Today we’d like to introduce you to Estro Studio
Hi Estro, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
We’re Cait and Lily, the founders of Estro Studio, a boutique interior design studio and creative agency based in Charleston, SC.
At Estro Studio, we focus on creating spaces that are not only beautiful but also layered and deeply reflective of the people who live in them.
Estro Studio started with a shared desire to create something meaningful in the design world. We both worked under the mentorship of some of the industry’s most talented interior designs across the country and Cait even worked in London, which shaped her love for spaces full of charming details.
We both settled in Charleston, SC, a city known for its character and its ability to foster small businesses and creative endeavors. We met working at the same local design firm and quickly became fast friends. We realized we clicked both professionally and personally. Our design aesthetics aligned in a way that made collaboration feel effortless and right. It was like we were always meant to work together.
We each wanted more from the design world—a deeper connection to our work, a chance to express our own personal aesthetic. A style where the past and present converge effortlessly, and every detail feels thoughtfully curated, alive with purpose, and brimming with inspiration.
When we officially launched Estro Studio, we wanted to know that we don’t just create spaces, we design atmospheres and craft stories uniquely tailored to the people who inhabit them.We never felt like we fit into a mold, so we created something that was distinctly ours.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Honestly, we heard all the horror stories about starting our own business and were lucky enough to not experience that. We wholeheartedly believed in ourselves and were passionate about our vision. It had always been our dream to be entrepreneurs so even though it meant quitting our stable 9-5s and working long hours into the night, we were determined to do everything ourselves, ensuring the company reflected nothing but who we are. From building our website from scratch to handling all our own marketing, we’ve always wanted Estro Studio to be a true reflection of us and our aesthetic.
As newer business owners, one of our biggest obstacles has been being taken seriously as young women in the industry. We often feel like we have to constantly prove ourselves and show that we truly deserve a seat at the table. But that hasn’t stopped us from being ourselves and still giving every new opportunity our all.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Estro Studio is an Interior Design + Creative Agency that collaborates with like-minded individuals to design spaces, develop visual identities, and curate scenes.
At Estro Studio, we offer two core design services tailored to meet the diverse needs of our clients. “Full Service Design” is our most comprehensive interior design package, covering every detail from concept to installation. For those seeking a more flexible approach, we created “Design Online”—a virtual service that expands our reach beyond Charleston, allowing clients to bring their dream spaces to life on their own timeline.
Beyond interior design, we embrace our role as a creative agency, offering additional services that bring stories to life through aesthetics and experience.
Curation – We craft moments. Whether styling a photoshoot or planning an immersive event, we design environments that evoke emotion, tell stories, and align with our client’s vision.
Identities – We help businesses develop a distinct visual language, transforming their stories into a cohesive brand identity that authentically reflects who they are.
We are known for “Estro’s” aesthetic. Which has been hard to sum up into one word. Our aesthetic draws heavily from four fundamental styles: English Charm, Rustic Folk, Wabi-Sabi, and Mid-Century Modern. By weaving these elements together, we don’t just create spaces; we craft stories that feel alive, meaningful, and uniquely tailored to the people who inhabit them. It’s a style that defies categorization because it’s rooted in individuality and the joy of creating something truly original.
We feel very proud and honored that others have resonated with the world we have created. When we founded Estro Studio, our core mission was to create a space where our creativity could flow freely and without boundaries. It was never about fitting into an industry mold or following trends—it was about creating something real and reflecting who we truly are and the projects we produce reflect that.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
Lily: When I think back to little Lily, I see an entrepreneur at heart—bubbly, outgoing, and always passionate about escaping reality to create a dream world where I could express my creativity freely. As the oldest and only girl in my family, I instinctively took charge, striking out on new ventures and transforming everyday situations into creative projects. Even though I grew up in a small suburban town in Illinois, I always found ways to channel my ideas and make them come to life.
As a kid, this is where I thrived—transforming my discoveries into creative expressions. My first big project was a lemonade stand, where I set up a tiki hut from Pottery Barn Kids, DIYed aprons and signage from Hobby Lobby, and enlisted my neighbors to help me sell Country Time Lemonade. Then, in high school, I discovered my dad’s camera and began planning photoshoots with friends, eventually becoming the creative director. This evolved into families paying me to take portraits that would hang over their fireplaces.
In college, I started an avocado toast stand, held every Saturday at the local farmers market.
From a young age, I’ve been passionate about transforming my discoveries into creative expressions, and that same drive continues to inspire everything I do today.
Cait: Growing up, I was pretty shy, and honestly, I still get a little reserved around new people. Being the only girl with three brothers, I fully embraced my tomboy side, and it’s definitely stuck with me into adulthood, you can see it in my clothing style. I loved playing kickball with the neighbors and being outside as much as I could, but when I wasn’t outside, I was totally obsessed with HGTV. I would beg my mom to help me redecorate and paint my room at least a few times a year.
I think deep down, I always knew I wanted to be an interior designer. While other kids played with Barbies, I was busy cutting patterned paper to create wallpaper and designing miniature furniture for them. I’ve always understood the importance of creating a home that makes you feel happy as it is where we spend most of our time.
My parents always supported my passion for interior design. When I was a teenager, they let me re-furnish their home, fully believing in my vision—and to this day, much of the design still reflects that teenage version of myself. At 18, I moved to London to chase my dream of living abroad in a big city by myself, and it was there that I really began to grow into who I am today. London shaped my love of homes filled with different colors and patterns, mixing in antiques with new items and creating homes that are lived in and telling the stories of the people who live in them.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://theestrostudio.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theestrostudio/
