Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah Johns.
Hi Sarah, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
First, I’d like to thank you for giving me the opportunity to share my story, as I feel like it’s a unique one. Interior decorating & design has been a passion of mine since childhood. I grew up in a family of carpenters. My father is a Master Carpenter- a true craftsman. Also, my mother has a keen eye for style and functionality. As a child I would draw homes and rooms by hand. My mother and I would rearrange furniture constantly, trying to figure out how to make the best use of space. I’ve always been the person friends and family would come to for design advice and I’ve always loved giving it!
For whatever reason I decided to take a path other than design and chose the financial/Credit Union industry in which I worked for eight years. A career opportunity came for my husband, Jeremy, that allowed me to fulfill my wish to stay home with my kids. Fast forward to August of 2021- we were living in Houston. Covid was a thing and we were adjusting to that life. One afternoon, the kids and I were bored, so I pulled out my design and decorating magazines. We sat at the kitchen table and made collages of rooms. When we were done my 5 year old daughter said, “Mom, that’s so good! You should do that for a job!” That night I sat on the couch with a glass of wine and created my very first logo. Just like that, in my 40s, I decided to FINALLY follow my childhood dream of helping others create beauty, comfort, and functionality in their homes. Simply Designed Spaces was born.
Four months after starting Simply, my husband was offered a job in Greenville, SC. Moving was a bittersweet decision. We loved Houston and the life we had built. But we knew one day we’d end up back on the East Coast (we both grew up in North Carolina) and more than anything we wanted to be closer to family. We packed up our eight years and headed east.
So my newly started business, which was off to an amazing start thanks to my supportive network, had to take a pause so I could focus on staging and packing our home. We arrived in Greenville in November of 2021 and absolutely love it here and I have since hit the ground running!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
There have definitely been challenges. I mean launching a business in general is stressful! To start a business and then literally have to dissolve and re-start the same business in a brand new state, not knowing anyone, has been incredibly challenging. Luckily, I have gotten a steady amount of clients here and I am so grateful for that!
As far as struggles go, I have to say keeping up with the business side as a one-woman show is my biggest challenge. The bookkeeping, scheduling, taxes, numbers, invoices… AND keeping up with social media- it’s all overwhelming.
Looking back, I’d say the transition to working in design has been almost seamless. I firmly believe when you do what you love opportunity presents itself.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am an Interior Designer. I live for helping others create beauty, comfort, and functionality within their homes or spaces. I work very closely with my clients to give them exactly what they want, helping bring their vision and personal style to life.
As far as a specialty, I don’t know that I’ve narrowed that down yet. If I had to pick one thing I’d say eDesign. While I love being with clients in-person, Interior Design doesn’t have to be limited to only local clients. eDesign offers a virtual experience through the use of embedded design boards with customized shopping links as well as a complete 3D rendering of the space, so it’s like you’re standing in your own home. I’ve actually been able to maintain clientele in Houston in this way.
With that said, I really enjoy designing bathrooms and kitchens. They involve selecting tile and countertops – which I LOVE. Also, my knack for functionality comes into play. I find that a lot of homeowners skip hiring a designer during this stage when in reality it’s one of the most critical times to hire a design professional. These choices can be quite costly!
There are so many facets to this industry that it’s really hard to narrow down to one specialty because each project is unique and special in itself. One thing you will see that is consistent in my design style is the use of natural elements. I like to incorporate woods, natural stones, metals and color throughout the space.
I was blessed with the gift of a strong intuition and I have a huge heart. I understand the vulnerability that may come with having a designer in your space. I have the ability to make clients feel heard and at ease in their choice to trust me with their home. I don’t exactly know how to describe it, but it’s like I have an innate sense allowing me to pick up on the client’s vision. I’m almost like a design therapist. I feel that not only creating for a client but also teaching them along the way is very important. Also, keeping open communication throughout the process is key! Honestly, I just love people so when it involves working with someone, being creative, and giving them a beautiful space they never want to leave- it’s basically a dream come true.
My family has been so supportive throughout this whole process. At the end of the day, everything I do is for them. Taking the time to do something that feeds my soul and uses my creativity has made me a better wife and mother. My children are watching their mother blossom before their eyes. They are learning that you can do anything as long as you work hard and follow your dreams and for that I am proud.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
Just do the damn thing! Take a chance on yourself and don’t be afraid to fail. You will never regret following your passion-whatever that may be. I wish I had believed in myself sooner!
Pricing:
- Design services start at $450
Contact Info:
- Website: simplydesignedspaces.com
- Instagram: @simplydesignedspaces
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/simplydesignedspacesbysj
