Over the years, I’ve shared photos of beautifully designed spaces, styled shelves, and thoughtfully layered rooms. But behind every project is a story — and behind every story is a journey. This one is mine becoming Sage & Soul, my journey to a full-service, purpose-driven design firm. From late nights rearranging my childhood bedroom to leading a full-service design studio, here’s the unfiltered, soulful path that built Sage & Soul Interiors.

The Early Years

My childhood wasn’t always easy. I grew up in a home that carried more heaviness than light. But even then, I found refuge in creativity. My bedroom became my sanctuary — the only space that felt fully mine. I’d rearrange furniture for hours, sketching little floor plans in notebooks and moving things around until the room felt “right.” It was instinctual. If I didn’t like how it felt, I’d try again. Sometimes I’d change the layout two or three times a day. I didn’t know it at the time, but I was designing — deeply and intuitively. Those early moments gave me control in a world that often felt unpredictable. And they were shaping everything I’d later build.

Education & Early Experience

When I enrolled at Spokane Falls Community College, I wasn’t sure I could do it. It had taken me six years to graduate high school — I had struggled with traditional education. I was scared. But I also knew I had to try. From the moment I walked into that design program, something clicked. I found myself again. At the top of my class with a near-perfect GPA, I became president of the design club, and spent countless hours on campus soaking in everything I could. I was working two jobs while going to school full time, determined to build a new future for myself. My first internship turned into a full-time role — and my love for drafting and floor planning took root. I realized I wasn’t just good at design — I loved it.

Challenges & Growth

Becoming a mother in 2019 changed everything. I had a traumatic labor and birth experience, followed by postpartum depression that left me feeling unlike myself for over a year. Returning to work felt impossible. I was emotionally drained and completely unfulfilled. Furthermore, when I returned from maternity leave, my position had essentially been filled — and my boss wasn’t even there to welcome me back. I’d sit in the office with my baby in a pack-n-play beside me, just trying to find busy work to fill the hours. It was the breaking point.

I left with no clear plan. I started freelancing, teaching myself how to manage social media accounts and build websites for other designers. Then COVID hit — and I decided it was now or never. Launching my own business, I offered both design and digital services, which would eventually evolve into the full-service interior design firm Sage & Soul Interiors is today. The hustle was real. Battling imposter syndrome and burnout, I remained determined to create something that truly mattered.

Establishing Sage & Soul Interiors

Sage & Soul didn’t start with a polished brand or a business loan. It started with my baby girl on my hip, a laptop on the kitchen counter, and a dream. I said yes to everything in those early days. However, as I gained experience, I found clarity. I created a design process that brought clarity and structure to my work, built systems to streamline every step, and mastered the art of pricing my services while confidently communicating their value. Slowly, one-room projects turned into full-home remodels. My reputation grew. I hired support. And Sage & Soul became more than a hustle — it became a brand rooted in intention, service, and trust. Today, Sage & Soul Interiors has grown into a renowned full-service interior design firm based in Spokane, WA. We specialize in custom remodels, new construction homes, and curated furnishings that reflect our clients’ lives and stories.

Defining Our Style

People often ask what our signature style is. The truth? We don’t have just one look. We design for the people who live in the space — not for ourselves. Our aesthetic is layered, organic, and timeless. We love mixing vintage pieces, bold patterns, meaningful art, and beautiful function. Similarly, our clients don’t always come with the same tastes, but what they do share is a desire for a home that feels like them. That’s what we do best. Projects like Beaming Bungalow, Countryside Charm, and Sensible Sage all look different — but each one feels intentional and personal. We listen closely. We guide with care. And we never stop pushing for just the right details.

Lessons Learned

There’s no rulebook for building a design business, and I’ve learned a lot the hard way. One key lesson is that boundaries are essential, and structure doesn’t limit creativity — it supports it. Clients don’t just want a pretty room; they want to feel seen, heard, and taken care of. Investing in business coaching, systems, and self-development has been a game-changer. Stepping into leadership, I learned how to delegate and I build a team I trust. Moreover, even when facing burnout and self-doubt, I kept moving forward. Ultimately, I’ve come to realize that Sage & Soul is as much about people as it is about design.

Looking Ahead

The future of Sage & Soul Interiors, as a full-service interior design firm, is rooted in growth — not just in projects, but in purpose. Teaching homeowners how to hire the right design and construction team is a priority. Sharing honest, unfiltered thoughts about what really goes on behind the scenes in our industry is something I’m eager to do. Continuing to offer tools and resources that empower and educate is essential to our mission. I want to mentor the next generation of designers and creatives who are ready to do business differently. I want to create a studio space of our own. A place where our values live in every corner. And, above all, building homes — and a business — that feel as good as they look is my ultimate drive.

Thank you for following my journey, and I’m so grateful you’re here.

The best is still to come.

Do you have questions about design services or need more shopping assistance?

Please inquire with us here! We would love to be a part of your journey transforming your home!