to work for a high end plumbing supply company in sales. It was not a good fit for me. Feeling unhappy with my job I decided to venture out on my own again. I had no idea if one could start a business in a city where they did not know anyone. Literally, I did not know one person. My family lives in Sugar Land and I moved to be close to them. But I wanted the city life so I live in Houston. In the Montrose area to be more specific. With the internet it is easy to get your name out there. I did all my own marketing and advertising decisions. Whether this was wise or not I’m not sure, but it paid off. Once my reviews started rolling in I was off. I take excellent care of my clients. My reviews reveal that. I built my business in no time. I started out with no minimum and a lower hourly rate. As I got busier I was able to raise my hourly rate and my minimum hour requirement for new clients. This city is amazing to do business in. I love to design. I am a small firm. Since I love to design and not manage people I do all of the design myself. I love working with my clients directly. I have been so lucky to have such amazing clients. They are smart. I always am learning from my clients.

Has it been a smooth road?
It has been a pretty surprising smooth road. I have been growing every year. I am learning every day. I took the 6 week course that is offered through University of Houston’s Small Business Development. It was very helpful. They are a great resource to me still. I am learning every day. I do not know who said it but it is so true, “even if you are on the right track, if you just sit there you are going to get hit by a train.” So I try to continue learning everyday about my business and industry.

We’d love to hear more about your business.
Missy Stewart Designs is an interior design company. I am completely customizable. I pride myself on listening to each client and assisting them with their specific needs. A look at my website missystewartdesigns.com will reveal my abilities to transform spaces. If you check my blog on my site you can see some pretty amazing transformations of spaces. Some clients need complete demo while others need twerking with what they already have. By listening to my clients I do my best to help them achieve the space of their dreams. I believe your home should be your sanctuary. A room should have the ability to lift your spirits.

I am most proud of my award from American Society of Interior Designers. I won last year in the Gulf Coast region for best vacation home. Having only lived here for a few years when I won was an amazing thrill. And the best part was I still work with the clients that own that home. They purchased a loft in Galveston and had me design it as well. So the answer to the question, what are you most proud of is twofold. My award and more importantly that my clients come back to me again and again. To work with someone and have them come back to you again is the ultimate compliment.

What sets me apart is my construction knowledge. I co-owned a construction company in Reno Nevada for over 20 years. I understand construction and love it. I’m comfortable on a job site. Some of the best designs come for a collaboration with a designer and builder. My clients get the most out of their money when they hire me to work with the architect in the design/remodel and let me continue until completion. I love being on a job site.

Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Yes!!!! Houston is a great city to be an interior designer. People value great design here. You can see it in in our restaurants as well as our homes. Our periodicals always have articles about great design.

The other designers here in town were very welcoming to me. They are an amazing group of people. Always willing to share vendors and craftsmen.

Also, we have great resources here. We have two amazing design centers as well as other countless suppliers. I have enjoyed working with the great contractors in Houston too. I love to collaborate.

I would recommend anyone wanting to get into the design business here to do so. There is enough business to go around for everyone.