Today we welcome Laura Williams, Founder and Principal Designer of Living Oak, a boutique design firm based in Austin, TX. In this episode, Laura shares the story behind her recent rebrand from ATX Interior Design to Living Oak and how this strategic shift allowed her business to grow beyond the local market. We discuss the power of community and networking in building a thriving design business, and Laura pulls back the curtain on the realities of running a hybrid business model that includes design services, retail, and e-commerce. From her marketing roots to her multi-faceted business model, Laura gives us a candid look at the wins, challenges, and lessons learned along the way.
SHOW HIGHLIGHTS
- How Laura’s marketing background set the stage for a successful design business
- The decision to rebrand from ATX Interior Design to Living Oak and how it impacted growth
- Why community, networking, and industry events like Design Camp are crucial to learning the business side of design
- Navigating imposter syndrome and building confidence without a formal design education
- Behind the scenes of launching and operating a brick-and-mortar retail shop
- How Laura balances her retail space with e-commerce and what it takes to make both profitable
- Lessons in hiring, team-building, and planning for sustainable growth
- The importance of staying present as a parent while running a fast-paced business
NOTABLE QUOTES
- “Anybody can be good at my job. I just work really hard.”
- “I wish I dreamed a little bigger in the beginning versus once I was already a quarter mile down the road.”
- “Hiring the right people is the secret sauce… I could not do anything that I'm doing right now without them.”
- “There is so much overhead. And that's a little bit scary… But I have faith in the momentum we've created.”
SUPPORTING RESOURCES
SPONSOR LINKS
- Design Manager – Project management and accounting software for interior designers.
- Daniel House Club – Membership-based sourcing and procurement platform for designers.
- Hooker Furnishings – Furnishings, lighting, and decor for residential and hospitality design.
