When I launched my interior design business in 2007, I had no design degree, no clue how to run a business, and—thanks to a recent divorce—absolutely nothing to lose.

I went on to build a well-respected residential interior design brand, grow a team of fresh-out-of-school designers into interiors experts, and bring in nearly half a million dollars a year—all without selling a single sofa or making a single markup. 💪

Design didn’t just open doors; it allowed me to travel the world, exceed my wildest financial dreams, and help other designers launch their careers! 🥹 

Rebecca West: Becoming Seriously Happy

When I started my design studio from a tiny desk in the corner of my bedroom, I built it on one unshakable belief:

Our homes shape our happiness, and everyone deserves to be happy.

Despite everyone telling me to target the uber-wealthy and their McMansions, I was determined to use my company to make great design accessible to regular people. My plan, (to offer flat-fee, design-only services instead of relying on furniture sales or markups) was pretty much unheard of back in 2007. But I knew I had to forge a path that aligned with my values, even if it meant doing things differently.

While I had zero formal design training, what I lacked in credentials, I made up for with a knack for using color and smart redesign to transform tired homes into functional, joyful spaces.

But what made my business survive and thrive went beyond my design talent. It was the skills I'd developed in my pre-design life, like helping couples find common ground (thanks to years of teaching ballroom dance) and guiding clients to make confident decisions, that set me apart from my colleagues and made me the designer my clients trusted to navigate their home remodels.

Fighting Imposter Syndrome

Despite having a strong North Star, trying to break the mold came with some serious imposter syndrome. I would walk into networking events convinced every luxury designer was side-eyeing me. I felt sure potential clients could see how new I was—why on earth would they trust me?

Despite the doubt, I was determined to prove to myself that I could make this work. I started working with clients, and along the way I picked up a design degree for a much-needed boost in my confidence.

The Birth of Seriously Happy Homes

Over the next 17 years, I built Seriously Happy Homes, a thriving flat-fee, design-only firm serving Seattle homeowners with houses under 3,000 square feet.

My mission? Help regular people love where they live and get happy at home.

That mission brought me a thriving $425K/year business, a rockstar team, and loyal clients who trusted me to guide their design decisions.

Along the way, I became trusted as an expert:

• Media Features: Live Happy, Success Magazine, Seattle Refined, and more, with a regular design psychology column in Blue City Monthly.
• Speaking Gigs: Ignite Seattle, Town Hall Seattle, regular TV appearances on New Day Northwest, and regular teaching through the NKBA, VFTI, ASID, and IDS.
• Author: Happy Starts at Home, a guide blending design psychology with actionable tips for creating a home that supports your life.
• Mentor: Board member for Heritage Design School, SCORE Mentor, and KBIS judge.

Coaching My Colleagues

Since 2012, I’ve been quietly mentoring the next generation of designers.

Four of my former team members, including the lovely Rachel Poe, now run thriving businesses of their own (makes me feel like a proud design mama! 😊). I've also helped dozens of other designers transform their brands, set better boundaries, and start making (and keeping) more money while doing the work they love.

From Seattle to Paris

It wasn't until 2023 (when I closed my design studio and moved to Paris) that I was able to turn 100% of my attention to helping other designers grow their businesses. Now I'm completely dedicated to helping interior designers be respected and trusted as much as our contractor and architect colleagues.

Am I the Interior Design Business Coach for You?

• If you have a vision for your design brand that you're having trouble making a reality...
• If you want to be known and trusted as an expert instead of blending into the background, lost in a sea of designer alternatives...
• If you want to be respected as a leader so it's easier to get clients to follow your design advice...
• And if you want to communicate better with your clients in a way that leads to happy reviews, terrific testimonials, and great referrals...

Then yah, we should talk.

Building a strong business requires both passion and strategy. I’m here to help you attract clients who love what you do, set boundaries that keep you sane, and build a business that feels seriously happy. 💛